Arizona Cardinals Discussion Thread

[Jensen]

That reporter is stupid. Why would you race Fitz? Did he think he was slow or something? Still funny though.

[fenikz]

Agent Drew Rosenhaus claims that he recently proposed a contract offer to the Cardinals that would pay client Anquan Boldin less than $10 million annually.
"Reports that (Boldin) is seeking a contract worth $10 million per yr are inaccurate," Rosenhaus said on his Twitter. It was speculated that Boldin wanted to be paid like Larry Fitzgerald, but he's apparently willing to take a hometown discount for Arizona. It appears progress is being made in talks.


from rotoworld

[Jensen]

Great news. This is looking a lot better than it did a couple months ago. If we can get him signed for around 4 or 5 years for less than $10 million annually that's a pretty good deal. Next on the list should be getting Dansby and Wilson resigned. We have just started to make this a good defense, we don't need to lose the two main leaders on it.

[fenikz]

I'm sure they can extend Boldin before getting Dansby a extension but it wouldn't be as easy. Dansby most likely will get his contract 1st so that we don't have his 9.67 mil cap hit, then Wilson/Boldin and if they feel Dockett deserves one his would come last.

The people who needs a extension the most though is Whis and Grimm both have 2 years remaining on there contracts

[Jensen]

True, Dansby's cap hit makes it more difficult since he was tagged. I want to hear what Dansby is looking for though money-wise. If he is looking for a lot, it may be more logical to just let him walk and either pick somebody up in FA or in the '10 draft. Dockett I am not worried about. He will get his ass in gear and stop complaining shortly. He has 3 years left on his contract, he can wait. Wilson, IMO, is the leader of our defense. He needs to be resigned for whatever he wants because he has the attitude and leadership we need on our defense.

Agreed, Whis and Grimm have done nothing but good since coming to AZ. They've sparked a lot of interest in the franchise and hopefully made them winners for years to come.

[Jensen]

Pretty good article on Leinart.

The pretty boy is growing older, and the party-boy pictures aren't popping up on the Internet anymore. Matt Leinart has rarely looked better.

He is somewhat chiseled now, hardened by a new commitment to the weight room and life in the NFL. He takes pride in being the second-team quarterback. He is 26 years old and beginning to make very smart choices.

"A lot of this goes to the maturity of Matt," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "A lot of times (backup quarterbacks) are guys who have had tremendous success in the past, and they don't handle the role very well. And then when it comes time for them to play, they're not prepared. They don't play well.

"I have to give credit to Matt, because it appears to me, from what I've seen on the practice field, that he's grown up."

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/2009/05/21/20090521bickley0521.html

This is good to hear. Hopefully Leinart keeps progressing and will prove to everybody that he can be a quality starting QB in this league.

[Jensen]

ESPN reporting Q has fired Rosenhaus. Maybe that leads toward Q re-signing more easily. Apparently they weren't on the same page and I'm hoping Rosenhaus was the one looking for more money while Q is more willing to re-sign.

[fenikz]

Nothing that Boldin has done in the past led me to believe he was a greedy player until this last off season when Rosenhaus wouldn't shut up, so lets hope he returns to his role as team leader and captain of the Cardinals.

[superman8456]

Nothing that Boldin has done in the past led me to believe he was a greedy player until this last off season when Rosenhaus wouldn't shut up, so lets hope he returns to his role as team leader and captain of the Cardinals.

If you look at Rosenhaus's track record, you'll see his clients are known for always asking for more. I think he is the one who puts the big money ideas in the players heads and over-values his clients.

Q seems like a team player and doesnt bring in unnecessary drama. (I.E. he just left after the NFCC game)

[Jensen]

Whoever Q picks to be his new agent has got to be better than Rosenhaus. I'm tired of hearing nothing but talk about Q and his new contract, just get it done and overwith. Stop the speculation that he'll get traded, which I'm pretty sure he won't. Anybody who still thinks he will be traded after the draft is pretty stupid.

[fenikz]

just copied a few quotes

"You have to make the right decision for you and your future and I think 'Q' made a great decision," said Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, who also recently changed agents in hopes of striking a new deal with the team.

"He was being (attacked) in the media because of the decisions he was making through his representation. For him to change his representation like that is big, man. That says a lot about him."

There was speculation, however, that he might report to today's workouts as a show of good faith.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner said. "You can't go out and dispute it all the time, but just thinking about a guy like 'Q,' the guy does everything right. He busts his butt, he's here every day, he's a great leader for us, and he just wants to be compensated fairly for what he's accomplished and what he brings to the table. None of us fault him for that. There's no way in our book that he should ever have a bad reputation because of that."

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/2009/05/26/20090526boldinagent-CR.html

[fenikz]

Herman Johnson Signs

For most teams, the process of signing rookie draft picks won’t commence in earnest until next month.

The Cardinals have joined the small group of teams that have accelerated the process, inking fifth-round offensive lineman Herman Johnson.

The team announced the move earlier today.

It’s a three-year deal for Johnson, who played college football LSU.http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

[fenikz]

A Dub signs a extension

The deal is worth $39 million, with $18.5 million guaranteed.
According to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, the new contract is actually a four-year extension, added to the one remaining season on Wilson's previous contract. And under some formulas used in characterizing contracts, Wilson will become the highest-paid safety in the league.
Wilson was scheduled to make $4.75 million in 2009.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4231534

Basically locks him up for the rest of his career and he will retire as a Cardinal, this averages out to about 7.9 mil a year

[Stranger]

Ben Patrick suspended for the first four games for violating the substance abuse policy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4261608

I like him but with the logjam of guys at TE I wonder how this affects his spot on the roster

[fenikz]

Well we have to cut a couple of them and that just makes the decision a bit easier if he can't play the 1st 4 games.


Will Davis signs
The Cardinals and sixth-round draft pick Will Davis have signed a three-year contract. Terms were not disclosed.

Davis is the fourth member of the Cardinals' 2009 draft class to agree to contract terms. Also signed: LSU offensive lineman Herman Johnson (fifth-round, 167th overall), Pittsburgh running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (seventh-round, 240th overall), and Cincinnati guard Trevor Canfield (seventh-round, 254th overall).

[Jensen]

Patrick probably just lost his spot on the team. There's already a lot of guys competing for those TE's spots and he was in the running. Being suspended for the first 4 games probably just dropped him out of the running.

[fenikz]

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d810e0b35/Ken-Whisenhunt-feature

NFLN interview with Whis

[fenikz]

Cardinals sign Toler

The Arizona Cardinals have signed fourth-round pick CB Greg Toler to a three-year, $1.5 million deal which includes a signing bonus of $316,000, a league source told Scout.com.

http://profootball.scout.com/2/873629.html

[fenikz]

Antrell Rolle's Blog

OTAs ended on June 11th and I was really impressed with the effort that the new guys were showing out there. I have never seen such high competition like that in OTAs before. Every player was going after it full speed every play.

Rookie CB Greg Toler has impressed me a lot too. He has great potential. I think he had five interceptions in OTAs which is a lot for a rookie. We sit down and talk all the time. I have told him how to defend certain passes and things, but he has exceptional athleticism, explosive speed, good ball skills and he is eager to learn.

We're looking forward to getting Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett back on the field in a Cardinals uniform because they're two of our top guys. We couldn't have made it to the Super Bowl without them, no doubt. We need them back. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with what they're doing. I just know they're doing what they think they need to do. We report to training camp on July 29th. I dread going to training camp but only because it forces me to be away from friends and family. It wears on your body and mind after a while, but it's necessary.
http://playerpress.com/articles/the-road-back-

[fenikz]

Rashad Johnson signed a 3 year deal
Third-round selection Rashad Johnson, a free safety, signed a three-year contract Thursday, the sixth of the team’s eight picks to come under contract. As usual, the team did not disclose financial terms.

Johnson is expected to make an immediate impact on special teams. He may also find a way on to the field on defense, especially with the Cards’ possible use of four safety-schemes behind the versatility of starters Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle.http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=3057

and if no one heard about it Dockett said this on his twitter the other day
I am happy to announce that after meeting with the team recently, I have full faith and confidence in the Cardinals organization and I am looking forward to a great season. From the first day of training camp and on, I will not let my contract issues distract me or my team from reaching our goals-. I also look forward to playing with my teammates and defending our NFC championship title and I appreciate the support I've received from all my fans this offseason. - WE WILL WIN THE NFC WEST

[fenikz]

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8089/drc09.th.png (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/drc09.png/)

[fenikz]

Cody Brown Agrees to a 4 year deal

The Cardinals and second-round draft pick Cody Brown agreed to a four-year contract Tuesday, leaving just No. 1 selection Beanie Wells unsigned with the team scheduled to report to training camp Wednesday.

