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Tackle situation shows why you don’t fall in love

One of the clichés that always floats around at draft time is that a team never ever ever should fall in love with a player. I mean, if you’re picking No. 1, fine. But otherwise, there is always a risk that said player or players isn’t going to be there. And you don’t want to be disappointed or let the emotion of losing out on such a crush drive you to do something dumb when you are on the clock.

That crossed my mind this morning when NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock talked about what has become a growing sentiment — that all three high-end offensive tackles available: Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson — will all be off the board by the time the Cardinals pick at No. 7. Let’s make this clear, no one knows for sure the Cards even like all three at that point, although it stands to reason they do. For a while, it was people thinking Fisher would be there and Joeckel wouldn’t. Then it was Fisher being gone and Johnson being the consideration. But there is a strong likelihood that the Chiefs take Joeckel at No. 1 (KC wants to trade Branden Albert) and the Eagles (No. 4) and the Lions (No. 5) both easily could take the other two tackles. Even if one lasts to No. 6, the next scenario could be the Browns trading out of No. 6 to the Chargers or Dolphins, both of whom need a left tackle like Johnson (pictured below).

Now, the Dolphins are talking with the Chiefs about the Albert trade, which would take them out of the mix. But the Chargers, picking 11th, could try to jump up (with Ken Whisenhunt’s new team potentially stealing a tackle out from under his old team.)

What does this all mean? Well, this is operating under the assumption the Cards are focusing on a tackle. That was the thought last year too and they took Michael Floyd over Riley Reiff, so there’s that. I don’t see the Cards trading up and surrendering a pick, although I’m not positive on that. If all the tackles are off the board in the top five, I could definitely see the Cards trying to trade down a little, although other than the tackles, I don’t know who would trade up. And again, if three tackles go off the board that early, someone is sitting there that hadn’t been expected. Will it be someone the Cards want?

– As long as we are talking about potential picks at No. 7, we have our annual mock draft contest ready for play right here. Hope you decide to take a crack at who you think the Cardinals will select.

McCoy headed to Chargers

The Cardinals, it seemed, wanted to get a second chance to talk to Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy about their open head coaching job. It certainly doesn’t look like they will get it, not after the news early Tuesday that McCoy is finalizing a deal to become the Chargers head coach and has told the Broncos he is leaving. (In an interesting twist, former Cards coach Ken Whisenhunt reportedly would be a candidate to replace McCoy as Broncos offensive coordinator, which if it comes to pass would mean Whiz got to team up with Peyton Manning after all.)

UPDATE: McCoy to Chargers is done.

With McCoy going elsewhere, that leaves defensive coordinator Ray Horton and Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. (I know I don’t have Todd Haley in here. Maybe I should but I just don’t see it. Could be totally wrong.) I am going on gut here only, but I’d think Horton would have a strong chance at this point. I have no idea who his assistants would be on the offensive side of the ball — I’m not sure anyone does, outside of Cards’ ownership and the front office — but I don’t think anyone would be hired without confidence in those choices. Again, president Michael Bidwill and general manager Steve Keim know how poorly the offense played and how it must be fixed. Bidwill insisted he wouldn’t make a choice based on offense/defense, but Gruden is an offensive guy.

Does this mean a decision will be made today? We will see. Anymore, it’s tough to forecast anything in a world of coaching searches that seem to change every few hours.

Fitz’s comments on changes, and Whiz’s future

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald put out a statement in regards to the firings Monday of coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves:

“We all shoulder the blame for a disappointing season which began with such promise. A unique relationship with all of my coaches past and present is a valued life experience. I would like to thank them all, especially Coach Ken Whisenhunt and General Manager Rod Graves who gave me the opportunity to live my dream in the NFL.

“Even in the midst of a tumultuous season, it was still a pleasure to work for the staff we served under, and for that, we remain grateful. Their professionalism will provide for renewed accomplishments in different environs. We all, to a man, thank them and wish them the best.”

