SB Nation - Dwight Smith

Predicting the Arizona Cardinals Record: Part 4

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

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

Week 14 - At San Francisco 49ers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Week 15 - At Detroit Lions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Week 16 - St. Louis Rams

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

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

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

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

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

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

Week 17 - Green Bay Packers

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

Key Losses: DT Colin Cole

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

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

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

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

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Arizona Cardinals final projected record - 10-6

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

Poll

How many wins will the Cardinals have in 2009?

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

62 votes

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

495 votes

7-9 - Another average season in the books

183 votes

6 or less - Same Ole Cardinals?

47 votes

787 votes | Poll has closed

Video of the Day

Niko Houllis — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:09:31 -0000

Since there are about 7 days this month in which there are no 'On This Day' games played, and all of them in August when there are preseason games of which not too many exist on Tape; in their place will be a video of the day clip.

Today's clip is all about finishing; Raheem's message to the team. Finishing the play. Here is what happens when you finish the play and don't quit, Something Dwight Smith knew all about, and a scene you may remember from a 2004 shootout in Raymond James between the Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

806 vod 2004 kc from Niko H on Vimeo.

So what do you think about Dwight Smith?

Whats your favorite Dwight Smith memory?

Were you happy he left?

2009 Schedule Preview: Week 1 vs. the Detroit Lions

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

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

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

Lions Offense

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

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

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

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

Lions Defense

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

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

Lions 2009 Season

0-16 record

Last Meeting

December 21, 2008

Week 16 1 2 3 4 OT Final

Saints 14 14 14 0 0 42

Lions 0 7 0 0 0 7

Why the Saints can win

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

Why the Saints can lose

Because the Lions have to win eventually.

Prediction

Saints 35 - Lions 10

Free Agent Pickups

RB Maurice Morris

WR Dennis Northcutt

WR Ronald Curry

WR Bryant Johnson

TE Will Heller

OT Daniel Loper

OT Jon Jansen

DE Jason Hunter

DT Grady Jackson

OLB Julian Peterson

ILB Larry Foote

ILB Cody Spencer

CB Phillip Buchanon

CB Eric King

CB/S Anthony Henry

S Marquand Manuel

2009 Draft Picks

QB Matt Stafford

TE Brandon Pettigrew

FS Louis Delmas

LB DeAndre Levy

WR Derrick Williams

DT Sammie Lee Hill

RB Aaron Brown

OT Lydon Murtha

OLB Zack Follett

TE Dan Gronkowski

Key losses

QB Jon Kitna

QB Dan Orlovsky

QB Drew Henson

RB Rudi Johnson

FB Moran Norris

FB Jon Bradley

WR Shaun McDonald

WR Mike Furrey

TE Dan Campbell

TE Michael Gaines

TE John Owens

OT George Foster

OT Junius Coston

OT Jon Dunn

G Edwin Mulitalo

C Andy McCollum

DE Corey Smith

DT Cory Redding

DT Shaun Cody

DT Langston Moore

OLB Ryan Nece

OLB Alex Lewis

ILB Paris Lenon

CB Leigh Bodden

CB Travis Fisher

CB Stanley Wilson

S Dwight Smith

Linkage

Pride Of Detroit

Lions vs Saints coverage

CSC: Saints @ Lions Postgame

CSC: Saints @ Lions: Who Dat Say!?

CSC: Saints @ Lions: Making the Grade

Detroit Lions 2009 Transactions

Detroit Lions 2009 Draft

Detroit Lions 2009 Free Agent Tracker

Detroit Lions 2009 Roster

Poll

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

The Saints will win handily

405 votes

The Saints will win a squeeker

97 votes

The Lions will win handily

43 votes

The Lions will win a squeeker

155 votes

700 votes | Poll has closed

Cut Day Claims First Victims, QB Target Available?

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

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

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

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

Lions Release Six Players, Announce UFAs

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

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

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

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

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

Shaun McDonald, Keith and Dwight Smith Placed on IR

Sean Yuille — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:44:59 -0000

The Lions placed wide receiver Shaun McDonald, cornerback Keith Smith, and safety Dwight Smith on the injured reserve today. The move ends all three of their seasons with only two weeks left.

McDonald was suffering from a lingering ankle injury, and Dwight Smith actually fractured his left ankle against the Colts. Keith Smith had a groin injury and couldn't stay healthy lately.

The move opened up three spots on the roster. They were filled by safety LaMarcus Hicks, who has been on and off the active roster quite a few times this season, cornerback Chris Roberson (he was on the practice squad), and wide receiver Travis Taylor, who was released by the Panthers at the end of August.

