SB Nation - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson and Ben Graham Likely Pro Bowl Bound

Hawkwind — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:20:35 -0000

by Matt York - AP

Larry Fitzgerald looks to snag his fourth overall and third consecutive Pro Bowl. (AP Photo/Matt York)

The fan voting portion of the Pro Bowl concluded yesterday and if the fan voting is any indication of how the coaches and players will vote (the remaining 2/3 of the process), the Arizona Cardinals should be well represented. Last year the Cardinals had five representatives, the largest number since 1977, and there is still a chance that they could approach, or exceed, that number this season. Players and coaches will vote today and the team will be announced on the NFL Network next Tuesday (the 29th). Here are the final results from the fan voting:

Larry Fitzgerald: Only four players in the entire league (Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Brett Favre and Adrian Wilson) received more votes that Fitz and he is certainly headed to his fourth Pro Bowl (2005, 2007 & 2008).

Adrian Wilson: Wilson led all NFC strong safeties with over 305,000 votes and A-dub should be selected to his third Pro Bowl (2006 & 2008).

Ben Graham: Perhaps the surprise performance of this season will be capped off with Ben Graham's first ever Pro Bowl appearance. Graham surged through the final weeks of fan voting and finished the process leading all NFC punters with just over 103,000 votes.

Antrel Rolle: Rolle finished third among NFC free safeties behind Darren Sharper and Madeau Williams. Rolle shouldn't overtake Sharper in the remaining coaches and players votes but it'll be interesting to see how he fares against Williams. Rolle has more tackles (68 vs 63), sacks (1.5 vs 0), forced fumbles (1 vs 0), passed defended (8 vs 4) and interceptions (4 vs 0).

Kurt Warner: Warner finished fourth among NFC QB's behind Brees, Favre and Aaron Rodgers. The gap between Brees, Favre and Warner is likely to much to overcome and Rodgers' numbers are better than Warner's at the moment so it's unlikely that he'll be able to move up.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: DRC finished fourth among NFC corners behind Charles Woodson, Asante Samuel, Antoine Winfield. Woodson and Samuel seem like a good bet to remain ahead of DRC but Winfield hasn't really had a great year statistically and currently looks like the beneficiary of a great voter turnout among Vikings fans. Winfield has missed six games (of 14) and as a result DRC has better numbers across the board despite playing with a mild case of turf toe.

Darnell Dockett: Dockett stayed at fourth overall among NFC defensive tackles for basically the entire process despite having the better numbers than any of the four players ahead of him, Pat Williams, Kevin Williams and Albert Haynesworth. The coaches and players vote will be an interesting process to see whether name recognition or actual peformance on the field is more important.

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That's it for Cardinals' players who finished in the top five at thier position. Anquan Boldin and Karlos Dansby could still gain some ground but they've got quite a ways to go and slipping through as an alternate might be the best case scenario for them. How many Cardinals will make the final Pro Bowl roster?

The Steve Keim Scorecard

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

More photos » by John Froschauer - AP

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

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

Organization: Arizona Cardinals

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

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

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

2000

1) 7 Thomas Jones RB Virginia

2) 41 Raynoch Thompson OLB Tennessee

3) 71 Darwin Walker DT Tennessee

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

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

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

2001

2) 54 Michael Stone DB Memphis

3) 64 Adrian Wilson DB North Carolina State

4) 98 Bill Gramatica K South Florida

4) 123 Marcus Bell DT Memphis

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

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

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

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

2002

2) 49 Levar Fisher LB North Carolina State

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

2003

1) 17 Bryant Johnson WR Penn State

1) 18 Calvin Pace DE Wake Forest

2) 54 Anquan Boldin WR Florida State

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

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

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

2004

2) 33 Karlos Dansby OLB Auburn

3) 64 Darnell Dockett DT Florida State

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

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

2005

1) 8 Antrel Rolle DB Miami (Florida)

3) 75 Eric Green DB Virginia Tech

3) 95 Darryl Blackstock LB Virginia

4) 111 Elton Brown G Virginia

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

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

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

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

2006

3) 72 Leonard Pope TE Georgia

6) 177 Jonathan Lewis DT Virginia Tech

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

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

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

2007

1 5 Levi Brown OT Penn State

2 33 Alan Branch DT Michigan

3 69 Buster Davis LB Florida State

5 142 Steve Breaston WR Michigan

7 215 Ben Patrick TE Delaware

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

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

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

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

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

2008

1) 16 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State

2) 50 Calais Campbell DE Miami (Fla.)

