SB Nation - Levi Brown

The Steve Keim Scorecard

John Morgan — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:50:25 -0000

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Seattle Seahawks fans are unused to repeat failure. Perhaps a Cardinals suit can make them more familiar with the feeling.

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Adam Schefter reports that Steve Keim is among Seattle's ten general manager candidates. This is a quick and dirty attempt to review his performance in Arizona.

Organization: Arizona Cardinals

Position(s): Player Personnel Director (May 2008), College Scouting Director (June 2006), Regional Scout (1999)

Curious that perhaps the most defamed team in the NFC, bad from when the Lions and Rams were good, is now auditioning personnel for promotion to other teams. Thus is the fickle world of the NFL. I don't like it, and I don't like Keim's boss Rod Graves. Graves has served with Arizona since 1997, and few franchises in any sport can claim a longer period of losing, instability and apathy from their fans. But, by all means, let's break off a piece of that talent factory.

Keim scouted the east for Arizona, and, undoubtedly, the southeast specifically. Let us first look at the players we can be most confident Keim had a hand in scouting. I singled out picks made from Keim's particular scouting area, and listed the round, overall pick, name and college.

2000

1) 7 Thomas Jones RB Virginia

2) 41 Raynoch Thompson OLB Tennessee

3) 71 Darwin Walker DT Tennessee

Jones is still around but was a huge bust for Arizona. He split time with Michael Pittman, never averaged more than 3.7 yards per carry and was traded before the end of his rookie contract.

Raynoch Thompson sort of speaks for himself: Who is Raynoch Thompson? He was an undersized Vol linebacker that was out of the league by 2004. He is still only 32, meaning he was cut in his prime.

Darwin Walker played for that same undefeated Tennessee team as Thompson. He didn't play for the Cardinals, who cut him before a single start and after only one regular season game. Walker was claimed by the Eagles off waivers and became a productive five-year starter for some stout Eagles defenses.

2001

2) 54 Michael Stone DB Memphis

3) 64 Adrian Wilson DB North Carolina State

4) 98 Bill Gramatica K South Florida

4) 123 Marcus Bell DT Memphis

Stone never broke through with the Cardinals and is now out of the league.

Adrian Wilson is an unconditional success. Wilson and Keim share an alma mater. He is now considered among the best safeties in the NFL. This is exploiting a hometown connection to pick an absolute steal in the third. Too bad, I guess, that NC State is hardly a talent factory.

Kicker in the fourth. Kicker in the fourth. Kicker in the fourth.

Marcus Bell is out of the league after three seasons with Arizona and three seasons with Detroit.

2002

2) 49 Levar Fisher LB North Carolina State

Fisher is the only member of the 2002 class we can be pretty sure Keim had a significant say in drafting. Fisher was a standout at NC State, but lost his career to knee injuries. Fisher has knee problems in college, so this failure falls on Keim.

2003

1) 17 Bryant Johnson WR Penn State

1) 18 Calvin Pace DE Wake Forest

2) 54 Anquan Boldin WR Florida State

Johnson has been a disappointment since entering the league. He was surpassed by Boldin in their respective rookie seasons and is now a minor player for the Detroit Lions.

Arizona selected Pace with its next pick and he was a bust before Ken Whisenhunt switched him to outside linebacker in 2007. No credit is given Keim.

Boldin was a win for all involved, if, perhaps, a crapshoot win. Boldin was a quarterback and wide receiver at Florida State that suffered serious knee injuries in college and then ran a 4.71 forty. I respect Keim for seeing the potential in Boldin, but I do not think anyone expected Boldin to be so good. His health has never improved and he still regularly misses time because of injury.

2004

2) 33 Karlos Dansby OLB Auburn

3) 64 Darnell Dockett DT Florida State

Maybe this is Keim picking up speed and proving his potential. Dansby has been solid since being signed and still starts for Arizona. Of course, that's to be expected from a linebacker selected with the first pick of the second round.

Dockett has been a starter since his rookie season and a lynchpin on the Cardinals ever-in-flux defensive line. Over the past three seasons, he's been one of the best defensive linemen in football. He was considered a first-round talent, but also an underachiever and a major risk because of his battles with coaches, troubles with the law, and, specifically, his conviction for misdemeanor theft.

2005

1) 8 Antrel Rolle DB Miami (Florida)

3) 75 Eric Green DB Virginia Tech

3) 95 Darryl Blackstock LB Virginia

4) 111 Elton Brown G Virginia

Rolle is a corner bust since shifted to safety. He has played decent at safety, but credit for that goes to the person who made the move: Whisenhunt.

Green was an intermittent starter, mostly between injuries, that is now out of the league.

Blackstock is now out of the league. He played sparingly for Arizona before being signed by the Bengals -- another well run organization.