Fitz hadn’t been available in the locker room Monday, but after the game Sunday, he was asked about if he ever would give his input to the team going into offseason.

“Yeah, in opportune times I speak up, but I don’t think you should air your dirty laundry either,” Fitzgerald said. “This is a close-knit group. We have a great relationship with each other and I think it’s best done in house and I’ve always believed that.”

Fitz, however, added — again — it doesn’t really come up. “If they ask me any questions I’ll be always open to talk and give them my opinion, but it hasn’t happened in nine years so I don’t expect it to happen any time soon,” he said. ” I’ll be ready when my numbers’ called.”

There is little question this move has a potential huge impact on Fitz. The offensive issues killed his season. How Fitz would fit with whatever the new offense will look like — and who would be throwing him the ball — will be one of the top storylines.

– It’s no surprise Ken Whisenhunt is in search of another head coaching job at this point. Kevin Acee reported Whiz was interested in the Chargers job (although no word that the Chargers were actually interested in him.) Tim Graham said the Bills will probably be interested in Whiz, and interestingly, one of the other two known candidates is Cards’ DC Ray Horton. Whiz apparently had contract language with the Cards that means any new job salary he gets comes off the $5.5 million they owe him. That would allow a new team, in theory, to get him cheap in 2013 (since Whiz will get $5.5M regardless) but at the same time, would save the Cards at least some money as opposed to if Whiz just sits out this next season.

Chargers aftermath

You know what I thought of when I watched Kevin Kolb launch one down the field and connect perfectly with Larry Fitzgerald for that 80-yard touchdown bomb Saturday night? Not the Super Bowl catch (comon — no matter how pretty, the stakes were so dramatically different. There weren’t stakes in this game). Not even the one-time Kurt Warner-to-Fitz combo — Kurt liked to spread it around so much.

No, what I thought of was this entire last month. If we have learned anything about Kolb since he arrived it’s that he understands that a) Fitz likes the ball; b) Fitz can get the ball most of the time if it is anywhere close; and c) good things tend to happen when Fitz has the ball. We will see what happens when teams start gameplanning more to defend Fitz, but it’s hard to think that, assuming both Kolb and Fitz are healthy, Fitz is going to have anything but a monster year statistically.

Offensively, the Cards showed some pop. Beanie Wells is running as well as he did late in his rookie season. That’s a good thing, because that’s when I thought he was about to be a 1,200-yard back. The line is giving Kolb some protection. There’s a long way to go, but it’s easy to see how this team could score some points when it finally clicks — because at this point, they say they are not.

“I know we had some incompletions early, but a few of them were miscommunications,” Kolb said. “That’s going to happen … The biggest thing is starting early and then when we get in that red zone, making it count. That’s still an issue of ours going forward.”

– All this concern about stretching the field. Fitzgerald looked pretty fast on that 80-yard catch and then No. 2 Andre Roberts split the seam pretty well on that 34-yard reverse for a touchdown (shown below). “I want people to respect my speed,” Roberts said with a grin. “They call me slow. Maybe plays like that will help it out a little bit.”

– Funny how people were wondering about Patrick Peterson and his lack of impact and then he gets a Pick-6. Make no mistake, he’s a work-in-progress. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the Chargers were kind of picking on him later in the half, Peterson insisted “it wasn’t pick-on-Peterson night.” Whatever the case, he is still learning. He insists he isn’t frustrated with how he is being handled. I’ll say this: He sure sounds like he has the perfect attitude. At some point — sooner rather than later — he is going to be a star. I really believe that.

– The Cards may need him sooner, depending on how bad the sprain is of starter Greg Toler. That could hurt in the short-term, and just ratchets up the importance of how A.J. Jefferson has played.

– I still think Dan Williams will be the starting nose tackle. But rookie David Carter is going to push for that job. Both have to play anyway. Whiz said Carter got cut blocked on Ryan Mathews’ 48-yard run and he has to find a way to plug the middle. But overall Carter is making a strong push. At this rate, he will be the pleasant surprise of camp.

