SB Nation - Tim Castille

Five Good Stats from the Chiefs' Loss to the Bills

Chris Thorman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:45:09 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

11 days ago: Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr (39) recovers a ball fumbled by Buffalo Bills tight end Shawn Nelson (89) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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Yesterday's loss to the Buffalo Bills was demoralizing, disappointing and downright ugly on the offensive side of the ball. Jamaal Charles' 76-yard TD run was one of the few bright spots in a now rather dismal stretch of games for the Chiefs.

Nevertheless, I was able to find five really good stats that should make you feel better about yesterday's game. We're talking about:

3rd down efficiency
Rushing yards
Tamba Hali
Tyson Jackson
Forcing turnovers

It's all there, after the jump.

Third down efficiency, on both sides of the ball

The Chiefs were a ridiculous 7/18 on third downs yesterday. That isn't an especially impressive percentage (39%) but a high number of conversions is great for this team. Coming into this game, the Chiefs were on pace to have the worst 3rd down efficiency in NFL history. I hope those 7 conversions puts them out of the woods on that stat.

The Chiefs held the Bills to only a 25% third down efficiency. They were 3/12. One of those conversions was a 1-yard run; another was the touchdown pass to Terrell Owens; and the last one was an 8-yard scramble by Ryan Fitzpatrick on 3rd and 4. Not exactly strong plays, aside from the TD.

Seven third down conversions is the best on the season for the Chiefs, topping the six we had against Pittsburgh.

152 yards rushing

Jamaal Charles had 143 of those yards and 76 of his came on on one one, beautiful run. Tim Castille added 9 yards on 4 carries.

152 total yards rushing is the best performance since Week 2 against the Raiders when the Chiefs rushed for 173 yards.

More from Tamba Hali

It was another great day from Tamba Hali. He had a sack and two QB hits. If you watched the game, you also noticed Hali getting plenty of pressure on Fitzpatrick off that right side throughout the game.

Is this defense coming together?

Three turnovers forced

Even though the Chiefs weren't able to capitalize on their three turnovers, that doesn't mean the defense didn't do a good job.

Mike Vrabel forced a Ryan Fitzpatrick fumble. Brandon Carr stripped Bills WR Shawn Nelson and recovered the fumble. And Brandon Flowers had a pick in the end zone. It was a great effort by the Chiefs' D.

The defense did a lot to help win this game. The Chiefs' offense did not get it done.

Tyson Jackson's best game?

The Chiefs' first round pick had 8 tackles yesterday, his highest total of the season. His second best game was 7 tackles and that was Week 9 against Jacksonville. Jackson's next highest tackle total is 3 and he has 4 games this year without a tackle.

I'm not saying tackle stats are the end all be a evaluation of Tyson Jackson. But when you see his tackle numbers jump like that, something's clicking for the #3 overall pick.

***

Without stretching it too much, you definitely have some bright statistics in this game. Anything else stand out to you?

Poll

What is the best stat out of these five?

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 12/12

NJ Chiefs Fan — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:02:03 -0000

Photo source

Happy weekend! Lots of parties and a short trip into Manhattan for me. Hope all is well with you and yours as we get ready for this Sunday's game. Also, Happy Hanukkah to those of you celebrating that.

Now your Chiefs News.

Buffalo Bills assistant head coach/special teams Bobby April (left) is one of those coaches. He arrives at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday with what some people in the league think are the best kicking game units in the game. April is a guy who always comes up with new fakes, new returns and previously unseen wrinkles.
And, he’s had 10 days to prepare for the Chiefs.

"They’re a well-coached group that will throw a lot at you and they’ve had a couple of extra days to prepare," said Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. "I’m sure they’ll have something for us and in a lot of different areas. He’s seen everything there is and you see it on the tape and through the years.

Special Special Teams … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

Chiefs running back Tim Castille spent a long 10 weeks running and lifting and sweating and wondering whether he’d ever get a job.

Now, he’s got two of them.

Castille, who signed with the Chiefs in mid-November after spending the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, fills the role of both backup fullback and halfback in addition to participating on special teams.

With starting halfback Jamaal Charles showing some signs of wear and tear, Castille could be next man up in that role in Sunday’s game against Buffalo. He’s also spelled Mike Cox at fullback as a blocker and as a short-yardage ball carrier.

Castille gives Chiefs double duty in the backfield from KC Star

The Chiefs have showed the tendency to disintegrate after making a bad play. Never has that been more obvious than in last week’s loss to Denver.

