Where Does Cardinals' Safety Kerry Rhodes Fit In The Defensive Secondary?
by Andrew602 on Mar 19, 2010 5:03 PM MDT
in 2010 Offseason
12 comments
We haven't talked about it much, since free agency has been a whirlwind in Cardinals town, but it's Friday and I'd like to talk about the Cardinals biggest offseason acquisition - Kerry Rhodes.
After the Cardinals released Antrel Rolle the day before free agency began, Rollewas off visiting other teams with the ambition to become paid very well, and very well paid he became. The New York Giants made Rolle the highest paid safety - not just in the league - but in league history. The next day the Cardinals stepped to the plate and dealt a 4th and 7th round pick for 2011 to the New York Jets for starting safety, Kerry Rhodes.
Rhodes enters an already talented secondary that is on the heals of becoming a dominant group. Rhodes has already shown flashes of dominance himself, when he burst on the scene his rookie season and recorded 105 tackles. For the last five seasons Rhodes has averaged 83.4 tackles a year, totaled 47 passes defense, 9 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 16 interceptions. Rhodes also started 64 straight games to begin his career before last season.
There have been moments where Kerry has had his problems though. He recently took up modeling and most Jet fans believe it interfered with the hard-hitting style that Rhodes had adapted before then. This past season, he apparently couldn't learn Rex Ryan's defense until he was benched week 11. It could've been however, the wrong fit for Rhodes.
I asked lead blogger John B at Gang Green Nation what he thought of Rhodes:
At his best, Rhodes is a game changing safety. In 2006 and 2007, he played at a Pro Bowl level making plays as a blitzer and in coverage. He got a big contract before the 2008 season, and really wasn't the same. He stopped making plays, although he remained a very good cover safety.
He never really bought into Rex Ryan's scheme, which was something of a surprise. A ton of defenders improved markedly under Ryan. Kerry didn't. He was benched during a midseason stretch. He did plenty of talking, but his play never backed it up this past year.
He's a below average run defender and shies away from contact.
Overall, he's a very talented guy. I think you guys got a steal considering what you gave up. I think he'll be motivated with a new team and have a big year.
Next we'll look at the supporting cast and see where Rhodes can fit in...
The supporting cast around Rhodes:
Adrian Wilson - The Leader: Wilson is the clear cut leader of the defense, let alone the secondary. He's also Billy Davis' interchangeable defender, dropping in coverage, defending the run, or rushing the passer. Wilson runs the secondary when he's on the field.As a side note, I'll be getting his jersey very soon since I had to retire my Boldin jersey. I can't wait...
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, The Playmaker: With Rolle now gone, DRC is the top playmaker of the defense. He'll lead the Cardinals in interceptions next year without a doubt, and is a threat to take one to the house every time. This past season Rodgers-Cromartie added a new weapon to his arsenal - forcing fumbles. He forced three last year.
Bryant McFadden, The Bulls eye: I'll admit that I considered putting Greg Toler here but nothing's official yet. I also didn't like labeling McFadden a bulls eye, but let's be honest, after what teams did to him in the playoffs last season, other teams will be doing the same next season.
So where does all of this leave Rhodes? He doesn't have the same ability to return interceptions for touchdowns like Rolle did, so you can't label him the playmaker of the defense. Adrian Wilson is here to stay and there's no chance he'll become the leader. Teams will be licking their chops for McFadden so I can't imagine Rhodes will become a target, and I sure hope not.
When it comes down to it, Rhodes label should be Mr. Dependable. He started his career starting every game for the first four years and only missed time last season because of a coaches decision to bench him. He's also known for being a better coverage defender then Rolle so I don't see him allowing as many big plays. When Sunday arrives, we can depend on Rhodes to show up and do his job. What are your thoughts on Rhodes and where does he fit in the secondary?
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The Eraser
Sounds like, from the Jets blogger’s opinion which is all I really have to go off of, that he can free up DRC to be more aggressive on picks/plays by covering over the top. Also, his upgraded coverage skills and open field tackling will allow A-Dub to tee off a little more on delayed blitzes and run stopping. It will be interesting to see how the defense uses Adrian if we do not end up with a decent vet ILB. Maybe Adrian lines up there in passing situations? Thoughts on that?
He's a better blitzer than Rolle.
Bill Davis likes to bring people from every different direction. If I recall correctly he’s fairly decent at lining up on a receiver too. With Ware in the mix (has anyone heard if his deal was finalized?) we could see some very creative packages with both A-Dub and Rhodes a threat to the QB and a 3rd safety over top.
One thing Davis proved last year is that he can scheme QB pressure. Add Joey Porter and a stable of up and coming pass rushers (younger and faster) to learn from him and we look to be much more dangerous to QBs next year. That will ease pressure on our secondary allowing them to 1) make more plays on the ball and 2) not be stuck in coverage as long.
I think Rhodes brings more to the table than Rolle, who was a danger if he got his hands on the ball but not particularly great at any other aspect of the position. Being able to do many of the things A-dub does makes it more difficult for opposing teams to prepare for them. They also have motivation as a pair after Rolle’s comments about the best safety tandem in the league. I hope they bond well. We could really use more guys with A-dub’s attitude on the team.
+1
IMO Rhodes is a better safety than Rolle, while Rolle is a better all-around athlete.
by cardsfanforlife24 on Mar 19, 2010 7:04 PM MDT up reply actions
INT returns were great
But I’ll take better coverage any day
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
remember when
rolle took (3) 2 back to the house against the bengals. simply amazing.
by fansincejakenrob on Mar 20, 2010 10:52 AM MDT up reply actions
So far from what I hear, he'll make the guys around him better
Which is fine with me.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
I didn't think DRC forced a fumble in the playoffs.
The only people I can remember doing that last year were Dansby and Adams.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
Coverage should be better
Rolle was great when he had the ball and when he could play loose. But his coverage skills were very questionable (remember the OT play with GB on the deep pass where GB could have won the game? guess who was the guy who got burnt?) I think given the salary issues, this is a win acquisition for the Cards…..just don’t become a McFadden….
by Cardzfan on Mar 19, 2010 8:14 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
I made a comment
on gang green nation about what a great trade it was for the Cards and after all the trash talking back and fourth I agreed to head back their after the season to discuss it good or bad.,should be interesting.
Remember no matter where you go in life...there you are!
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