General manager Rod Graves said Monday night that negotiations were ongoing with Wells although there were still hurdles to overcome.

http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=3071

[fenikz]

Cards sign Beanie to 5 year deal
The Cardinals and their first-round pick, running back Chris “Beanie” Wells, agreed to a five-year contract late Friday night, with Wells already having arrived at training camp Saturday morning. Terms were not announced.

http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=3082

and here is the press conference he had this afternoon

http://www.azcardinals.com/video_archive/flash_standalone.php?PRKey=1069

[D-Unit]

Adrian Wilson is a FA at the end of the year. Any word on an extension or is he looking like a Franchise tag type deal?

[M.O.T.H.]

Adrian Wilson is a FA at the end of the year. Any word on an extension or is he looking like a Franchise tag type deal?

I can help you here. He already signed an extension. It was like 5 years $37 million?

[D-Unit]

I can help you here. He already signed an extension. It was like 5 years $37 million?
Oh that's a nice deal.

[M.O.T.H.]

Oh that's a nice deal.

Ken Hamlin is making more. :/

Total salary, not guaranteed but still. Hopefully, Ken has a nice rebound year for us. Get back to that 2007 form.

[fenikz]

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d81239216/Pre-WK-3-Beanie-Wells-highlights

Beanie's 1st pro action, all vs 1st team D

[Jensen]

The Cards offense got pooped on by the 49ers.

[fenikz]

Levi Brown got destroyed and Warner looks terrible, he is holding on to the ball way to long

[The Unseen]

Good game fellas. See ya in four years.

[fenikz]

we might get like 20 more posts in here by then

[awfullyquiet]

because you're the only cards fan?

[fenikz]

yes, and it looks like it will be that way for a bit if warner keeps holding on to the ball and avoiding fitz

[Jensen]

That was ****** pathetic. 2 turnovers within the 10 yard line and Warner takes a 28 yard sack wtf. He is avoiding Fitz like the plague. Just throw the ball in the air towards him, he will get it. I was pissed at Warner last night and the O-Line also ******* sucked. DRC was abused last night. Just about everything was off.

[Bosanac01]

So last night after work I go to the bar with some of my friends. They had cards and colts playing on every screen. 90% of the people watching were cards fans. So to Jell in, I was a cards fan myself. There were some colts fans and when they took a huge lead those guys were going crazy.
To make the long story short, something was said and a fight broke out. So there was a brawl. We kicked those colts fans right out of there and finished watching the cards lose very quietly. Yes this happened in atlanta.

[fenikz]

Dirty birds stick together

[ATLDirtyBirds]

How's Antrel Rolle been looking?

[fenikz]

Good, a true play maker when he gets the ball

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/09000d5d812c19c9/WK-2-Can-t-Miss-Rolle-TD

[Bosanac01]

I could of beaten 10 backup linemen and a kicker. :p

[fenikz]

maybe you will enjoy this one more

http://www.nfl.com/videos/arizona-cardinals/09000d5d80dd9a48/Wild-Card-Can-t-Miss-Play-Rolle-n-7-s

[datchapin]

So we play you guys this weekend, I was wondering what the thoughts were on the upcoming match.

[fenikz]

I expect that Mario Williams will eat Kurt Warner, and Antonio Smith will force at least 1 fumble. Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald will both go for 160 and 2 TD.

Texans 30 Cardinals 28

[Stranger]

I expect that Mario Williams will eat Kurt Warner

I second this.

Also our corners will give a 10 yard cushion all game trying to limit the big play. As a result of all the easy short completions they will then get frustrated and over aggressive and still give up a big play.

Cardinals still win 34-24

Breaston with 8 catches ~ 100 yards and a touchdown

[fenikz]

My god is Calais Campbell a beast, dude is in on every play including special teams, Breaston also looked amazing today, and split Fitz to one side and seeing which way the coverage was rolling was working perfectly, if they weren't tripling Fitz he got a easy catch, if they were Boldin, Breaston or Urban was wide open.

oh yes and we have by far the best run D in the NFL right now

[fenikz]

Huge win last night, but we gave away 14 points, that game shouldn't of been a contest, Warner threw a stupid pick and they scored on 2 runs by Jacobs, and then DRC tipped the ball up in the air for Nicks to just walk in. Should of won it by far more than 7.

But, the rest of the schedule is much easier than the beginning and we are 4-2.

some quick predictions

vs Carolina W
@ Chicago W
vs Seattle W
@ St. Louis W
@ Tennessee W
vs Minnesota L
@ San Fransisco W
@ Detroit W
vs St. Louis W
vs Green Bay W

obviously quite a few of these games could go either way; @ Chi, @ Ten(if they get their DBs healthy), vs Min, @ SF, vs GB

but we are definitely looking at double digit wins, I wouldn't be afraid at all to predict going 11-5 or 12-4

looking at the rest of our division i have
SF 9-7
Stl 2-14
Sea 6-10

[iBoldin]

I'm really happy about the progress this team has made throughout the year. We looked a little bit shaky against the 49ers, and in the following weeks just didn't see ourselves, a bit of a Super Bowl hangover, of sorts. Now that we have a healthy team together again, and a team that's clicking on a lot of different levels, we're going to reap the benefits down the stretch.

I don't really think there is any doubt as to who the best run defense has been this year, and I am lovin' it. Calais Campbell has had a complete 180 from last year. He sheds blocks, he's taken on double teams, and he's learning to use his lanky frame to his benefit inside the 3-4. He's actually been better then Darnell Dockett, who is obviously no push-over - one of the most versatile ends.

Foreshadowing to the draft, we'll probably be picking in the 22-26 range if we don't make another run to the Super Bowl. If we don't, we do have some needs we can fill. I think we've found our running backs, especially Jason Wright as a third-down guy. But I can't help but wonder if we should pull the trigger on another receiver if the value of an offensive tackle or linebacker isn't there.

As much as I have un-denying love for Anquan Boldin, the nagging injuries are a bit of a nuisance. Not to be worried, but he takes so much abuse coming over the middle for us, you can't help but think he may take another couple. It's just the way the game is, but it's something we may have to keep our eyes on.

Don't get me wrong, I love Breaston and Fitzgerald too. And we have servicable guys in Morey, Urban, and Doucet III. Even a guy like Jermaine Gresham. If we continue to run the spread-like offense, a guy like Gresham would be valuable in the seams and split-out wide occasionally.

You add a guy like Gilyard, Decker, Eddy Dickson, Jermaine Gresham, etc. We could have ourselves the number one passing attack.

[Stranger]

Foreshadowing to the draft, we'll probably be picking in the 22-26 range if we don't make another run to the Super Bowl. If we don't, we do have some needs we can fill. I think we've found our running backs, especially Jason Wright as a third-down guy. But I can't help but wonder if we should pull the trigger on another receiver if the value of an offensive tackle or linebacker isn't there.

As much as I have un-denying love for Anquan Boldin, the nagging injuries are a bit of a nuisance. Not to be worried, but he takes so much abuse coming over the middle for us, you can't help but think he may take another couple. It's just the way the game is, but it's something we may have to keep our eyes on.

Don't get me wrong, I love Breaston and Fitzgerald too. And we have servicable guys in Morey, Urban, and Doucet III. Even a guy like Jermaine Gresham. If we continue to run the spread-like offense, a guy like Gresham would be valuable in the seams and split-out wide occasionally.

You add a guy like Gilyard, Decker, Eddy Dickson, Jermaine Gresham, etc. We could have ourselves the number one passing attack.

I get the feeling Whiz and the front office will be looking for a more balanced team as soon as Warner is done so I would be suprised if they went receiver early next year. To be honest I would be a little upset if we didn't grab either an LT or edge rusher.

As a side note with next year being the last on Boldins contract how do you guys think that will play out? Extension (despite what he has said about not signing one), trade or play out the year and go from there (probably tag and trade for best offer then I guess).

[fenikz]

At this point i think it's more important to resign Breaston than Boldin, his body has taken a beating and he isn't exactly young

[Jensen]

This was only the 2nd game I got to watch this season (the other one being NYG) and wow, what a turnaround from that game. What happened to the run defense? Williams and Stewart were running all over the place. And wtf Warner. 5 INT's? Did Warner and Delhomme switch jerseys?

[fenikz]

I only saw the 1st quarter but i knew it was going to be a long day, the D had no fire, I saw Watson trying to pump up Dockett pregame and he got no reaction

[vikes_28]

Thanks for beating the bears today. We'll see you in a couple weeks! :D

[Jensen]

Good bounce-back game for Warner today. Matt Leinart is a ******* idiot. Fitz wasn't even looking when Leinart threw that pass. The run game actually looked decent for the 1st time in awhile.

[fenikz]

Love Beanie Wells, he is starting to get it going at the right time, a run game will be very important late in the year and with with a healthy Boldin people better look out this team can go deep into the playoffs agian

oh yes, i forgot to mention how amazing Ben Graham is, quite possibly the best punter in the NFL this year, time after time after time he is pinning our opponents inside the 5, i think he did it 3 times today, 2x on the 1

[TitanHope]

Watching the Titans/Cards NFL Replay right now. Just wanted to compliment you guys on a few things:

-DRC is a manimal. Not only was his man-coverage tight, but he was a great tackler. Even laid the wood a few times, and the FF on Britt was clutch. I swore in the Titans forum that we lost the game right there.