In an 11 1/2 -minute span of the third quarter, the Chiefs failed to convert on a fourth-down fake punt, threw two pass interceptions and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.

In the process, they saw a 14-6 deficit balloon to 34-6.

"It’s just learning how to roll with the ebb and flow of the game," coach Todd Haley said. "It’s not going to go exactly the way you plan it. You’ve got to be able to adjust and overcome at times. It’s one of those things you don’t like to see happen.

"You see that all over the league. Once things turn and go south a little bit, it’s hard to pull it back together. The good teams do, and the teams that aren’t ready to be good don’t."

Chiefs notebook: Bad things tend to get worse from KC Star

There is no question about Matt Cassel's skills. He is good and in time, he will be better. At least that's the way the Kansas City Chiefs see it.

But when someone hands you a six-year, $63 million contract like the Chiefs did during the offseason you instantly become a franchise quarterback, even when you aren't ready. Another part of Cassel's continuing growth as an NFL quarterback will be tested this week, and it is something that cannot be measured by any statistic. How will he react to being benched?

Chiefs still believe in Cassel from The Buffalo News

Interim coach Perry Fewell said veteran Terrence McGee will start at cornerback for the Bills on Sunday at Kansas City.

McGee was active but limited in the Bills' last game against the New York Jets. He missed the past three games because of a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery during the bye week.

McGee didn't start against the Jets as Reggie Corner began the game but McGee has practiced all week.

"Terrence looked good and practiced real strong," Fewell said. "He will be the starter."

Bills notebook: Tolbert staying put; McGee ready to start from The Buffalo News

The hundreds of hours in the film room are paying off for Paul Posluszny. He plays with an intensity bordering on fury. He's decisive, aggressive and smart.

What coach Perry Fewell has is a linebacker who is sure of where he should be and what he should do. He can easily recite the Buffalo Bills defensive scheme and is willing to pay almost any price for success, whether it be in the weight room, film room or on the practice field.

Posluszny is coming into his own this season. The Bills might be concerned about their rush defense but the one element of their unit that has been all right has been Posluszny, a third-year man from Penn State, in the middle. He is the Bills' leader in tackles with 76, three more than safety George Wilson. Posluszny's 58 solo tackles are also a team high.

Bills linebacker Posluszny quarterbacks the defense from The Buffalo News

Ryan Schartz, who was named the top football coach in the state at Tuesday’s Simone Awards, was named the top football coach on the Missouri side of the metro area by the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors Friday afternoon in a surprise assembly at Fort Osage High School.

Schartz, who led the Indians to a perfect 10-0 regular season, saw his team finish with an all-time Fort Osage best record of 13-1 as they dropped the Class 5 state championship game to Webster Groves at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
Chiefs honor Fort Osage coach from The Examiner

Tamba Time: The Kansas City Chiefs' Tamba Hali, much like LaMarr Woodley, is an outside pass-rushing linebacker who has defensive lineman eligibility in ESPN leagues. Hali had played much of his career as a 4-3 defensive end before switching to a 3-4 'backer this offseason and while the transition took a toll on his numbers early in the season, he's emerged of late and put up a monstrous outing this past week. If you have a spotty rotation at defensive line or, say, an injured stud like Robert Mathis, Hali makes for an impressive late addition.
D Up!: Preparing for the playoffs from ESPN.com

In a league that would become famous for its offense and scoring, in game No. 13 of the 1960 season the Dallas Texans defense was overpowering on a cold, cloudy Sunday afternoon at the Cotton Bowl. They pitched a shutout for the second straight week, beating the Boston Patriots 34-0 before a crowd of 12,000.

The Texans allowed the Patriots just 151 yards in total offense, and only 18 rushing yards. They forced five turnovers and never allowed Boston to get past the Dallas 42-yard line. The defense also added a touchdown, as CB Duane Wood (left) returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown.

Texans Defense Keys Another Victory from Bob Gretz

Chiefs RB Castille Moves Up In Latest Depth Chart

Joel Thorman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:53:46 -0000

Last week at this time, the Kansas City Chiefs sported three running backs on their depth chart: Jamaal Charles, Kolby Smith and Dantrell Savage.

With Smith now on IR and Savage missing the Denver Broncos game with an injury, here's how the Chiefs backs stack up:

Jamaal Charles, Tim Castille and Dantrell Savage.