Monday Notes: Orlovsky to Start Against Saints

Sean Yuille — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:26:18 -0000

Dan Orlovsky will start at quarterback on Sunday against the Saints. Despite yet another loss, Orlovsky played pretty well against Indianapolis and has been the best quarterback on the team this season in my opinion. He's certainly better than Daunte Culpepper.
Lions safety Dwight Smith fractured his left ankle during yesterday's game and is out for the season. He was carted off the field, immediately suggesting that the injury was serious.
Todd McShay's first mock draft is out and he has the Lions selecting Georgia QB Matt Stafford. I personally don't want the Lions to draft a QB in the first-round, as I would rather have them build the offensive line or the secondary. If they were going to draft a QB, I would hope it is Stafford. Sam Bradford seems as though he is more likely to be a bust, even though he did win the Heisman.
Gosder Cherilus wasn't fined for his hit on Jared Allen in the Vikings game earlier this month. Fullback Moran Norris, on the other hand, was fined $5,000 for getting into a scuffle with a Vikings player. Norris got ejected for throwing a punch.
By the way, Jared Allen played on Sunday against the Cardinals and had a couple sacks.
The owner of 0and16.com had the domain registered before this season and has pointed it to winless teams' sites in the past.
Lions defensive tackle Cory Redding is a member of the NFL's All-Overpaid team on FOXSports.com.
Apparently former Titans general manager Floyd Reese has been lobbying for the Browns GM job, even though it isn't even open yet. Reese basically did the same thing with the Lions GM job after Matt Millen was fired and no one thought it was that big of a deal. The reaction about his actions with the Browns job, however, is negative.

Week 12 Injury Report

Sean Yuille — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:15:47 -0000

DETROIT LIONS
Pos.	Player	Injury	Status
QB	Dan Orlovsky	Hand	Out
RB	Kevin Smith	Groin	Probable
RB	Rudi Johnson	Knee	Probable
FB	Jerome Felton	Ankle	Probable
WR	Calvin Johnson	Quad	Probable
WR	Mike Furrey	Concussion	Out
OG	Edwin Mulitalo	Knee	Questionable
C	Dominic Raiola	Hand	Out
DE	Ikaika Alama-Francis	Concussion	Probable
DE	Jared DeVries	Hand	Probable
DE	Dewayne White	Calf	Out
DT	Cory Redding	Groin	Probable
DT	Chuck Darby	Calf	Probable
CB	Keith Smith	Groin	Out
S	Dwight Smith	Foot	Questionable
S	Kalvin Pearson	Shoulder	Probable

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Pos.	Player	Injury	Status
QB	Brian Griese	Right Elbow	Questionable
RB	Carnell Williams	Hamstring	Questionable
RB	Warrick Dunn	Back	Probable
WR	Ike Hilliard	Shoulder	Probable
TE	Alex Smith	Ankle	Questionable
OG	Arron Sears	Shoulder	Probable
S	Jermaine Phillips	Forearm	Doubtful

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

Friday Notes: Lions Sign Stuart Schweigert

Sean Yuille — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:05:09 -0000

As usual with Lions blackouts, check out Pride of Detroit on gameday for live updates and for links to online streams of the game. There is usually at least one good stream out there; it's just a matter of tracking it down. With that being said, if you happen to find an online stream of the Lions' game on Sunday, please post a link to it in the comments section of the game thread.
Sports Illustrated's Don Banks believes the Lions should try to hire Patriots Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli. I doubt he would want to leave New England, especially for the Lions, but it's definitely worth a try. He has a great track record and would be someone that could turn things around.
Dwight Smith practiced for the first time in a long time earlier this week and should be back for Sunday's game.
The Lions signed safety Stuart Schweigert, who is from Saginaw and played for Purdue in college.
Rod Marinelli thinks the Lions should have signed Daunte Culpepper sooner than they did.
Pacman Jones was reinstated by the NFL earlier this week.

Tuesday Notes: Buccaneers to Be Without Earnest Graham on Sunday?

Sean Yuille — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:08:38 -0000

Calvin Johnson hurt his thigh against Carolina and "will be limited in practice this week."
Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham may be out for the season and will likely miss this coming Sunday's game against the Lions. Graham rushed for 92 yards and caught 13 passes for 99 yards in last year's game between the Lions and Buccaneers. Detroit won 23-16 to improve to 4-2.
All of the charges filed against Kalvin Pearson as a result of an incident in April have been dropped.
This is probably the only time I will agree with Rob Parker, but yes, Jason Hanson deserves better. His 56-yard field goal in the Panthers game was awesome.
Drew Sharp is completely wrong in saying that going 0-16 is impossible. Although there is always the chance that the Lions could pull off an upset and finally get a win, there is no guarantee that they will. They are that bad, and going 0-16 is definitely possible. The fact that Sharp thinks it isn't make me think the Lions will for sure go winless.
Dwight Smith is going to run at full speed today. He has missed the last four games with a midfoot sprain.
Daunte Culpepper was scheduled to be a captain for this past Sunday's game.
Tom Kowalski doesn't think there is any credence behind the talk of Brian Billick coming to Detroit to coach the Lions. That makes sense since no credible rumors will come about until it is determined who the general manager is going into 2009.
When Drew Stanton threw a touchdown pass to John Owens against the Jaguars two weeks ago, it was the first time either of the players had scored. Both obviously want the football they scored their first TD with, but right now it doesn't appear that it has been determined who will get it.
Speaking of Stanton, Jim Colletto said he "did good" against Jacksonville.
The Eagles and Bengals played to a tie on Sunday, and Donovan McNabb didn't even know that was possible. Wow.

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