Comments on: Seeing things on the run

By: Cert 33

Cert 33 — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:11:40 +0000

Since there are no NFL “starter” caliber QB’s in the upcoming draft, I think that Stepfan Taylor would be a good fit on the Cards. Of course, that pick would be a total waste if Grimm is not replaced and the O-Line revamped. The only “franchise” QB coming up out of the college ranks in the future will be “Johnny Football” (John Manziel) in a couple of years. I doubt if the Bidwells would be willing to accomodate the high price tag that will come with sighning him.

By: Darren Urban

Darren Urban — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:49:53 +0000

Rick Von –

RE: Beanie

I’m not sure what happens there. He is under contract for another season, but you make fair points. I think the Cards will have to look many places on offense and make some decisions/upgrades.

By: Rick Von

Rick Von — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:01:50 +0000

Darren,
Do think it is very likely the Cards try to trade or just release Beanie. He’s just not on the field enough, and when he is the consistent production just isn’t there. I’m not sure what he is slotted to make next season but it’s probably more than he deserves.

I think it’s safe to say the Cards will look to upgrade the RB position in the draft as well as OL this coming draft. It doesn’t seem to be a very talented draft for QB’s, at least that is the consensus with most so called “experts”, which I am not.

I really enjoy your articles Darren, thanks for keeping them coming.

By: Campbells

Campbells — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 10:11:24 +0000

We really need to focus on the o-line, and running game (linemen, tight-end, and smash mouth running back).
Emmitt Smith is highly regarded, but does anyone remember seeing some of the holes he had to run through? A small car could’ve made it through untouched. The goal should be to assemble a dominant line, if possible.
We need a (big) play making tight-end.
The defense isn’t perfect, but it’s been very effective. Adding a shutdown corner would help, if available.
Hope we don’t focus too hard on acquiring a fantastic QB (like we did when we acquired Kolb). There aren’t any available this year. Hate to see draft picks given away, and enormous salary paid to an underachiever.
Hate to beat a dead horse, but we need a coaching staff that can make all the pieces work well together.

By: iammattyoung

iammattyoung — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 03:21:56 +0000

Here’s calling for Whisenhunt’s head at the end of the season. His coaching career hangs on two points: 1) “what he did with” Ben Roethlisberger and 2) leading the Cardinals to the brink of a Championship. I think that it’s clear at this point that Roethlisberger is, and always was, a superb quarterback, and that Ken Whisenhunt did not “make” him. I think that it’s also clear that Whisenhunt’s success with the Cardinals was a direct result of Kurt Warner’s ability to command an offense. Whisenhunt has made one bad choice after another and has failed to sustain any semblance of an offense without an MVP-caliber QB behind center. With rumblings that Horton will be offered a head coaching job elsewhere, the best thing the Cards could do is promote him to head coach to keep the one good thing this team has going for it.

Unfortunately, there are no great QBs available. Fortunately, it actually looked like Kolb could win behind this defense. With both Potter and Massie showing improvement, the Cards could go after a top-flight guard in the draft (Colledge and Snyder simply can’t open running lanes), or a true pass rushing OLB.

By: Cheese

Cheese — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 01:57:09 +0000

Darren,

With two running backs coming off of really tough knee injuries and without making major upgrade to the offensive line in the off-season, what exactly was the hope for an improved running game based on? Again… you’re probably gonna call this a loaded question, but I am just completely flummoxed that this team thought the running game was going to get a lot better this season depending on two injury prone running backs, both of which were coming off major surgeries. Did they simply believe that by adding a relatively suspect G in Snyder, that it would make that much of a difference to off-set problems at the RB position?

Scott

By: AndyStandsUp

AndyStandsUp — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 01:23:40 +0000

In nearly six seasons Whisenhunt has been the coach of fourteen 100 yard games and the team has been no better than 24th in league under his tenure.
Now with Warner and Well’s injuries and Ken’s proclivity for splitting carries, some excuses can be made, but you’re really reaching when the run game has been that bad for that long.

By: Darren Urban

Darren Urban — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:23:08 +0000

Ottis –

RE: Typo

Thanks for the heads-up.

By: Darren Urban

Darren Urban — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:19:04 +0000

Mike G –

RE: Health

I have no idea. If I could do that, I’d be in a different job making a lot more money.

By: Ottis Anderson Fan

Ottis Anderson Fan — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 22:23:38 +0000

Hi Darren,

I think you meant, “couldn’t” in the second sentence of the third paragraph.

“…when Wells could grind..”