Castille has only been on the team for a few weeks but contributed yesterday. He had three carries for 26 yards and one reception for eight yards. He was moved into the Chiefs offense pretty quickly.

Other depth chart changes are minor.

One other minor change comes at punt returner. With Savage injured, Quinten Lawrence is now listed as the No. 2 punt returner.

Lawrence had six kick returns for an average of 21 yards yesterday.

Chiefs RB Williams a 'Possibility' to be Promoted From Practice Squad

Joel Thorman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:18:59 -0000

As we realize that Kolby Smith's injury is serious enough to cause him to miss Sunday's game, and maybe the rest of the season, we'll begin to turn our focus to possible replacements for this weekend. Assuming Dantrell Savage is out as well (listed as doubtful), there are a couple of options for the backup RB spot behind Jamaal Charles.

We already went over some of those options. Here's what Todd Haley had to say about it.

RB Javarris Williams is currently on the practice squad but Todd Haley said today, "That’s a possibility," when asked if he could be promoted.

"Obviously we need to see exactly where Savage is at and where we are at as a group. We’ve got a couple of plans that we’re ready to go with one way or another."

Haley said yesterday the Chiefs have a "Plan B, Plan C" and so on if Kolby Smith can't go this weekend. And now that it appears Savage isn't likely to go either, FB Tim Castille is becoming not just a possibility but a probability this weekend.

"If Kolby is indeed out," Haley said, "I’m happy we have a guy like Tim Castille that we’ve added here recently that can play both positions. We haven’t given him the ball a bunch but we think he can play the halfback and fullback positions."

There you have it. If Savage can't go, look for Javarris Williams to be called up or Tim Castille to be given some carries.

Chiefs RB Kolby Smith Officially Out; Savage Doubtful

Joel Thorman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:15:58 -0000

Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com reports that Chiefs RB Kolby Smith has been formally ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos. This is about what we expected when he wasn't on the practice field this afternoon.

Meanwhile, as I just noted a few minutes ago, Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star believes this could be the season ending variety of injury.

"Chiefs RB Kolby Smith's injury could be season-ending," Babb reports. "The team will know more after today, but he again could be placed on IR."

If that's the case, it'll be the second time Smith has been placed on IR in his short career.

Looney also reports the Chiefs put RB Dantrell Savage as doubtful on the injury report. This means he has about a 25% chance of playing, or highly unlikely.

So, it's nearly guaranteed that the Chiefs running backs on Sunday will go like this:

1. Jamaal Charles

2. Tim Castille/Mike Cox (FBs)

It's also possible the Chiefs make a decision on Smith after today and, if it is IR, rookie RB Javarris Williams is sitting on the practice squad.

The Chiefs also worked out former Bengals RB Chris Perry a couple weeks ago so that's a possibility.

Chiefs Sign Former Cardinals RB Tim Castille

Joel Thorman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:36:55 -0000

No one will ever read it but I had just finished typing a post on the Chiefs open roster spot and expecting it to be filled quickly. Well, I was right (even if I can't prove it).

The Chiefs have signed Tim Castille, a 5'11" 242 pound RB/FB most recently last season in Arizona under the Haley-led Cardinals offense.

Castille only caught four balls for 11 yards in 14 appearances last season, his second since being an UDFA out of Alabama.

In my aforementioned post that I now can't publish, I guessed the next Chief would not be a RB. So far I'd say the running game has improved, kind of an addition by subtraction with the release of Larry Johnson.

Castille was originally brought onto the Cardinals in 2007, and then released on September 5th of this year, the final cutdown day.

His Chiefs connection is of course Todd Haley.

NFC West Breakdown: Arizona Cardinals

Pyromnc — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:17 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

3 months ago: Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells (26) breaks a tackle against Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL preseason game Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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Key Additions: TE Dominique Byrd (Rams), LB Reggie Walker (Undrafted FA), TE Anthony Becht (Rams), RB Jason Wright (Browns), DB Bryant McFadden (Steelers).

Key Losses: RB Edgerrin James (Seahawks), DE Antonio Smith (Texans), RB J.J. Arrington (Broncos, now FA), FB Terrelle Smith (Lions), LB Monty Beisel (Chiefs), TE Leonard Pope (Cut), S Aaron Francisco (Cut), LB Victor Hobson (Cut), FB Tim Castille (Cut).