3) 81 Early Doucet WR Louisiana State

4) 116 Kenny Iwebema DE Iowa

5) 149 Tim Hightower RB Richmond

6) 185 Chris Harrington LB Texas A&M

7) 225 Brandon Keith T Northern Iowa

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

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

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

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

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

Harrington is now a Jaguar.

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

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

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

Arizona Cardinal Of The Week: Week 15

Andrew602 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:53:29 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

Three Detroit Lions make an attempt to tackle Beanie Wells. Wells had the best game of his career so far in the Cardinals win on Sunday.

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It wasn't the most impressive of wins, especially since it was against the Detroit Lions - yeah the same Lions that couldn't win a game last year and only have two wins this season. Regardless, the Cardinals did just enough to edge out their opponent, and eventually crown themselves NFC West Division champions for the second year in a row. During the game, several players stood out as key contributors, but none as much as the five below.

Beanie Wells: It's hard to argue that anybody had a better day then the rookie running back. Wells carried the rock only 17 times but was able to tack on 110 rushing yards - the first 100 yard game of his career - and added a 2nd half touchdown that helped the Cardinals get back into the game. The biggest contribution that Wells brought to the game was the big play. He had four runs over 10 yards, and has 25 total for the year. It doesn't look like it will be long before we see Wells as the Cardinals starting running back.

Anquan Boldin: It's still surprising just how much Boldin benefited from resting back in week 9 against the Bears. Since then, in six games he's caught 39 passes for 471 yards and 4 touchdowns. On Sunday he made several big catches, including the game-winning touchdown with less then two minutes to play. Anquan only needs 125 yards in the next two games to eclipse 1,000 yards for the 5th time in his 7 year career.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: We touched up on his performance earlier but we'll go over it again in case you missed it. DRC had interceptions against two different quarterbacks on the day, and also had 4 passes defensed. The biggest note on the game has to be his play on the Lions best player, Calvin Johnson. Johnson was held to just 3 catches for 35 yards, one of his worst performances of the season.

Adrian Wilson: His stats don't stand out, but it's hard to leave Adrian Wilson off the list when he became .5 a sack away from joining the 20/20 club. It's a prestigious club to be in, considering most safeties will never reach 20 of either category. Wilson doesn't have as many sacks as we'd expect, but It is obvious that teams game plan against Wilson when he's blitzing the quarterback. A Dub also added 5 more tackles to give him 70 on the year, which is the second most on the team.

Ben Graham: Graham gets nominated once again for another very impressive performance. The Aussie knocked 3 more punts inside the 20, putting his league-leading total at 37. Graham has been one of the most consistent players on special teams, and he hasn't had a touchback since week 5 against Houston(only has 3 on the year).

As always, if you feel anybody should be added to the list just drop a comment below. Who did you vote for and why?

Poll

Who is the Arizona Cardinal of the Week?

Cardinals CB Rodgers-Cromartie Proving His Worth

Andrew602 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:40:14 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

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When the Cardinals essentially gambled in the 1st round of 2008's draft, they were selecting a 22 year old cornerback out of a small school(Tennessee State). It was said that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had a "high learning curve", and that it would likely take time for him to develop into a quality starting defensive back. Midway through last year, he replaced Eric Green on the depth chart and that learning curve was put to the test. He had 4 interceptions through the final seven games of the season, and added 2 more in the playoffs.

