sometimes even those of us from the States have a hard time explaining our thoughts correctly.

And you’re right, perhaps sometimes rookies earn starting spots not on the practice field, but by the poor performance or injuries of those ahead of them on the depth charts.

I agree with the waiting on rookies to develop, but without seeing significant playing time you just don’t develop. Thats just my point of view .

As the position Cardinals are in now, I would make changes. Thats why I’m asking why Whiz is waiting for his team to perform instead of making the changes – Letting them know that you’re replacing them should give them more will and power to perform. The rookies is standing in line with aggression, motivation and will.

I’m not from the States, trying to explain as good as i can – Since english is not my main language.

“chants for the QB on the bench.” That was really good.

But I think most teams have that one.

I’m going to be smiling all day thinking of that chant.

Playing time;
I think, for me, would depend on the position, type of Defense/Offense he was asked to play and draft status.

A gifted passrusher like Aldon Smith was moving from DE to OLB. He knew how to get after the QB, but not the rest that goes with playing OLB. The niners used him in passing situations and he had an impact as a rookie without starting.

Von Miller played OLB in college and also was a gifted pass rusher. The Broncos started him on day one, knowing he had a grasp on OLB and then moved him to DE to rush passer on passing downs. (Broncos moved from a 4-3 to a Hybrid 3-4 this year)

Both made impacts while one started and one didnt.

Some Olines are complicated, like Washington, some are easy to pick up like San Fran, who is thinking we aren’t tricking you, we are just better. Some run the ball and let OLineman do what they have always known to do, run block. While others ask them to pass block in complicated schemes.

A good example is Orlando Franklin, RT on Denver. He was a rookie last year. He started and played well largely in part that it was a run first Tim Tebow offense. This year, with a year under his belt, he is asked to protect Manning more. But because he was eased in, he is ready now. Sure there are excetions, just a general rule I am looking at.

So, what I’m saying is, it depends on scheme, where the player played in college and experience coming in, and what that player is going to be asked to do that all goes into the decision of when he gets to start. As a fan, I want those draft picks in now. My head tells me something else.

Dynosoar,
No we do not. I remember Woofley or someone trying to get a first down thing going. Wait, I take that back, sometimes I hear chants for the QB on the bench. Yes I do remember that one.

Finally, re: Potter,
I am sure Shelton would say if it was only speed, Potter could adjust. But the passrushers like Abraham are professionals at what they do. These guys go hard on speed, then set you up and bull rush you right into the QB. Spin moves, inside moves, there is so much a vet can do to Potter, not to mention zone blitzes and stunts. That is why an experienced LT isnt as excited after 3 quarters as myself or other fans. LJ knows what is coming. If Potter holds up these last games, we may have found our LT. But he will give up sacks, not doubt about it.

Payton Manning played from day one. Eli Manning sat and learned behind Kurt Warner. Aaron Rodgers sat behind Brett Favre for an even longer time than Eli.

All have Super Bowl rings (interestingly, how many do each of the Manning brothers have?)

Phillip Rivers started from day one as did Alex Smith, due to an injury, so did Kurt Warner (however, he had several years in Arena League and NFL Europe, so I’d put him in the learned behind category.) Kevin kolb also learned and waited behind McNabb (uh oh, please don’t let anyone think I’m suggesting we get Donnavan on our team, even if he does live in the Desert.)

For every rookie that starts playing day one and is succesful, another plays day one and is unsuccessful.

For every player that waits and earns his playing time and finds success, another waits and earns starting time and is unssuccessful.

Whizenhunt’s philosophy is his because he’s seen it work. Other coaches have a different philosophy because they’ve seen rookies starting work. Pro’s and con’s on both sides.

I don’t think either aproach is right or wrong, perhaps a blending of both, but to say Whizenhunt should change his style because of the “evidence”, there’s just as much “evidence” supporting his philosophy.

Manning vs. Newton first season. Manning vs. Newton second season. Which philosophy is right, I don’t really know. But I do know Whizenhunt is the winningest coach in Cardinals history, so he’s doing something right and now it’s Potter’s time to shine.

Go Nate! Go Cards!

RE: Brown at guard

First, you weren’t the only one to bring up the Brown switch, so I don’t want you to think that was just directed at you.

As far as all the moves, there’s nothing they can do until the offseason. I want to see this season play out first.

RE: QB vs Falcons

It will be Skelton. Kolb isn’t healthy yet.

As for rookies starting, we have covered that many, many times. It happens infrequently with him. He wants them to earn the playing time.

RE: Shelton

Regarding the “slow feet,” it’s funny — Ron Wolfley said on the show one of Shelton’s best attributes was his footwork. Since Ron actually played a decade in the NFL, I’ll go with his assessment.