Draft: RB Chris Wells (1st), DE/LB Cody Brown (2nd), S Rashad Johnson (3rd), CB Greg Toler (4th), OT Herman Johnson (5th), DE/LB Will Davis (6th), RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (7th), OG Trevor Canfield (7th).

In 2008 the Arizona Cardinals shocked the world by winning their division, dominating in the playoffs, and coming within 2 minutes of winning the Super Bowl. Despite doubters who thought that the Cardinals were not a legitimate playoff team, the Red Birds put together three playoff victories and were within two minutes of winning Super Bowl 43. The same doubters are now describing last season, and especially last January, as a "fluke" or claiming that the Cardinals will be another team to fall victim to the dreaded "Super Bowl curse." These are the type of comments that the team thrived on in the playoffs and they hope they can use it to their advantage this season.

After the Super Bowl loss there were some key areas that the Cards hoped to address this off season that plagued them throughout the year last year. Anquan Boldin, Darnell Dockett (or Nine-0), Karlos Dansby, Adrian Wilson, and Kurt Warner all wanted or needed new contracts. They took care of three of those five mentioned, Warner got a two year deal, Dansby was franchised, and Wilson got a five year deal. Q and Nine-0 were told they won't talk contract until they are in the final year of their deals. Other areas of need were upgrading were the rushing attack, the secondary, and special teams. They added to each group by drafting RB Beanie Wells, signing Jason Wright (a beast on special teams), and signing DB Bryant McFadden. They hope that these new additions will upgrade their respective units.

The 2008 offense that dominated so much returns with just a few changes this season and more experience. The team lost their most productive RB in a long time by cutting Edge and replacing him with Wells. Wells was a monster tail back for Ohio State and he hopes to have the same success in the NFL. So far though he has been injured but from the two games he has played in he has shown enough that Cardinals fans are already asking for him to start the opener against the Niners. That starting job will go to Tim Hightower who has lost body fat and put on more muscle to prove that he can be a reliable back in this league. This unit also replaced RB J.J. Arrington, our 3rd down back and kick returner, with Hyphen (Howling) whom they hope can be just as elusive and fast as JJ was on kick returns.

The rest of the offense is virtually the same with the exception of Anthony Becht, who was added to the tight ends mix, and receiver Lance Long. The starting 5 on the OL return and should be better having another year under Russ Grimm and backups like Brandon Keith and Elton Brown. Keith looking especially promising and could be a future starter. All in all this offense still has all the potential to look just as good as last year and if they all stay healthy they should be among the best again.

The defensive unit is loaded with talent, just like the offense, but their problem is actually doing their job every week on a consistent basis. One week the can get constant pressure on a QB, no matter how good the OL is, and they win the turnover battle. The next week they won't do either of those and allow several touchdowns. The problem is that they are already showing these problems again in preseason play, playing very well in the first two games and than doing the opposite in the last two. There is no doubt that if this team wants to continue the success they had last year the defense will have to perform as they did in January. They can't make stupid mistakes and they need to play hard every down, which some players have a hard time doing unless on a national stage game that puts them in the spotlight (Darnell Dockett).

The strength of this team on defense has to be the secondary with Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle manning the safety positions and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and newly acquired Byrant McFadden manning the corners. Although they have struggled in preseason this unit is considered by many to be one of the top secondaries in the league, something they were far from last season.

The weakest part of the defense has to be the front seven (LB and DL). They lack a whole lot of depth at these positions, which we need since Clark Haggans, Bertrand Berry, and Chike Okeafor are all over 30. Calais Campbell is trying to replace Antonio Smith, who was very important to this team in the playoffs. They have Gerald Hayes and Karlos Dansby at ILB but if one of them goes down we don't have a whole lot behind them to step in with udrafted rookie Reggie Walker and 2nd year player Ali Highsmith. The DT position doesn't have much depth either with Gabe Watson coming off of knee surgery, Bryan Robinson being over 30, and Alan Branch still not doing what the first pick in the 2nd round is supposed to be doing. Definitely tons of questions on the defense but still lots of promise if they can stay healthy and play hard.

This is definitely going to be an interesting year for the Cards coming off a season in which they had so much success. They will have an up hill battle again this season though as everyone thinks they are a one year wonder and will fall back into oblivion again this year. If the Cards want to prove those naysayers wrong they are going to have to be consistent on offense, consistent defense, and stay healthy. It's certainly shaping up to be an interesting year as the Cards look to "Shock the World" again.