Brown was a seldom starter for the often very bad Cardinals offensive line that is now playing in the USFL.

2006

3) 72 Leonard Pope TE Georgia

6) 177 Jonathan Lewis DT Virginia Tech

Pope is a situational tight end and among the worst players at his position in the NFL.

Lewis participated in four games in 2006 and never again played in the NFL.

At this point, Keim was promoted to Director of College Scouting and can be debited or credited for the Cardinals entire draft class.

2007

1 5 Levi Brown OT Penn State

2 33 Alan Branch DT Michigan

3 69 Buster Davis LB Florida State

5 142 Steve Breaston WR Michigan

7 215 Ben Patrick TE Delaware

Brown is a middling power right tackle that isn't significantly better than Ray Willis. Bust.

Branch is a pretty typical Keim pick: Highly touted prospect, thought of as a top ten pick before a nasty run of belligerence and bad effort knocked him off most draft boards. Branch is three years into his professional career, still every bit the monster he was in college, and still a rotational player buried on the Cardinals depth chart.

Buster Davis was a terrible pick when made. Davis was an undersized, see: 5'9", linebacker completely unfit for Whisenhunt's preferred 3-4 alignment. He was cut before his rookie season, has since bounced around and is now out of the league.

Breaston was a return monster at Michigan State that has developed into a very good slot receiver. Keim must be credited for, first, securing a good returner in the sixth, and moreover, seeing that Breaston was turning the corner as a receiver. A big win for Keim, on a pick I was very skeptical about.

Patrick is the Cardinals starting tight end, but largely an afterthought in the team's offense. Patrick was a toolsy sleeper that's produced some, but is mostly a starter by default, and still more H-back than tight end.

2008

1) 16 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State

2) 50 Calais Campbell DE Miami (Fla.)

3) 81 Early Doucet WR Louisiana State

4) 116 Kenny Iwebema DE Iowa

5) 149 Tim Hightower RB Richmond

6) 185 Chris Harrington LB Texas A&M

7) 225 Brandon Keith T Northern Iowa

This is the draft that made Keim a general manager candidate and his fingerprints are all over it. DRC was a tools messiah that shot up boards during the pre-draft process. He never faced top competition in college, and many, including myself, questioned his ability to cover NFL talent. Well, that question is yet unanswered. Cromartie certainly looks amazing-sometimes, but he is also regularly criticized for being out of position, burned and, well, not being able to cover NFL talent. The Cardinals, noteworthy in this case, are the second worst team in the NFL at defending #1 receivers and were 27^th in 2008. DRC is the unchallenged #1 corner in Arizona. He is only 23, and cover skills are slow to grow. Best to give this pick an "Incomplete". It's possible DRC puts it together and taps into his tremendous talent, and it's possible his flashy play hides a bad player.

Campbell was a slamdunk and is proving so in his second season. He is toolsy, growing into those tools, scheme correct and straight beastly.

I liked the Doucet pick at the time and still think he has a bright future. It's tough to measure his performance because he is buried on the Cardinals depth chart. Doucet suffered a lot of injuries in college and that might have sapped his speed.

Iwebama has proven to be a solid member of a good defensive line rotation. He was, and this will shock everyone that's read this far, a toolsy player that was knocked down boards because injury and off-field problems. His performance declined his senior season, something that hurt Campbell and Doucet's stock, too.

Hightower has proven himself a valuable receiver, but, then, who defends Tim Hightower when Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston are on the field. He has since been de-emphasized in favor of Chris Wells. Hightower is a modest success.

Harrington is now a Jaguar.

Keith is still on Arizona's roster and has played in one game this season.

It's a little too early to make much of the 2009 draft, but it further supports the basic Keim profile. In brief: His preferred scouting area is the American South East. He likes toolsy players and does not bat a lash at character concerns. Keim swings for the fences and has a high whiff rate. The 2008 draft has produced solid players, but let's be clear: The Cardinals are finishing their third decade of terrible football. They made the Super Bowl last season, but were only 9-7 in the regular season. The team changed when it signed Ken Whisenhunt, and its recent success has been built off smart leadership, a weak division, years and years of early round picks, and Kurt Warner. Warner has recovered from a mid-career funk to make a case for the Hall of Fame. That's mighty lucky. Warner joined the Cardinals in 2005 and I do not see how Keim could be credited with his signing.

Maybe he interviews well. Maybe his most recent drafts, his most successful drafts, speak more clearly of his own abilities and potential, but I don't like his method, I am not impressed with his results and I don't want to sign a person that's been an integral part of one of the worst run franchises in sports history. For every one diamond in the rough, there's acres and acres more rough. And, right or wrong, executives must be judged both by the decisions they make and the company they keep.

Who Would You Take From The San Francisco 49ers?