-Darnell Dockett is still one of my favorite DT's in the NFL (Last year, I was in a Defensive Player Fantasy Draft where we had to assemble teams, and I used my 3rd pick on Dockett. Would've used my 2nd on him, but I knew I'd get more votes by having Ngata since so many were slobbering over him at the time.). Other guys get love, but Dockett really deserves more acclaim than he gets. There really isn't anything the guy doesn't do well. Definitely got a place on my Pro Bowl ballot.

-Ben Graham is a demigod. Pinned us deep in our own territory 5 times, and he only punted 6 times. LSH could've been player of the game with his play on special teams, both in coverage and returning.

-I thought Leinart played excellent. He fit it in some very tight windows, and put the team in position to win at the end.

Anyway, great game, and good luck against the Vikes!

[vikes_28]

Good game today.

[yo123]

Good game. That was an asskicking. Good luck the rest of the way.

[fenikz]

starting to look at some decision we will have to make this offseason

FA
Karlos Dansby
Mike Gandy
Deuce Latui
Gabe Watson
Bertrand Berry
Chike Okeafor
Niel Rackers
Anthony Becht
Dan Kreider
Jerheme Urban
Sean Morey

RFA
Steve Breaston

plus Antrel Rolle's contract jumps from 1.66MM to 8.11MM and of course Dockett and Boldin are still looking for raises

a lot of these players can be let go or resigned for a low amount but resigning Karlos Dansby is going to be the key to the offseason, we simply can't afford to pay him the average of the Top 5 players in the NFL

[Stranger]

I think Dansby is gone which sucks because we don't have much to replace him. The annoying thing is we didn't want to pay him when he wanted Pace money ~30Million guaranteed (for 6ish years IIRC). Then we end up paying him around 20Mill the last two years and if we did resign him probably another 10+ in the first year of a new contract. Bad job by management.

[Todd Bertuzzi]

Alright so my fantasy league is ******** and goes till week 17. I have Warner and Boldin on my team and I was just wondering how much they'll play this week.

[fenikz]

Hard to say really, Whis doesn't tip his hand much, there is a better chance of them playing if Minnesota loses because the #2 seed could be on the line, other than that I'm not sure how much they would play

I think Dansby is gone which sucks because we don't have much to replace him. The annoying thing is we didn't want to pay him when he wanted Pace money ~30Million guaranteed (for 6ish years IIRC). Then we end up paying him around 20Mill the last two years and if we did resign him probably another 10+ in the first year of a new contract. Bad job by management.

This happens every year, but like you said we don't have a obvious replacement this time, Dansby never asked for that low of a contract though, he has always thought of himself as an elite player and wanted to be payed as such, the last 2 seasons he has but they have both technically been contract years, I feel some team is going to give him the type of money he wants and then his production will drop off again or he will start having "nagging injuries" and sit games out again.

Sadly this draft class isn't so deep at ILB so it might not be the best option for a replacement. We can hope Weatherspoon drops to us and take him, reach on Brandon Spikes or hope he drops to us in the 2nd or hopefully(and most likely) find a late round steal like we have the last few seasons Darryl Washington of TCU is only about 230 right now but could put on 15 or so pounds and step right in as starting ILB, Clark Haggans also has expierence inside in the 3-4 and could be another viable option.

If we go the FA route some options Derrick Johnson(KC) D'Qwell Jackson(CLE), Omar Gaither(PHI), Stephen Tulloch(TEN), & Larry Foote(DET)

[AussieBoy]

That FA list Fenikz posted is a real worry. We're not going to be able to keep all those guys we want. And how will Graves get that many done???

Btw, after aI posed, I see Toler got his first interception and R Johnson made some good tackles. I haven't seen much of them play as they've been inactive in the games shown here, but good to see them getting more game time recently.

[zachsaints52]

I don't see D'Qwell Jackson leaving the Browns. If Cards got him yall got a very good almost pro bowler back.

[fenikz]

I don't see D'Qwell Jackson leaving the Browns. If Cards got him yall got a very good almost pro bowler back.

And he would most certainly come at a much cheaper price than Dansby

[fenikz]

http://www.tharinger.com/forums/images/smilies/willy_nilly.gifhttp://www.tharinger.com/forums/images/smilies/willy_nilly.gifhttp://www.tharinger.com/forums/images/smilies/willy_nilly.gifhttp://www.tharinger.com/forums/images/smilies/willy_nilly.gifhttp://www.tharinger.com/forums/images/smilies/willy_nilly.gifhttp://www.tharinger.com/forums/images/smilies/willy_nilly.gif

BIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Bosanac01]

awesome game, good job.

[Boston]

Hey good game guys, as much as I hate to admit it, you guys 'flipped the switch' and played a hell of a game. I'll be rooting for you throughout the playoffs.

[Stranger]

That was awesome! Warner is ridiculous, he gives us a legitimate chance to win any game.

[YAYareaRB]

Good Game.. Go Cards!

[Twiddler]

Hey good game guys, as much as I hate to admit it, you guys 'flipped the switch' and played a hell of a game. I'll be rooting for you throughout the playoffs.

Same here. There's just something I enjoy about the Cards, well, when they're not playing the Packers. Good luck.

[TheGM]

How many wins does this team have in them without Kurt Warner under center? It looks like he is going to retire and I don't think Matt can fill his shoes.

[fenikz]

I have no clue really, it depends a lot on our defense and running game, we need another quality corner opposite of DRC and any sort of pass rush from our OLBs, Beanie looks like a beast and our line is slowly improving, Gandy is a FA and if he doesn't take a huge pay cut I see us going forward without him, but in Whis I trust, he is one of the best coaches in the NFL and hasn't steered us wrong yet.

here are some photos from the game yesterday

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Green+Bay+Packers+v+Arizona+Cardinals+Wild+1MTQ4HA Q5D0l.jpg
http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Green+Bay+Packers+v+Arizona+Cardinals+Wild+pKBEGja qZt1l.jpg
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Green+Bay+Packers+v+Arizona+Cardinals+Wild+eAAQHu4 bhc2l.jpg
http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Green+Bay+Packers+v+Arizona+Cardinals+Wild+ACGTBfq VtGml.jpg
http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Green+Bay+Packers+v+Arizona+Cardinals+Wild+tPO4oZm W55kl.jpg
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Green+Bay+Packers+v+Arizona+Cardinals+Wild+Dk0nWt6 elaDl.jpg

[AussieBoy]

Phew, that was one helluva ride.

I'm with you Fenikz. We give up 45 points with wide open receivers and now we go into New Orleans and face Drew Brees *shiver*. Apart from DRC, I have no confidence in our CBs to cover anyone, even if we get more pressure.

[no bare feet]

What are some issues the Cards need to address next draft. I would say a QB for sure, also some O-line.

I am rooting for the Cardinals to win it all. Beanie Wells and the contingent of players from DA U make me giddy.

[fenikz]

3-4 OLB is our biggest need, and if Warner retires that jumps up there too, OT, CB, TE are also needs as well as OG and ILB

[no bare feet]

3-4 OLB is our biggest need, and if Warner retires that jumps up there too, OT, CB, TE are also needs as well as OG and ILB

There are several 3-4 OLBs that should be available in the late 1st round. Jerry Hughes, Brandon Graham to name a few. With the depth and possibility of some of those 3-4 OLBs falling in the 2nd round, I think with the draft history of the Cards they may go another route with the 1st round pick unless the BPA on the board is a 3-4 OLB. The Wells pick was an obvious need, but was it the nubmer 1 need..may be not but the value was astounding.

[fenikz]

well we always go BPA, and usually end up with a few steals, hopefully this year BPA is a 3-4 OLB

[diabsoule]

I just received a text from ESPN saying that Bertrand Berry has announced his retirement.

[Splat]

Yep.

Bertrand Berry calls it quits (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/21/bertrand-berry-calls-is-quits/)

[fenikz]

knew it was coming eventually, he had a solid career as a cardinal

[Stranger]

Not entirely unexpected as he had to take a salary cut just to stay with the team this year. Still the guy was a good player and our most effective pass rusher from OLB and I am sad to see him go.

We better come out of this draft with some young linebacking talent.

[Jensen]

Gonna be weird not seeing Berry back there next year. I always liked him and he seemed like a genuinely good guy. I wish him the best in his life outside of football.

[fenikz]

definitely the type of guy i would like to keep around the practice field or maybe somewhere in the front office

[Jensen]

Yeah, definitely. Seems like he played the game the way it should be played. Always seemed to be having a good time and never complained about playing time. Could see him being some type of defensive coach in the future.

