SB Nation - Edwin Mulitalo

Predicting the Arizona Cardinals Record: Part 4

Andrew602 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:00:23 -0000

For the last three weeks, we've spent some time breaking down what the Cardinals record may be for the 2009 season. Over the weeks we looked at each game of the Arizona Cardinals schedule, and broke down each team they will play. You can see parts part 1, part 2, and part 3 right here, where you'll see that the Cardinals record at this point is 8-4. In part three, the Cardinals came out 3-1, only losing to the Titans. During this next stretch, they face 2 division opponents, and two others from the NFC North. So to finish our segment before the season begins, here is the final part of the prediction for the Cardinals 2009 record.

Week 14 - At San Francisco 49ers

Key Additions: WR Brandon Jones, CB Dre Bly, DE Demetric Evans, FB Moran Norris

Key Losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Bryant Johnson, CB Donald Strickland, QB J.T. O'Sullivan, DT Ronald Fields

Analysis: After Mike Singletary took over for the 49ers last year, he immediately made a difference, and since then, he's stamped his identity on this team. He's created a tough and smart football team over at 49er camp. Although the 49ers are one of our rivals, you have to respect what Singletary has done for them at this point.

What to watch for: In their first match up, I gave the Cardinals the win at home, as they were opening the season after their Super Bowl run against a division rival on their home field. This time, the Cardinals travel to San Francisco, where the 49ers can play very aggressive against road teams. It's also on the Monday night stage, where both teams have played very cutthroat in the past. Expect a lot of emotions to come out as this has become a great rivalry.

Key Match Up: Chris Wells vs Patrick Willis - This would be a very exciting match up on the national stage, as our bruising rookie running back takes on their Pro Bowl hard hitting linebacker.

Prediction - Loss - Last year the Cardinals barely escaped a win over the 49ers at home. This year I'd expect us to split the series, with each team winning at home.

Week 15 - At Detroit Lions

Key Additions: LB Julian Peterson, QB Matthew Stafford, LB Larry Foote, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, OT Jon Jansen, WR Bryant Johnson, RB Maurice Morris, WR Ronald Curry, CB Eric King

Key Losses: CB Leigh Bodden, DT Shaun Cody, DT Cory Redding, DE Corey Smith, QB Jon Kitna, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Shaun McDonald, FB Moran Norris, G Edwin Mulitalo, S Dwight Smith, WR Travis Taylor

Analysis: There's not much to say after a team goes 0-16 during the regular season. The Lions just plain stunk last year. This year proves to be a different experience for a team that's struggled in recent years. As you can see, they've cleaned house and started fresh. It began in the off season when they hired Titans defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, as their head coach. They also took the next step in rebuilding their team, in drafting a franchise quarterback by the name of Matthew Stafford. The team can only improve from last year and anything more then 4 wins would be a success.

What to watch for: By the time the Cardinals head to Detroit at this point in the season, they will likely be vying for a playoff berth. On the other hand, the Lions may just want to play spoiler. Another thing to watch for is Calvin Johnson. He's already been regarded as one of the best wide recievers in the NFL at this point in his career. Watch to see how DRC handles himself against the tall receiver. If Stafford is in the game at this time, watch for the Cardinals defense to try and rattle the rookie QB.

Key Match Up: Adrian Wilson vs Matthew Stafford - If the rookie is starting at this point in the season, he has a big arm and likes to air it out. Expect Wilson to drop in coverage a few times but also layout Stafford a few times in the backfield.

Prediction: Win - It's simple, the Cardinals will be fighting for a playoff spot at this point in the year and the Lions will not be.

Week 16 - St. Louis Rams

Key Additions: SS James Butler, C Jason Brown, FB Mike Karney, OT Jason Smith

Key Losses: WR Torry Holt, OT Orlando Pace, QB Trent Green, S Corey Chavous

Analysis: After dusting off the cob webs and bringing in some youth, the Rams look to another challenge in '09, WIN. The last two years have been struggles for this Rams team that used to be the greatest show on turf. With Spagnola at the helm now, we may actually see a division rival actually become...a division rival.

What to watch for: The Rams come to University of Phoenix Stadium with hopes of knocking off a divisional opponent. Unfortunately, they haven't played that well there in the past, and will likely have some difficulty. The Cardinals will be ready for this game, hoping to catapult themselves into the playoffs with a win.

Key Match Up: Gerald Hayes vs Steven Jackson - Last year Hayes swarmed Jackson when the Rams came to Arizona. Will Jackson have revenge on his mind?

Prediction - Win - The Cardinals may need this win more then the Rams will at this point in the season.