Record for 2009: 10-6
Record Vs the NFC West: 5-1

Poll

Who Wins the NFC West this Season?

San Francisco 49ers

21 votes

St. Louis Rams

6 votes

Seattle Seahawks

32 votes

Arizona Cardinals

280 votes

339 votes | Poll has closed

Arizona Cardinals Make Cuts; Release Pope, Francisco, and Hobson

Andrew602 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:39:10 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

Arizona Cardinals safety Aaron Francisco (47)

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After one of the more lackluster performances of the preseason, the Cardinals have made their final cuts of the off season before the home opener against the 49ers. Within the last 24 hours, the Cardinals were able to make their decisions and release the remaining 20 players on the bubble. Among them were some notables, including Aaron Francisco, Leonard Pope, and Victor Hobson. Aside from the cuts, those that were left untouched were undrafted rookie linebacker Reggie Walker and second year linebacker Ali Highsmith.

The cuts also show just how much trust the coaches have in the young players on defense. Now backing up Wilson and Rolle will be Matt Ware and Rashad Johnson. Highsmith, Walker and Will Davis will also fill in behind the starters at linebacker. On offense, the Cardinals cut quarterback Tyler Palko, along with fullback Tim Castille. Aside from Pope, the offense remains virtually the same.

Players that were able to survive the cut may come as the real surprise. Fan favorite Lance Long, just barely made the team. With Pope being the odd man out, that means the Cardinals will carry Dominique Byrd, Anthony Becht, and Stephen Spach. Since Ben Patrick doesn't count against the roster until week four, we can only assume that one of these tight ends will be released at that point. Other notables that survived the cut were Michael Adams, Greg Toler, and more importantly, LaRod Stephens-Howling. The most obvious reason for LSH's spot on the roster has to be return duties, which he should be ready for on September 13th. What's everyone's take on the roster cuts? Would you have handled the cuts any different?

For a complete list of the roster cuts, click here.

53 Man Roster Predictions After the Arizona Cardinals Shutout Loss to the Broncos

Hawkwind — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:49:49 -0000

by David Zalubowski - AP

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt will have harder time cutting 22 players today than he did finding an offensive play that would work this preseason. (AP Photo/ David Zalubowski)

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Truth be told we won't dwell on another lackluster effort in the preseason. The Arizona Cardinals finished the preseason without a win but that doesn't even begin to tell the story of how ugly the past three and a half weeks have been. To give you a quick taste of how the past four games have gone, the Cardinals have been outscored 71-16 in the first half, Cardinals' quarterbacks have combined to throw twice as many interceptions as touchdowns (9 to 4) and the Cardinals' defenders have forced just one turnover. In conclusion this Cardinals team has looked like the one that played in December of 2008 instead of the team that took the field in January of 2009. Just for the record, historically teams that finish the preseason winless, also struggle in the regular season. Going back to 1989, 35 teams have finished the preseason without a win and 31 of those teams failed to make the playoff. To make matters worse, 21 of them finished with a losing record.

But we said we weren't going to dwell so we're moving on to the news that should come down today. Tomorrow is the deadline to cut down the rosters to 53 players, but most expect Ken Whisenhunt to break the news in an afternoon press conference. With that in mind, here's ROTB's last shot at nailing down the 53 man roster.

QB (3): Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart, Brian St. Pierre - Tyler Palko played his way out of any shot of making the roster with a poor performance last night. BSP hasn't shown much this preseason but Whiz is familiar enough with his abilities for him to stick.
RB (4): Tim Hightower, Chris Wells, Jason Wright, LaRod Stephens-Howling - No one did much to either help or hurt their case for a roster spot last night.
FB (1): Dan Kreider - After the recent discussion about Kreider vs. Tim Castille, I kept a close eye on both players last night. To be honest neither did much to impress me and at this point I think Whiz would chose a veteran that he's familiar with over a younger player.
WR (6): Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston, Jerheme Urban, Early Doucet and Sean Morey - I, like most Cardinals fans I suspect, have been pulling for Lance Long but he's played a great deal in the past two preseason games and he hasn't done much with his opportunity (2 catches for 21 yards). I think it's fair to say that he's not ready and I'd be wiling to risk cutting him. The Chiefs may or may not claim him before we can stash him on the practice squad but he can't help this team right now.