[vidae]

I was surprised to see him call it quits, personally. What is the general consensus? Could he have played a few more years? I haven't heard anything about loss of production or anything.

[Jensen]

I was surprised to see him call it quits, personally. What is the general consensus? Could he have played a few more years? I haven't heard anything about loss of production or anything.

I think his body was starting to wear. He's had nagging injuries pretty much every year for the past 5 years and combine that with decreasing playing time and I could see why he would retire.

[Stranger]

So there are some Joey Porter rumours starting up. I would be all for it, even at 33 he is a better 3-4 OLB than anyone we have had on the roster over the last few years. Also I read a comment from Darren Urban (the writer for Cards official site) that he doesn't think Chike is going to be resigned. So currently we are going into next year with Haggans (33 years old), Davis (6th rounder last year) and Brown (IR) as the only OLBs on the roster.

I think regardless of any offseason signings we should be targeting an edge rusher high in the draft.

[Splat]

Arizona signs ex-CFL LB Baggs to 1-year deal (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-cardinals-baggs&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[fenikz]

should deff play 3-4 OLB with us, i know nothing about him though

[Rosebud]

Hey guys, I'm curious what's the latest on Rolle and Dansby? How much do they want and where they're rumored to go.

[fenikz]

Dansby won't be tagged and Rolle is most likely going to be cut, so either both are gone or will sign extensions

[Stranger]

Hey guys, I'm curious what's the latest on Rolle and Dansby? How much do they want and where they're rumored to go.

Cards have said they wont tag Dansby again so he is as good as gone. For a contract I guess a good starting point would be Bart Scott's 6 year 48 million contract from last season. The free agent class is weak though and he is going to have so many bidders it's going to cost a pretty penny to secure his services.

On Rolle he is due a 4 million roster bonus next week and then another 8 million salary on top of that (12million total :)) so all signs point to him being let go. The Cards will let him test free agency and will look to match any reasonable offer but most likely he will be out of our price range.

[Stranger]

Well it looks like Boldin is gone, 3rd and 4th to the Ravens. Sucks to see him go but it's a good deal for both teams, hopefully Doucet can continue on with his post season form. Looks like Rolle and Dansby are pretty much guaranteed to be elsewhere next season as well.

Some FAs I hope we chase.

FS - Ryan Clark. Steelers connection and he is solid all around player.

OLB - Joey Porter. Steeler connection and he has said he wants to play hear. On the downside of his career but still an upgrade over anything we had last year.

DT - Ma'ake Kemoeatu. Big strong tackle coming off a season ending surgery but I think he could work well as part of our NT rotation.

TE - Ben Watson. Wouldn't mind him if he came cheap.

I have seen some talk around Larry Foote as a stop gap to fill the void left by Dansby.

[Stranger]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/08/hadnot-will-visit-cardinals-next/

Guard Rex Hadnot will meet with the Cardinals this week, according to Fox's Alex Marvez.

He has experience at both center and guard. Will be nice to have some depth and competition at center.

[fenikz]

Foote is here today and Porter comes in on Thursday

[fenikz]

http://www.cardinalsgab.com/2010/03/09/rfa-qb-whitehurst-to-visit-the-cards/

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the Cardinals will host a visit from Charlie Whitehurst, a restricted free agent quarterback from the San Diego Chargers. The recent third-round tender would presumably compete with Matt Leinart for a starting job if the Cardinals sign him.

The Cardinals organization, however, continue to insist that the 2010 draft will focus on defensive players; rightly so. With current needs at DE, CB, ILB, and OLB

[fenikz]

Derek Anderson coming in for a visit on friday

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/browns/2010-03-10-derek-anderson_N.htm

[fenikz]

Foote is here today and Porter comes in on Thursday

I lied, apparently Foote has been here since Tuesday but both are visiting today, they both want to be Cardinals so the only way they leave without a contract is if we don't want them or if they want some ridiculous contract

[Splat]

Cardinals re-sign Bridges (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/11/cardinals-re-sign-bridges/)

[fenikz]

since the nfl insists we have a 3rd uniform i whipped this up, a mix of our current and 90s uni

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/2368/97548952.png

[Stranger]

I like it.


Cardinals re-sign Bridges (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/11/cardinals-re-sign-bridges/)

Good move, he actually was much better at LT than I thought he would be. To be honest I prefer him coming back to Gandy even if it is just as a backup.

[fenikz]

same and everything i hear about him is that he is a great presence in the locker room as well as a teacher in practice

now lets hope brandon keith beats him out for starting LT

[Stranger]

So Foote decided to go back to the Steelers. Would have liked for us to sign him but can't say I am too disappointed. We signed Paris Lenon instead but I am starting to get on the Brandon Spikes bandwagon. If we could get him in the second that would be great although I wouldn't be upset if we took him in the first.

Weird QB search going on as well. If we do end up with Whitehurst I hope it is for something other than a third. What happened to St Pierre? Maybe it's a case of making sure Leinart knows that he is 'the man' this year without a real threat behind him.

[fenikz]

pretty sure st. pierre is recovering from surgery still

i would hate spikes in the 1st, id put him 5th on my list of ILBs behind, McCalin, Weatherspoon, Washington, Chaney

[Jensen]

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of Spikes either. In the 2nd I probably wouldn't mind him, but no way would I use our 1st on him.

[Stranger]

pretty sure st. pierre is recovering from surgery still

i would hate spikes in the 1st, id put him 5th on my list of ILBs behind, McCalin, Weatherspoon, Washington, Chaney

I agree on McClain and Weatherspoon but I think both will be long gone by the time our pick comes round. If either of them happened to fall I would love that pick.

Otherwise I would prefer taking an ILB in the second but I doubt Spikes or Washington fall that far. I like both but of the two I prefer Spikes, although he might be suited for more of the Hayes role in our defense so Washington may be the better fit. Still you're right we shouldn't reach on a guy to fill a need, I had just been watching too much of Spikes junior season highlights :)

Don't know much about Chaney since the college football I get tends to focus on the top teams. Anything you can tell me about his game?

If Porter ends up with the Redskins I can see us going with Hughes though. Even if he signs with us I wouldn't be against adding another pass rusher.

[fenikz]

I'm fine with the Anderson signing, didn't cost us much and he is competition for Leinart. Plus he has never had WRs near as good as ours.

Darnell tweeted this 2 hours
I got some Great news #BIRDGANG can't tell yall yet! But when and if it happens I will celebrate at the highest point EVER! 49ers Who? Lol

[bored of education]

by highest did he mean smoking drugs?

[Stranger]

by highest did he mean smoking drugs?

He is just excited about us bringing in Jay Feely for a visit ;)

[fenikz]

Quite a bit of speculation going on about what our o-line is gonna look like

Let's start with LT, very unlikely that we bring back Mike Gandy and it doesn't seem like we have made any attempts to. So our starting LT is either on the roster in the draft or a free agent. The most likely option is moving Levi Brown to LT and letting Brandon Keith and Jeremy Bridges fight it out for the starting RT spot. Another conceivable option is to simply let Bridges play LT, he did a respectable job last season, certainly nothing amazing but not terrible either.

At LG we have the man who I feel is our best lineman in Reggie Wells, he struggled last season and the coaching staff and front office had enough doubt about him that we signed OG Rex Hadnot. Should both of them preform well and Deuce Lutui struggles then we could shift Wells to RG. If not then let the best man win and we finally have some quality depth.

Center is Siendline's job, Grimm loves him and it will be his 3rd year in a row starting there.

RG is Duece's spot to lose, most likely he retains it but he will have to hold off the loser of the LG spot and Herman Johnson to keep it.

RT is a much more important spot now with Leinart entrenched at QB. Our RT must be able to protect his blind side for him to have any success this season. I'm pulling for Brandon Keith aka Grimm's pet project. A complete physical freak at 6'5 343 and ran sub 5 second 40 at the combine, he fell to the 7th round because of his technique and footwork, if Grimm has fixed this in the 2 years since he was drafted we could see something very special develop over the course of this season.


also just read this quote on a yahoo article about the cardinals
Most of the team’s defensive backs were in attendance last week when the club opened up the offseason conditioning program. Strong safety Adrian Wilson(notes), the leader of the group, didn’t have to twist arms to get guys to show up. “If I’m here, they’re here,” Wilson said, smiling, “as you can see.”

gotta love how much respect he is given even from new comer Rhodes

[Splat]

Alan Faneca lands in Arizona (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/27/alan-faneca-lands-in-arizona/)

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Faneca agreed to terms on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, which includes a $300,000 signing bonus and a $100,000 workout bonus.

[Stranger]

Alan Faneca lands in Arizona (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/27/alan-faneca-lands-in-arizona/)

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Faneca agreed to terms on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, which includes a $300,000 signing bonus and a $100,000 workout bonus.

