Arizona Cardinals

Have you ever been this excited about the Cardinals. I really believe they will beat Carolina this Saturday. I have not slept well all week because of nerves for the game. Play your hearts out boys!

Updated post? See if this link works for video from the NFL network. Brian Baldinger with the AZ qb's

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80875b92

Reports are that Bill B Jr is trying to push Micahael out. The old man is allowing it. A couple things come to mind - I think Michael is the one that has brought the Cardinals organization into modern NFL times - and has tremendously improved the image and standing of the Carinals. We haven't won yet - but have managed the cap - paid free agents, and got rookies to sign within reasonable time. Credit should also be given to Rod Graves as well and being a money manager. Now - as far as talent evaluations go - Michael and Rod need work. But I remember that William B. JR. screwed this organization years ago with Buddy Ryan, and the Buddy's son. He also gave Plummer $15 million signing bonus - about $7.5 too much. Even in today's terms, that is quite a bit for a QB that hasn't reached superstar status. I hear that Michael is the A-hole to work for, but the old man and jr are nice. I think that neither should run it. Michael can be the head lawyer - that's it, Jr could be the head publicist - that's it. Hire a quality GM, and let him and his staff make all the football decisions. Final contracts should just be signed by the old man, and really should stay out unless it is a person of obviuos character quality - such as T.O.

It took me this long to calm down. Really there is not much to say - maybe just give a few shout outs to great players and call out the sucky ones.
Eric Green - his best game ever as a Cardinal - go so far as to say he was MVP of the game
Darnell Dockett - his big raise did not go to his head - he played very well
Gabe Watson - the rookie did well too
Bert Berry - he showed up
Gerald Hayes - played as well as excpected
Anquan Boldin - him and Leinart are the only ones who want to win on offense
Matt Leinart - see above
Edgerrin James - I'm sorry, but he sucks. I won't let the line take all the blame. Shipp hits the whole much faster and could at least fall forward for positive yards. Edge - 2nd half - 27 carries for 25 yards. Oh by the way - when Leinart got hit from behind for the fumble - that was Edge's fault. Matt called an audible which required Ross to let the DE go and Edge was supposed to change direction and hit the DE. Good move Edge.
Scott Player - why did we keep him - Crenshaw had a much better training camp, yet we keep Scott Player?
Neil Rackers - has missed 5 this year - can't handle the pressure?
Nick Lechey - actually played better than Stepanovich - maybe it was the right move

check out this link for offensive production so far:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/1019cardsrankings.html

Dockett is extended through 2011. Reportedly a big raise this year with a 3.5m bonus, plus a bonus next year of 3.5m Decent money for a DT. Is he worth it? Probably, it's nice to lock him up, but what worries me is that he will fall back on his thug days and have off field problems. But I won't knock a player wanting to stay here. With the right coach, this team could go far.

Well - if the Cardinals would win more often, I might say the game against the Chief's was a good game. I say that - because the excitment was there. Leinart looked good, he scored on his first 2 posessions, making it very exciting. Problem is, our coaching staff just does no know how to win. The did 6 straight passes with a ten point lead. Run the Ball! With that said - Leinart was comfortable and the play calling seemed to utilize more options. We should be 3-2 right now instead of 1-4. Pathetic

Leinart's touchdown pass to Boldin was Leinart's call! He called an audible at the line of scrimmage, and went for it! Our future could be bright with a new coaching staff.

quote from Bickley article about the line: 10/3/06

Sadly, against good opponents Warner ran for his life more often than Edgerrin James ran for positive yardage. Yet when pressed on how a switch in quarterbacks can make the blocking better, the coach almost blew a gasket: "I already told you," Green snapped. "I think you're just trying to get on my nerves. I've already answered that question two times. I said (it's) because I feel that way. I think goes under coaching. If you think it does, it does. I (won't) get into a dissertation right now. Maybe I will Wednesday. Maybe I won't."
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Can our line play decent enough? The biggest problem I see, is that they are not nasty. Big Leonard Davis is just a rich kid who doesn't have the mean streak to be a good offensive lineman. Pete Kendall provided that, but Green got rid of him. I am sorry I go back to that, but Green dismantled this line, and Kendall was not only my favorite, but our best lineman. Green also got rid of LJ Shelton for some reason. Shelton was not a superstar, but a much better LT then Davis. Davis could have stayed at guard, Shelton (with his better footwork and positioning) could have stayed at LT. We would have Reggie wells at guard, Pete Kendall at center, and then Whomever at rt. Oliver Ross may become servicable there. Or pay big money for a proven veteran.