SB Nation - Gabe Watson

Top Ten Arizona Cardinals' Draft Picks of the Past Decade

Hawkwind — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:00:21 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Does this trio of Arizona Cardinals (Reggie Wells, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston (left to right)) make the cut in the top ten draft picks of the past decade? (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Browse more photos »

Call us old-fashioned but reaching the end of a decade is a great time to look back at the previous ten years and with that in mind ROTB will be taking that look with some special top ten lists over the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned and chime in on what we missed, special memories or just your two cents.

As we all know building a team through the draft is the best way to win consistently and as we also know the Arizona Cardinals haven't always been known as one of the better drafting teams in the league. With the improved play on the field though, the winds of change are blowing throughout our draft evaluation as well. Of the Cardinals starting 22, fourteen starters have come via the draft over the past decade and it's quite possible that the number could grow by four or five next season if guys like Matt Leinart, Brandon Keith, Ben Patrick, Cody Brown or Gabe Watson are ready to step into the starting lineup. Here's a look at the top ten draft picks of this decade.

Adrian Wilson - 3rd Round 2001 (64th overall) - By any definition Adrian Wilson has been a successful draft pick and considering that 64 players were selected before him, including three safeties (one even selected by the Cardinals), A-dub has been a steal. He's currently one sack from entering the exclusive 20/20 club (only ten members) and he's twice been named as a Pro Bowl starter (2006 & 2008). Wilson is also currently the longest tenured Cardinal and in his nine seasons he's started 116 games (including playoffs) amassing 677 tackles, 19 sacks, 22 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles and scored four touchdowns. He's also the only player in NFL history to have multiple 99 yard return touchdowns without the benefit of a kickoff return.
Reggie Wells - 6th Round 2003 (177th overall) - Wells isn't a Pro Bowl level offensive guard but anytime you find a quality starter in the sixth round of a draft, you've made an amazing pick. He became a starter in just his second season and only a broken ankle in 2005 (missed seven games) have kept him off the field. Since that injury he's started 65 consecutive games (including playoffs) and was a team captain for the 2008 season. He's also been versatile, starting games at left guard, left tackle and right tackle and even took snaps at center during the 2005 season. A case could be made that Wells has offered the most "bang for the buck" (draft pick speaking), of any selection this decade.
Anquan Boldin - 2nd Round 2003 (54th overall) - Boldin didn't waste any time proving to the NFL that he was a premier receiver. In his first professional game he had 217 receiving yards (NFL record) and since then he's set numerous records including most receptions for a rookie, most reception in the first 26 games of a career, fastest to 300 & 400 receptions and he's also set countless team records as well. He's a three time Pro Bowler, a team captain (2007) and endeared himself to Cardinals fans with his fearless, passionate playing style. Despite playing in 16 games only twice in his career, Q has amassed 570 receptions, 7,299 yards and 44 touchdowns
Darnell Dockett - 3rd Round 2004 (64th overall) - Mr. Nine-O was a starter from his very first day in the desert but he didn't really have a breakout season until 2007. In his first three season's he'd start 47 of 48 games and while he was productive, he only managed six sacks. That all changed in 2007 though as he racked up nine sacks and set a career high in tackles. He's now mentioned as one of the best defensive tackles in the league and despite some inconsistency at times, it's hard not to at least put him in the top five at his position. In his six seasons as a Cardinal, Dockett hasn't missed a game while totaling 271 tackles, 26 sacks, four picks and six forced fumbles while being voted to one Pro Bowl.
Larry Fitzgerald - 1st Round 2004 (3rd overall) - You might think it's awful hard to screw up the third overall pick but in the previous four years the Cardinals had five first round selections and the closest thing to a productive starter was Bryant "skillet hands" Johnson. Fitz was considered one of the best receivers to come out of the college ranks in quite some time and he certainly has not disappointed. In six seasons Fitz has established himself as arguably the best receiver in the NFL and his record setting performance during last year's post season run cemented his legacy as an all-time great. Despite still being just 26 years of age, Fitzgerald has already amassed 511 receptions, 6,966 yards and 56 touchdowns.
Lyle Sendlein - Undrafted in 2007 - So technically Sendlein isn't/wasn't a draft pick but anytime an undrafted free agent turns into a starter, someone deserves a massive pat on the back. After not getting drafted in 2007 though he played in 12 games as a rookie, including two starts, and has since started 23 consecutive games (including playoffs). After struggling at times as a rookie, Sendlein has remarkably improved during his second year as a starter and he's looking like a guy who can anchor the center of the Cardinals' offensive line for quite a while.
Gerald Hayes - 3rd Round 2003 (70th overall) - Hayes often gets overlooked by flashier players on the defensive side of the ball but he's developed into one of the most dependable defenders on the team. After two seasons playing mostly special teams, Hayes was supposed to start the 2005 season at middle linebacker before a preseason knee injury sent him to the injured reserve. Since that injury he's missed only two games and averaged almost six tackles per game and started 53 games. In his six seasons (not counting the one missed due to injury) he's amassed 389 tackles, five sacks, four picks and forced seven fumbles.
Steve Breaston - 5th Round 2007 (142th overall) - Breaston was drafted as a return specialist, a spot he excelled at as a rookie, but when the Cardinals used a third round pick on another receiver the following year, Boobs took it personally. Breaston onto the NFL-scene with 77 receptions for 1,006 yards in just his second year in the league and he's established himself as a legitimate deep threat. He's started twelve games over the past two seasons, filling in for an injured Boldin, and he's helped the Cardinals develop one of the most dynamic passing games in the league, not to mention the best trio of receivers.
Antonio Smith - 5th Round 2004 (135th overall) - Smith is really the only guy on this list who didn't make an almost immediate impact but once he broke into the starting lineup, he was quite productive. He spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad and didn't become a full time starter until the latter half of his third season. While he never really was a play-maker, Smith was consistently productive and a great pick in the fifth round. Smith left this past off season for big free agent money with the Houston Texans but as a Cardinal he played in 62 games, 39 starts, and racked up 125 tackles, 14.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Tim Hightower - 5th Round 2008 (149th overall) - The 149th selection of the 2008 draft was followed by a collective "who?" from Cardinals fans and draft 'experts' alike but Hightower has quickly proved to be quite a hidden gem. After starting his rookie season as a very effective goal line/short yardage specialist, he emerged as the starting running back midway through the season and he's managed to keep the starting job despite a promising rookie, Beanie Wells, nipping at his heels. Through just two short years Hightower has proven to be a fairly complete back with the ability to swing out of the backfield, protect his quarterback as well as tote the rock. With the Cardinal's dual running back approach, he's not getting a ton of carries but he's on pace to surpass 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season and could approach double digit touchdowns for the second consecutive season.

