Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Jim Irsay: We Can Make It Work With Peyton Manning

What do you expect for the Cardinals offense this year?

I was looking through the azcardinals.com message board and I saw this:

Whiz-An Against-the-Grain Coach

 

Isn't it clear to us fans that Coach Whizenhunt seeks out chances to "cross things up?" He has given us many examples of coaching "against the grain" during his tenure. I think he is chomping at the bit for this season where he can put his own stamp on the Cardinals makeup. There is no better chance for Coach to do this than with No.7. Coaching-up Leinert into his starter will set in motion an offense that is both immediately productive and allows room to grow into something special. A southpaw QB with a strong run-oriented left O-line,an against-the-grain asset,give two immediate benefits.You better neutralize a D-line's best pass rusher by running at him and you are running at the D's best pass-defending LB.This is particularly intriguing if you swing passes out to Hightower while playing strong-side to the left.
Defenses will only have two options against this.They either flip flop their DE's and LB's with obvious problems showing up,or they take their chances and play straight-up which plays into Coach's hand.
And,when this offense starts to click running crossing routes from the opposite side,Breaston or Doucet,they could be running away from the side of the D that usually sees an approaching receiver.This could greatly increase our yards after catch as it creates mismatches.
There are other lesser ideas for Coach,such as,running Hightower wide to the weak-side,the right side,against a D used to playing more tight and not in open space. Another possibility is a QB option-type play to the right or weak side where the D is not used to seeing that play.
And,don't forget Coach's shoring-up the D. He is working toward having a very mobile LB setup, where they can adapt to any offense,especially when more offenses are passing more around the league.If we can establish ourselves against the run, the D-line will free the LB's to play games which helps out the DB's.And,if we can run the ball effectively,we can both "possess" he ball and open things up for the passing game,where Fitz and Breaston can shine.
I think Coach is getting pumped for summer camp. How do you fans see things?

It got me thinking about some of the possible changes we could see.

Star-divide

Running more plays at the other teams best pass rusher seems like an interesting idea to me. Since Matt Leinart is a lefty, and the other teams best pass rusher is usually on that side, they can just use how good Levi Brown and Alan Faneca are at run blocking and throw Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower at them to potentially break off some big runs. And there is also a chance that the other team would have to shift their entire Defensive Line and Linebackers around so that they can get more pressure on Matt's blindside like the message I quoted said.

Now moving on to the overall offense, the Cardinals threw the ball 594 times last year, and they ran it 365 times which is basically a 61.9% to a 38% balance. This is something that most likely will change this year I see it being more of a 55%-45% pass-run ratio that also includes more bootlegs and playaction passes built to fit Leinart's strengths. And there will be more deep passes than there were last year, since most of us heard about how Warner had the shoulder injury that took away some of his ability to nail the deep passes so they went to more of a dink and dunk offense.

Now, looking at out main offensive guys, I'll just make a guess on what they will do this year.

Leinart if he stays healthy the whole year and lives up to his expectations: 3,500 yards, 23 Touchdowns, 12 Picks, 65% completion% [basically a little bit less than what Warner did last year].

Larry Fitzgerald should get over 1,000 yards and 10 Touchdowns again, and I guarantee that he will have a catch longer than 38 yards this year.

Steve Breaston will be a good deep threat, I don't know if he will get over 1,000 yards, but he should be around 800 yards.

Early Doucet like we saw from the Playoffs will be used in the same way Boldin was, but I am not sure if he can stay healthy all year because of some of the injuries he was plagued with early in his career here. I know that Leinart worked with Doucet during practice a lot so I would expect Leinart to look for Doucet a lot on pass plays.

Beanie and Hightower should have career years, one of them should get over 1000 yards. Beanie should be the starter but the rotation should still be used to keep them fresh, Beanie will be the main guy for run plays and he will catch a few passes, Hightower will still be like he was last year, a guy who is good as catching, blocking, and running the ball.

Ben Patrick will have a career year now that there will be less 4 and 5 receiver plays he will be running routes more often. He will be a good safety valve for Leinart, and from what I have seen, he is a decent blocker and he has some good hands.

For everyone who expects the Cardinals to have a horrible offense just because Warner is gone, and for the people who suggest that we should pick up every Quarterback that hits the streets [JaMarcus Russell? Really?], Whisenhunt is a great coach, he knows how to draw up offensive gameplans. I see him crafting a gameplan that will allow Leinart to succeed and although the productivity and crazy passing numbers of the 08 offense won't be there, the amount of points scored will probably go down a little bit so we will see Jay Feely kicking more and Ben Graham will probably break the record for Punts inside the 20 yard line that he tied last year. But overall, I think the Cardinals will be fine, and now we just have to see if the new guys on the Defense play well and if the horrible playoff defense against the Packers and the Saints was more of a result of how banged up everyone was.