TE (3): Stephen Spach, Anthony Becht and Dominique Byrd - Truth to be told, I still don't know what we have at this position but I'm confident that Leonard Pope will be cut. He was the last tight end to take the field last night and that says enough about his future. I went back and forth on Byrd but his versatility in the H-back role won me over. The interesting thing about this spot is who gets released after week four when Ben Patrick comes back.

OL (9): Mike Gandy, Reggie Wells, Lyle Sendlein, Deuce Lutui, Levi Brown, Herman Johnson, Brandon Keith and Elton Brown and Melvin Fowler - It's overkill keeping so many offensive lineman and I went back and forth on Elton Brown but his ability to play LT made the difference. Oliver Ross is a possibility but he just didn't impress me during the preseason. Elton Brown wasn't all that impressive either but at least this coaching staff has seen him step in at LT and play decently.

DL (6): Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell, Bryan Robinson, Kenny Iwebema, Gabe Watson and Alan Branch - No real surprises here. Branch hasn't done much to warrant a spot but neither has anyone behind him. At least he can line up at DE now as well as DT, although his effectiveness remains about the same. Keilen Dykes doesn't make the cut but hopefully they can keep him on the practice squad thanks to another leg injury that cost him nearly the entire preseason.
LB (8): Karlos Dansby, Gerald Hayes, Clark Haggans, Chike Okeafor, Will Davis, Victor Hobson, Reggie Walker and Ali Highsmith - Bertrand Berry is the surprise cut on the roster after pulling a disappearing act during the preseason that would make David Copperfield jealous. Considering that the backups consist of two rookies, one sophomore UDFA and a guy that was signed off the streets before the regular season finale last year, I fully expect the Cardinals to scour the waiver wire for a veteran linebacker (inside or out).
CB (5): Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Bryant McFadden, Ralph Brown, Greg Toler and Michael Adams - I don't know what to make of this unit but these are the top five guys. DRC has struggled mightily the past two games, McFadden can't even get on the field and Brown is looking awful old and slow. Toler and Adams are two guys that we should all hope spend much more time on special teams than the regular defense.
S (5): Adrian Wilson, Antrel Rolle, Rashad Johnson, Aaron Francisco and Matt Ware - Basically this is the same unit as last year, plus a third round pick. Francisco is still Francisco although Ware has caught my eye several times this preseason.
Specialists (3): Neil Rackers, Ben Graham and Mike Leach - No surprises.

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To be honest, when I first wrote all this down I ended up with 54 players and after scouring the two deep I ended up cutting a veteran, Bertrand Berry. I'm not sure why but I keep getting the feeling that some of the veterans who've been around this team throughout all of the bad times cause some apathy in the locker room sometimes that lead to performances like we've seen the past couple of weeks. Berry's absence over the course of OTA's and his indifferent excuse once training camp started is just a microcosm of how this team has played over the course of the preseason. Maybe it's a knee jerk reaction on my part for thinking that someone's head has to roll but so be it. Thoughts? Who makes your 53?

Arizona Cardinals Fight For 53: Examining the Bubble Players by Position

Hawkwind — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:52:26 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

3 months ago: Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson, right, picks up an eight-yard gain as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Ralph Brown pulls him down during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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It's simply the nature of the NFL that 22 players who currently call themselves Arizona Cardinals, will be unemployed by the end of this coming weekend. The bad news will be given to hundreds of players across the NFL within the next week and many will be left hoping for a place on some team's practice squad or maybe the newly formed UFL. Before anyone has to worry about their new football home though, the bubble players will have one last shot to impress the coaching staff this Thursday when the Cardinals travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. Here's a quick list at the battles at various positions.

Kreider vs. Castille: With four running backs expected to make the final roster, thanks to LaRod Stephens-Howling's impressive play over the past month, the Cardinals are expected to carry just one fullback. That leaves three guys, Dan Kreider, Tim Castille and Reagan Maui'a, fighting for one spot, although truth be told it's really just a battle between Krieder and Castille. No one has really established themselves and each guy brings something different to the table. Krieder is hands down the better blocker and he's a "Whiz-guy" but Castille's versatility out of the backfield and prowess on special teams gives him a shot.

Long versus the Unknown: The only real question for the Cardinals to answer at wide receiver is how many they want to carry. Assuming that Early Doucet's recent rib injury won't effect his roster status, the teams top six wide outs are virtually set in stone (Fitz, Q, Breaston, Urban, Doucet and Morey). That leaves fan favorite Lance Long fighting for a spot that simply might not be there, but the team has carried seven wide receivers before. The injury risk of a couple of those guys and Long's ability to contribute on special teams leaves the door open. At this point Orea Jones, who's been impressive during the preseason, is simply showcasing himself to other teams or hoping for a practice squad job.

