SBNation.com User Blog: INSOMAN1ATIC

Big Ben whining and why that may be a good thing for us.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 03:27:34 -0000

This guy was happy to hear about it, the rumor is Todd Haley may be making a return to the desert. I for one can only hope this is true. I like some others have about had it with Ken Whisenhunt, and Darnell Dockett recently snubbed him by saying he would play hard for Ray Horton. Now many of us on here want to see Ray Horton become the head coach, but the man has said he wants to win a ring at every level. Enter Todd Haley, the brash and fiery fellow who isn't afraid to call his players out on the sidelines when they make mistakes, even if the cameras are rolling.

The transition this team made from being a squad that could score on anyone and couldn't stop a runny nose to a team that can keep the best offenses in the NFL in check but unable to find the end zone is quite amazing since our trip to the superbowl. Enter Ray Horton, the man who has made our defense the BEST squad in the NFL, you read that correctly I said the best, if they had an offense that was below average they lead the league in category that matters.

If Ken Whisenhunt gets his walking papers Cardinals brass needs to bring in Todd Haley. During his time here in Arizona he orchestrated an offense that was dubbed by the media as the six handed monster. For those of you new to the site or the Arizona Cardinals, it was the season that Boldin, Breaston, and Fitz all topped 1000 yards. I must note we did not have much of a ground game while Haley was here, but then again outside of Tim Hightower we did not have much talent for the backfield. If Warner was as consistent as a Tom Brady we would have had squads that finished with 13 or more wins. Haley left to become the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, now if you look at the Chiefs offense this season, you'll see just how effective Todd Haley running an offense really is. When Haley was calling the shots in KC Matt Cassell was considered a possible pro bowler, Dwayne Bowe was one of the elite 5, and they had two little speedsters named Charles and McCluster that routinely ripped 20 yards off on the ground. This season Haley is calling the shots in Pittsburgh, where has back up RB's looking better than a multi-season starter, and he had Roethlisberger on pace for a career year before injuries derailed things. Speaking of Ben being injured enter Pitt's longtime backup who Haley designed a gameplan that delivered success for Charlie Batch and his lack of talent.

I hope Cardinal's brass find a way to retain Horton and make Haley the head coach. If they follow the blueprint of the most successful franchise in the NFL, Horton gets paid like a head coach and left alone with the defense. If Horton stays and Haley becomes head coach and our offense just moves the ball and gives the defense a lead forcing our opponent to throw, we could have something VERY special here in the desert. Who would you want as the head coach and why?

On a side note, it was great to see the team snap the losing streak. However given Detroit's record we actually lost if you wanna look at the big picture. Since all we really have left to hope for is draft positioning, we just put ourselves farther down on the board.

Poll

Who should be Arizona's next head coach?

Ray Horton

19 votes

Todd Haley

7 votes

Russ Grimm

1 votes

Bill Cowher

4 votes

Jon Gruden

9 votes

Dream on, they are keeping Whisenhunt

14 votes

54 votes | Poll has closed

What the team really needs on offense.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 07:09:05 -0000

So we are now in what is being touted as the golden age of the passing game. Where wide receivers and shut down corners are now making as much and more in some cases than signal callers and the marquee brick wall left tackles. We all know our beloved Cardinals have had a laughable situation at quarterback since the NFL's cinderella man Kurt Warner retired. When he was here we got to cheer for the league's most prolific offense, and boy have we been spoiled because of it.

The team that went to the super bowl had an offense that can't be stopped and a defense that couldn't stop a JV squad. Now I have been questioning keeping the Whiz around because like all of us, have been reeling with this pathetic half a season losing streak, but the reality is Whiz has turned the perennial loser into a .500 squad and will probably be around next season whether some of us want it or not. Since Warner retired the team has transitioned from having an offense that can't be stopped to having a defense that can put the clamps on any opponent, and will keep any squad in the NFL from running it up. Unfortunately this new found "Red Rage" (my name) defensive squad isn't getting any help from the offense which brings me to my next point.