This year, Rodgers-Cromartie has learned just how quickly things can change in one season, as he's been one of the highest targeted cornerbacks in the league. The 2nd year defensive back has adjusted however, and boasts a NFC-leading 23 passes defensed. He's also done a tremendous job limiting the big play that daunted him most of last season.

On Sunday, DRC recorded 2 interceptions, putting his season total at 5. That puts his career total at 9 in just 21 starts, giving him a 42% interception rate. Against the Lions, both of his interceptions would eventually prove to be pivotal as the Cardinals only won by a score. Already having a good game, DRC also did an exceptional job blanketing Lions star receiver Calvin Johnson, holding him to 3 catches for 35 yards

On another note, Rodgers-Cromartie was noticeably stiff returning both interceptions, running out of bounds each times. It seems he's been suffering from turf-toe, which is even more impressive given the position he plays.

"No, no, no," he said. "I got a bad toe; I got to get out of bounds. I couldn't run like I wanted to."

Next Day Notes: Cardinals Beat Lions 31-24 After Sloppy Second Half

Pyromnc — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:42 -0000

More photos » by Al Goldis - AP

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After a tough loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Arizona Cardinals were looking to rebound against the Detroit Lions. Everything indicated that happened when the Cardinals took an early 17-0 lead going into the half. Coming out of the half was a different story. Detroit came out and scored 17 unanswered points in the third quarter. The Cardinals pulled it together in the fourth quarter however, by putting up 14 points. The Cardinals were supposed to use this game to make a statement. They did - the Cardinals play down to the competition they face.

The Good

Beanie Wells had quite possibly, his best game since becoming a pro. He recorded his first 100 yard rushing game by putting up 110 yards on 17 carries (a 6.5 yard per carry average). He also tacked on a pivotal 18 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter that would get the Cardinals back into the game. Beanie is clearly the best back on the team, and it's evident coach Whisenhunt is aware as Wells had 17 carries compared to Tim Hightower's 6. Wells also recorded a 13 yard catch in the game.

Anquan Boldin got his usual catches in the game - plowing over defenders and making vintage Boldin runs. Q's last catch was a touchdown that only he could've pulled off, forcing his way into the end zone. This catch would be the deciding touchdown in the game, giving the Cards the win. Boldin continues to play hard this season and has definitely been a big reason the Cardinals have won nine games this year.

The Cardinals Special Teams is one of the best units in the league right now. That didn't change in Sunday's game. Punter Ben Graham pinned the opposition three more times inside the 20 yard line, adding to his league-leading total of 37. He also averaged 45.4 yards per punt on his seven punts. LaRod Stephens-Howling also had another impressive game, averaging 23 yards per kick return and playing very well on coverage. He helped recover a fumble on a Lions muffed punt in the first half. Newly signed kicker Mike Nugent also chimed in with a 48 yard field goal and hit each of the extra points. The Cardinals defense and offense should take some notes from special teams, as they have been the only unit to play consistently well week in and week out.

The Eh

The Defense played well enough to win despite allowing over 100 yards rushing to a back up running back. They began the first half shutting out the Lions but sadly, they couldn't keep up the effort in the second half, as they allowed 24 points. Part of the problem can be attributed to the offenses sloppy play with turnovers, as the defense has less time to rest and less field position to defend. Despite allowing 24 points they were able to make the Lions make mistakes, with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie intercepting two passes. Adrian Wilson also got one step closer to his 20/20 goal by splitting a sack with Clark Haggans. Overall the defense played well enough to win the game, but a consistently good effort for an entire four quarters is something that is needed as the playoffs draw closer.

The Bad

Kurt Warner had a decent game but not the type of game we have been accustomed to seeing from him. The good from him was his two touchdowns and 233 passing yards, but he had problems turning the ball over for the second game in a row, throwing an interception and losing a fumble. He now has 5 turnovers in his last 2 games, and the Cardinals should be lucky they played a bad team like the Lions, who weren't able to take advantage.