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

One thing that is quite impressive when looking back at the past decade worth of drafts is how well the Cardinals drafted in the 2003 and 2004 draft. In those two years combined they turned fourteen overall picks into seven quality NFL starters and four Pro Bowl level players. Needless to say, a 50% success rate in the draft is a guaranteed formula for winning. With the past couple of draft classes looking very promising, hopefully we'll be able to look back in five years and see the same kind of success. Who is the best overall pick in your mind and who would be in your top ten?

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.

Browse more photos »

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?

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals: A Prospector's Guide

Fooch — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:00:32 -0000

vs.

While this game lost a lot of its luster with the Sunday's 49ers loss and Cardinals win, it still should provide an entertaining football experience. As folks were trying to develop a legit 49ers-Seahawks rivalry, the 49ers quietly developed a rivalry with the Arizona Cardinals. Even though there have been numerous sweeps of the series, the games usually are highly competitive, if not going down close to the wire. Even if the 49ers are all but eliminated from playoff contention, this game provides a chance for the team to take a step forward in execution and build towards 2010.

The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals in what will be the 37th meeting between the two teams, with San Francisco holding a 20-16 advantage in the series. In the season opener earlier this year, the 49ers defeated the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium, 20-16.

San Francisco enters the upcoming game following a 20-17 defeat in Seattle. In that game, QB Alex Smith connected on 27 of 45 passes for a career-high 310 yards, which included a 33-yard touchdown pass to TE Vernon Davis for his 10th receiving touchdown on the year (tied for 1st in NFL and a new single-season record among 49ers TE’s all-time) and a 22-yard touchdown reception by WR Josh Morgan to mark his third score of the season. It marked the second week in a row that the 49ers defense had posted at least 5 sacks in a game, having had 6 sacks against the Jaguars before notching 5 sacks against the Seahawks.

The 49ers have won 7 of their past 9 home games and have a 38-24 overall record on Monday Night Football.

49ers-Cardinals Connections
Coaching Connections
• 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was a teammate of Cardinals assistant head coach/OL coach Russ Grimm with the Washington Redskins from 1988-91. Manusky played linebacker, while Grimm played offensive guard.
• 49ers TE coach Pete Hoener has had coaching stints with the Cardinals in both St. Louis (1985-86) and Arizona (2001-03).
• 49ers WR coach Jerry Sullivan spent 3 seasons as the Cardinals offensive coordinator from 2001-03.
• 49ers special teams coordinator Al Everest coached in the same capacity for the Cardinals from 1996-99.
• Cardinals LB coach Billy Davis was the 49ers defensive coordinator from 2005-06.

FORMER CARDINALS - 49ers K Joe Nedney spent three seasons with the Cardinals from 1997-99 ... 49ers G Tony Wragge was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cardinals in 2002. Wragge spent 2 seasons (2002-03) with Arizona.

PANTHER PRIDE - 49ers CB Shawntae Spencer and Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald were teammates at the Univ. of Pittsburgh from 2000-03.

FORMER 49ERS - Cardinals DE Chike Okeafor spent the first 4 years of his career with the 49ers after being drafted in the 3rd round (89th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft.

HAIL THE VICTORS - 49ers G David Baas played at Michigan alongside Cardinals DT Gabe Watson, DT Alan Branch and WR Steve Breaston.

CARDINALS NOR-CAL CONNECTIONS - Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington played 2 seasons at Cal.