– Speaking of making pushes, Rich Bartel is pushing John Skelton as backup QB. Bartel talked the other day about seizing opportunity. Then he completes 8-of-10 passes and tosses a TD. Save for that one bad INT in Green Bay, he seems to have made every other decision the right way this preseason.

– Kolb threw a block on Roberts’ run. I’m not sure that’s a smart thing. The coaches don’t think so, apparently. “My job is what I call ‘Push and pester,’ ” Kolb said. “I’m just trying to get in the way of somebody.” Just, please, stay safe when doing it.

– Peterson looked good on a punt return. Whiz said PP was back there because Roberts has a sore thumb. The way Peterson runs them back, it may be hard to not have him back there, even if Roberts’ thumb is golden.

– Ben Graham was the only Card to punt. He sure seemed to respond well to the signing of Dave Zastudil. Graham averaged 41.3 yards on four punts, dropping three inside the San Diego 20 and netting 48 yards on his other kick. He’s not going anywhere if he performs like that.

– Would’ve liked to see running back Alfonso Smith. Hamstring soreness kept him out. I’ll be curious to know if he can play in the fourth game at all.

OK, it’s late — very late — and I’m tired. Time to wrap this up. Short week before the Broncos come in Thursday. First cuts — from 90 to 80 — have to be done by Tuesday. I’d expect Monday. Then the final cut to 53 comes next weekend sometime. It will be interesting.

Housler, Sampson sitting vs. San Diego

Tight end Rob Housler (groin) and wide receiver DeMarco Sampson (hamstring), a pair of rookies who have impressed early, will not play tonight in the third preseason game against San Diego. Both got hurt during practice this past week. Quarterback John Skelton (ankle) also is sitting out, setting the stage for Rich Bartel to be the backup and possible playing time for newcomer Brodie Croyle.

Linebacker Brandon Sharpe (hamstring), safety Adrian Wilson (biceps) and cornerback Michael Adams (knee) are also sitting out for the Cards.

Friday before the Chargers

The Cardinals finally get to play a home game. And it’s the third game of the preseason, the one where starters play the most and — mostly — it’s the best way to judge a team. It’s still a preseason game, of course. No gameplanning, nothing set up. The Cards continue to test out new parts of the offense and defense. Still, quarterback Kevin Kolb knows the impact that this game can have. “The biggest thing, this is the one, when you look at the scores, this is the one where you measure everyone up,” Kolb said. “And we want to measure well.”

(I will admit, when Kolb said that the other day, I desperately wanted to say, “So you’re saying the third game of the preseason isn’t bu…?” Well, you know.)

– Halfway through the preseason, and with the end of the time in training camp, the Cards are getting more comfortable with new defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s defense. But again, it’ll be a work in progress.

“We’ve got the grit of it,” safety Kerry Rhodes said. “We know what we are going to run, we can go and play a game. We’ve got the base stuff, and some of the exotic stuff. But we don’t have everything in. We’re just trying to do that, like a cram session. Cram for the test, and hopefully that first test against Carolina, we pass with flying colors.”

– Kolb talked about the “hiccups” in the offense. They probably won’t be ironed out just this week. It would be nice to see Kolb in control of the offense during a touchdown drive or two. He joked that he has been saving them for his first game at University of Phoenix Stadium, even “six or seven of them.” One or two would suffice against the Chargers.

– Curious to see, against a really good passing offense for a second straight week, how the cornerbacks hold up. Rookie Patrick Peterson got a taste of a high-profile receiver last week, getting beat by Greg Jennings for a touchdown. I’m also starting to think under-the-radar A.J. Jefferson is going to be a starter when the season begins, so this is another good test for him.

– Alfonso Smith wanted his shot. With Ryan Williams down, I’d think the Cards will be careful with Beanie Wells. And cuts are going to come quickly over the next week or so. As has been said many times, the Cards will look at all the running backs available after the league-wide cuts. There could be some intriguing names out there, especially after the final cuts following the fourth preseason game. In the meantime, Smith — who shows promise — will get his shot.