Week 17 - Green Bay Packers

Key Additions: S Anthony Smith, C Duke Preston, DT B.J. Raji

Key Losses: DT Colin Cole

Analysis: The Packers had high hopes last year, after coming off an NFC Championship appearance. Unfortunately, it didn't translate into the 2008 season. While they had a good offense in '08, they suffered injuries that caused them to lack a rushing attack to go with their passing offense. The defense was the obvious weak spot, as they gave up a significant amount of points and were playing catch up most often then not. This year they bring back their explosive offense, and most are healthy. Aaron Rodgers has looked amazing at this point in the preseason, and they outscored their opponents in each game. They brought in Dom Capers and drafted DT B.J. Raji to improve their defense, and it's already showed as they've forced numerous turnovers and have limited their opponents scoring so far.

What to watch for: Watch for the Cardinals to head into this game with revenge on their minds. Even though it was only the preseason, the Packers put a shellacking on the Cardinals first team offense and defense. Expect to see fireworks in this game as the Cardinals defense would like to get after Aaron Rodgers.

Key Match Up: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie vs Packers Wide Receivers - After getting embarrassed in the preseason, we can only expect DRC to come out with something to prove in this game.

Prediction - Loss -Although the Cardinals will likely play differently this game, the Packers look to be much better in '09 and will be playing aggressively in their last game of the season, as their division will be competitive.

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Arizona Cardinals final projected record - 10-6

So after the final four games, the Cardinals finish their 2009 season at 10-6, which will likely land them with another division title and a playoff berth. Although you could easily mix and match some wins and some losses, 10-6 may still be the record, with 9-7 or 11-5 not that far out of the question. Although I'd like to see them go 16-0, I can live with the projected record if it happens. As far as anything less, the Cardinals would have to have a complete meltdown or a massive amount of injuries. What's your take on a final record of 10-6? Do you think the Cardinals would do better or worse?

Poll

How many wins will the Cardinals have in 2009?

13 or higher - Super Bowl here we come...again.

62 votes

10-12 - What hangover? We're back in the playoffs.

495 votes

7-9 - Another average season in the books

183 votes

6 or less - Same Ole Cardinals?

47 votes

787 votes | Poll has closed

2009 Schedule Preview: Week 1 vs. the Detroit Lions

Saintsational — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:00:14 -0000

We begin now with our early look at each of the Saints 2009 opponents. These posts will offer just a brief overview of each opponents off-season moves, detailing the more important ones, and quickly discuss how each team might match up against the Saints this year. We begin at the very beginning, a very good place to start: The Detroit Lions.

Of course we all know the story of the winless Detroit Lions of last year, right? Presumptuous Saints fans will consider this a sure win and an easy start to a Superbowl season. Well guess what...it's not 2008; the Lions are banking on that. That means anything can happen. Heck, if the Lions were in the NFC South, a first place finish in the division would be a lock. Fortunately they're not, but the Lions have nowhere to go but up. A new head coach, Jim Schwartz in his first season at the position, mixed with a heavily revamped team with a lot to prove, could be a dangerous combination. Let's take a look at how far the Lions have come and what we might expect right out of the box.

Lions Offense

It's not really possible to even begin to speculate on what the Lions offense will look like next season. With rookie quarterback Matt Stafford expected to be the starter from week one, there is sure to be a learning curve and a "getting to know you" period before anything begins to really click. This should be good news for the Saints, who get to play the Lions early and before they go on any sort of Cinderalla story-like tear.

Stafford will have some decent targets to throw to in Detroit. Though the Lions enter 2009 without Shaun McDonald or Mike Furrey, the team still has an incredible receiving threat in Calvin Johnson, they've added Dennis Northcutt, Bryant Johnson and Ronald Curry through free agency and drafted tight end Brandon Pettigrew late in the first round of the draft this year.

In the running department the Lions leading rusher, Kevin Smith, returns as the inevitable starter while newly acquired Maurice Morris should take over backup duties from Rudi Johnson, who is no longer with the team. They also added fullback Terrelle Smith.

The Saints defense may very well be going through their own transition period at the time with new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams calling the shots but they should still have the advantage in this matchup.

Lions Defense

The Lions defense finished dead last in so many categories last season; there is no place for them to go but up. With improvement needed everywhere, the team has attempted to add depth at nearly every position. Detroit upgraded their line with Grady Jackson to offset the loss of Shaun Cody, added veteran linebacker Larry Foote for help in the middle and signed Phillip Buchanon and Eric King to help stop the pass. They also drafted safety Louis Delmas with their third pick in the draft.

That being said, if the Saints offense can peform at nearly the same level as last year then expect the black and gold to win this matchup hands down.