Series Highlights
Matchups: 36
Series Record: 49ers lead series 20-16
49ers Home Record vs. Cardinals: 49ers Lead Series 11-8
First Meeting: 11/15/51, Cardinals win, 27-21, at San Francisco
Last Meeting: 9/13/09, 49ers win, 20-16, at Arizona
Current Streak: Won 1
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 5 (9/14/80-10/18/87 | 10/24/93-12/21/02)
Longest Cards Win Streak: 4 (10/6/74-12/2/79 | 10/2/05-12/24/06)
Most 49ers Points: 50 (12/7/03): 50-14, at San Francisco
Most Cardinals Points: 34 (Two Times): Last (10/6/74), 34-9 at SF
49ers Shutouts: None
Cardinals Shutouts: None

SAN FRANCISCO 20, ARIZONA 16
At Glendale, AZ, September 13, 2009

Head coach Mike Singletary delivered a very simple message to his team in advance of their season opening matchup against the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals … "Believe." His players did just that as they battled through a tremendously physical game highlighted by impressive defensive efforts from both squads. After being stymied on offense for more than 3 quarters, the 49ers embarked on a 15-play, 80-yd. drive that consumed 7:26 of clock time en route to a 3-yd., go-ahead TD pass from QB Shaun Hill to RB Frank Gore. On the drive, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye scrapped the run game that he had dialed up all afternoon and left the contest to Hill’s right arm. The QB responded going 9 of 13 for 72 yds. and the TD to Gore. On the series, Hill utilized his playmakers, including TE Vernon Davis who hauled in 4 passes for 35 yds.

The 49ers opened the scoring in the 1st quarter after All-Pro LB Patrick Willis intercepted a QB Kurt Warner pass to set his team up at the ARZ 36. Six plays later K Joe Nedney connected on a 37-yd. FG. Nedney later connected on a 50-yd. FG to give the Niners a 6-0 lead entering the 2nd stanza. The Cardinals finally got some offense going in the 2nd quarter as K Neil Rackers drilled a 44-yd. FG on their first possession. As the 49ers run game continued to struggle, Hill aired the ball out to All-Pro WR Isaac Bruce on a 50-yd. bomb, setting the offense up at the 6-yd. line. With a tired Arizona defense, the 49ers called on Gore the very next play. He hit pay dirt plunging through a massive hole into the endzone.

With the momentum in their favor, CB Nate Clements capitalized on another Warner mistake, as he hauled in his first interception of the year. Clements’ effort, and those of his defensive backfield mates, limited one of the game’s best WR tandems in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, to a combined 8 recepts. for 90 yds. and 1 TD. The 49ers were unable to capitalize on Clements’ pick, as Hill was sacked and forced to fumble on the next series. The Cardinals jumped on the opportunity, posting another Rackers’ FG this time from 29 yds. San Francisco left the field at the half with a 13-6 lead.

The Cardinals carried momentum into the 3rd quarter, and on their 2nd possession, Warner led his team on 69-yd scoring drive that resulted in a 5-yd. TD pass to Fitzgerald, knotting the score at 13. After a 49ers 3-n-out, Arizona again moved the ball to post points, a 43-yd. FG by Rackers just seconds into the 4th quarter, for the Cardinals final points of the game. The Niners would then embark on their game-winning drive and back it up with a defensive performance that paralyzed the Cardinals.

2009 Statistics

49ERS (rank)		CARDINALS (rank)
5-7 (t-2nd NFCW)	Record	8-4 (1st NFCW)
20.4 (19th)	Points per game	24.8 (9th)
285.4 (28th)	Total Offense	360.9 (10th)
91.3 (28th)	Rushing Offense	94.1 (26th)
194.2 (22nd)	Passing Offense	266.8 (5th)
28:55 (20th)	Possession Avg	30:41 (12th)
19.4 (t-10th)	Points allowed/gm	19.5 (12th)
346.4 (20th)	Total Defense	362.6 (24th)
95.8 (5th)	Rushing Defense	104.8 (12th)
250.6 (27th)	Passing Defense	257.8 (30th)
30 (t-7th)	Sacks	35 (3rd)
48.3 (2nd)	Punting Avg (Gross)	47.4 (3rd)
+1 (t-11th)	Turnover Differential	-3 (t-21st)

Grading the Defense: Arizona Cardinals vs. St Louis Rams

Hawkwind — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:08:47 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Curry - AP

Rams QB Marc Bulger is pulled down by Arizona Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle as Calais Campbell looks on during the first quarter. (AP Photo/Jeff Curry)

Browse more photos »

The Arizona Cardinals defense continues to impress, under new coordinator Bill Davis, and on Sunday they limited the St. Louis Rams to just 13 points and dominated for most of the game despite missing multiple starters. Granted the Rams aren't exactly an offensive juggernaut but the Cardinals' "bend but don't break" game plan is starting to work very well. After this week the defense ranks just 21st in yards per game but a very respectable (and remarkably improved) 11th in points per game.

A couple of quick stats before we get into the defensive breakdown:

Two of the Rams' scoring drives, accounting for ten points, started in Cardinals territory thanks to turnovers from the offense.
The Rams had four four-and-out drives and seven drives that accounted for 30 yards or less.

