The Arizona Cardinals Report by Phoenix49ers | Page 4

Phoenix49ers · 2014-08-26T12:03:30-07:00

Being that I'm actually in Phoenix and get to hear about all the latest news on the Cardinals, whether I want to or not, here's a brief Cliff Notes summary on their team so far. 1. The secondary is looking to be a lot better. Patrick Peterson has a big new contract and teammates and coaches have been praising him for his improvement out on the field. For the first time in his NFL career he's being restricted to only playing on defense. Antonio Cromartie has been solid as a new addition and a starter from last year, Jerraud Powers, has been having a heck of a training camp and preseason as the nickel corner. Deone Bucannon, the Cards first rounder has been up and down, he'll likely be somewhat penalty prone for his hitting but he's certainly done well in upping the intimidation factor for the defense. Very much similar to Dashon Goldson in positive and negative ways. Tyrann Mathieu has returned from injury and there's an outside chance that he plays in the final preseason game as well. Overall they have a pretty good looking secondary. 2. John Brown appears to be legit. The rookie receiver from Pittsburg State has drawn praise from coaches, teammates and media. He's has had some terrific preseason performances including an amazing diving grab for a touchdown in the last game versus the Bengals. Incredibly explosive, he's a true deep threat but it remains to be seen whether or not his performances will carry through into the regular season. 3. Their ILB situation is screwed. Kevin Minter is dealing with a pectoral tear that has kept him out of games and practices at various times and Larry Foote is way up there in years. Gone are Karlos Dansby(FA) and Daryl Washington(suspension), key contributors that played a huge role in the defense playing as well as it did last season. A wounded Minter and an aging Foote are a massive downgrade from the guys they are replacing. Throw in the loss of Darnell Dockett, whose performance can be mostly offset by Frostee Rucker but not his leadership on the field and the Cards could have some struggles defending the run. 4. The offensive line has improved substantially. They've strongly upgraded at left tackle with the signing of Jared Veldheer(thanks Oakland) and Bobby Massie has really locked down the right tackle spot as well. The major question is Jonathan Cooper, the early first rounder from last season who has struggled with a turf toe injury and questions about his effort level and dedication. There seems to be questions as to his toughness and whether or not he has been malingering. In anycase, he has not provided the impact that one might expect from a guard that was chosen with one of the first ten picks of the draft. 5. Andre Ellington has buffed up. Bruce's cousin looks to take over the starting role at RB and Bruce Arians has been promising a lot of touches for the second year RB who averaged 5.5 yards a carry during his rookie season. He looks ready to take on the bigger role, if the OL continues to play well, he'll be primed for a big season, even playing in the NFC West. His speed and quickness are outstanding and he is a threat as both a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield.

Aug 27, 2014 at 8:21 PM

#46

ring_less
Veteran
Posts: 218

Here are the quotes about Kelly, and I havent found one bad one from the pats board.

"Kelly is a real surprise though. He was by far our best interior DL last year"

"Damn I hate it Kelly got cut. I hope he comes back somehow "

"Definitely a surprise on Kelly. Must like the young 'uns I guess."

"I agree, I thought Kelly was going to be a key for our front 7"

"Really surprised about Kelly. Anderson couldn't tackle a good dinner and Smith looked like his tank was empty so no surprise with those 2"

"Disappointed to see Kelly go though, definitely worth keeping."
Cutting Kelly one of our best DL for no reason? Thanks for ruining my day Bill"

I cant find any negative posts about the guy in that thread, so I can only assume its a great pickup to fill in for Dockett

Aug 27, 2014 at 8:21 PM

#47

SofaKing
Veteran
Posts: 27,442

Originally posted by ring_less:
We did sign Kelly to shore up the Defensive line who was cut by the Pats,
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/threads/schefter-reporting-kelly-anderson-and-smith-cut.1111494/

The Patriots fans are surprised, he was running with the ones all this offseason and was having an impressive camp. They though he was a lock and a little perplexed by the cut. Some use the word shocked, and upset that he was cut and that it doesnt make sense. . Some were even upset.

I think this is going to be a big signing in replacing what was lost by Dockett, in combination with what Frostee Rucker will provide... Read the link, there are no pats fans that are happy about the release!

Yup, typical Patriots move. Once an older vet is deemed expendable, he's outta there lol. Should be a solid rotational player for you.

Aug 27, 2014 at 8:38 PM

#48

LasVegasWally
Veteran
Posts: 24,825

Goo post - interesting.

I haven't seen their schedule. I hope they beat up a few teams we have to play.

Aug 28, 2014 at 11:18 AM

#49

Phoenix49ers
Veteran
Posts: 131,337

Originally posted by ring_less:
Here are the quotes about Kelly, and I havent found one bad one from the pats board.

"Kelly is a real surprise though. He was by far our best interior DL last year"

"Damn I hate it Kelly got cut. I hope he comes back somehow "

"Definitely a surprise on Kelly. Must like the young 'uns I guess."

"I agree, I thought Kelly was going to be a key for our front 7"

"Really surprised about Kelly. Anderson couldn't tackle a good dinner and Smith looked like his tank was empty so no surprise with those 2"

"Disappointed to see Kelly go though, definitely worth keeping."
Cutting Kelly one of our best DL for no reason? Thanks for ruining my day Bill"

I cant find any negative posts about the guy in that thread, so I can only assume its a great pickup to fill in for Dockett

Belichick is ruthless, he's on known for dumping guys shortly just before they become useless. Knowing that New England let Kelly go, even when he could have been useful depth, is a good indication that he's not really performing up to par. I don't really expect him to be the player that he was last season but it would certainly be a pleasant surprise for the Cardinals if he could be a reliable contributor....I just wouldn't count on it.