Lions 2009 Season

0-16 record

Last Meeting

December 21, 2008

Week 16 1 2 3 4 OT Final

Saints 14 14 14 0 0 42

Lions 0 7 0 0 0 7

Why the Saints can win

Because the Lions were really bad last year. Really bad.

Why the Saints can lose

Because the Lions have to win eventually.

Prediction

Saints 35 - Lions 10

Free Agent Pickups

RB Maurice Morris

WR Dennis Northcutt

WR Ronald Curry

WR Bryant Johnson

TE Will Heller

OT Daniel Loper

OT Jon Jansen

DE Jason Hunter

DT Grady Jackson

OLB Julian Peterson

ILB Larry Foote

ILB Cody Spencer

CB Phillip Buchanon

CB Eric King

CB/S Anthony Henry

S Marquand Manuel

2009 Draft Picks

QB Matt Stafford

TE Brandon Pettigrew

FS Louis Delmas

LB DeAndre Levy

WR Derrick Williams

DT Sammie Lee Hill

RB Aaron Brown

OT Lydon Murtha

OLB Zack Follett

TE Dan Gronkowski

Key losses

QB Jon Kitna

QB Dan Orlovsky

QB Drew Henson

RB Rudi Johnson

FB Moran Norris

FB Jon Bradley

WR Shaun McDonald

WR Mike Furrey

TE Dan Campbell

TE Michael Gaines

TE John Owens

OT George Foster

OT Junius Coston

OT Jon Dunn

G Edwin Mulitalo

C Andy McCollum

DE Corey Smith

DT Cory Redding

DT Shaun Cody

DT Langston Moore

OLB Ryan Nece

OLB Alex Lewis

ILB Paris Lenon

CB Leigh Bodden

CB Travis Fisher

CB Stanley Wilson

S Dwight Smith

Linkage

Pride Of Detroit

Lions vs Saints coverage

CSC: Saints @ Lions Postgame

CSC: Saints @ Lions: Who Dat Say!?

CSC: Saints @ Lions: Making the Grade

Detroit Lions 2009 Transactions

Detroit Lions 2009 Draft

Detroit Lions 2009 Free Agent Tracker

Detroit Lions 2009 Roster

Poll

What will be the outcome of the Saints week 1 match-up against the Lions?

The Saints will win handily

405 votes

The Saints will win a squeeker

97 votes

The Lions will win handily

43 votes

The Lions will win a squeeker

155 votes

700 votes | Poll has closed

Ravens GM Newsome Shines on Draft's 2nd Day

Rexx — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:27:45 -0000

While most of us are studying and reviewing on what the Baltimore Ravens will be doing with the 26th pick of the first round of the NFL Draft starting on Saturday, April 25, 2009, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has probably already moved on to April 26th.

That's when the final four rounds take place, and although they don't get anywhere near the fanfare from the press or the casual fans, we all know of Newsome's success at finding those future Pro Bowlers in rounds four through seven - and beyond. Let's take a look at some of the second day draft picks of the Ravens throughout the years, and you will see how the "Wizard of Oz' earned his reputation as a master of finding the diamonds-in-the-rough in the latter stages of the NFL Draft.

NOTE: The Ravens have also had a few undrafted free agent signings rise to stardom, such as RB Priest Holmes (1997) and LB Bart Scott (2002). They also have a couple of other current roster players who were undrafted, and while the jury is still out on whether or not they will become future stars, they are LB Jameel McClain and WR Ernie Wheelwright (2008).

7th Round: Surprisingly, for all the great players he's found, the only one worth mentioning is current Practice Squad member, WR Justin Harper, selected in 2008.

6th Round: One of Ozzie's two best rounds for finding great players. Safety Haruki Nakamura (2008), LB Prescott Burgess (2007), Punter Sam Koch and DB Derrick Martin (2006), QB Derek Anderson (2005), RB Chester Taylor (2002), LB Adalius Thomas (2000).

5th Round: Three current Ravens stand out from Newsome's recent drafts. QB Troy Smith (2007), Safety Dawan Landry and TE Quinn Sypniewski (2006).

4th Round: This is where the Wizard really shines best. The list of those 4th rounders alone could be the basis for the nucleus of a very good team by themselves. OT David Hale and WR Marcus Smith (2008), LB Antwan Barnes and RB Le'Ron McClain (2007) Note: McClain was actually a 4th round Compensatory Pick! WR Demetrius Williams (2006), Center Jason Brown (2005), LB Jarret Johnson (2003), FB Ovie Mughelli and Punter Dave Zastudil (2002), LB Edgerton Hartwell (2001), WR Brandon Stokley and OG Edwin Mulitalo (1999).