Run Defense: The box score say Steven Jackson racked up 116 yards on 24 carries (4.8 ypc) so we certainly can't give the defense a big "atta-boy" but overall the run defense was better than the overall numbers would suggest. Although they didn't stop a single run behind the line of scrimmage, almost half of Jackson's yards came on one big 48 yard scamper meaning outside of that run he averaged 3.0 yards per carry. The run defense was also very stout in short yardage situations stopping the Rams on three out of four times in third or fourth-and-one opportunities. Karlos Dansby led the way with nine tackles and the return of Gerald Hayes had a significant impact as well.

Pass Defense: The secondary lost Bryant McFadden relatively early in the game but still did a good job of causing Marc Bulger all kind of trouble. He completed just 51.4% of his passes and his yards per attempt (5.8) and QB rating (57.8) were both below his season averages. With McFadden on the sidelines, the Rams picked on his replacement, Micheal Adams, a bit but the defense were still able to lower their yards per game average. Adrian Wilson also forced the only Rams turnover when he picked off Bulger in the second quarter.

Pass Rush: The Cardinals continue to get to the quarterback using a pass rush by committee approach with Will Davis, Darnell Dockett and Antrel Rolle getting into the mix this week. No player on the team has reached five sacks yet but eight different defenders have recorded multiple sacks and twelve different players in all have taken down a QB at least once this season. Bill Davis continues to use his pieces well and his defense does a good of getting to the quarterback without having to bring heavy blitzes. The Cardinals currently rank 6th in team sacks with 28.

Honor Roll:

Gabe Watson: Watson still hasn't regained the starting nose tackle job but it seems like he might be getting more and more snaps as the season progresses and he played well in this game. He made four solo tackles and Jackson ran for a grand total of three yards on those plays, including two that went for no gain.

Antrel Rolle: Rolle continues to play well and he logged the first sack of Bulger (although the NFL hasn't assigned the sack to him yet). Rushing the passer isn't Rolle's forte but he's athletic enough to create havoc once he gets into the backfield. Five tackles isn't a big game for Rolle but he's a big reason why the Rams weren't able to score a big play in the passing game.

Adrian Wilson: I know A-dub could be on this list every week but after picking off another pass for the second week in a row, I just couldn't leave him off. While he hasn't blitzed as much this season, Wilson is just one interception from matching his career high of four.

Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell: This defensive end duo continues to create a great deal of havoc. Nine-0 has logged a sack in three consecutive games and forced his first fumble of the season on the Rams final offensive play. Not much is expected, stat-wise, from defensive ends in a 3-4 defense but this duo continues to shoulder their fair share of the workload.

Michael Adams: Adams filled in for McFadden once he went down and it was pretty clear that Bulger and company were going to pick on him early and often. At times Adams struggled in coverage but Adams showed the tenacity and grit that earned him a roster spot. He's fearless run supporter and in time may develop into a decent nickel corner.

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

All in all the defense logged another game where they gave their offense every opportunity to win the game. The yardage totals continue to look high but as long as they're keeping teams out of the endzone, we can't complain too much. Thoughts?

Poll

How would you grade the Cardinals defensive effort on Sunday?

A

34 votes

B

155 votes

C

51 votes

D

4 votes

F

2 votes

246 votes | Poll has closed

Who Would You Take from the Seattle Seahawks?

Andrew602 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:26:44 -0000

by Elaine Thompson - AP

Aaron Curry on the Cardinals defense would provide linebacker stability for a long time.

View full size photo »

The Seattle Seahawks record(3-5) doesn't speak volumes from their team, as they do have talent if you look in the right places. This week, you can pick who you would want to be a member of the Arizona Cardinals. It can be a young or new player, a starter or 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. This one may be difficult considering they're a division rival but when it all comes down to it, it's for the betterment of the team. So with that being said, here's some picks I would make from the Seahawks.

Aaron Curry - This has to be one of the easiest picks, as Curry's only in his rookie season and has played very well so far. He will develop into a leader on the defense, and has a wide enough skill set to blitz, stop the run, or drop in coverage. Should one of our aging linebackers(Okeafor, Berry, Haggens) leave or retire, Curry would be a great replacement.

John Carlson - Carlson would be one of the best additions to the Cardinals offense. We currently are without a clear cut starting tight end, and Carlson would solve that problem. He would add another target to the already dangerous offense, and provide solid blocking along the offensive line.

Lofa Tatupu - Although Lofa hasn't had a productive year since he was sent to the pro bowl in 2007, he's still one of the best inside linebackers in the league. He's a passionate defender and improves the players around him. If Karlos Dansby does leave for a bigger contract next year, the defense would be fine with Tatupu in the middle.

Brandon Mebane - Membane has slowly become a force at defensive tackle since he arived in the league in 2007. He's underrated but can play the run and get enough pressure on the opposing quarterback, evidence being his 5.5 sacks last year. Bryan Robinson is near the end of his career and we don't know enough about Gabe Watson or Alan Branch just yet.