Andrew602 — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:01:25 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP

Adding Patrick Willis to the Cardinals would bring more leadership and vastly improve the Cardinals run-defense.

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With the Monday night match up not far ahead, we can start preparing to face the San Francisco 49ers. It may sound difficult to want any players from a division rival on the Arizona Cardinals, but in all honesty, the 49ers are filled with talent. Their 5-7 record may not show it, but the 49ers have one of the best defenses in the league and are starting to gel on offense. Remember that who you pick can be a young or older player, a starter or a back up, etc. You can also take their current contract status into consideration, as if we were actually signing the player. Also look at who may be leaving our team after this season. Here are some of my picks.

Before you look over the list, head over to Niners Nation to check out who they have interest in taking from our very own Cardinals and make sure to voice your opinion if you feel they're overlooking some certain players.

Patrick Willis, LB: This had to be the easiest/most obvious pick from the 49ers. He's a tackling machine(123 tackles leads the league) and has really developed to be one of the best linebackers in the league. Willis is a smart defender that can play the run(as their 5th ranked 95.4 rushing yards per game shows), and he's improving in coverage(6 PD, 2 INT). The former rookie of the year is only 24 years old, and with the uncertainty of Karlos Dansby returning next season, adding Willis would fill a tremendous need.

Vernon Davis, TE: As much as it pains me to say, I would like to have Vernon Davis as a Cardinal. He seems to have turned a new leaf this season and it's showed on the field. Already being a dominant run-blocker, Davis has turned it up a notch at the receiving end and is currently tied with Larry Fitzgerald with a league-leading 10 receiving touchdowns on the year. Adding Davis would surely fix our tight end situation and give us a young receiving/blocking tight end for years. Doesn't it seem like most teams have better tight ends then the Cardinals?

Aubrayo Franklin, DT: Franklin has gradually developed into one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the league. He's also one of the more underrated defenders on the 49ers. The 49ers have had much success stopping the run and much of that stems from Franklin's ability to fill the defensive gaps. He seems to be ever-improving all facets of his game, as he's recorded 2 sacks on the year and also has 1 interception. With Bryan Robinson's age becoming a liability, and the uncertainty of Alan Branch and Gabe Watson, adding Franklin would leave no Cardinals fans worried about the defensive tackle position.

Joe Staley, OT: Staley returns to action this upcoming Monday and the former 1st round pick has been missed by the 49ers. Although Barry Sims has filled in with solid play at tackle, he's not as well rounded as Staley has been the last two seasons. He's still developing but his pass-protection would be greatly welcomed in Arizona. In the seven games this year, Staley has only allowed 2 sacks and hasn't committed any penalties. With how Levi Brown and Mike Gandyhave fared this season, adding Staley would fill a large void.

Honorable mentions: Nate Clements, Justin Smith, Manny Lawson

Ok so that's my list for this week. Don't forget to see what the Niners fans are saying and who they'd pick over at Niners Nation. Who would you take from the 49ers and why?

Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart Split Reps in Practice 50/50

Hawkwind — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:00:42 -0000

by Mark Humphrey - AP

Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner split reps 50/50 during practice today. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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The good news is that Kurt Warner says the foggy vision, residual effects from a concussion sustained against the Rams, is gone now . The better news is that he and Matt Leinart still split reps 50/50 at practice just in case Warner isn't ready for Sunday nights matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings. Ken Whisenhunt is taking a more cautious route this week after Warner took all of the reps last week but Warner is optimistic about playing this week.

News that isn't so good is that Mike Gandy is in jeporady of missing Sunday's game, which means that Jeremy Bridges will likely start in his place. To make matters even more interesting, Levi Brown also took reps at left tackle, in the event that Bridges goes down during the game. The last domino effected will be Brandon Keith who would step in at right tackle if Brown moves over (so needless to say he'll be active for the first time this year). Will Davis and Stephen Spach also missed practice while Tim Hightower, Bryant McFadden, Kenny Iwebema and Neil Rackers were all limited. Karlos Dansby, despite nursing injuries in both shoulders, fully participated in practice.

Who Would You Take From The Tennessee Titans?

Andrew602 — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:00:13 -0000

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Although it's a holiday, we never stop discussing Cardinal-football and that's what lead me to the next question - who would you take from the Tennessee Titans? It's a question we've been asking every week when the Cardinals play, and this week is no different - so make your selection. It can be a young or older player, a starter or a back up, etc. You can also take their current contract status into consideration, as if we were actually signing the player. Also look at who may be leaving our team after this season. Don't let the 0-6 start fool you, this team has talent, starting at offensive tackle.