While most of the future stars will probably come from the first day of the draft, these guys certainly are major contributors to the Ravens success over the years. For some reason, we Ravens fans know and have confidence that Ozzie will find the next great unknown future star soemwhere in the last four rounds of the Draft later this month.

Cut Day Claims First Victims, QB Target Available?

Adam T — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:37:15 -0000

Yesterday teams started making roster cuts. I am sure this is no longer a complete list, but here are some of the early names. Since the teams that did the most cutting were the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, we probably would not be interested in any of these guys for anything more than depth.

Adam Jones, CB
Bruce Gradkowski, QB
Terry Cousin, CB
Jason Reda, K
Mike Dragosavich, P
Eric Young, OL
Ken Dorsey, QB
Antwan Peek, OLB
Dan Campbell, TE
Jon Dunn, OL
Edwin Mulitalo, G
Leigh Bodden, CB
Dwight Smith, DB

The interesting news from yesterday is that Tampa Bay signed QB Luke McCown to a two-year deal. The deal is worth $14 million with incentives. Many believe this means the Bucs will part ways with Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia. Unless Garcia is insistent on finding a starter's gig, he could be the off season target Angelo brings in for competition.

Lions Release Six Players, Announce UFAs

Sean Yuille — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:32:15 -0000

The Lions have announced that six players were released today, including the four that were already reported. Here is the full list:

WR Mike Furrey
TE Dan Campbell
OT Jon Dunn
OG Edwin Mulitalo
CB Leigh Bodden
S Dwight Smith

Along with that announcement, the Lions also confirmed that eighteen players will become unrestricted free agents on February 27:

QB Dan Orlovsky
RB Aveion Cason
RB Rudi Johnson
FB Moran Norris
WR Keary Colbert
WR Shaun McDonald
TE John Owens
OT Damion Cook
OT George Foster
OG Stephen Peterman
OG Andy McCollum
DE Corey Smith
DT Shaun Cody
DT Langston Moore
LB Paris Lenon
LB Ryan Nece
CB Stanley Wilson
K Jason Hanson

Monday Notes: Lions Expected to Release At Least Four Players Today

Sean Yuille — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:09 -0000

Today is the first day that players can be released, and the Lions are set to get rid of at least four players: Mike Furrey, Leigh Bodden, Edwin Mulitalo, and Dan Campbell. It isn't known if these are the only four players that will be released, but I would sort of be surprised if they are. The Lions are cleaning out the roster to clear cap space and make room for new faces, and although many players won't be back because their contracts are up, I would think a couple others will be released as well.
One player that may not be released is quarterback Daunte Culpepper. According to Tom Kowalski, it looks like Culpepper won't be released today. That doesn't mean his spot on the roster is locked up for good, but if the Lions were going to get rid of him there doesn't seem to be any point to wait. Culpepper will receive his $2.5 million roster bonus on February 27, which will begin his $2.5 million salary for 2009. I think Culpepper should be released based on his performance last season anyways, but add in the fact that he is set to make so much money and I believe the Lions would be better off clearing the cap space.
Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is going to be a free agent and would be an absolutely huge acquisition for a team like the Lions. Jim Schwartz's attitude is to run the ball and stop the run, and adding someone like Haynesworth would definitely help them with the latter goal.

The problem with signing Haynesworth is how expensive it would be -- he wants to be the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. The other issue you have to worry about is his past behavioral problems. Even so, I'm trusting Schwartz in this situation. He knows Haynesworth better than almost all other coaches in the league (sans Tennessee's current coaches, of course), so if he feels that bringing in Haynesworth is worth the risk and the big contract, then I'm confident in that decision. At the same time, if Schwartz doesn't think adding a big-name free agent like Haynesworth is necessary, I'm confident in that decision, too.
Apparently NBC had a conversation with its Detroit affiliate, WDIV, about what they put on their scroller while Matt Millen was on TV during Super Bowl coverage.

Lions Move Mulitalo, Dizon to Injured Reserve

Sean Yuille — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:23:40 -0000

With only one game left in the season, the Lions decided to move offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo and linebacker Jordon Dizon to the injured reserve. Since the season is almost over, this move basically means that neither would have played on Sunday. If both were going to be out, it only makes sense to sign a couple of players to replace them, as they will be right back on the active roster after the season anyways.

To replace Mulitalo, the Lions signed offensive guard Junius Coston, who has played for both the Packers and Raiders in his four-year career. Dizon's spot on the roster went to wide receiver Chris Hannon, who was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins. He had only been with the Dolphins since December 3, as he was claimed by Miami from the 49ers. San Francisco signed him after the Panthers released him in the final round of cuts this past August.