The Ugly

Turnovers have been awful for the Cardinals at times this year. They had a six turnover game against the Panthers earlier this year, then 10 in their last two games. Last week Stephens-Howling, Hightower, Wells, Boldin, and Warner couldn't hang onto the ball, and this week it was Warner and Steve Breaston. The Cardinals had issues turning the ball over late last season, but were able to clean up their act in the playoffs. If they want to make a serious run this year, they'll need to do the same.

Despite some erratic play they did manage to win and also got an early Christmas present from the Eagles as they beat the 49ers, allowing the Cardinals to clinch the division. Now should the Cardinals try and win their next two games to hope for better playoff seeding? Or should they rest some of the starters like Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald so they are fresh for the playoffs?

Despite Second Half Rally, Arizona Cardinals Beat Detroit Lions 31-24

Andrew602 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:01:02 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells ran for 110 rushing yards on 17 carries for 1 touchdown in the Cardinals win on Sunday.

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The Arizona Cardinals traveled to Detroit with the NFC West division title only two wins away. The only problem was that they may have over-looked the struggling Detroit Lions. After beginning the first half 17-0, the Lions made it uncomfortably close after a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown and a 64 yard rushing touchdown by Maurice Morris. The Cardinals offense responded with an 18 yard touchdown by Beanie Wells and a 5 yard touchdown by Anquan Boldin. In the end, the Lions were unable to drive for the game-winning touchdown, and the Cardinals improved their record to 9-5.

The positives

- Beanie Wells had his first 100 yard rushing game of the season and gave the Cardinals some explosive running when the passing game was faltering. Wells also scored a 4th quarter touchdown that swung some momentum back in the Cards favor.

- The passing defense gave their best effort for a second straight game. They didn't allow a 100 yard receiver and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had two interceptions on the day, making his season total 5. They also limited Lions star receiver Calvin Johnson to just 3 catches for 35 yards. Rashad Johnson saw his most action since the preseason and seemed to fill in fine for the majority of the game. He nearly had an interception on the Lions last offensive play of the game, but it luckily had no effect as it was 4th down.

- Anquan Boldin stepped up noticeably with Larry Fitzgerald not being 100%. Boldin was targeted 11 times and caught 6 passes for 72 yards and the go-ahead score to give the Cardinals the lead and eventually win the game.

- Despite some pressure from the Lions defense, the Cardinals offensive line held up well, only allowing 2 sacks and 3 QB hits.

- Mike Nugent filled in for the injured Neil Rackers and the Cardinals kicking game didn't skip a beat. Nugent made all of the extra points and knocked in a 48 yard field goal in the first half.

- Ben Graham played another spectacular game, punting 3 of his kicks inside the Lions 20, and also averaged 50.3 yards a punt.

The negatives

- Kurt Warner may still be suffering the effects of the hip pointer he tweaked against the Vikings three weeks ago. He wasn't limping around the field but he didn't have as much zip on any of his passes. Many passes fell at the receivers feet or were over-thrown. He also fumbled the ball to end the 1st half and threw an interception that resulted in a 100 yard return for a touchdown. Warner redeemed himself as he usually does, when he led the Cardinals on their game-winning drive and threw the touchdown to Anquan Boldin.

- The Cardinals rush-defense was slashed again, and gave up 126 rushing yards and a touchdown to the former Seahawk Maurice Morris. The Cardinals have allowed two 100-yard rushers the last two weeks since they held Adrian Peterson to 19 rushing yards.

- Mental errors and turnovers haunted the entire game. The Cardinals turned the ball over 3 times and the Lions capitalized by scoring 14 points. The Cardinals also committed 8 penalties for 65 yards. Two of them came from Bryan Robinson, for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that resulted in 30 yards. Turnovers and penalties have plagued the Cardinals lately, and isn't something they can continue if they want to make a run in the playoffs.

- Play-calling was questionable at times, mainly on 3rd and short situations when the Cardinals became very predictable. The Cardinals were 4-12 on 3rd downs, and that was one of the main reasons the Lions were able to stay in the game till the 4th quarter.