– So too will QB Rich Bartel. Story on him on the homepage right here.

– This is another big game for OLB O’Brien Schofield. He played so well last week, but coach Ken Whisenhunt wants consistency. He’s a chance to show that.

– I know it’s just a preseason game, but I am looking forward to this one. Going back to the Red-White practice, where 13,000 people showed up, there has been a resurgence in enthusiasm. Some is natural, with a new season. But injected with the new players arriving, headlined by Kolb, and the hope after the lockout finally ended, there is a new vibe with this team. We’ll see how it plays out in front of the home crowd.

Chargers aftermath

Where to begin … I write this about 10:30 p.m., with already some 90 comments on the blog waiting for approval/answers. I haven’t read them quite yet. I can imagine what most say. There will be talk about the quarterback, I’d guess, thank goodness Whiz went to Max Hall, etc. There will be rants about the defense – and honestly, I didn’t see their troubles coming – and the offensive line.

The answers aren’t coming tonight. There are some significant issues to fix (and doing it the week of the Saints game seems a difficult chore). “It’s a bitter taste and no one around here really likes it,” linebacker Joey Porter said. “Now it’s, what do you do to respond?”

– I don’t know what coach Ken Whisenhunt does at QB. As I mentioned a couple of times, I think he’ll tip toward Max Hall. I’m not sure he is convinced Hall is the guy that can win enough to secure a very winnable division, just because Hall is inexperienced and rookies don’t usually perform that way. But as I mentioned in my column, Whiz has talked too many times about missing on big plays (when Anderson was QB) that to see it happen again Sunday on the errant Stephen Williams throw is tough to take.

– The other question is, does Whiz make a decision public before the end of the week? Maybe he does. If he doesn’t, that’d make for one interesting week in front of the media for both players.

– After all that talk about rookie receivers, and they turned out to be kind of moot Sunday because of the quarterback situation and the defensive woes. Max Komar made a big 16-yard catch on the very first drive. Williams got open on the aforementioned bomb attempt but dropped a ball right in his hands later. Again, a mixed bag without much to grade.

– Have to be impressed with how physical of a tackler cornerback Greg Toler is, after he forced the fumble. Much better than I expected him to be.

– Had one offensive lineman ask me, “So, what did you see?” with the play today. No way to know. I know on one of Shaun Phillips’ four sacks, he timed his rush perfect (he was moving as the snap came back) and tackle Brandon Keith – in my opinion – had zero chance to block him. The rest of the sacks, I’d have to look. Guard Alan Faneca looked like he got beat on one, but again, I haven’t broken down any film. When it was as bad as Sunday, I would guess there are multiple issues. And when you are behind big and have no threat to run, that’s a really, really bad way to be judging your pass protection (And no, I am not excusing the line play, before you jump my case).

– Defensive coordinator Bill Davis talked about making changes if need be, and so did Whisenhunt. It’s always a little scary when a player – Darnell Dockett in this case – says the defensive problems were about “want-to.”

“The game is simple,” Dockett added. “The same plays they ran, we practiced. Again, when you practice, you got to put it out there, it’s simple. It’s simple as hell.”

– Did you notice Andre Roberts caught the one punt booted to him? And he returned it 19 yards? So there’s that.

I don’t have much else to add. More tomorrow.

Friday before the Chargers

I enjoy San Diego. I have been there many times, and had some good family vacations there. Given that the freaking temperature here in the Valley continues to boggle us at around 105 degrees now that we’ve reached October, 36 hours in San Diego sounds good.

Football-wise, it’s definitely an interesting trip to say the least. The Chargers are beat up, missing two key players because of contract squabbles, and apparently can’t tackle on special teams. They are 1-2, and are turnover machines – and still are favored by more than a touchdown. I suppose that says a little about where the Cardinals are right now, beat up themselves at wide receiver and still looking for offensive consistency and a true defensive identity.