That's it for my list, and as you can see, defense is where I was leaning. The Hawks have good receivers in T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson, but they wouldn't be an improvement over the Cardinals receivers now. Matt Hasselbeck and Julius Jones also wouldn't be a step forward from where we're currently at. Their offensive line is rarely healthy and needs to be revamped. Who would you take from the Seattle Seahawks and why?

Arizona Cardinals Game Maker: Week 9 Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears

CardsFan08 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:16:29 -0000

In week 9 the Arizona Cardinals continued a very impressive road streak by defeating the Chicago Bears 41-21. In the first half of the game we saw one of the best performances from all three units (Offense, Defense, and Special Teams) playing consistent and aggressive football.

This weeks game maker is a result of all three units working extremely well. The offense had just delivered it's fourth TD in four series with a strike from QB Kurt Warner to TE Anthony Becht giving Becht his first TD of the season. The defense then stopped an urgent drive by the Bears who were trying to reclaim some momentum just before the half but were stopped in field goal range with less than a minute left in the first half.

Leading to this weeks Game Maker...

Week 9 Game Maker: @ 0:40 2nd Quarter - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (29) field goal block and FS Antrel Rolle's (21) catch and run setting up the offense to move into field goal position and increase the Cardinals lead to 31-7 at the half.

Full break down of the play after the jump!

Image 1 - The line up: A weak side overload with CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (DRC) (29) left unblocked with a straight shot to the kicker. CB Bryant McFadden (25) is lined up on the right side. Antrel Rolle is back in the end zone in case the kick is short. Linebackers Ali Highsmith (95) and Bertrand Berry (92) line up in case of the fake.

Image 2 - DRC turns on the speed as Gould comes in for the kick...

Image 3 - DRC leaps just as Gould plants and swings for the kick...

Image 4 - The kick is blocked! You can see the ball bouncing up off of DRC's white glove.

Image 5 - The sound of the ball being deflected is enough for everyone to know that something unexpected happened. Every Cardinal head is watching the ball to see where it is going...

Image 6 - The ball looks like it will travel some distance but fall wide right initialy. DRC lands on his back and looks for the ball...

Image 7 - The Bears lineman are watching the ball sail through the air and both parties stand to watch and see where it's going to go...

Image 8 - Suddenly they realize that it's going to be short and the Cardinals have one more trick up their sleeve. The Bears start rushing for the endzone...

Image 9 - Because they saw Antrel Rolle standing with the ball falling straight to him...

Image 10 - Rolle makes the catch, surveys the field and starts the take the ball out of the endzone...

Image 11 - He starts toward the left side...

Image 12 - But quickly cuts back to the right...

Image 13 - Due to the number of defenders on the left and blockers starting to set up on the right...

Image 14 - Bears LS Manelly (65) is the first down the field closely followed by G Omiyale (68)...

Image 15 - Rolle stops and cuts inside Manelly...

Image 16 - Causing Manelly's momentum to make him miss the tackle...

Image 17 - Ominyale charges Rolle, but Rolle uses a shoulder shake...

Image 18 - It's enough to sell Ominyale to go outside...

Image 19 - So Rolle cuts inside causing Ominyale to miss and then sees the crease created by his blockers up field...

Image 20 - Rolle heads for the crease as a Bear defender sees the gap and tries to beat him to it...

Image 21 - NT Gabe Watson (98) sees Rolle's route and moves forward to make a play saving block...

Image 22 - Rolle continues his fancy footwork and uses his vision and speed to run between two defenders...

Image 23 - Manelly is relentless and continues after Rolle, but Rolle's getting good blocking now and is continuing to make progress up the field...

Image 24 - Rolle turns on the speed...

Image 25 - In the open field and cruising the sideline as the 16 yard line...

Image 26 - DT Idonije (71) tries to force Rolle out of bounds...

Image 27 - But CB McFadden (25) makes the block and Rolle highsteps Idonije's out stretched arms staying inbounds...

Image 28 - TE Desmond Clark takes an angle to push Rolle out...

Image 29 - But Rolle cuts inside where he sees MLB Karlos Dansby (58) ready to lead block. He runs behind Highsmith and Calais Campbell making a great block and continues upfield...

Image 30 - Only the Bears Kicker is left and Rolle has Karlos Dansby and Highsmith for blockers...

Image 31 - Dansby sees Gould trying to make the tackle and heads for him to make a block. Rolle is staring him down...

Image 32 - DRC comes from the top and Rolle starts to turn inside while running, rather than just staying outside and running up the sideline...

Image 33 - Gould runs outside, side stepping Dansby's block and he's now one on one with Rolle...

Image 34 - Rolle cuts inside but due to Dansby not blocking Gould, Gould is able to get the shoe string tackle and trip up Rolle...

Image 35 - The Cardinals were one block away from an additional touchdown...

Image 36 - Rolle was brought down at the 49 yard line. The Special Teams unit is psyched for just getting their third blocked FG of the year and returning the ball this far with 22 seconds left on the clock allowing the offense one more shot to put more points on the board in the first half!

Image 37 - Well done Rolle!

Due to the excellent field position Antrel Rolle was able to pick up Kurt Warner was able to lead the Cardinals down to field goal range to tack on three more points before the half.

