ROTB Roundtable: Injuries, Doucet, and Game Goals

by Skii on Dec 28, 2011 7:30 PM MST in Arizona Cardinals Interviews

Although the season is almost over, the questions surrounding the Arizona Cardinals aren't. Due to a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, even more questions have sprung up. The ROTB Writing Staff took their shot at answering three of those many questions.

Hit the jump to read their answers, and don't forget to answer the questions yourself in the comments below.

1) With Patrick Peterson and Kevin Kolb still recovering from their injuries, many fans are saying it would be wise to sit them both for the season finale, to avoid further injuries. Do you agree?

Tyler Nickel: Sit Peterson, but I think if Kolb is healthy enough, he should play. He has a lot to prove to this team still.

Jesse Reynolds: I agree, while I believe everyone from the fanbase to the FO wants to win this last game it is important to take the big picture into perspective. However if either are healthly enough to play, as deemed by regular season standards, than both should play regardless of it being the end of the regular season.

JoeCB1991: If they are healthy enough to play and if there is a good chance they can't make their injuries worse, I would like to see them out there to help the team get a win.

Jess Root: That's a tough question. They obviously don't have any need to rest players for the playoffs, which would be the reason why you sit guys. If Peterson's injury has any risk of something more serious, then, yes, he should sit. Kolb's situation is different. If he is healthy enough, he needs to play. He lacks the reps and a good showing in Week 17 would go a long way in showing the coaching staff and fans that he intends to be the man.

However, as it is a head injury, you must proceed with caution. So, it depends on whether he is right. If he is, there is no reason why he should sit.

CardsFan08: If Kevin Kolb is healthy enough to start the next game, I would like him to do it. But at this point I would like to see PP21 rest and be ready for next year. There is no reason to rush him back onto the field and potentially increase his injury for no reason but a morale victory. But with Kolb, every chance he's under center is a chance to know if he's worth being the franchise QB of this team.

Cdeveau: It all depends on the severity of the injury. Obviously a player's job is to be on the field competing. The organizations job is to ensure that the player is utilized effectively, this includes injury. There is nothing to be gained by allowing an injured player to compete, aside from more injury. That being said, both players can benefit from a live game scenario and more reps with their teammates. It will all depend on the day to day progression of the injury.

2) Dropping the potential game-tying TD, many fans have made Doucet the scapegoat for the loss. Since he's a FA this off-season, do you think he deserves to come back, or should the Cardinals let him go?

Tyler Nickel: Sit Peterson, but I think if Kolb is healthy enough, he should play. He has a lot to prove to this team still.

Jesse Reynolds: I can't and won't blame Doucet. What happened was nothing but pathetic, especially because it reminded me of the beginning of the season and the Cardinals of old. Yet it is not his fault we were put into that position. The offense and John Skelton in particular played horrendously the first three quarters. Doucet should be brought back. He finished his first season without injury and showed he can be a viable option on 3rd down and in the redzone. At one point he lead the league in 3rd down receptions and yards.

JoeCB1991: Doucet has been pretty good this year and he outplayed Andre Roberts, so yeah I would bring him back. I was furious after the slip, but that doesn't hide the fact that he has been productive this year and he finally stayed healthy. Probably won't fetch a high price tag either. I would still look for a FA receiver to help take pressure off of Fitz though.

Jess Root: One thing that is necessary in the NFL is continuity. Doucet should be brought back if he does not command a number two salary and if the team intends on using him like this season. There will likely be a market for him, but I would not have a problem with his return.

CardsFan08: I applaud Doucet's courage to take the heat from the media head on. That show's that he's a professional. I live in San Diego and recently Vincent Jackson had a big TD miss and he ducked out from the media and didn't talk to them for a week, and he's a franchise tagged player. It shows that Doucet cares, is mature enough to handle the heat, and I would really like for him to come back next year. He's a great player, and will get better with time.