Michael Roos, T: An offensive lineman I would love to see in Cardinal red is Roos. He's only 27 years old and would be a dominant force on the outside of the offensive line. He's also a very good pass protector but he can obviously run-block like the best of them - just look at Chris Johnson's production. With Mike Gandy uncertain to return next year and the lack of production by Levi Brown, the Cardinals would be grateful to pick up Roos.

Chris Johnson, RB: Even with the emergence of the Cardinals rushing attack, who in their right mind would pass up on Chris Johnson? As he stated, he's every coach's dream, and I'll add that he's every fan's dream. Johnson is already on pace to break the single season rushing record set by Eric Dickerson, and started doing it on an 0-6 team. He's got explosive speed and is a threat break a long run no matter what defense he's lining up against. He's also a capable receiver and can be an every-down back.

Kevin Mawae, C: Kevin may be 38 years old but he's still one of the best centers in the league. The leadership he brings to the offensive line is unmatched and if he had one good season left in him he'd be a great addition to the Cardinals offensive line.

Bo Scaife, TE: Scaife is one of the more underrated tight ends in the league and has had a down year for obvious reasons, but don't let that fool you, he's a gamer. In the previous two years he had a combined 104 catches for 982 yards and 3 touchdowns. If he was to play for a pass-happy team like the Cardinals, his production would fly.

If the Cardinals could make these picks happen, they would feature one of the more elite teams in the league. What picks would you make from the Titans?

Grading the Offense: Cardinals vs Rams

Andrew602 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:15:58 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

Larry Fitzgerald's performance on Sunday sums up his season at this point - good amount of catches, not a lot of yards, but most importantly, a touchdown.

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To say the Cardinals offense put up a dominant effort against the 1-9 Rams would be a stretch. They did however, show sings of brilliancy in the first half. When Matt Leinart took over for the injured Kurt Warner, the offense faltered in the second half and failed to register any points. What we already know is Ken Whisenhunt essentially went conservative for Leinart, making his primary job to manage the game. What Leinart did is exactly that, going 10-14 on the day for 74 yards and no turnovers.

Quarterbacks: Both quarterbacks split time equally and you could call it a tale of two games. In the first two quarters, Kurt Warner slung 15 passes for 203 yards and led the Cardinals to 21 points. His footwork in the pocket and timing made the game look like it was going to be a route until a blow to the head forced him out of the game. Matt Leinart took over before the half and wasn't able to increase the Cardinals lead. The most important pass of the day came on a 3rd down late in the fourth quarter. Leinart was almost sacked before buying time and throwing the 1st down pass to Early Doucet. Leinart will likely get more practice time with the 1st team offense should Warner not be able to play against the Titans next week.

Running backs: For the third game in a row, Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower were able to put together dominant rushing performances, eclipsing 180 yards two of the times. They put their nickname "wear and tear" to use, as Hightower wore out the Rams offense with a 50 yard run, and Beanie came in the game to continue ripping the defense. The running game especially benefited Warner, because after they were able to break off chunks of yardage, Warner was able to find the receivers.

Wide receivers: Nobody had an outstanding performance and a lot of that can fall on the vanilla play-calling in the second half. Anquan Boldin had his 2nd consecutive 100 yard receiving game, also catching a touchdown. Larry Fitzgerald quietly put together another solid game, and now is first in the league with 9 receiving touchdowns. Both running backs each had 2 catches while Early Doucet and Ben Patrick both caught passes of 20 yards or more.

Offensive line: Aside from the two sacks allowed, the Cardinals offensive line has gradually improved in the last month and greatly since the first game of the season. They also blocked for 183 rushing yards, the largest amount of the year, and gave Warner and Leinart plenty of time in the pocket. If you don't count Dan Kreider as part of the offensive line, then the Cardinals line only accounted for 1 penalty, which was a false start on Levi Brown.

My Offensive Grade: B

If I graded one half at a time I'd give them an A in the first half and a D in the second half. Matt Leinart wasn't great but the play-calling didn't help and Leinart didn't turn the ball over. How do you think the offense did and what was your grade?

Poll

How would you grade the Cardinals offensive effort on Sunday?

A

23 votes

B

115 votes

C

49 votes

D

0 votes

F

2 votes

189 votes | Poll has closed

The Saturday Sim: Cardinals-Rams

Andrew602 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:23:04 -0000

Doh!

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We're at another Saturday Sim, in a simulation between the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams, and let me tell you, pay attention to this one. It was a very close game and the Cardinals had their way of disappointing here. I couldn't post last week guys because I didn't have time. It takes some time out of your Friday night to watch a fake football game ; ). Anyways, before I break down the simulation, for those of you who aren't familiar with this, I simulate a game between the Cardinals and their opponent for that given week on the popular game known as Madden. I set it for All Madden difficulty, 8 minute quarters, with a 15 second run off. Then I post the results here. Let's see how the game went.