Didn't expect it to be honest but looks like we just pick up the difference of what was left on his Jets contract. He seems like a fairly cheap upgrade at guard (at least in the running game) so I am all for the move.

With this and the Hadnot contract I guess the staff were really down on Wells and he probalby has lost his starting spot. Wonder what happens with the Lutui situation? He still hasn't signed his tender and we have a lot of people who can step into his role.

[fenikz]

Unlikely that we cut him so 3 ways this works out. 1 he sits out the entire year, not good for him or us, 2 we trade him, get what ever we can, 3 he signs the tender and competes for the RG spot

according to a cardinals news twitter account(Cardschatter) "More Whiz: Faneca will not be handed a starting job. He must still win a job."

no source

[Stranger]

I wonder if Hadnot will get a shot at the center job.

I wouldn't mind a line of:

Brown/Faneca/Hadnot/Lutui/Keith

[fenikz]

Cardinals resign Bryan Robinson to a 1 year deal

Always been a good locker room presence and should help Williams develop

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=txcardinalsrobinson

[Stranger]

“You’re the guy I came back to mentor,” Robinson said to Williams. “You’re the guy that’s going to take my spot — and I want you to do that. I really do. I’m going to help you as much as I can.”

http://blog.azcardinals.com/2010/04/30/planning-to-pass-the-torch/

Sounds like a great guy to have on the team, glad we resigned him.

[Splat]

Arizona opens minicamp with Lutui MIA (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-arizona_opens_minicamp_with_lutui_mia_html-201051)

[fenikz]

he is currently not under contract, very dumb on his part, after the summer is over we can retain him for a mere 300k

[fenikz]

Have you guys seen how much of a monster Watson has turned into? Lott must of had him pumping those weights hard while he was recovering from his knee injury.

http://prod.static.cardinals.clubs.nfl.com/assets/images/imported/zip/2010/04-April/FirstDayMinicamp/FirstDayMinicamp-DockettWatson--nfl_medium_540_360.jpg

http://i.azcentral.com/commphotos/view/366549.jpg

boy got some red woods coming out of his sleeves

[Stranger]

Yea I saw that photo and was like "that's a big dude", he makes Dockett look small.

[fenikz]

ya 1st time i saw it i had to make sure that wasn't an 80

makes Brodrick Bunkley's rookie picture look kinda scrawny

http://scoopsnoodle.com/adam_schefter/bunkley_gal_060429.jpg

[Stranger]

I get the feeling that he will step up this year. I thought he was going to break out a couple of years ago and then he had that freak injury, hopefully he is finally recovered from it.

[fenikz]

How great would it be if Watson and Williams both beat out Robinson and he could just be a sort of player/coach

why does the season have to be so far away

[vikes_28]

Hey guys, just stopping in to say hello. i see there hasn't been a post in this forum for almost a month. :/

[bored of education]

hi sexies:)

[fenikz]

Darnell Dockett chat on NFL.com, some funny stuff

http://chat.nfl.com/front/index/959

[fenikz]

Lutui on Monday signed a one-year qualifying offer of $1.76 million, one day before a deadline that would have seen the dollar amount drop to $588,000, a 10-percent raise over last season's contract.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/2010/06/14/20100614arizona-cardinals-deuce-lutui-signs-qualifying-offer.html

He will need to do a ton to regain his starting spot, but gives us an amazing amount of depth on the o-line, 1st time we have ever had that

[fenikz]

saw this in the Pats forum, 09-10 starts compared to 10-11 starters

2009-2010
QB Kurt Warner
RB Tim Hightower - Beanie Wells
FB Dan Kreider
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Anquan Boldin - Steve Breaston - Early Doucet
TE Ben Patrick - Stephen Spach
LT Mike Gnady
LG Reggie Wells
C Lyle Seindline
RG Duece Latui
RT Levi Brown

RDE Darnell Dockett
NT Bryan Robinson
LDE Calais Campbell
OLB Chike Okeafor
SILB Gerald Hayes
WILB Karlos Dansby
OLB Clark Haggans
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
FS Antrel Rolle
SS Adrian Wilson
CB Bryant McFadden

K Neil Rackers
P Ben Graham

2010-2011 (my projections)
QB Matt Leinart
RB Beanie Wells - Tim Hightower
FB Nehemiah Broughton
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Steve Breaston - Early Doucet - Andre Roberts
TE Ben Patrick - Stephen Spach
LT Levi Brown
LG Alan Faneca
C Lyle Seindline
RG Duece Latui
RT Brandon Keith

RDE Darnell Dockett
NT Dan Williams
LDE Calais Campbell
OLB Joey Porter
SILB Gerald Hayes
WILB Daryl Washington
OLB Will Davis
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
FS Kerry Rhodes
SS Adrian Wilson
CB Greg Toler

K Jay Feely
P Ben Graham

Upgrades in Green
Downgrades in Red

[TACKLE]

You didn't highlight Kerry Rhodes.

Do you think he's an upgrade or a downgrade at FS?

[fenikz]

I feel he is a slight upgrade, but it's close enough I just left it as a push

[critesy]

hows stevie baggs lookin ?

[fenikz]

honestly no clue, Whis doesn't let a lot of information escape, not very often are reporters or cameramen allowed in meetings or at practice(besides training camp)

For all I know he is gonna be starting along with Max Hall

[fenikz]

apparently he and Campbell are becoming good friends, had dinner last night according to his tweet

[fenikz]

Dockett on 620 KTAR

http://den-a.plr.liquidcompass.net/player/flash/audio_player.php?id=KTARAM&uid=239

Says he saw CC in LA and he said "I'm on that grind, gained 10 pounds of muscle"

6'8 310, ima lil scurred

also he He's been working out with Dan Williams most of the summer and pushing him hard

[fenikz]

Really starting to get excited, like every year we aren't the favorites but this role has worked for Whis

Love what I've been hearing about all the young players, Toler, Williams, Beanie and Campbell have all been working with Lott for most of the summer(maybe more but those are the ones I've seen specifically mentioned)

Dockett has been working out with Dan Williams & says he feels sorry for the boy. Calais Campbell is up to 310 all muscle(he says)

Think Lott can get Deuce back in shape in a month?

[fenikz]

Dan Williams signed :)

Adam_Schefter
Arizona officially has reached agreement with its first-round pick, defensive tackle Dan Williams, on a five-year deal.

also

Stevie Baggs and Tim Hightower are basically twins
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Arizona+Cardinals+Training+Camp+HcAOTbQouOrl.jpg

[Shahin]

I was so jealous when you guys got Calais Campbell. Glad to see he's doing so well though.

[LonghornsLegend]

What's this I hear about Stephen Williams, has he really been looking that impressive, does he have ability to start in a few years, or what's the status on him?

[fenikz]

Looks like it's gonna be really close between him and Roberts for the 4th WR spot, both should end up making the team, and he does look like he has some long term potential

[fenikz]

almost cut time, predict the final 53

QB Matt Leinart - Derek Anderson - John Skelton
RB Tim Hightower - Beanie Wells - LaRod Stephens-Howling
FB Nehemiah Broughton
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Steve Breaston - Early Doucet - Andre Roberts - Stephen Williams
TE Ben Patrick - Anthony Becht - Stephen Spach
LT Levi Brown - Jeremy Bridges
LG Alan Faneca - Rex Hadnot
C Lyle Sindlein - Ben Claxton
RG Reggie Wells - Duece Latui
RT Brandon Keith - Herman Johnson

RDE Darnell Dockett - Alan Branch
NT Bryan Robinson - Gabe Watson - Dan Williams
LDE Calais Campbell - Kenny Iwebema
OLB Joey Porter - Clark Haggans - Will Davis - Cody Brown - Stevie Baggs
ILB Paris Lennon - Daryl Washington - Monty Biesel - Pago Togafau
CB DRC - Greg Toler - Trumaine McBride - Michael Adams - Jorrick Calvin
FS Kerry Rhodes - Rashad Johnson
SS Adrian Wilson - Matt Ware

K Jay Feeley
P Ben Graham
LS Mike Leach

PUP Gerald Hayes - O'Brien Schofield

[LizardState]

You didn't highlight Kerry Rhodes.

Do you think he's an upgrade or a downgrade at FS?

Speaking of whom, is Rashad Johnson going to see the starting lineup anytime this season in Zona?

PFW has him backing up Rhodes, & they list Rhodes as 6-3, 214, he never looked THAT big to me.

[Bosanac01]

Is Matty ready for an MVP year?

[fenikz]

Speaking of whom, is Rashad Johnson going to see the starting lineup anytime this season in Zona?

PFW has him backing up Rhodes, & they list Rhodes as 6-3, 214, he never looked THAT big to me.

Nah don't expect Johnson to do anything but special team and maybe nickle safety

[fenikz]

Leinart looked solid, nothing spectacular but nothing bad

Keith got abused by Mario Williams

Daryl Washington is a beast no way we can keep him from starting

Dan Williams looked good, should see time in the rotation for now, maybe starts by week 6

Derek Anderson Sucks

John Skelton does not

[Bosanac01]

Are you guys going to cut Leinart?