Final thoughts

While I am upset that the Cardinals couldn't dominate the now 2-12 Lions, I'll take a win know matter which way it comes. The Cardinals did show signs of life when most of the momentum turned in the Lions favor, and they were able to battle back to score on a game-winning drive. Kurt Warner needs to get healthy fast, and the Cardinals may need to show a stronger sense of urgency with the Rams coming to Arizona next week. What are your thoughts on the game?

Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions: Three Keys To Success

Andrew602 — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:29:39 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

Getting Larry Fitzgerald back to 100% is the most important key to the season at this point.

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Yeah, that's right - three keys. I think the Cardinals only need to follow the three keys below in order to beat the lowly Lions.

This Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals(8-5) face off with the Detroit Lions(2-11) in a situation that has become a must-win game for the red birds. The Cardinals are fresh off a disappointing Monday night game, in which they turned the ball over 7 times and were surprisingly limited to 9 points. They need to win 2 out of their next 3 games and need a 49ers loss to clinch the NFC West.

The Lions are experiencing another losing season/rebuilding year and are at the mercy of a rookie coach and quarterback. There is light at the end of the tunnel though, and it's only a matter of time before the Lions are back at mediocrity. Here are the three keys to success on Sunday.

1. Stop the Calvin Johnson. He's the Lions best player and many consider him to have the best all-around skill set of any receiver in the league. His stats may not show it this year but Johnson has faced injuries and his fair share of poor quarterback play and has still produced at a pro bow level. The Cardinals were burned by the other Johnson earlier this year and to keep it from reoccurring, they will need to ensure that there are no breakdowns in coverage. The Cardinals fastest defensive back, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, will likely cover Johnson with added safey help over the top.

2. Play the Lions like they are a 2-11 team. Winning is always satisfying, but the Cardinals certainly should not squeak out a win. They have the Lions beat in every NFL category, so there's certainly not room for any excuses this week. The Cardinals have managed to keep opposing teams in games this year and if they want to make a statement to the league they'll keep their foot on the gas on Sunday. The Lions have been obliterated by some teams this year(see last week) and that shouldn't stop just because the Cardinals are in town.

3. Get healthy and acquainted. The Cardinals may likely use the next stretch of games to rest certain players in hopes to become healthy for the playoffs. Most notably, injuries have hit Mike Gandy, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Ware, Kurt Warner, and Neil Rackers. Fitzgerald suffered a knee injury on Monday but an MRI revealed it was only a bone contusion and knee sprain. Kurt Warner has been nursing a hip pointer the last two weeks and may rest if the Cardinals have a comfortable lead on Sunday. Gandy and Rackers have already been ruled out the game. As a result of the injuries, Mike Nugent, Jeremy Bridges, and Rashad Johnson were pushed into more prominent roles on the team and must become more familiar with their respective positions the next two weeks.

On a final note, the Cardinals should obviously hand the ball off on Sunday and not be scared of fumbling. Limiting the rushing game may only discourage the Cardinals two young backs at this point.

In all reality, this is a game the Cardinals should win at ease. With the 49ers essentially on life-support, they have yet to be eliminated from playoff-contention. If the Cardinals want to take some pressure off themselves, now would be the moment pull the plug. What are your keys to the game and why?

Arizona Cardinal at Detroit Lions: Know Thy Enemy

Pyromnc — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:58:48 -0000

More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

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For the past decade, the Detroit Lions have been one of the worst organizations in the NFL. They failed to draft much talent and have had a handful of 1st round busts. They also failed to sign key players in free agency, and in front of their eyes they were actually running the organization into the ground. Those tendencies have started to change the past couple of seasons with very good draft picks in linebacker Ernie Sims, quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kevin Smith, and the immense talent at wide receiver in Calvin Johnson (aka Megatron). The Cardinals defensive backs better be aware of where Johnson is at all times, otherwise they may be in for a long game.