Brown vs. Ross: The offensive line is sort of the in the same predicament as the wide receiver spot considering that they've got quite a few semi-capable bodies but not enough roster spots for everyone. What we know is that Gandy, Wells, Sendlein, Lutui, Levi Brown, Keith and Johnson are all locks make the final 53. If you're counting that's seven bodies and most squads carry eight or nine (although the Cards have kept ten before). That leaves two or maybe three spots up for grabs. One of the spots will undoubtedly be filled by a center and that battle seems to have boiled down to Ben Claxton versus Melvin Fowler. Fowler has a huge edge in experience and would seem to be the front runner but don't count out Claxton's familiarity with the offense. Assuming that the backup center spot is filled by one of these two (but not both), that leaves eight guys with Elton Brown, Trevor Canfield, Carlton Medder and Oliver Ross on the outside looking with one or two spots to fill. Of these remaining four, I'd have to say the top two are Brown and Ross and they'd be battling for the final spot or could be the final two in, if the team decides to keep 10 offensive lineman.

Unknown at Tight End: As we stated yesterday the only thing we really know about the tight end spot is that we really don't know anything. The best bet right now is that Ben Patrick is essentially assured of the roster spot to start the season but that's only because he won't count against the 53 until his four game suspension is over. With that in mind, we'll set him aside and just look at the remainder. The Cardinals in the past have carried as few as two tight ends and as many as four so it's possible that Stephen Spach, Leonard Pope, Anthony Becht and Dominique Byrd could all make the opening day roster, but that's probably a stretch considering how little the tight end is used in the passing game. Our best bet is that three with make the opening day 53 (not counting Patrick remember) with either Pope or Byrd getting cut.

Branch vs. Dykes: This much we know on the defensive line, Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell, Bryan Robinson, Kenny Iwebema and Gabe Watson are all locks, even though Watson looked terrible against the Packers. It's tough to look at the Caridnals historically to see how many defensive lineman they kept because the 3-4 defense requires less lineman and more linebackers, but we can be sure that Keilen Dykes, Alan Branch, Alex Field, Rodney Leisle are all at the very least on the bubble. I don't think there would be any debate to say that Dykes and Branch are the best of those four but it could come down to whether the Cardinals want to keep six or seven defensive lineman. If they chose to go with six DL, I think Branch would be the choice considering that Dykes has had serious problems stay healthy over the past two training camps. His inability to stay on the field probably means that the Cards could stash him on the practice squad for an eventful call up when someone gets hurt.

Linebackers Help: Outside of the starters at linebacker, Dansby, Hayes, Haggans and Okeafor, I'm not sure that anyone is assured of a roster spot. Bertrand Berry would seem like a lock but he's done a complete disappearing act so far during the preseason. Victor Hobson, Will Davis and perhaps even Reggie Walker would seem like the next closest thing to locks. Hobson has experience in a 3-4 and can play inside and out while Davis and Walker have been impressive over the past couple of games. There's also Ali Highsmith who's failed to produce the same kind of buzz that he did last year. Chase Bullock and David Holloway round out the rest of the roster but neither of them have done much to warrant a roster spot. If the Cards had to decide today, I'm thinking that they'd keep the starters plus Berry, Hobson, Davis and Walker although this could be one position that gets an upgrade once other teams make their cuts.

Ware vs. Adams: There will be some tough decisions made in the secondary where it would seem that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Bryant McFadden, Adrian Wilson, Antrel Rolle, Rashad Johnson and Ralph Brown are all locks to make the squad. Brown has struggled in the preseason but so has the depth behind him so it's highly doubtful that his spot is in jeopardy. With six locks that leaves Aaron Francisco, Greg Toler, Matt Ware, Michael Adams, Jameel Dowling and Wilrey Fontenot fighting for what will probably end up being eight or nine spots. Francisco and Toler are certainly the front-runners of the bubble group so the real battle comes down to Ware versus Adams. It's possible that the team could keep all ten members of the secondary, they've done it before, but nine is a more manageable number. Ware has much more experience with the regular defense and is probably the more talented player but Adams' standout performances on special teams give him a shot.

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Thoughts? Who wins these battles and who makes your final 53?