[fenikz]

no prob trade him if he isnt starting

[Bosanac01]

If he's not starting there is no way you guys keep him on the roster. He's gonna be pissed.

[fenikz]

no reason to cut someone you could get a 5th or 6th for

[GB12]

Doubt it. They'll just wait for him to get cut. I'm sure there are teams that would pick him up, but they're not going to want him so badly to give away a pick for him. If they get him, great. If not, oh well. Even though it's just a low level pick there's no reason to give it up for a bust QB in his 5th year.

[fenikz]

Prob still a top 40 QB in the league

[Bosanac01]

Top 40 QB in the league? I wouldn't say so, but even if so people will just shrug it off. A lot of teams have bad back ups, and Leinart is better then most. He would still have to come in and learn the offense. I'm sure there is more then one team that would want him, but he won't start anywhere this year unless there is an injury.

Point is he's not a starter caliber and this late in the off-season most teams have their starter set anyway. So teams will not fight to have him on the team.

[Phillysteeler]

So what do you guys think of Leinart since you have seen more of him? Do you think he is a good quarterback in the wrong system or just not that good at all? His completion percentage is up and his arm isn't that strong, so I would think west coast might be good, but he seems to make too many mistakes still and it would take a few years to learn the system.

[fenikz]

I think he can still be a marginal starter, Whis doesn't like him for some reason not football related. WCO fits him best but people are far over exaggerating his lack of arm strength, I don't recall any mistakes besides maybe not throwing the ball away on a couple sacks

[Phillysteeler]

I meant career wise he makes mistakes, but after looking up his numbers from the pre-season maybe he has begun to limit those. I thought west coast would be good, but he would have to learn it which takes time so he would be 29 or thirty by the time he had a solid grasp of it, and he doesn't seem to like being a backup.

[fenikz]

Prediction for the final 53 & PS

QB Derek Anderson - Matt Leinart - Max Hall - John Skelton
RB Tim Hightower - Beanie Wells - Jason Wright - LaRod Stephens-Howling
FB Reagan Mauia
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Stephen Williams
WR Steve Breaston - Early Doucet - Andre Roberts
TE Ben Patrick - Stephen Spach - Jim Dray
LT Levi Brown - Jeremy Bridges
LG Alan Faneca - Rex Hadnot
C Lyle Seindline - Rex Hadnot
RG Duece Latui - Rex Hadnot
RT Brandon Keith - Herman Johnson

RDE Darnell Dockett - Alan Branch
NT Dan Williams - Gabe Watson - Bryan Robinson
LDE Calais Campbell - Kenny Iwebema
ROLB Joey Porter - Cody Brown
SILB Paris Lennon - Pago Togafau - Gerald Hayes
WILB Daryl Washington - Monty Biesel
LOLB Clark Haggans - Will Davis
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Trumaine McBride
FS Kerry Rhodes - Rashad Johnson
SS Adrian Wilson - Matt Ware
CB Greg Toler - Mike Adams - Marshay Green

K Jay Feeley
P Ben Graham
LS Mike Leach
KR LaRod Stephens-Howling
PR Andre Roberts

PUP O'Brien Schofield
IR Nehemiah Broughton
PS Max Kromar - Alfonso Smith - Casey Knips

[M.O.T.H.]

Max Hall is going to be starting before we know it. haha. I am a Max Hall fan, though.

[Jensen]

Not confident in that CB group at all. How has Toler looked in preseason?

[fenikz]

Toler has looked great, Ware looks good when blitzing but thats about it, Green has looked really good on special teams and solid enough at corner

I feel like our top 5 CB coverage-wise are DRC, Toler, Jefferson, McBride, Green but I don't think Whis would want a group that young

Edit: Reggie Wells just traded to the Eagles for a 6th

[fenikz]

here's what i got so far on cuts and guys who have made the team

Cut
Cody Brown
Herman Johnson
Anthony Becht
Tom Pestock
Monty Biesel
Stevie Baggs

Made
Jim Dray
Max Komar
Stephen Williams
AJ Jefferson

[fenikz]

more on the cut list
TE Anthony Becht
LB Stevie Baggs
LB Monty Beisel
T Herman Johnson
T Tom Pestock
LB Cody Brown
DE Jeremy Clark
DE John Fletcher
CB Trevor Ford
WR Ed Gant
WR Mike Jones
WR Onrea Jones
CB Justin Miller
G Jonathan Palmer
FB Charles Scott
WR Isaiah Williams

team looks like:

QB Derek Anderson - Matt Leinart - Max Hall - John Skelton
RB Tim Hightower - Beanie Wells - Jason Wright - LaRod Stephens-Howling - Alfonso Smith
FB Reagan Mauia
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Stephen Williams - Max Komar
WR Steve Breaston - Early Doucet - Andre Roberts
TE Ben Patrick - Stephen Spach - Jim Dray
LT Levi Brown - Jeremy Bridges
LG Alan Faneca - Rex Hadnot
C Lyle Seindline - Ben Claxton
RG Duece Latui
RT Brandon Keith

RDE Darnell Dockett - Alan Branch
NT Dan Williams - Gabe Watson - Bryan Robinson
LDE Calais Campbell - Kenny Iwebema
ROLB Joey Porter
SILB Paris Lennon - Pago Togafau
WILB Daryl Washington - Reggie Walker
LOLB Clark Haggans - Will Davis
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Trumaine McBride - A.J. Jefferson
FS Kerry Rhodes - Rashad Johnson
SS Adrian Wilson - Matt Ware - Hamza Abdullah
CB Greg Toler - Mike Adams - Marshay Green

K Jay Feeley
P Ben Graham
LS Mike Leach

PUP O'Brien Schofield, Gerald Hayes
IR Nehemiah Broughton

we need to cut 3 more

I'm missing someone

[bhaarat316]

Cody Brown got cut? I thought he was suppose to take over the OLB spot.

[Jensen]

wtf happened to Cody Brown. Waste of a 2nd rounder.

[Bosanac01]

Man a second rounder cut in his second season, ouch.

[fenikz]

He went to UConn aka he sucked, if Whis could sell every 2nd-4th rounder for 5th, 6th and 7th rounders we would be so golden

[fenikz]

Final 53

QB Derek Anderson - Max Hall - John Skelton
RB Tim Hightower - Beanie Wells - Jason Wright - LaRod Stephens-Howling
FB Jerome Johnson
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Stephen Williams - Max Komar
WR Steve Breaston - Early Doucet - Andre Roberts
TE Ben Patrick - Stephen Spach - Jim Dray
LT Levi Brown - Jeremy Bridges
LG Alan Faneca - Rex Hadnot
C Lyle Seindline - Ben Claxton
RG Duece Latui
RT Brandon Keith

RDE Darnell Dockett - Alan Branch
NT Dan Williams - Gabe Watson - Bryan Robinson
LDE Calais Campbell - Kenny Iwebema
ROLB Joey Porter - Cyril Obiozor
SILB Paris Lennon
WILB Daryl Washington - Reggie Walker
LOLB Clark Haggans - Will Davis
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Trumaine McBride - A.J. Jefferson
FS Kerry Rhodes - Rashad Johnson
SS Adrian Wilson - Matt Ware - Hamza Abdullah
CB Greg Toler - Mike Adams - Brandon McDonald

K Jay Feeley
P Ben Graham
LS Mike Leach

PUP O'Brien Schofield, Gerald Hayes

[Don Vito]

Cutting Cody Brown lose after one season is surprising, I didn't know that happened. Also didn't know you picked up Trumaine McBride.

[fenikz]

7 Fumbles, pretty terrible QB play and a win, can't say much else

[bhaarat316]

Fitz thrown at 15 times and 3 catches what the hell?

[fenikz]

Ya you know that a QB is bad when Fitz can't get to the passes

but he looked to be at about 70%

[fenikz]

We suck, DA is trash the constant 3 and outs is gonna rape our defense all year, we just don't have any depth at LB or DB

The sooner we move to Max Hall the better, and can we move on from Grimm, 4 years and the line still sucks

WR down to a 70% Fitz & 2 UDFA starting

[bhaarat316]

I think this was Ken's plan all along. If Matt is good you win, if he sucks start DA who sucks even more, get a high first round pick take a QB.

[Bosanac01]

The offensive line is horrible, they are the ones to blame. Brandon Keith...smh

[fenikz]

God we suck, 2 turnovers on PR, 4 or so dropped INTs, DA missing throws

and a win

[Jensen]

Why is Anderson still starting? I could play QB better than him.

[fenikz]

I have no clue at all, no way he makes it out of the SD game as starter

[Jensen]

How has the rest of the team looked? I haven't been able to watch a game yet. Me and a few buddies went to Buffalo Wild Wings tonight, but they had every game on except the Cards game.