First Quarter

-The Rams receive the ball and begin running. On the second run of the game, Adrian Wilson forces a fumble and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie scoops it up to return it 42 yards for the touchdown. Cardinals lead 7-0.

- The Rams run more but eventually punt to the Cardinals. The Cards offense struggles to start the quarter and face several three and outs. The Rams march down the field with Steven Jackson leading the way. The Cardinals can't stop the run. At the 1 yard line, Samkon Gado runs in the touchdown to tie the game at 7. Key holding penalties on Mike Gandy and Levi Brown end several drives for the Cardinals. Game tied 7-7.

Second Quarter

- The Rams start the second quarter by bringing a lot of pressure, and the Cardinals are forced to punt. On the Rams next drive, they keep the running game going, but are stopped and settle for a 56 yard field goal. Rams lead 10-7.

- The Cardinals are stopped on their next drive because of another holding call, which is hurting them at this point. The Rams get the ball back and are setting up the pass by running. The Cardinals sniff out several runs and the Rams settle for another field goal. 13-7 Rams lead.

- The Cardinals get the ball back with under 2 minutes remaining in the half. They run the hurry up, and Anquan Boldin catches a big sideline pass that takes them down to the 6 yard line. Early Doucet and Jason Wright drop two passes in the end zone and the Cardinals settle for a field goal. Rams lead 13-10 at end of half.

Third Quarter

-The Cardinals get the ball at the half and immediately start passing a lot. Steve Breaston is getting a lot of looks on the drive but Anquan catches a big 36 yard pass that takes the Cardinals into the red zone. Beanie Wells carries a defender 5 yards on his back, something I've never seen before in Madden!! Reggie Wells gets called for the hold which pushes them back and the Cardinals settle for a field goal. Game tied 13-13.

- The Cardinals stop the Rams next few drives by stacking the box to stopping Steven Jackson. Clark Haggans is having a good day, registering 7 tackles all on Jackson. The Cardinals stall on the final drive of the quarter and punt to the Rams.

Fourth Quarter

- The fourth quarter is the same, as the Cardinals continue to stop the run. When the Rams are forced to pass, Adrian Wilson picks off Marc Bulger. The Cardinals can't take advantage of the turnover, and Ben Graham booms a punt to the Rams 4 yard line. The Rams get away from their goal line, but Bulger throws another pick, this time to Karlos Dansby. In the red zone, Beanie Wells second effort pays off and he runs the ball in 5 yards. Cardinals lead 20-13.

- Here's where the game goes down hill with less then two minutes left. The Cardinals stop the Rams who punt back to the Cards. The Cardinals try to run the clock out, but go nowhere. Beanie Wells fumbles, but recovers the ball himself. Wright gets a carry, who doesn't get the first down, but a face mask on the Rams gives the Cardinals the first down. Game over right? No. Wells gets the ball again and fumbles again!! The Rams recover with 46 seconds left. Jackson catches a wide open pass and takes it to the Cards 10 yard line. The Cardinals force a 4th and inches, and the Rams pass the ball!! Samkon Gado is wide open and runs it in for the touchdown!! Game tied 20-20.

- The Cardinals get the ball back with 26 second left. Warner finds Breaston for 20 yards, then Anthony Becht wide open over the middle another 23 yards. The Cardinals call timeout at the rams 28 yard line. The Cardinals go for the win but Rackers hits off the upright!! Overtime. Game tied 20-20.

Overtime

- The Cardinals get the ball and march down into Rams territory. And just like before, Beanie Wells fumbles the ball away! Ken Whisenhunt is screaming on the sideline and why shouldn't he be? Put in Tim Hightower! The Rams get into Cards territory, but are stopped. The Rams go for the win which would be a 59 yard field goal. It has the distance, but hits the upright!! Cards ball.

- The Cardinals don't run this time, throwing to Larry Fitzgerald for 2 key first downs. In Rams territory, they are stopped and go for a long field goal. What a surprise, wide right!!! The Rams get the ball and get back into Cards territory. Going for the stop, in Cardinal-fashion, Mike Karney is wide open and streaks down the field for a 40 yard touchdown with Antrel Rolle chasing him. Rams win the game 26-20. Wow.