Johnson was widely considered the best receiving prospect to come out of college in NFL history. This was most certainly due to the fact that he held multiple skill sets that most receivers will never begin to have. At the NFL Combine he ran a 4.35 40 yard dash, an amazing number despite weighing in at 238 (heavy for a receiver). He also had an amazing vertical jump posting 42 and a half inches (Larry Fitzgerald is a 38). He has the physicality of a Fitzgerald / Andre Johnson type, making him quite possibly the most dangerous wide receiver, if only he had a consistent QB (which they hope Stafford will be).

Johnson has only faced the Arizona Cardinals once in his career and that came in his rookie season. He didn't put up spectacular numbers, catching just 3 passes for 37 yards and no touchdowns. Part of the reason could have been that it was his rookie season or the fact that he was playing with back problems that entire year - but it was most likely a combination of both. Things will definitely be different this week with Johnson adding some veteran experience to his resume, although the knee problems he's had this season may pose a problem.

The match up to watch in this game will be 2nd year corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie against Johnson. Cromartie does not have the physicality that would be needed to tackle Johnson if he were to get the ball in open space. However, he is the only defensive back that has the type of speed to keep up with Johnson. DRC won't be able to contain Johnson by himself, as it will need a solid team effort to slow the Lions best offensive player. Thoughts?

Arizona Cardinals' Road To Elite Status

Undrafteds — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:22:14 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

16 days ago: Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin (81) dives for a touchdown as Minnesota Vikings' E.J. Henderson runs in late to defend in the second quarter during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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As we prepare for the Cardinals-49ers Monday Night Football matchup, with a chance for Arizona to claim its second NFC West crown in a row with a win, lets take a look back at the season to date to see what we have learned. In the name of reader enjoyment, I'll start with my synopsis, with a skimming of the surface breakdown to follow.

What have we learned? I don't have to tell any of you that we can all watch every snap and come away with very different versions of what we saw. So maybe it is more appropriate to say, what have I learned?

I have learned that the 2009 Cardinals are a new improved version of the 2008 Cardinals. Sounds simple enough doesn't it?

More precisely, the 2008 model was good enough to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in team history, but inconsistent and unreliable, especially at the most inopportune times such as the excruciating Steelers' game winning drive.

Last year, the teams primary weaknesses, arguably of course, were giving up the big play way too often, not winning on the road, and general inability to run the ball.

This year the Cardinals are not giving up nearly as many big plays on defense, are 5-1 on the road, and have increased their team yards per carry average from 3.5 last year to 4.1.

But it goes further than the numbers.

This team has demonstrated that they are more mature and resilient. Arizona is more focused and physical.

Additionally, key players have simply gotten better with each passing week. An alarming number of players are playing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level. Defensively, Antrel Rolle, Adrian Wilson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Karlos Dansby and Darnell Dockett should at least get consideration. Not to mention special teams warrior LaRod Stephens-Howling, punter Ben Graham and kicker Neil Rackers. Offensively, the usual suspects Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald could all be locks for the Pro Bowl.

Forget about the Pro Bowl for a minute though. Calais Campbell, Lyle Sendlein, Deuce Lutui, Reggie Wells and Tim Hightower have all improved.

Don't bother doing the math, I've already done it: that is 13 out of the starting 22 that are either playing at a Pro Bowl level or have in the least improved their game. On special teams, Graham and Rackers have played nearly flawlessly, and LSH has been an upgrade on kick returns and return coverage.

This team has more character, even when they lose. In my not so humble opinion, the Titans game was a huge character win despite the loss. MattLeinart had some things to prove that day, and he did. There were more players making plays in that game than most I've seen. True, the Cardinals again let a QB execute another two-minute drill to perfection—their Achilles heel—and lost the game, but they can't win them all can they?