[fenikz]

Defense is very hit or miss, Dockett still a stud, DRC is too except he is getting called for stupid penalties, Toler getting better each week and the safety duo is very good. LBs seem to be a huge weakness right now, Washington looks good when he doesn't have to think should come to him with time. but Lennon Haggans and Porter just look old.

Line has played very poorly, and it's hard to judge the WRs with how inaccurate DA is everything is thrown a few feet to short, behind, high even on catches so basically no YAC. Beanie looked really good, ran hard and should be getting the bulk of the carries soon, Hightower has also played well, always solid can't complain. btw Hyphen is my hero gonna try to get a black uni of his

[Jensen]

Pretty much what I expected. I'd honestly rather have Hall playing now just to see what he's got. I don't want to rush Skelton, I think he could be good down the road. So it's looking like QB, OT, LB are our biggest weaknesses right now. How has Williams looked?

[fenikz]

pretty solid, he's got open a few times in the last few games, Anderson has either entirely under or overthrown him every time, got open today on a seam route and drew a PI then got a 1st down on a 10 yard in on 3rd down on one of the scoring drives

[Jensen]

God we blow.

[bhaarat316]

MAX HALL!!!!, who is next in line after him?

[CJSchneider]

We look forward to beating on him tomorrow, that much is for sure.

[fenikz]

you ready for the upset of a lifetime?

AND NO IM NOT TALKING ABOUT ME BEING UPSET WHEN WE ARE DOWN 45-3

[fenikz]

my brain is fried, and im slowly recovering from my heart attack

BUT WE WON!

also told you so!

[Stranger]

Ugh watching our QBs is so painful. Maybe Skelton will show something when he gets his turn. At least the defense is playing better and the hyphen does something special every game.

Also I thought we drafted Roberts for his punt return ability, man has he been awful back there.

[fenikz]

he is fine when he doesnt **** up the catch

[Me Likey Rookies]

Is Dan Williams playing for you guys?

[fenikz]

Not really, Whis doesn't like playing rookies and since Williams keeps weighing in over 335 he makes him ineligible

[fenikz]

Oh No We Suck Again!

[Stranger]

Oh No We Suck Again!

This was always going to be a transition year at QB with Warner retiring, but wow it went fast from maybe Leinart will show he can be a franchise QB to maybe we can develop a backup for our draft pick next year.

At this point I think Anderson should just unleash the dragon. No way he can lead multiple sustained drives, but he can at least hit the deep ball.

[fenikz]

I would like to see Hyphen touch the ball 15 times a game between KR, RB & WR

[Stranger]

I would like to see Hyphen touch the ball 15 times a game between KR, RB & WR

The more touches the better although 15 might be pushing it. Sounds like Beanie is questionable or will at least be limited so he might get more of an opportunity this week.

[vikes_28]

good game. was actually cheering for you guys to win.

[Bosanac01]

Tough loss there. Please don't draft a QB in the first round if you don't fix the o-line first. Do yourselves a favor.

[Stranger]

We could just go the route the Rams did (although with a slightly lower pick). QB in the first OT in the second. The interior of our line is at least serviceable.

Crappy way to lose, but once they started driving in the 4th I knew our defense wasn't stopping them. That's just how we roll.

[fenikz]

Offense has 13 TD

Defense/Special Teams has 8

[Jensen]

Most potent offense in the league. I seriously cannot wait until we get a competent QB. Makes me miss Warner so much more now.

[Stranger]

As ridiculous as this is if we win this game we are probably the favourites to win the division. Our schedule is so easy the rest of the way.

Currently 3-5

Seattle W killed ourselves with turnovers in Seattle and they never pulled away, they are a worse team now as well
@KC L Probably a loss, don't see us stopping Charles or doing anything offensively in a loud stadium like Arrowhead.
SF W Probably split with the 49ers with each team taking the home game
STL W Rams aren't great on the road yet
Den W Den is a mess, should win although don't trust our defense against spread offense type teams.
@Car W Panthers are the worst team in the league and have a lame duck coach
Dal Toss up Dal looks awful, who knows what state they will be by this time
@SF L

Three games we really should win against the Seahawks and Rams at home and Carolina away.

We should win at least one of Denver and Dallas at home. We play much better at home and these teams are on the verge of quitting on their season.

Split seems reasonable with the 49ers.

So 8-8 or 9-7 is probably not too much of a reach and all that is needed to take the division. The Rams have a tough second half schedule with 5 away games and the Seahawks injuries along the defensive line looks like its killed the team.

Anderson might just decide to play an awful 4 INT game at any time so it's probably useless trying to predict though.

[Stranger]

Nevermind I forgot how awful we are.

[fenikz]

ya we are quite possibly the worst team in the NFL.

[Jensen]

Andrew Luck plz

[vidae]

Good game guys, good luck the rest of the way.

[Stranger]

So if Carolina can win one more game our week 15 game might be for the number one pick.

Looking at their schedule next week against the Seahawks seems like the best bet.

[MidwayMonster31]

You guys deserved better than that effort. Hall better be starting the rest of the way if Wis doesn't want Skelton in there.

[fenikz]

Skelton finally starting, now and forever :)

[Morton]

Shame. I enjoyed watching Max Hall play. He's like the ultimate monument to incompetence at the QB position.

[Jensen]

Bout damn time. We got nothing to lose. He's certainly not going to learn anything behind Derek ******* Anderson, let him learn by playing the game.

[fenikz]

Skelton looked good, has enough mobility to get pass attempts off even with the constant blitzing, was a bit unlucky with WR dropping 10 or so catchable passes but that will surely improve as they get used to one another. Red Zone needs some work but didn't seem like he ever really had a chance there.

[fenikz]

lol if we win out and the Rams lose to KC & SF then beat Sea with SF losing to SD and us I think we are in the playoffs

[Stranger]

lol if we win out and the Rams lose to KC & SF then beat Sea with SF losing to SD and us I think we are in the playoffs

I think Skelton makes it two for two this week. Playoffs here we come ;)

[Gary]

Now that this is a team board there will be more than one thread, lol.

The Cardinals need offensive lineman the most in the draft.

If I were a team GM my priority would also be to have a great line on both sides of the ball.

HOWEVER: With a wink and tongue in cheek I say the Cardinals should declare Max Hall the starter next season to ensure they win few games and end up with the top pick in next year's draft. How often does a franchise QB come around like Andrew Luck??

[Gary]

Skelton looked good, has enough mobility to get pass attempts off even with the constant blitzing, was a bit unlucky with WR dropping 10 or so catchable passes but that will surely improve as they get used to one another. Red Zone needs some work but didn't seem like he ever really had a chance there.

I did attend one game live this year where Skelton started. I like him too but how often does a top QB come from a private school?? It's not impossible but the odds are against Skelton becoming a top tier QB. That said, they still need to address this position in the offseason through a veteran free agent pickup and the draft.

[fenikz]

Horton hired as DC is now official
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/2011/02/09/20110209arizona-cardinals-hire-ray-horton-coordinator.html

Was my 3rd option behind LeBeau and Butler but with the Steelers eliminating any chance to interview them he will certainly do. He knows LeBeau's system as good as anyone, was with him in Cincy and then in Pittsburgh.

[fenikz]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/40154/video-larry-fitzgerald-with-cris-carter

[America]

Yall might have already talked about this, but with all the talk about sending DRC and a 2nd or 3rd rounder for Kolb, which seems way too steep for me, would you rather bomb this season with Skelton or some older free agent and get a chance at a guy like Andrew Luck or send Kolb through a crash course to learn the offense and suffer through his growing pains. I don't see Kolb as a sure thing at all. He's a classic gunslinger but turns the ball over too much and is a product of a lot of hype due to a lack of available quarterback talent. He might put up a ton of yards but he wouldn't be a franchise guy in my opinion. The 2012 draft's quarterback class is a lot better than this past years, so I'd figure even if you're mediocre this year, you've still got a shot at a top talent for the future.

[fenikz]

We're simply not bad enough to get the #1 pick & I still don't see us trading DRC, doesn't make sense for the Eagles either with their supposed switch towards a cover 2, i'd guess the price will be something like a 2012 & 2013 2nd one of which can become a 1st based on performance

[fenikz]

we suck :(

[Jensen]

Stupid, ******* ******** move. This is the type of move that destroys a franchise. I can't wait until we're looking for his replacement next year or the year after and we're even in a bigger hole. Also looking forward to the day when this management is gone. Whis can say goodbye to his job next year most likely as well. I just can't fathom how in the world Graves/Whis thought this deal made sense. Not only did we trade a pro-bowl CB and 2nd round pick for an unproven QB, we gave him over $60 ******* million dollars. What. The. ****. How in the blue hell do you give an unproven QB, who has never started half of a season in the NFL, let alone a full season, $60 million dollars. I'm about fed up with this team. Fitz is the only thing keeping me around.