I don't think it's any secret that our offense has/had holes in it in almost every position that is not WR. The last few seasons have seen the team taking a BPA approach, which I firmly support however we haven't exactly addressed issues of need. Quarterback is the biggest position we seem to have an issue with, and something needs to be done with any 3 of the Qb's on the roster that we have seen play this season. Some would say the QB's issues are because of a pathetic offensive line, and calls for Russ Grimm's head have been made which I find somewhat ridiculous. If anyone has watched this offensive fielding two rookie tackles, the future looks bright for the offensive line especially knowing Levi Brown will return next season. We have seen quite a bit of Rob Housler as of late, and between him and Jeff King we look as good as anyone that isn't New England at the TE position.

What our beloved Arizona Cardinals really need is a freaking running back. We play in a division with 3 of the top 5 backs in the league and they are named Gore, Jackson, and Lynch. Take a look at the way the rest of the division has been playing offense as of late, with those RB's teams MUST commit to stacking 7 or more in the box or any of those guys will get a 1st down in three carries or less. The rest of the league may be in the golden age of the passing game, but our division is certainly leading the rushing renaissance. Is it any surprise the Niners have faltered this season when Gore can't get going? Does anyone really think Wilson would look half as good as he does if Lynch wasn't churning out the extra yards after a defender has locked onto him? Do we really believe Sam Bradford would be hitting those somewhat crazy big passes if Steven Jackson isn't the battering ram he has always been? Any of the #1 WR's on any of our division opponents teams are going to the slot on our team that's how much less talent they are working with.

What we need on offense is THAT running back. We saw Beanie "The BUST" Wells return last week, and give us a pathetic showing this last week, and it's time to part ways with him. We have Ryan Williams who I have already wiped my hands with, because outside of a decent drive in garbage time has shown us nothing, because he has been sitting on IR. LaSH is a game breaker and runs bigger than any bruiser in this league, but just isn't big enough to carry the load let alone be effective with the way the offensive coordinator has been calling plays. William Powell has seems to get the yards when they are there, but just doesn't seem to have that "it" factor. Bottom line is until we get that RB that opposing defense's have to take seriously nothing else will matter with the offense, just imagine any of the hapless QB's we have getting Fitz, Floyd, or Roberts 1 on 1 because we have that RB that defense's start selling out to stop so they can get off the field. We would see a true ball control offense and our defense sitting at the top of the league. See you all in the game thread tomorrow.

Poll

Do you agree the problem with the offense is the lack of a running back that opposing defense's have to plan for?

Yes

10 votes

No

16 votes

26 votes | Poll has closed

Shake ups, shaking up and the Position group grades.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:04:06 -0000

Defense: Since the last post our defense is still quietly one of the better units in the league still. They have up'd the ante on generating the ever so critical turnover via INT. Grade: A-

Secondary: Peterson is shaping up to be a shutdown kind of a guy, but the problem is Gay has made plays, but he is also a liability on the other end. Rhodes has still been solid, and our rookies have been burned, but in fairness to our rookie's those TD passes caught on their watch were fantastic, and there was nothing else they really could have done from a coverage standpoint so they get a pass. Rhodes is still playing solid, and Whisenhunt pulled a bold move by benching our beloved Adub on passing downs. While I have been wondering who the heir apparent to Adub was going to be it's obvious we already have him on the roster in Johnson. The plus about Johnson is he loves going for the dirty shot (see his two fines). Grade: A+

Linebacker: Acho is still going to be the steal of his draft, if D-Wash gets passed over as an all pro selection it should be the crime of the season. Groves has been a pleasant surprise. Which leads me to the biggest liability on our outstanding defense, Paris Lenon, it is time to show old man Lenon the door he had faded after Week 10 since he was a Cardinal and it's no coincidence opposing offense's target him early and often in the run game. It's frustrating that Whiz will bench Wilson, but Lenon still sees nearly every snap of a game. Grade: C+