Cdeveau: I was one who might have tossed something when Early Doucet tripped over his own feet, but while he contributed to the lack of a stellar day, he is not the only scapegoat from last Sunday's game. Once I took the entire day into perspective, Doucet's inability to come down with the catch can be chalked up to an overall poor Cardinal's performance. Taking that game out of the mix, Doucet's performance has been average, and the Cards would be wise to bring back a guy who understood the offense if the price were correct.

3) This week, the Cardinals take on the Seahawks. What will they be trying to accomplish in the season opener?

Tyler Nickel: In the season finale, the Cardinals should just try and get a win. Any momentum they can gather to take into next season is a positive.

Jesse Reynolds: A win. We need to end this season strong and we need to humiliate a division rival because we are at home. Good teams win at home. In the grand scheme of things an ugly win is still a win, however I still want to see us in control the entire game. No more 3 quarters of suck and 1 quarter of awesome, I want 4 quarters of kicking butt.

JoeCB1991: I would just like to see them end the season on a high note. Go all out and try to get the win for the pride of finishing 8-8 after such a horrible start. I'll be at the game anyway so I want to see something good anyway.

Jess Root: First and foremost, they should seek a victory as always. Since the playoffs are out of the question, it will be about making steps of improvement to build upon for next season. No missed assignments in blocking or on defense, getting pressure on the quarterback, running the football effectively and having an efficient passing game. Offensively, the goal should be to put together 60 minutes of consistency.

CardsFan08: In the season finale I would like to see a running game and consistent offense. It is very bothersome after the last two seasons (this season included) to never know if your team can convert on 3rd and 1, or even score points in the first quarter. This team needs stability at the QB position and the sooner it can show it has a consistent offensive threat the sooner we can all start taking less blood pressure medication.

Cdeveau: A victory. Both teams are 7-8. Someone ends the season at .500, and the other doesn't. Which way do the cards want to go? Aside from the victory, a better offensive start and a consistent defense, not just two quarters or three quarters. I expect to see a strong game from start to finish that shows both coaches and fans the progress and direction of the team heading into 2012.

Don't forget to answer the questions in the comments!

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Comments

I want to know how you get on the RoTB staff? Not write questions like that helps I would imagine. Anyway, I'll get back to you in a minute with my opinions.

"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender

by az78true on Dec 28, 2011 7:42 PM MST reply actions

Just so you know I'm neither ripping on any of the writers nor wanting to be one myself as yet. Just was wondering about how one goes about becoming a writer for reference.

Anyway, to give my take on the questions posed, onto the machinations of this mind.

1. Peterson should sit if the injury is even remotely threatening to any further damage as he’s too valuable to be playing games (pun intended). As to Kolb, I would say if he’s completely fine then he should play some whether he starts or not. If he has any problems, no matter how minor, he should be withheld as what would this accomplish other than possible further injury. Neither of which benefits the Cardinals organization.

2. Doucet stumbled and fell as we all know. Now was the throw off that caused the stumble, did Doucet run a bad route and/or is Doucet just a mediocre Wr at best? Well I personally believe the Cincy Culprit was Skelton and his throw. The throw made Doucet have to twist his body back behind him to get in position to catch it. Because of that while making his adjustment he fell and was made to be the buffoon. I say without question we should keep him if the market is a 3rd Wr money. If it’s #2 money then I say goodbye putting aside my personal fandom.

3. In the finale the Cardinals will be trying to cement all the concepts of the O and D schemes. The stats don’t matter in the least or the win for that matter. I believe the coaches want the W but I ultimately think they are more concerned with execution. At this point you break out the plays, formations, etc. and give them a try as nothing is lost but only gained in trying them out. The best case scenario you see a player/s that do something you didn’t see prior, a play work that you weren’t sure would work but did, etc. … all of which leads you to next year. The prep work begins in week 17 as there isn’t anything to play for other than pride. Pride doesn’t always benefit the Organization but it’s always nice to get a win. As an organization this is an opportunity to see what you have and how to go forward from here.