I will say this: If the Cards emerge victorious this weekend – regardless of how it happens – this team will have earned its 3-1 record.

As for the details on this Friday afternoon …

– I’ve mentioned this before but the Cardinals need a big effort on defense. They just do. Partly it’s because the Chargers have turned the ball over nine times in three games. Partly it’s because the Cards just don’t know what will happen offensively. Those turnovers are key, though (Duh, right?) The Chargers are ranked tops in the NFL in offense, which is based on yards, and the Cards know they haven’t been stellar in that regard.

“We have been giving up a lot more yards than we should,” defensive end Calais Campbell said. “We know if we don’t play our game, they can expose us.”

Said safety Kerry Rhodes, “They are number one for a reason. They get a lot of big chunks. We give up the big one, we’re going to be in trouble.”

– On the other side of the ball, Derek Anderson will be tested. The passing game has been hot and cold even with Steve Breaston in the game and now Breaston isn’t. I like the potential of Stephen Williams and even Max Komar, but the question is whether potential helps enough right now.

– So then you think about Larry Fitzgerald and getting him the ball – again. Is he a decoy (not on purpose, but …)? Coach Ken Whisenhunt knows the Chargers may use even more resources to throw at Fitz. But, Whiz noted, “if you’re going to compromise your scheme to take away a certain player, it may open up certain areas and you can exploit it.”

– Fitzgerald expressed his concern in a Fitz-like way this week, talking about just wanting to double his catches from last week’s two, etc. Clearly, he and Anderson have to hook up on openings more often. Whisenhunt even mentioned missing on the big plays when they presented themselves last week, and it seems like there have been a couple each game in which Fitz could have broken loose and the connection just wasn’t made.

Fitz talked about getting on the same page, still preaching patience. Most dynamic duos have had a couple of years. He and Anderson have had three games. “Reggie Wayne and Peyton, Moss and Brady, they know each other, all their quirky moves,” Fitzgerald said. “That’s what me and Derek need to do.”

Fitz said it felt like it was working better in Atlanta. Last week, not as much. “Hopefully this is the week it comes together,” he said.

– XTRA’s Mike Jurecki is reporting rookie nose tackle Dan Williams didn’t make weight this week so he won’t play in San Diego. If so, it’s a lot easier to make such a call with veteran Gabe Watson – who has been a healthy scratch the first three games – champing at the bit to finally play. (Bryan Robinson is the starter, so we’re talking about a backup anyway). It’s a big moment for Watson, who you know doesn’t want to be one and done. And it’s an wake-up call for Williams, who was regarded as a nose tackle who wouldn’t have to fight such things as much as guys like Watson and Alan Branch have the past few years.

– The game in San Diego will be blacked out locally because, for a second time in two home games, the Chargers didn’t sell out. It’s been an issue there, although quarterback Philip Rivers insisted it doesn’t affect the home-field advantage.

“We were 7,000 tickets or so short in the home opener, but you sure couldn’t tell,” Rivers said. “It was loud. … I don’t think that’s something us players get caught up into.”

– Another thing the Chargers haven’t had affect them too much – the missing stars, tackle Marcus McNeill and receiver Vincent Jackson. Rivers said everyone knew both would not show up, so there was no shock value. “We were able to have a whole offseason, a whole training camp a whole preseason knowing we weren’t going to have those guys,” he said. “It really hasn’t been a distraction.”

– Which special teams unit “wins” Sunday? Do the Chargers make up for their errors last week in giving up two TD kickoff returns? Do the Cards repeat The Hyphen’s exploits? Or at least cut down on two crucial punt return turnovers? “The toll it took on our defense, at the time, our defense was on a roll,” Whisenhunt said of the backbreaking notion of bad special teams plays. “I’m sure it’s a little the same thing with San Diego.”

– Finally, it stinks that Beanie Wells got hit with the $5,000 facemask fine from last week. But judging by this pic (by freelance photog Bruce Yeung, who had been reading my blog) it’s kind of tough to argue.