Finally, I have to talk about head coach Ken Whisenhunt for a moment. He has a methodical, patient approach, and his teams' progress is a reflection of that. In his first season he took an under-achieving talent-laden squad to their first 8-8 record in many moons. Last year they improved to 9-7, but caught fire and made it to their first-ever Super Bowl. This year their weaknesses have been shored up even moreso—defensively they are more consistent and the rushing attack is better—and the Cardinals have cleared yet another hurdle. Now, my fellow Arizona fans, the Cardinals are becoming one of the elite teams in the NFL right before our very eyes.

As I recall the 12 games played to date briefly below, by my count the 8-4 record can be broken down as follows:

Of the four losses, two were respectably played games that ended in a loss (Week 1 vs. 49ers and Week 12 vs. Titans), and two were games that the Cardinals simply laid an egg (Week 3 vs. the Colts and Week 8 vs. the Panthers).

Of the eight wins, all of them had at least two quarters of completely dominating play by Arizona.

The word dominate is used repeatedly on purpose to drive home my point.

1. San Francisco L 16-20 (0-1): Hard fought game, division rival.

It can be said that with the departure of Todd Haley, the flow of the Cardinals' offense wasn't quite in sync with Ken Whisenhunt's first time out calling plays in awhile.

Held Frank Gore to 30 yards on 22 carries.

2. @ Jacksonville W 31-17 (1-1): The Cardinals' nemesis last regular season was winning on the road. In their first attempt, they completely dominated Jacksonville for three quarters.

Jacksonville's 17 points were a little deceiving as it came up against prevent defense.

Held Maurice Jones-Drew to 66 yards on 13 carries, but 36 came on one run.

3. Indianapolis L 10-31 (1-2): After a promising start to the game, this was a poor all-around effort by the Cardinals.

They were flat and out of sorts in all phases for most of the game.

Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Pierre Garçon embarrassed Arizona, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in particular.

4. BYE WEEK

5. Houston W 28-21 (2-2): Arizona again completely dominated for three quarters.

When they went to prevent defense, Matt Schaub and company mounted a comeback.

A goal-line stand by Arizona prevented the Texans from tying to force overtime.

6. @ Seattle W 27-3 (3-2): Arizona completely dominated this game from start to finish.

One of their most complete wins in team history.

Held Matt Hasselbeck to 112 yards passing and Seattle to 14 yards rushing on 11 carries.

7. @ NY Giants W 24-17 (4-2): In a signature win, the Cardinals stymied the Giants who were 5-1 before this game, by forcing four turnovers and holding last year's best rushing team to 107 total yards on the ground.

The Giants could only muster three second-half points.

8. Carolina L 21-34 (4-3): Another poor all-around effort by the Cardinals, who were dominated by the previously stagnant Panthers, in a revenge game.

The Cardinals had embarrassed the Panthers last postseason on their home turf, and the Panthers returned the favor.

Arizona came into the game with the top ranked run defense, but were exploited for 270 ground yards.

9. @ Chicago W 41-21 (5-3): Cardinals rebound nicely by dominating the Bears. It was 31-7 at halftime.

In prevent defense, the Bears got back into the game. Matt Leinart helped them out by throwing an INT on his only attempt, and was immediately replaced with Warner.

10. Seattle W 31-20 (6-3): Seattle gave it everything they had, playing maybe their best game of the season, only to lose by 11 points to a superior team.

11. @ St. Louis W 21-13 (7-3): With Kurt Warner at the helm, the Cardinals were cruising with a 21-3 halftime lead.

He suffered a concussion at the end of the second quarter however, and the still rusty Leinart was unable to lead the team to points.

The defense held strong and mopped up, securing the win.

12. @ Tennessee L 17-20 (7-4): Playing the hot Titans, who had won four straight, without Warner.

Leinart improved, and the Cardinals held a 17-13 advantage with two minutes remaining before Vince Young's now instant classic, 18-play 99-yard drive, won the game on the last play of the game for Tennessee.

An all around well-played game by both sides.