Line: Our D-line has dealt with some injuries with Cambpell and have not lost a step, in fact the fresh legs of David Carter are collapsing a pocket much like CC and DD did early in the season. We may have the most talented and deepest front 3 in the entire league. All in all they are still performing at an elite level, and the losing streak has nothing to do with this squad. Someone remind me, but I am almost positive PFF gave both Dumpster Dan and David Carter the secret superstar nod, turns out that they have been on the money. Grade: A+

Offense: Still depressing, one group rises and the other falls. Coupled with a questionable move by our head coach. Grade: F

Quarterback: Well we saw Ken Whisenhunt bench John Skelton with a healthy lead against Atlanta, because he missed a wide open Fitzgerald, and gave Lindley his first action of the season, this was a head scratcher after 7 passes. Lindley came in against Atlanta and played St. Louis, he seemingly threw a nice looking deep ball against Atlanta that appeared to be off in timing with WR's; however we watched the same deep ball miss multiple times in St. Louis. The accuracy issues he displays with his deep ball are worrisome much like Skelton, but he does throw a nice looking ball on medium/short routes, and he has been finding Rob Housler however he has yet to throw a TD pass and has a whole stack on INT's already in two games. Kolb is still injured (is anyone surprised?) and hasn't helped the team in any aspect as of late, outside of a huge HUGE pay cut it will be time to bring the Kevin Kolb project to an end in the desert. Grade: D-

Running back: Alright, first priority for the FO is to make LaSH a Cardinal for a long LONG time. All he has done is produce every time he gets touches and his touches have been very spotty if you will since he was picked out of the 7th round. If they want to send a message to rest of the offense, it needs to be by dealing LaSH a hefty extension. We saw some WiPo in the game against the Rams, and he seems to be picking up steam, but it's been so limited it's hard to say much else at this point. Beanie returned in St. Louis and scored two touchdowns, much like Kevin Kolb though it will be time to either see what we can get for him via trade or just let him play out his contract as his injured far to often for anyone to rely on, and given our inaccuracy issues at QB having Beanie deal with the ball inside the 10 would have helped the offense out immensely in the month of October/November. Grade: B

Wide Receivers: Fitz hasn't been the Fitz we all know lately, and seems completely disinterested, it may be time to dangle him as trade bait. Roberts has been the offensive surprise of the season, and Floyd is coming on strong. We also got to see LaRon Byrd for the first time this season, and Lindley did his best DA impression and left him out to get rocked by a Rams LB. The drops have been troubling and as of late our signal caller has had time, but our WR have been wasting the opportunities away. These drops are inexcusable. Grade: F

Tight Ends: Heap is another one that has been injured, and it is time to part ways. Jeff King has been arguably the best FA singing this FO has made since Whiz and Co. arrived. Housler has seen much more playing time that we have seen and had been found by our signal callers. Folks, when Housler has the ball in his hands he appears to be like a man beast on the field. The future looks incredibly bright for him and if he keeps up will soon have D coordinators over committing to keeping the ball away from him. Grade: A-

Offensive Line: Finally this unit gets the turnaround of the season award. Since the last post these guys have been wonderful. Potter is still having issues with bull rushers, but rarely do they get behind him. Colledge hasn't been talked about so that is a good thing. We just recently lost Lyle Sendlein who apparently played with a torn MCL for 3.5 quarters of the St. Louis game (beast). Adam Snyder (unfortunately) has returned to the starting lineup, but since the shake up and Whiz threatening the bench on many guys Snyder hasn't been a problem, and that's a good thing. Last but not least, the curious case of Bobby Massie. The Cardinals team site has a new article about Bobby Massie this week, in cast you have not read it I encourage you to check it out right now http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Massie-Brings-Season-Into-Focus/3e1236a4-0554-4de1-8c48-4087df784921. Now I'm sure most players will never admit it, but I give Bobbie Massie huge props for taking the scrutiny he received by our friends over at PFF, and putting in the work to become better. If he keeps up at this rate Massie can anchor that RT position for the next decade. Our offense is still sputtering, but it is not because of these 5 anymore. Grade: B