The Hyphen talks punt returns, Sproles

First things first: LaRod Stephens-Howling isn’t going to return punts. Not right now. The Hyphen has talked to special teams coach Kevin Spencer about it, and he’s given it a try in practice. But it’s just not The Hyphen.

“I mean, returning punts is one of the hardest jobs there is,” Stephens-Howling said. “It is something I work on every offseason and I try to get more comfortable at it. That’s not to say I won’t do it in the future. I’ll keep working on it, and hopefully I will get comfortable enough to be able to do it.”

Told the fan base wouldn’t mind him having a shot, Stephens-Howling smiled. “It feels good they have that confidence,” he said. He just doesn’t have the confidence right now.

That’s one of the few things The Hyphen isn’t comfortable with, however. His 102-yard kickoff return Sunday was a huge play (broken down right here, and on video right here). He’s a long way since draft day 2009 when he broke down multiple times – including on a conference call with reporters – because he was so happy to be picked.

Coincidentally, Stephens-Howling draws comparisons to another small running back, Darren Sproles, who happens to play for the team the Cards will see Sunday – the Chargers. Sproles also has played a role in where Stephens-Howling is today.

Seems the offensive line coach at Pitt when LSH was in college – Paul Dunn – was at Kansas State when Sproles was there. Stephens-Howling followed Sproles closely when Sproles was in college and LSH in high school. When The Hyphen got to Pitt, Dunn put on video of Sproles to show what Dun thought Stephens-Howling could be. “That was the film that let me know I had a shot at the NFL,” Stephens-Howling said.

Stephens-Howling, all 5-foot-7 of him, has already changed the way coach Ken Whisenhunt looks at smaller players. “I have certainly learned a great lesson with LaRod,” Whiz said. “I think it’s easy to look at a player’s size and have preconceived ideas what his limitations are. … I can say now, my thinking on that has changed tremendously.”

The Hyphen and Sproles met for the first time following the Cards-Chargers preseason game in 2009. They briefly talked about Dunn and their spots in the league.

“We’re the underdogs,” The Hyphen said. “We don’t get much but when we get the opportunity we try and get all we can.”

A-Dub, Rivers on buddy system

If one of your long-time friends was your target when you blitzed, would you still drill the guy?

Adrian Wilson doesn’t hesitate. No way he’s easing up on Philip Rivers.

“Absolutely not,” Wilson said, a smile crossing his face. “He knows that. He ain’t gonna let up passing the ball down the field, so, you know … it’s how it is.”

Wilson, the Cards’ safety, and Rivers, the Chargers quarterback who may be seeing Wilson up close and personal Sunday, played at North Carolina State together. Wilson came out after his junior season in 2001; Rivers was done in college after the 2003 season. But when their time overlapped, Rivers and Wilson were dorm mates, living a few doors down from each other.

Wilson never had a car growing up – didn’t want a car, in fact – so when it was time for a food run, Rivers was the ride.

“He used to take me to Dairy Queen, Bojangles, the 25-cent wing store,” Wilson said. “We did a lot of stuff together.”

Said Rivers, “There were many trips to Dairy Queen and Bojangles and stuff. He was always coming knocking on my door for a ride.”

Not that Wilson was asking. “He pretty much just told me,” Rivers added. “I’d hear that knock on the door and he’d say, ‘Let’s go,’ and I’d be like, ‘Alright, coming.’”

Rivers admitted he was a little intimidated by Wilson at first – “You couldn’t really quite read him whether he’s serious or when he’s having a good time,” Rivers said – but said Wilson was a “good buddy.”

Wilson said the two trade text messages often. These days, that includes talking about their beloved Wolfpack, who have raced out to a 4-0 start. Wilson said that gives the pair plenty to talk about. There may be more to talk about after Sunday too.

“He’s all over the place as always,” Rivers said. “He flies around out there. He and (Darnell) Dockett jump off the screen when you’re watching tape.”