The Stats

	Cardinals	Rams
Total	308	290
Pass	265	207
Rush	53	83
Turnovers	2	3
Third Down	4-12(33%)	3-10(30%)
TOP	23:18	17:44

	comp/att	Yards	TD	INT	Rate
Warner	24/34(70%)	261	0	0	92.9
Bulger	14/22(63%)	207	2	2	86.7

	Att	Yards	Avg	TD/Fumble
Wells	18	50	2.7	1/3
Jackson	26	85	3.2	0/1

	Rec	Yards	Avg	TD
Fitzgerald	4	49	12.2	0
Boldin	4	65	16.2	0
Breaston	4	58	14.5	0
McMichael	5	43	8.6	0
Jackson	2	53	26.5	0
Karney	1	40	40.0	1

Final Thought -

It had to be the craziest game I've ever watched on Madden and if this happens in real life, I'll likely end up in the hospital. The Cardinals made the comeback in the second half and had the game locked up. Beanie Wells 3 fumbles killed the game, along with Neil Rackers inability to kick a game-winner. The Cardinals also finished with 8 penalties for 85 yards. I doubt this will happen on Sunday but it's interesting that Madden made it a very close game. What are your thoughts on the sim?

49ers TE Vernon Davis: Penalty machine

Fooch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:00:52 -0000

I was poking through the various game threads (more of a skim than hard read), and one of the discussion points that continued for yet another week concerned Vernon Davis and his penalties. Davis was called for a pair of false starts. One of the false starts did not really cost the team in the end, but the first one might have cost them a touchdown (some speculation on my part).

Mike Sando runs a weekly penalty watch, and according to his numbers, Vernon Davis tied with Cardinals OT Levi Brown for first in the NFC West in penalties with eight (totaling 44 yards). According to Sando, Davis has been flagged five times in the three starts Alex Smith has made this season (Davis wasn't flagged in the Houston game). Even though the 49ers have already played an extra game over the rest of the division this week, obviously the penalties remain an issue. Vernon Davis may not quite be a "penalty machine," but penalties are certainly an issue with him.

On the one hand, some folks might argue that it's a matter of getting in sync with Alex Smith. After all, they haven't played together in regular season action in a couple of years. It takes time to get on the same page. I think most people would not give Vernon that kind of pass though. After all, Vernon has always had an issue with penalties, and false starts in particular.

Honestly, I can live with the holding. Even the best of players gets called for holding on occasion. I'd like him to not do it, but if it happens, I'll survive. But false start penalties drive me (and probably everybody else) absolutely crazy. Vernon Davis has improved in so many areas, but the last few weeks have shown a bit of a regression on false start penalties. Any ideas what might be the cause of it? It's possible that Smith uses more and different hard counts that are harder to wait on. There could be a variety of reasons, but either way, it's something Vernon clearly still needs to work on.

Even though Davis struggled a bit yesterday, he's still putting together an extremely solid season. Aside from maybe a little more consistency on a week to week basis, the one thing that continues to keep Davis from stepping into the next tier of tight ends is the mental game; not making so many penalties. If he can figure that out, he'll take a further step towards becoming an elite tight end in this league.

Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks: Keys to the Game

Andrew602 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:31 -0000

by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Larry Fitzgerald is a terror for defensive backs; Steve Breaston is getting there.

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The Arizona Cardinals return home to face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. The Cardinals are coming off a 41-21 beating of the Chicago Bears, on the road. The Seahawks are coming off a less-then-impressive win over the helpless Lions at home, 32-20. Both teams collide hoping to establish themselves as contenders in the NFC West. The Cardinals would like to push their record to 6-3 and establish a stranglehold over the rest of the West. Should the Seahawks win, they'd stand at 4-5 and wouldn't be far out of the division. The most important part of the game is for the Cardinals to WIN at home, something they've only done once out of the last four games. Here's the keys to the game:

Keep the offense rolling: The show that the Cardinals offense put on last week against the Bears was very impressive and I'm asking for an encore. The Seahawks had trouble containing the Cardinals offense the last time these two teams met. Kurt Warner threw two touchdowns and Larry Fitzgerald had a career high, 13 receptions. The rushing game didn't exactly dominate last game, which is something they've improved since then. If the offense can score early and many, then the Seahawks will be forced to play catch-up, something they can't do.

Stop the run: Want to know how bad the Seahawks are at running the ball? They're right ahead of the Cardinals at 30th in the league averaging 84.5 yards per game. Why is it important to stop the run? The last time the Cardinals were at home they allowed 270 total rushing yards. If the Seahawks couldn't pass the ball on the Cardinals defense last game, they may just take a different approach on Sunday. The last thing I want to see is Julius Jones streaking 75 yards down the sideline into the end zone. So therefore, the Cardinals need to take away the rushing game from the Seahawks play calling on Sunday.

Get all receivers involved: The Cardinals look like they'll be with Anquan Boldin in this game and if Ken Whisenhunt is smart, he'll be man enough to let him know. In all seriousness, this offense is unstoppable when it's firing on all cylinders. The offense starts and stops with the wide receivers and if they are involved in this game, the Seahawks will have a lot to worry about. With Q in the slot, Steve and Larry out wide, and Kurt throwing to each of them, it keeps the Seahawks defenders on their heels and also opens up the running game. And if Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower get going, you can kiss this one goodbye.