Poll
How will the Cardinals offense be this season?
Better than last year, more run/pass balance will help.
35 votes
Good, but not as good as Warner was for the last couple of years.
49 votes
Awful, what are you doing with Leinart as the Quarterback. He is a bust that is worse than Ryan Leaf. WE WANT ANDERSON/SKELTON!!!
4 votes
Ask me when the season starts.
11 votes

99 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

Comment 20 comments  |  1 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Great Article and Write up

Anyone remember when Whisenhunt first got to town, and they tried running edge a lot but to almost no avail outside of one run or two decent runs? I get this feeling that is what we will see again, now that we have a legit two headed running attack. I also believe that the offense was the way it is because “The Whiz” tailored it to suit Warners strengths, I loved warner but how many botched handoffs did he make. I think Leinart will become king of the NFL on the play action, but only time will tell, right?

by Cardsfan928 on May 16, 2010 7:21 PM MDT reply actions  

My thoughts exactly

Leinart is a completely different QB than Warner was and Whiz will tailor the offense to reflect that. Leinart knows how to use the play action passing game really well and with our running game , hopefully, progressing carrying a much higher load which will allow our passing game to stay succesful just in a different way. We will be a more ball control offense which will allow our defense to rest more thus play better. I’m excited for the season.

by pcock45 on May 18, 2010 6:17 PM MDT up reply actions  

2010 offense

We’ll definitely see more rushing than the last couple years. Besides the fact that we now have a good stable of running backs, it will help open up the play action which is one of Leinart’s strengths. They’ll add some roll outs into the game plan too. I don’t think we’ll see a major overhaul offensively like some seem to believe. It will be tweaked to accomodate the strengths of the guys on the field.

As always, with Whis at the helm I’ll be watching to see what kind of gadget plays come up throughout the season. We didn’t see too many last year. I’d say that stemmed from Whis trusting in Warner to get things done. I don’t particularly care for the wildcat stuff that’s on the trend now. Nor do I expect the Cards to go that direction. I do expect to see some gimmickery at some point though. A little more 9-0 at fullback would be cool too.

by hadrarius on May 16, 2010 9:19 PM MDT reply actions  

Like I said, more balance but not much else should change.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 16, 2010 10:50 PM MDT up reply actions  

We will see more running

But I don’t think Whiz will let his great receivers go to waist.

Remember no matter where you go in life...there you are!

by McCards010 on May 16, 2010 10:12 PM MDT reply actions  

Patrick

I know you touched on him, but I bet he has around a 1000 yard 10 TD season if he stays healthy

by Cardsfan928 on May 17, 2010 7:54 AM MDT reply actions  

Bold prediction

I think you’re a bigger fan of his than I am and I’ve been pulling for him since we stole him in the 7th round of the draft.

by cardsfanforlife24 on May 17, 2010 11:45 AM MDT up reply actions  

I don't think he will be THAT good.

He will catch more passes and he will get some Touchdowns, but nowhere near that many.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 17, 2010 1:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

Same

Considering Antonio Gates and Dallas Clark have only ever done that once in their careers. I was thinking maybe 300 Yds, 4 or 5 TDs — not a lot, but it would more than double his current career high (146 in ’09).

We still have a great receiving corps. and with the drafting of Andre Roberts I think it’s a clear indication we’re not going too far away from 4 receiver sets. More targets for the TE? Yes. Many more? Probably not. Best-case scenario for Patrick will probably be taking away more targets from our RB’s than our WR’s.

by tw3kr on May 17, 2010 3:51 PM MDT up reply actions  

Agreed

To be honest, TE’s have not been featured in the offense during Whisenhunt era. I wouldn’t expect that to change. Maybe….. it should with Leinart at the helm. Ben Patrick has some talent.

by Cardsfan81 on May 18, 2010 9:53 AM MDT up reply actions  

2010 Cardinals on Offense

It amazes me how many QB’s are being compared to Aaron Rodgers by fans and analysts in the media when forcasting great fotunes for their respectetive teams (AZ, Philly, Atlanta, Miami, and the Jets). I don’t agree. Aaron Rodgers is an insanely gifted QB who has prototype size, command of his offense and can make all the throws with velocity and pinpoint accuracy but I digress.

Lets begin with the coaching/playcalling. I seem to recall some questioning the playcalling at times last season and many calling for a OC to take over those duties. I could be wrong but no talk of an OC has been discussed and so how can the results be vastly different with a less talented/experienced group moving forward? If the QB in a system where DC’s know that every blade of grass does not have to be covered (QB is more efective with the underneath throws and inside the numbers) the offense is limited and the defense wears down quicker because of those three and outs.

At the WR position I agree with the premise of the article and numbers for Fitz. Breaston and Doucet not so much. However, a mistake it would be to under estimate Doucet’s importance in this offense as he has the size AND willingness to absorb the hits from LB’s and ST’s inside the numbers. It will be an interesting dynamic to witness as the focus shifts away from Fitz to Wells as the season moves forward (remember Fitz complain last season about a lack of touches early).