13. Minnesota W 30-17 (8-4): Many pundits weighed in and very few gave the Cardinals a chance leading up to kickoff. The Vikings had been anointed the best all-around team by some, with only one loss in 11 attempts coming in. BrettFavre had only thrown three picks, but threw two in this one. Jared Allen was held without a stat, and Adrian Peterson was held to 19 yards on 13 carries. After giving up a 7-0 lead early sparked by Tim Hightower's fumble on the second play of the game, it was all Arizona.

What are your thoughts on the Cardinals season so far? Do you think they have achieved elite status, or is there still more work to be done?

Who would you take from the Arizona Cardinals?

Fooch — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:00:17 -0000

by Paul Connors - AP

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Fooch's Note: Head on over to Revenge of the Birds to see what 49ers they'd grab.

I'd like to thank Andrew over at Revenge of the Birds for passing along what I think is a great idea for a game-week post. We have plenty of discussion about who we like on the 49ers, and who we fear on the opposing team. However, this post allows us to go off into fantasy-land a bit and decide who we might like from an opposing team. In doing this, you can approach it from a variety of angles. You can take a player just because you like that player, no matter what the 49ers current situation is at that position. You can consider who the 49ers might lose in the offseason or positions they need to improve. If you want to take into account the player's contract and look for "realistic" additions, you're free to do that. You can be as realistic or as fantastical (if that's even a word) as you'd like. For this week, here are some of the guys I'd like. Also, at the end I thought I'd throw out some thoughts on the guy I did not choose that many of you might choose...

Larry Fitzgerald, WR: Ok, so this is certainly an obvious choice. But if you're going to take a player off this team, why not take the best? The 49ers have some solid talent at wide receiver, but it's still young and has a lot of room for growth. Imagine a team with Larry Fitzgerald as the #1 receiver, Michael Crabtree #2, and Josh Morgan #3? One reason I like this is the fact that Fitzgerald's contract expires after the 2011 season. Fitzgerald would still be in his prime, but you could conceivably let him walk as your young receivers would hopefully have grown into specific roles. Anyways, I think this is more of a flashy option.

The remaining three are after the jump...

Antrel Rolle, FS: One could say Antrel Rolle has been fire and ice all season long. After struggling a bit as a cornerback, Rolle has transitioned rather nicely over to the free safety position. The 49ers have been looking to Dashon Goldson for ball-hawking skills, but Rolle could be a nice replacement there at free safety. It's still early to completely judge Goldson, but in this instance Rolle could certainly work well.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB: I like some aspects of the 49ers secondary, but to have a young guy like DRC in the lineup would certainly provide some long term stability. Right now, the 49ers don't completely know what their long term plans are. Shawntae Spencer has one of the jobs right now, but he's not getting any younger, and is always an injury risk. Nate Clements was demoted before getting injured and might not even be a 49er next year. And Tarell Brown has shown some improvement, but also been inconsistent at times. DRC has his ups and downs, but has done enough in a season and a half to impress me.

Beanie Wells, RB: This was a tough one for me. At this point Tim Hightower actually has better rushing numbers, but Beanie has much more upside. I was hesitant on this one because of Frank Gore. Sure the 49ers want a complementary back to Gore, but I don't know if Wells would fit that role. He and Hightower have split the workload almost right down the middle (119 carries for Hightower, 121 for Wells), and Gore seems to work better as the primary back (when he's actually getting his numbers in). However, I couldn't pass up a talented running back at this point, so that's #4, giving us 2 defensive players and 2 offensive players.

So why didn't I take Kurt Warner? Obviously the 49ers were interested in him this past offseason and I'm sure plenty of you would like to have him on the 49ers roster. However, I chose to not include him for a couple reasons. First, is the development of Alex Smith. He's no Kurt Warner, but he's certainly shown some solid development this season. Second, and more importantly at this point, is the fact that the 49ers offensive line has been rather abysmal at times. Kurt Warner has never been an especially mobile quarterback, and if he was behind this 49ers offensive line, I can't even begin to imagine the type of damage he'd have incurred on sacks.