[djp]

Thoughts on Daryl Washington? Loved, LOVED him coming out of college. How'd he play last year? Just looking on Google, seems like he did well.

[fenikz]

Looks like he has a very bright future, made quite a few rookie mistakes but physically he is great.

Besides the ****** trade I do like our FA signings

Daryn Colledge OG
Stewart Bradley LB
Richard Marshall CB
Jeff King TE
Chansi Stuckey WR
Nick Eason DE
-
D'Anthony Batiste OT
Stephen Spach TE
Reagan Maui'a FB

still should have plenty of cap space to get a RG and a veteran WR, need to bring in a back up NT as well and it would be nice to round it out with a pass rusher

[fenikz]

53 man roster prediction

QB Kevin Kolb - John Skelton - Max Hall
RB Beanie Wells - Ryan Williams - LaRod Stephen-Howling
FB Anthony Sherman
TE Todd Heap - Rob Housler - Jeff King
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Andre Roberts - Stephen Williams
WR Braylon Edwards - Early Doucet - Max Komar
LT Levi Brown - Jeremy Bridges
LG Daryn Colledge - Rex Hadnot
C Lyle Sendlein - Kris O'Dowd
RG Deuce Lutui - Floyd Womack
RT Brandon Keith

UT Darnell Dockett - Vonnie Holliday - David Carter
NT Dan Williams - Gabe Watson
LE Calais Campbell - Nick Eason
ROLB O'Brien Schofield - Joey Porter - Sam Acho
SILB Paris Lennon - Quan Sturdivant
WILB Daryl Washington - Reggie Walker
LOLB Stewart Bradley - Will Davis
CB Patrick Peterson - Mike Adams
FS Kerry Rhodes - Rashad Johnson
SS Adrian Wilson - Hamza Abdullah
CB Richard Marshall - Greg Toler - AJ Jefferson

P Ben Graham
K Jay Feeley
LS Mike Leach

Bold = Current FA

[SolidGold]

How has Anthony Sherman looked in camp so far? Dude is a beast.

[fenikz]

he's looked solid, will make the roster, not sure if he will beat Reagan Maui'a for the starting FB job but he will certainly contribute on speacial teams

also

Adam Schefter

Filed to ESPN: Arizona will sign WR Larry Fitzgerald to a record 8-year, $120 million deal that includes close to $50 million guaranteed.

:D :D :D

[SolidGold]

They should just line Sherman up at RB :)

[fenikz]

I know it's the preseason but I'd like to see the cardinals start to air it out a bit. 4 wide with Fitz/Roberts/Williams/Housler/Doucet

or if Heap returns some double TE with him & Housler

[fenikz]

roster cuts done, only real shockers are Will Davis & Ben Graham. Keeping 5 TE so I expect a ton of 2 TE and a lot of Housler split out wide.

[ShutDwn]

Hey guys, hope you are ready for the opener! I'm excited to see Cam play, but I don't necessarily expect a pretty result. I am betting that Larry gets at least 150 yards and Kolb does really well. Beanie should also have a good game against our defense because it has a huge hole in the middle.

[fenikz]

I think Cam will be a beast eventually, but not this year. I think best case scenario you end up with the #1 pick and trade it away for a king's ransom then grab a #1 WR.

Prediction I'll go 31-17

[fenikz]

I love the pressure but it was exposing our secondary, Rhodes is a terrible deep safety and Jefferson & Peterson were having a hard time covering deep outs and comebacks. Too much zone coverages as well and we are still going RCB & LCB

[Jensen]

That was some of the worst playcalling/coaching I've ever seen before.

[fenikz]

Cardinals needs
1. LT
2. 3-4 OLB
3. RT
4. #2 WR
5. CB/FS/SS

[bhaarat316]

don't you need to add qb to that list?

[fenikz]

nah Kolb has looked good when he has time to throw, but that is very rare. Only way we draft a QB is if we have the #1 pick and Luck declares

[Jensen]

I don't even want to know what the score is gonna be for the game this weekend. Our O-line against the Ravens' defense is gonna be a laugher. All I am hoping for is that Kolb is still alive after the game.

Also, we need to draft Kalil or Martin no matter where we are picking in this year's draft (i'm assuming top 10). And somehow get a 2nd rounder and draft another OT. Then OLB/CB the rest of the draft with a WR too.

[fenikz]

Patrick Peterson has become a shutdown corner over these last 3 games, I've counted 3 catches against him, 2 today. And then just to top it off he is the best punt returning in the NFL this year, doubt he sees anymore of those which should help us with field position.

Loving Acho and Schofield both are twice the players that Porter and Haggans are and I expect we won't be seeing much of the veterans past this point.

Skelton didn't play good but he played good enough, OL is still horrible and if we have to trade away half of our draft to get Kalil then we need to do it along with signing some sort of respectable RT

[fenikz]

Offense is just bad but the defense is getting so much better every game maybe we could get a decent OC next year(bring back Haley if he's fired)

I got us finishing 7-9, loses to SF & @ Cin and 2 home wins vs Cle & Sea

[fenikz]

It's so hard to evaluate Skelton, he's the most bipolar QB I've ever seen, sometimes he's nailing receivers in stride with ropes but then he will throw it a foot too high or behind a receiver and it always gets intercepted

[Jimmy]

How many cardinal fans on this forum? Jeez.

[fenikz]

there are a few, none very active in this forum, mostly Jensen and I

but we are stuck with Kolb and a terrible O-Line, hopefully he looks much better with a full offseason, my only hope for the o-line is Brown moves to RT and we draft someone in the 1st for LT

[Rabscuttle]

So............ no news means Kolb has been retained and gets his bonus?

[dan77733]

^^^^^ Yep. Cardinals had to release Kolb by 4pm EST because thats the end of business for the NFL in regards to transactions. Even though the Cardinals could still release Kolb tonight, it wouldnt be official until Monday so the Cardinals would still be stuck paying him the roster bonus and not even have him.

With that said, the Cardinals would have been better off releasing him, Porter, Bradley, Heap and Stuckey to free up cap space and make a bigger run at Manning. If not Manning, at least Flynn as he's easily better than Kolb.

[dan77733]

there are a few, none very active in this forum, mostly Jensen and I

but we are stuck with Kolb and a terrible O-Line, hopefully he looks much better with a full offseason, my only hope for the o-line is Brown moves to RT and we draft someone in the 1st for LT

OL isnt horrible. Brown at RT isnt as bad as everyone thinks. Snyder is solid at RG. Colledge at LG is good. Dont know about your center but yeah, LT would be my guess in round one. Wouldnt be surprised if they traded up too.

[fenikz]

fact is we have no LT right now so Levi Brown is the starter at this point, hopefully Reiff falls to us or we trade back for Adams/Glenn, I'm not a fan of Martin in general, don't know how far down my BB he would be but he would probably be 5th amongst LT's still

[villagewarrior]

Would Arizona fans be happy with David DeCastro wearing a Cardinals hat on draft day?

[fenikz]

I wouldn't mind it, I'd prefer him to Martin, Adams, Glenn and on par with Floyd

Line would still be terrible but it's a start

LT Brown
LG Colledge
C Sendlein
RG DeCastro
RT Synder

[fenikz]

my way way way too early 53 man roster(most of the rookies won't begin as starters but this is what I expect by years end)

QB Kevin Kolb - John Skelton - Ryan Lindley
RB Beanie Wells - Ryan Williams - LaRod Stephens-Howling
FB Anthony Sherman
TE Todd Heap - Rob Housler - Jeff King - Jim Dray
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Early Doucet - Stephen Williams
WR Michael Floyd - Andre Roberts - DeMarco Sampson
LT Levi Brown - Nate Potter
LG Daryn College - Senio Kelemete
C Lyle Sendlein
RG Adam Synder
RT Bobby Massie - Jeremy Bridges

UT Darnell Dockett - David Carter
NT Dan Williams - Nick Eason
LE Calais Campbell - Vonnie Holliday*
ROLB O'Brien Schofield
SILB Paris Lennon - Stewart Bradley
WILB Daryl Washington - Quan Sturdivant - Reggie Walker
LOLB Sam Acho - Clark Haggans*
CB Patrick Peterson - Greg Toler - Mike Adams
FS Kerry Rhodes - Rashad Johnson - Justin Bethel
SS Adrian Wilson - James Sanders
CB Jamell Fleming - A.J. Jefferson - William ***

K Jay Feeley
P Dave Zastudil
LS Mike Leach

KR LaRod Stephens-Howling
PR Patrick Peterson

Rookies in Red
* indicates current FA

[fenikz]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/05/01/draft/index.html

4. Ryan Lindley, Arizona (sixth round, 186th overall). Whoa, you say. Pump the brakes, pal. Nope. Lindley started 49 games in a pro-style offense in college, and the Cardinals aren't sold that Kevin Kolb is the long-term answer. Something tells me Lindley will have his shot to play by midseason.