Play smart: I can't tell you how many times this has been a key for the Cardinals but given that they can't win when turning the ball over more then their opponent, it's very serious. In their last home game, Kurt Warner turned the ball over six times and essentially kept the offense from making an attempt to try and catch up. Levi Brown will also have to be on his best behaviour with Patrick Kerney, who had two sacks in their last meeting. One led to a fumble that luckily had no effect on the game. On a final note, the Cardinals have been very impressive with not committing penalties, something they also did late last season. The Cardinals must keep up the smart play to get the win

-----------------------------

Any division game is pivotal on the outcome of the season, and the Cardinals can push their division record to 2-1, with two games against the Rams still to come. The Cardinals need to get out of their funk at home, and who better to start that against then the Seahawks? What are your keys to the game?

ROTB Checks in with Former Arizona Cardinals Offensive Tackle Elliot Vallejo

Hawkwind — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:28 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Revenge of the Birds brings you another interview this week and this time the man under the microscope is former Arizona Cardinals' offensive tackle Elliot Vallejo. Vallejo dislocated his knee cap during the preseason and accepted an injury settlement shortly thereafter. Considering the uncertain future, not the mention the lackluster current, situation of the Cardinals offensive tackle position, this seemed like a great opportunity to check in with a guy who many considered the team's future at left tackle.

ROTB: First and foremost, what's the status of the knee/rehab? How close are you to 100% and/or "game ready?"

Elliot Vallejo: I feel ready to go. My left leg is not as explosive or strong as the other one yet, but I did very well in my work out with Browns. If I had to put a number on it, I would say I am about 82.5%.

ROTB: Secondly, I'm not sure that most of us understand the details of your injury settlement with the team. If I remember correctly you could be re-signed nine weeks into the season. Does that mean after the ninth game or literally nine weeks (aka eight games and a bye week)?

EV: Yes, nine weeks is correct and it does include the bye week. It is an NFL rule that the team who injured/waived you cannot resign you until six weeks after the settlement period. I had a settlement for three weeks into the season, so I cannot go back until week nine.

ROTB: Have you had any contact with Cardinals and what odds would you put on returning to the team this season? Odds for next season? Or care to break any contract news here on ROTB?

EV: The only contact I've had with the Cardinals is with the trainers and doctors. There have not been any talks of my return to the team this year, although there is a possibility of it happening. I'm not sure where I'll be next year, but I'm sure the Cards will offer to resign me the off season. I just have to put myself in the best situation possible wherever that may be.

ROTB: There seem to be quite a few teams with problems at left tackle, especially in the NFC West (the Niners and Hawks come to mind). Have you had private workouts with any other teams around the league and/or had any offers?

EV: I've only had one workout with the Browns last Thursday (11/5). It was a test workout for me to see where I was and if I was ready to play. I ended up doing very well and I thought the Browns were going to sign me. They have not made any o-line transactions, but they said I was at the top of their list.

ROTB: Lastly this is more of a schematic question, but over the past year and half or so we've spent quite a bit of time talking about the Cardinals pass protection. The biggest question always seems to be, why are the offensive tackles left on an island so often instead of given some help, either with a tight end or a RB. From your time with Whiz and Grimm, is this just their philosophy or is a case of just needing as many weapons in the pass pattern as possible? Do they just have that much confidence in Mike Gandy and Levi Brown?

EV: The team does have confidence in their tackles or they wouldn't out them on an island so often (or even get new ones). Change occurs when something is not working or at least not working well. The Cardinals love spread formations when passing because the amazing receiver core. There are plenty of plays and formations where the tackles can get help from a RB/TE/G, but if they're not necessary then they are not used consistently. Then, the most effective play can be called for the current situation. I can tell you that being left on island against a good pass rusher can be a daunting task at times, but you have to trust yourself.

Football on the pro level is VERY complex and few people truly understand what is actually going on in the game, unless you were part of creating the game plan for that particular opponent. I can tell you that is like a chess game though. There are a finite number moves your opponent can make and you always have to be a step ahead of your opponent.

Chatting with Arizona Cardinals Expert Darren Urban: Mid-Season Edition

Hawkwind — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:00:35 -0000

by Matt York - AP

The Arizona Cardinals are halfway to their goal of adding a third banner to the rafters at University of Phoenix Stadium. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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The Arizona Cardinals have reached the midway point of their season and currently sit atop the NFC West with a 5-3 record. They're undefeated on the road (4-0), but have struggled at home (1-3). The offense, while still very good, hasn't quite lived up to the expectations garnered from last year's impressive showing. They currently rank 14th in yards per game and 12th in points per game. The defense has been somewhat up and down through eight games but overall they are preforming better than last year's unit. They're currently 21st in yards per game but a much improved 11th in points per game. In order to get more than just statistical rankings though we turn to Darren Urban, web manager for the Cardinals. If you're unfamiliar with his fine work (is that really possible?), check out the Cards' official site where he posts daily stories, blog entries and podcasts. Needless to say he's an expert on all thing Arizona Cardinals and that's why we asked him for a mid-season report.