Was there a different play you picked as the game maker? Ware's INT in the 4th quarter? Warner to Breaston for the fifth TD of the day taking the score to 41-21?

Matchups: Chris Spencer, Max Unger and Steve Vallos/Mansfield Wrotto V. Bryan Robinson, Alan Branch, Darnell Dockett and Gabe Watson

John Morgan — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:35:13 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

Arizona had trouble rushing against Arizona. Alan Branch (78) is on the back just as he receives the hand off.

Browse more photos »

With the stages of execution described, we can now explore the matchups that will determine if that execution is successful. The many individual matchups that must be won explain why teams do not break long runs on every attempt. In a way, the stages help determine the -1 to 2 yards, 0 to 5 yards, and 5 to n yards of the run.

Chris Spencer, Max Unger and Steve Vallos/Mansfield Wrotto versus Bryan Robinson, Darnell Dockett, Alan Branch and Gabe Watson: Dockett is the most talented of the group, but as a one-gap player, I do not think he is likely to play nose against a two tight end front. If Dockett is in, the play will turn less on if Seattle can move Dockett, Unger and Spencer should be able to, but more if Dockett can tie up Spencer or, more likely, break Unger's single block and get back into the play. When Dockett is in, Julius Jones should be cutting back inside to help neutralize his speed and perhaps take advantage of over-pursuit.

Robinson is the starter and he rotates with Branch. This is the matchup that will do much to determine if Seattle can run. A giant among giants, Branch was once dubbed a top ten overall selection, but very real concerns about his effort dropped him into the second round. He hasn't done much for Arizona since being drafted, but he's only 24. Branch has begun to establish himself this season.

Whoever the nose, and Arizona sometimes plays a double nose and a 2-4 in nickel situations, the Cardinals have a young, powerful and huge defensive line that is difficult to move. Indianapolis had some success running delays to the outside. Whatever the play call, outside is the destination.

Seattle's interior may wish only to battle to a stalemate. Branch and Robinson move well off the line and both are athletic within their space. The two make it difficult to disengage and move into the second level. Branch's power off threatens an interior collapse on every snap and rushers can have trouble receiving the hand off without defenders in their face.

That is why you draft Chris Spencer. Once a upon a time, he could move out and wall off nose tackles with ease. There wasn't a nose tackle in football short of Vince Wilfork I would bet against Spencer. But it's been a long time since we've seen that power, even as his technique has begun to catch up with his athleticism. Seattle's mishmash of guards matter, but a fraction as much as Spencer. If Spencer can stagger the nose off the snap, Unger or Vallos can exploit the momentum enough for Spencer to release. If he can't, Jones will miss essential second level blocking. If Spencer cannot even control Branch or Robinson off the snap, Jones will be facing a pile upon receiving the hand off.

Chris Brown: Goal-Line Specialist, And Other Cardinal Sins And Follies

bigfatdrunk — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:25:44 -0000

Good morning, Texans fans! Or have we devolved into the football equivalent of Chicago Cubs fans? You know, the Cubs, those lovable losers whom, despite their talent and expectations, still manage to fail consistently and spectacularly?

I'm going to post about some of the themes I've seen since yesterday that I agree with:

#1 and #2: The play-calling sucked. More than just a yes. Gary Kubiak seems to have no idea who he has on his roster and how their skill-sets best fit in the broad scheme.

Last year, Ahman Green did a decent job spelling Steve Slaton as the goal-line back. Green isn't a great goal-line option, but he runs with a low center, so there's at least a partial fit. Chris Brown is the antithesis of a goal-line back, a high runner who does not finish well. If we are going to use him in a goal-line set, let's at least jump him over the line or anything other than plowing straight up and straight ahead.

Because there's one more problem here. Do we not remember Ragdoll Chris Myers and how Kris Jenkins man-handled him all game? As MDC mentioned in an email, Gabe Watson has 50 pounds on Myers. In fact, our entire offensive line is predicated on zone blocking, opting for less physical linemen who are quick and active.

And Kubiak really thinks we can power it in? Does he not understand his personnel? His roster composition? The answer is, very obviously, no. If Kubiak had a clue, we would have interlocking pieces. Instead, it's a clusterfuck of personnel that really can't support what he wants to do, which isn't coordinated, anyway.

#3: Not just in this situation, but throughout the game, play-calling sucked, and this is on Kyle Sham-aham. Enough is enough. The problem with our rushing offense isn't our personnel, it's our play-calling. We distinguish between our passes and runs by the way we lineup and the way our o-line blocks. Yes, there are differences between run and pass blocking, but we never mix things up to keep defenses honest. We telegraph every run. That's why our run game sucks.

Things with which I disagree:

#1: The defense looked better/great in the 2nd half. Wrong, and grossly incorrect. The Cardinals offense folded up and quit in the second half, not unlike ours in the 2nd half against the Raiders. The difference is that our offense has the potential and talent to come back, but the Raiders' offense doesn't. It's really no deeper than this. The Cardinals shot themselves in the foot with several penalties, and their move from pushing the ball downfield to a ball control offense was an incredibly poor adjustment. Aside a couple of outstanding deflections from Frenchy Reeves, the Cards lack of offense in the second half was largely self-inflicted. Kurt Warner still had all day to throw, and that one sack really didn't put the fear in him.