"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender

by az78true on Dec 28, 2011 8:22 PM MST up reply actions

Just ask Jess and see if there is anything you can do here

Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

Leading the NFL in swagtangibles

by JoeCB1991 on Dec 28, 2011 8:27 PM MST up reply actions

...true

drop me an email. I’ll explain the process. No need to burden the thread for this. But it isn’t complex.

Like the Cardinals? Revenge of the Birds is where to go.
Like Arizona Sports in general? SB Nation Arizona is where you'll get it all.
Follow me on Twitter! @senorjessroot

by Jess Root on Dec 28, 2011 9:56 PM MST up reply actions

This table seems square, but

1) Peterson yes, but if Kolb is cleared then he needs to go earn his payday.

2) Doucet was Boldin-lite all season long. The playoffs just weren’t meant to be this season. Tripping at the most inopportune time anyone can think of just can’t be replicated no matter how hard anyone tries. His biggest knock much like Kevin Kolb’s is injury prone, but surviving this season has proven we need him back.

3) I’m not sure if you meant season closer here, but I’m just going to assume you did. Anyone not named Adub over the name of the 30 needs to be inactive or ride the bench. It’s time to let the backups get some playing time, in a game with division boasting rights on the line it’s time to figure out who wants to be here and who is collecting a check.

Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.

by INSOMAN1ATIC on Dec 28, 2011 8:31 PM MST reply actions

yes and yea

I might me selfish to at least watch a game with the possibility to see an nfl record broke. With peterson in its a possibility. Kolb needs to play or give up his money. They say beanie is injury prone. Kolb is a wuss he is injury prone. That is all.

The Devil Birds just got cha

by DaCards on Dec 28, 2011 8:40 PM MST via mobile reply actions 1 recs

1. sit peterson for sure! legs are funny things and it is not even close to worth the risk. I think they should sit Kolb as well. on that note, I think Kolb should get his incentives all pushed back a year. as a player he should welcome this and revel in the chance to prove his worth.

2. you win and lose as a team. if we would have pulled out 1 of those close losses out early in the season or not have wet the bed against the ravens all this would not matter. I would like to see Doucet return for cheap or not at all. he needs to show more. I would give him a incentive laden contract where both sides can be happy. if he performs, pay him, if he doesn’t get his cap number low.

3. we need to think long term and lose. the pieces are really starting to fall into place on the cards roster. we have a young defense that is only getting better. we have a really solid group of TE’s and when willams comes back we will have a real nice 1-2 punch at RB (not to mention a little sprinkle of LSH for some flavor) and the best WR in the game. IMO we have a solid interior line and a very weak set of tackles. if we lose we get a significantly higher draft spot that could be the difference between and franchise LT and nothing. I firmly believe that a legit LT can fix our line. Restructure Levi and move him to RT and watch the cards become a playoff team for at least the next 5 years.

by fitzfan04 on Dec 28, 2011 8:54 PM MST reply actions

1) Start Peterson but rest Kolb.

Peterson says he’s fine, but with Kolb appearing to be out of it still, give him the recuperation the Doctors want him to have.
2) I feel as if Doucet has earned a shot to return this year. He’s been a solid player for us this year, and a solid guy in the NFL, leading the league in 3rd down receptions.
3) Definitely a win. Going from 1-6 to 8-8 is a drastic turnaround and will give the young guys on this team, the drive and motivation to work hard this offseason, (not coming in overweight… you know who you are) and to play hard next year.

by Alex Mann on Dec 28, 2011 10:23 PM MST reply actions

Win!

If Doucet’s cheap enough and we can’t get someone like Steve Johnson (or whatever FA you prefer) I won’t be upset to see him back. He’s solid; we could do better, but we could also do worse.

by tw3kr on Dec 29, 2011 1:25 AM MST reply actions