ROTB: The Cardinals obviously sit atop the NFC West at 5-3 and they're currently the only team in the division that has scored more points than they've allowed. Despite the season opening loss to the Niners, are the Cardinals the best team in the division in your mind and how surprised would you be if they somehow squandered the division lead down the stretch?

Darren Urban: I don't think there is any question they are the best team in the division. I think the Niners are still finding themselves and building, and the Seahawks simply have been hammered by injuries again. The Seahawks are also going through a transition right now. But I thought the Cardinals were the best team before camp started too. They have the most talent and the most experience. I also think, if that opener was played again, the Cards would win, which would change the division even more. The Cards' schedule is obviously favorable down the stretch as well. If they didn't win the division -- and I think they will -- it would be a incredible disappointment.

ROTB: The offense is still potent at times but they're not in the top ten in yards per game or points per game. What are the major differences between this year's squad and last year's, and are their current problems correctable?

DA: Well, I do think there was a transition after Todd Haley left. I definitely think teams have cracked down on Fitz, and I think the lingering injuries to Breaston and Q have hurt. Don't forget, when the Cards were really building up their stats in the middle of last season, Boldin was having some big days. That's missing. I think the offensive line has been more inconsistent than I expected and Kurt Warner hasn't always been super-sharp. But more than anything, I think the Cards set a bar last year that might have been tough to reach. Sometimes, an offense just has a magical run. I think that's part of last season (and don't forget, they had clunkers last year too -- Minny, NE).

ROTB: There was a great deal of off season chatter about the change at defensive coordinator and the move to a more traditional 3-4 defense. Considering the defense is ranked 11th in points per game, it would seem like the transition to Bill Davis' scheme has been successful. What grade would you give the defense for their first half performance and is the key area that they need to improve upon in the remaining eight games?

DA: Grades are always tough. It simplifies something that is very complex. But if forced, I'd give this defense a B right now. I think there was a learning curve to what they had to do. I think they learned that if they played smart and stayed in their gaps, they could be tough. They won't be the 2000 Ravens, but they can be a top-10 defense. Fans get mad with the off coverages at the line, but the decision was made that it was better to surrender an 8-yard pass on 3rd-and-9 than get burned for a 40-yarder. Sometimes teams will convert, but overall I think it has helped. I don't know how much they can improve given the players they have, but they must remain consistent. They can't forget what got them here (that happened against the Panthers, I think). They need to keep up some sort of pass rush too, but again, they don't have that one dynamic guy who can get to the quarterback consistently. They do have a few guys who can get pressure though, and those guys can't let up.

ROTB: Since the day he was drafted there was a certain segment, some might even say a majority, of fans and media alike who thought it would just a matter of time before Beanie Wells took over the starting job. After a slow start, he's gradually learning more of offense and in the past three games he actually has more carries than Tim Hightower, despite not starting. Considering how equally the carries have been split, does it really matter who starts at tailback or will Beanie continue getting more and more carries as the season progresses?

DA: No it doesn't matter who starts. And while I am very aware the fans want Beanie to start, I think Hightower has been good this season. Beanie is improving in all aspects but Hightower is better in everything but running, and even then the gap isn't that big. That block Hightower had on the blitzing Bear to give Warner time to throw his first TD pass in Chicago to Fitz was textbook. If the offense is doing what it should, it'll be a lot like Chicago, with equal carries. The only time I think Beanie gets a chunk more is if Hightower just looks bad and Beanie doesn't. But usually, if one is running well, they both are.

ROTB: Last question, who has been the most surprising player on offense and on defense so far (good or bad)?

DA: Defensively, I will go with Calais Campbell. I wasn't sure he'd be this good this fast, but it seems to me he is already playing as well as Antonio Smith did and you can argue he is already better. That's been huge for this team. Offensively, that's more difficult. Honestly, I expected Levi Brown to take a step forward this season but he hasn't yet, and that's something this team needs. Overall, I thought the entire offense would be playing a bit better, although now we are picking at nits when you realize they are 5-3 and are coming off a 41-point game. In the end, everyone needs to realize these guys aren't machines. They are people, they are going to go through bad patches, and we can't just expect that, if the Cards just play Player X, call Play Y, or give the ball more to Player Z, they'd be 8-0 and whipping everyone. It doesn't work that way.

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Many thanks to Darren Urban for taking the time and once again, go check out the team's official site. He does great work over there and it should be a daily visit for any Cardinals fan. Thoughts?