Speaking of Wells. Beanie Wells needs to be the bell cow and center piece of the offense if the trasition to Leinart is to be a successful one. His talent suggest he could become a top 5 back. Smash mouth football fearturing Hadnot and Faneca will upgrade the G-power rushing attack—-with Wells as the featured back (20-22 handoffs a game).

I continue to be concern about the lack of elite talent at the OT position. Warner made the OL look a lot better than it actually was because of his decisiveness, accuracy and quick release. Even ardent Leinart fans would have to admit that this has been an issue historically. Can Matt make the jump and process/diagnose information quicker under duress? We all have to wait and see. The NFL is a QB driven-league and always will be.

All this goes out the windows if one of the stars goes down during camp. Nice job Joe and rec’d.

by Cardsfan81 on May 17, 2010 12:19 PM MDT reply actions  

Play calling

At the beginning of the season I was disappointed in the play calling but by the end of the season I saw a lot of improvement and was very satisfied with the play calling.
Our red zone offense was the best in the league last year, so he must have been doing something right.

They are who we thought they were!

by Jesse Reynolds on May 17, 2010 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions  

I use Rodgers as an example since it is the same kind of situation.

Sit for a couple of years, learn from a Hall of Famer, then take the reigns and see what you can do.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 17, 2010 1:55 PM MDT up reply actions  

I'm not banging

Just saying that each situation is very different and that media can drive unrealistic expections. A lot of things have fall into place such as chemistry, playcalling , talent , ETC.

by Cardsfan81 on May 18, 2010 10:00 AM MDT up reply actions  

Warner didn't go deep hardly at all last season due to the shoulder injury.

Something we were unaware of during the season. That had a major effect on the play calling, or at least the choice of receivers he threw to. I would actually expect more deep balls this year than last. It would be hard not to. It will be interesting to see the effect of play action this season too. With Warner it was essentially non existant. It’s hard to guess how much effect that could have on slowing down the pass rush. Warner was great at getting rid of the ball but you knew he would be throwing it most of the time too, so that rush was coming.

I agree that Doucet is the guy to watch. He needs to strap up his helmet better though.

by hadrarius on May 17, 2010 6:17 PM MDT up reply actions  

We were around the bottom 5 for most passes over 30 yards.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.

by JoeCB1991 on May 17, 2010 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions  

I expect a 50/50 run pass

If the running game can be successful and the RBs can hold onto the ball, it will set up the play action and the offense will flourish. I’m very worried about turn overs. Limit the TOs ( turn overs and Terrell Owens) and this offense should be very good.

by D4 on May 17, 2010 7:41 PM MDT reply actions  

+1

I like that. TOs (turnovers and Terrell Owens). Very True!

by cardsfanforlife24 on May 18, 2010 4:13 PM MDT up reply actions  

Warner was a machine

One of the best passers ever, but everyone knew what he was going to do. For maybe the first time ever, the Cards have the backs, and the O Line to use the ground game to set up the pass. The Howling Beantower is going to chew up a lot of yards but watch out because Fitz, Brest & Early will burn you too. I think #7 probably has more weapons surrounding him than Warner did. End of season this will be one of the top 3 offenses in the league.

Matt or DA will throw some picks it is inevitable but our D will get plenty of their own too. The O is very balanced and should be solid. I am thinking by the time it is said and done, Ben Graham will still have a pretty clean uniform

13- Warner, 23- Sandberg, 40- Tillman, 11- Walter

by TBru on May 18, 2010 4:06 PM MDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Arizona Cardinals blog for SB Nation network. Covering the Arizona Cardinals 24/7. Be a Redbird watcher with us, but please follow our community guidelines

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
Some Clarity On Peyton Manning's Injury

Recent FanPosts

Small
Nation Wide Mock Draft
Fire_cardinal_small
Interesting article about the possible death of the NFL
Small
More Clarity on Peyton's Injury
100_0035_small
RotB Playoff Pick'em: Super Winner
Small
News Update: Todd Haley!
Awilson_small
Contests - prizes to be won!!!
Small
My Top 5: 1st rd draft prospects, Series 4
Logo_small
Don't Touch The Defense (cept resign CC)
Small
Five Things the Cardinals Can Learn From Chris Ogbonnaya

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Contact ROTB

Here at RotB we're always looking for new contributors or anyone just willing to give their feedback. If you'd like to become a contributor, create your own weekly segments, or just have a question or concern, contact me at jess@sbnation.com.

Arizona Birdgang Podcast -- Click below to listen to any episode you want!


Head Coach

Jess_root_small Jess Root

My_boy_larry_small Tyler Nickel

Coordinators

Fire_cardinal_small CardsFan08

Jack-bauer_small JoeCB1991

Assistant Coaches

577d914870be748ea886865adfe932ca_small Jesse Reynolds

Arizona_phoenix_bird_small Skii

Kiwiavatar_small khodder

Small cdeveau

Izzy_reasonably_small_small GreaZzy

Rotb_small Mario Ortiz

Ukulele_small Joe Zuppa

Index_small Alex Mann