The one way we did adjust wouldn't be possible against a team with a better run game. Brian Cushing blitzed about 75% of the time, and we started sending DeMeco Ryans in quite a bit as well. We knowingly gave up gap responsibilities as the Cards were going to a dumping pass game. I believe they only rushed the ball four times in the second half. Again, this is a matter of poor play-calling. Plus, we'd already been torched for 300 yards in the first half.

For the season, our defense is execrable. Six sacks. Two interceptions. If you take out the Raiders game, we are still the worst defense in the league. We do not pressure the QB, we do not create turnovers, and we cannot stop opposing offenses. Our defense is a giant pile of suck.

#2: It's Matt Schaub's fault. Well, no. I've seen a couple of refutations of this by commenters, so I won't re-hash too much, but it's an illogical conclusion. What DOES worry me is Schaub had nothing on his throws yesterday, and his pick was a horrible floater. I don't know if he's going through a dead-arm phase or something similar, but this is terribly worrisome to me. The difference between Schaub and The Sex Cannon is the difference between a Mercedes and a Ford Pinto. One will get you all blowed up.

"The Texans are ridiculously close to being a really good NFL team." And herein lies an extremely rare occasion where I agree with Little Dickie Justice, age 12, but with a monstrous caveat.

If there is one overwhelming theme I now see from commenters, it's that this team is a tease of the highest caliber. We have an offense that should consistently drop 35 points a game, and we do have some talent defensively. The problem is, we don't know what to do with it, and the blame lies directly on Gary Kubiak's shoulders, with an assist from Rick Smith.

If we still can't align our talent to fit our playbook, or vice versa, three years into Kubiak's reign, there's a problem. Frankly, somebody has to pay for hiring Frank Bush. Richard Smith + MORE AGGRESSIVE just doesn't seem to work. Who knew? And merely the fact we've come out completely flat in almost every game this year is an indictment of our preparedness. More often than not, we seem completely unprepared and surprised at what our opponent is throwing at us. Maybe hanging around BRB (or the rest of the Texans' blogosphere) more often would help with that since it seems obvious to the rest of us.

Gary Kubiak is a great offensive mind, but I have now lost faith in him as a head coach. We know Uncle Bob isn't going to make a change during the season, so I figure Kubiak has 11 more games to get his shit together. If we were making different mistakes, that would be one thing. But we keep doing the same stupid things week-in/week-out. It's time for this to stop.

To at least leave on a positive note: At least we don't root for the BE-SFs.

Arizona Cardinals Weekly Flock: Fitzgerald Tweets and Warner's Shoulder

Hawkwind — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:40:02 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

3 months ago: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, left, dives for a third quarter touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Sean Considine tries to make the stop during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Jacksonville, Fla. Arizona won 31-17. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Browse more photos »

So what's the big news after the Arizona Cardinals first win of the season in dominating fashion, how about the twitter account of guy who has no affiliation with the team. That's right, the twitter barrage by Marcus Fitzgerald (Fitz's younger brother) has been making most of the news this week despite a record breaking performance by Kurt Warner, two fumbles from Beanie Wells and a solid defensive effort. Such is the world we live in. We've tried to let the dust settle on this story before bringing it to ROTB and so far it's dying down as you would expect. Fitz and Warner are just to classy and important to this team for this to remain an issue for any extended period of time.

Friction between Fitzgerald, Warner? - A reader mentioned to us earlier tonight that Marcus Fitzgerald, the younger brother of Cardinals All-World wideout Larry Fitzgerald, posted some Twitter messages during Sunday's Arizona-Jacksonville game suggesting the beginnings of a rift between Larry and quarterback Kurt Warner. Among other things, [younger brother] Fitzgerald says that Larry "texted him pissed off" during halftime, even though the Cardinals were leading by 21 points. In the same tweet, Marcus Fitzgerald opined that Warner plays "like a damn 80 year old." Marcus also offered this assessment of Warner's play: "Kurt warner needs 2 stop bein a scary ass & throw the ball deep 2 my brother! damn this is annoying 2 watch! he throws 2 the rb's 2 damn much."
Marcus Fitzgerald tries to clean up his mess - The younger brother of Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald hasn't been blessed with the same degree of football skills. But, by all appearances, Marcus Fitzgerald (who is on the preseason roster of the UFL's California Redwoods) didn't make up for the relative lack of physical prowess by acquiring an abundance of smarts. Larry Fitzgerald has consistently shown that he knows what to say and what not to say when the public is paying attention. In one afternoon of frustration, however, Marcus has thrown a wrench into that carefully constructed image.
Kurt Warner shrugs off Fitzgerald frustrations - In a Tuesday spot on The Jim Rome Show, guest-hosted by Bickley and MJ of Xtra Sports 910 in Phoenix, Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner adroitly handled questions regarding Twitter posts from the brother of receiver Larry Fitzgerald suggesting that the All-Planet wideout is frustrated by a lack of touches. "He's gonna have his times and he's gonna have his moments and I'm not just gonna go back there and force something to Larry to get him the ball," Warner said. "You know I'm like anybody else, if I can throw the ball to [Anquan Boldin] and [Larry Fitzgerald] every time, I will do that."
Fitz tweets - Darren Urban explains the Fitzgerald brother tweeting fiasco.