The Lions also made a couple of adjustments to their practice squad. Wide receiver Paul Raymond was released and linebacker Chris Graham was signed. Graham played at Michigan and was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. He also attended a Lions rookie mini-camp following the draft.

Week 16 Injury Report

Sean Yuille — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:32:54 -0000

DETROIT LIONS
Pos.	Player	Injury	Status
QB	Daunte Culpepper	Right Shoulder	Doubtful
RB	Kevin Smith	Ankle	Questionable
TE	Casey FitzSimmons	Illness	Probable
OG	Edwin Mulitalo	Ankle	Questionable
DE	Dewayne White	Calf	Questionable
DT	Chuck Darby	Calf	Probable
CB	Leigh Bodden	Groin	Questionable

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Pos.	Player	Injury	Status
RB	Deuce McAllister	Knee	Probable
OT	Jammal Brown	Ankle	Probable
DT	Kendrick Clancy	Hamstring	Out

NFL INJURY REPORT GUIDE
Status	Definition
Probable	75% chance that the player will play in the game
Questionable	50% chance that the player will play in the game
Doubtful	25% chance that the player will play in the game
Out	0% chance that the player will play in the game

Tuesday Notes: Orlovsky to Return to Practice?

Sean Yuille — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:57:54 -0000

Rod Marinelli brought up the possibility of going 0-16 earlier this week and plainly said that that won't happen. Marinelli appears to have turned the Lions' winless record into a motivational ploy to get them to win a game.
This Sunday is probably the Lions' last chance to win a game this season. They should have beat Minnesota in the Metrodome earlier this season, but they were on the wrong end of a couple bad calls that led to the Vikings kicking a game-winning field goal. Obviously Dan Orlovsky's embarrassing safety was all his fault, but the refs certainly didn't make things any easier for the Lions.
Speaking of Orlovsky, he may return to practice this week, as his thumb injury appears to have healed enough for him to play football again. If he is healthy enough to play, I believe the Lions should start him. Before his injury, Orlovsky wasn't playing all that bad, and Daunte Culpepper hasn't exactly been playing all that well.
Staying on the injury front, Dominic Raiola, Stephen Peterman, and Edwin Mulitalo were back in practice on Monday after missing the Titans game. Kevin Smith and Gosder Cherilus missed practice but should play on Sunday.
Dave Birkett pointed out an interesting fact regarding the draft. Since the Chiefs won on Sunday, they now have two victories this season. That leaves the Lions at 0-12 as the league's worst team. The Bengals are the next worst team with a 1-10-1 record, meaning the Lions would have to win two more games to lose the #1 pick. Since the chances of that happening are beyond slim, it appears that the Lions will be the first team on the clock next April.
Lions rookies went through a charm school type of thing to learn everything from where to put your napkin when eating to how to write a thank you note.
Pro Football Talk thinks that the Lions' Thanksgiving game won't be taken away by Roger Goodell, as it would probably take a consensus among the owners to make a change.
The Buccaneers and Patriots are going to play in England next year.

Week 13 Injury Report

Sean Yuille — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:04:03 -0000

DETROIT LIONS
Pos.	Player	Injury	Status
QB	Dan Orlovsky	Hand	Out
QB	Drew Stanton	Concussion	Out
RB	Kevin Smith	Groin	Probable
WR	Mike Furrey	Concussion	Out
TE	John Owens	Toe	Probable
OG	Edwin Mulitalo	Elbow	Questionable
C	Dominic Raiola	Hand	Out
DE	Dewayne White	Calf	Out
DT	Chuck Darby	Calf	Questionable
DT	Cory Redding	Knee	Probable
DT	Shaun Cody	Elbow	Probable
LB	Alex Lewis	Pectoral	Out
LB	Ernie Sims	Knee	Probable
CB	Keith Smith	Groin	Out

TENNESSEE TITANS
Pos.	Player	Injury	Status
OT	Michael Roos	Foot	Probable
DT	Jason Jones	Foot	Questionable
LB	Colin Allred	Concussion	Probable
LB	Keith Bulluck	Chest	Probable
CB	Nick Harper	Ankle	Questionable
CB	Chris Carr	Shoulder	Probable

NFL INJURY REPORT GUIDE
Status	Definition
Probable	75% chance that the player will play in the game
Questionable	50% chance that the player will play in the game
Doubtful	25% chance that the player will play in the game
Out	0% chance that the player will play in the game

Week 16	1	2	3	4	OT	Final
Saints	14	14	14	0	0	42
Lions	0	7	0	0	0	7