Rotation Keeps D-Line Fresh, Productive - Darren Urban takes a look at various notes from the game including the defensive line rotation, Warner's shoulder and an injury update.
Set a Record, Quiet The Critics - Urban looks at Kurt Warner's record setting day and also reveals that a re-aggravation of his sore shoulder was the reason he came out of the game in the third quarter.
Getting Beanie With The Program - Beanie Wells better hang on to the ball. The rumor is that every time it hits the ground this week, Beanie has to put $200 into a pot that will eventually go to charity, all while hopefully teaching a lesson.
Upon further review - Kent Somers finally got a chance today to watch the replay of Sunday's game and a few things jumped out at him including Gabe Watson, Alan Branch, Keilen Dykes and LaRod Stephens-Howling among others.
Catching the breaks - Kent Somers has some post-game thoughts about the lucky breaks that went the Cards way.
Colts vs. Cardinals Preview - Check out this very well written preview of Sunday's big matchup.

Arizona Cardinals Smother the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-17: Defensive Breakdown

Hawkwind — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:00:44 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

The mad man, Darnell Dockett (aka NINE-0) takes aim at David Garrard as the Arizona Cardinals defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-17. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Browse more photos »

The Arizona Cardinals defense had an up and down game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On one hand they allowed 372 yards and 18 first downs to team without much of a passing attack, but on the other hand they allowed just 17 points, posted four sacks and forced three turnovers. In the game where ultimately the scoreboard does the final talking, you'd have to figure that the defense did it's job but there is certainly some room for improvement.

Bend but Don't Break: A week after forcing eight three-and-outs against the Niners the Cardinals defense forced just one against the Jags and in all the Jaguars were able to put together five drives of at least 50 yards. Luckily for the Cards their defense was able to stiffen up once the Jags crossed mid-field where they forced two field goal attempts (one of which was blocked), a fumble and a fourth drive ended on downs. The yardage total is a bit concerning but 17 points is an vast improvement over last year's average and in this case I think we'll defer to the phrase, "the ends justify the means."
Pressuring Garrard: One of the things we talked about leading up to the game was a need to pressure David Garrard and considering that they notched four sacks and forced a fumble, I'd have to think that they accomplished that goal. There were several instances where Garrard was able to escape the pressure but for all his faults he does have some escapability and it showed on Sunday. Billy Davis continues to be dial up exotic blitzes, especially with his safeties Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle, and with eight sacks in the first two games (second in the league) it's hard to argue with the results.
Run Defense: After completely shutting down Frank Gore in week one the Cardinals took a different path to slow down Maurice Jones-Drew. Instead of just stuffing him every time he got the ball the Cards jumped out to an early lead on the scoreboard and effectively took him out of the game. After reeling off an impressive 36 yard run on the Jags second play from scrimmage, MJD was limited to just 30 yards on 12 carries. The front seven remains stout against the run and a big reason for their success this season has been the ability to rotate in fresh bodies along the defensive line. Alan Branch, Gabe Watson and Keilen Dykes all played roles for the Cards on Sunday and their presence will be needed as the season wears on and guys get dinged up.

Much Improved Secondary?: One of the things we spent the entire off season raving about was how much the secondary would be improved with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie having a year under his belt, Rolle acclimating to the free safety spot and the additions of Bryant McFadden and Rashad Johnson but so far that hasn't been the case. Now the Cards are middle of the road in passing yards per game (15th), yards per pass attempt (17th) and QB rating (18th) but the concerning thing is the number of big plays allowed so far against two offenses who don't really have a big play threat. They've allowed four passes of 20 yards or more and one pass of 40 yards or more and while neither of those are among the league worst, I think we'd have all expected the secondary numbers to look quite a bit better after the first two games, especially considering the amount of pass rush that the front seven has been able to generate. It's hard to make any concrete decisions after two games but I think it's safe to say that the best passing offense that we'll see this season will be coming into Arizona this Sunday night and the secondary needs to have their best performance to date.
Bertrand Who?: After wondering where Bertrand Berry was for most of the off season and then seeing very little from him during the preseason yours truly predicted that he'd be on the chopping block on the final roster cut down day. After two weeks though I'm gladly eating crow as Berry has notched sacks in each of the first two games and was pushed into the starting lineup because Chike Okeafor was nursing a sore shoulder. Berry is still basically a one trick pony considering that his only two tackles have been sacks thus far but he's the team leader in that department and he's also recovered two fumbles. Not bad for a guy who none of us were praising two and half weeks ago.

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

All in all the defensive effort was good for a second consecutive week and believe it or not they enter week three as the 13th ranked scoring defense and sixth ranked defense in terms of yards per game. Both of those are dramatic improvements over 2008 but there are still some areas that can be improved upon because there are much better offenses coming down the road.