Special Teams: Still doing what they do best, Peterson is at least getting yards, but he was still foolish to claim he was going to crush the record for returns. Way to give you opponents fuel Patrick. Feely still seems like he could bench press more than anyone else on the team. The star of this squad however is Zasty the Nasty, he has been fantastic in his punts. Grade: B+

Since the last post we watched a few bigger names on the squad see the bench, but what is troubling is Lindley still seeing the field against St. Louis, and still being the starter after throwing 4 INT's, two of which were pick 6's that ultimately ended up deciding the game. The playcalling on offense is still as bland as always, and while I love the bold decisions Whisenhunt has made. The results aren't exactly leaning in his favor. A few things that need to stop right now are calling for Russ Grimm's head, if you read the article I posted, you will see that he is clearly not the issue. The other issue is this non sense of firing Whisenhunt to make Ray Horton the head coach, you would really want Horton to take over the HC position and dilute what he is doing with the defense? Surely some of you calling for that can not be serious. Ray Horton needs to be treated like Dick LeBeau and kept right in place if there is any shake up with the head coaching position. I was calling for Whisenhunt's head, but it would appear the team hasn't given up yet, but something needs to be done about who makes the calls during free agency. The draft gets a pass due to the results we have gotten over the last 3 seasons. Personally, when it comes to the offense I would rather see the team lose in flames, then lose playing uberly conservative on offense. If we lose the ball 4 times because of some wacky double reverse later, TE to QB bubble screen pass then so be it. Last but not least to some of you newcomers here at ROTB I say what I say, but in the end Win, Lose, or Draw I will always bleed Cardinal Red.

Defense: Since the last post our defense is still quietly one of the better units in the league still. They have up'd the ante on generating the ever so critical turnover via INT. Grade: A-

Offense: Still depressing, one group rises and the other falls. Coupled with a questionable move by our head coach. Grade: F

Poll

If we lose against the Jets who gets fired first?

Ken Whisenhunt

13 votes

Rod Graves

0 votes

Mike Miller

12 votes

Comment on it...

1 votes

26 votes | Poll has closed

Time to fire Ken Whisenhunt.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:39:04 -0000

Yes, this is a postgame rant, because the playsoffs are now out of reach from the most promising start from the Cardinals since Disco was cool and bell bottoms ruled the world of fashion. Michael Bidwill has promised to build a team that will compete, and the moves that need to be made to get this team to the next level is to give Ken Whisenhunt his walking papers. While I have been a staunch supporter of Ken Whisenhunt the trend of being unable to groom QB's and extra long losing streaks is worrisome.

Let's not forget we had Todd Haley out there looking for a job this offseason. He left us to take the next step in his own career, but found himself unemployed after Scott Pioli did what Mr Bidwill needs to do for Ken Whisenhunt. The problem is we did not hire Todd Haley because it's blatantly obvious Ken Whisenhunt prefers "yes men". Now I know this may be premature ,but Whiz made a bold move last week benching Skelton when we were up 13-0 and this week against the Rams. He leaves Ryan Lindley after throwing 3 INT's, two of which were pick 6's by early in the 3rd quarter.

I love how Ken Whisenhunt has taken this team from a perennial loser, but his constant .500 seasons and extra long losing streaks are simply no longer good enough. The fact that he left Batiste in when Nate Potter has clearly been better is simply inexcusable, and that is just this season. Last season we saw the defense suck it up with Haggans and Porter in when we clearly had more capable OLB's in Acho and Schofield. We still haven't seen Stewart Bradley playing even though Paris Lenon has been a total liability as of late.

So let s hope the owner of the Arizona Cardinals shows all of us here at ROTB he is committed to building a winner, and showing Ken Whisenhunt these long losing streaks are no longer acceptable by handing him his walking papers. End Rant.

Poll

Is it time to fire Ken Whisenhunt?

Yes

46 votes

No

7 votes

53 votes | Poll has closed

Whisenhunt and new ways to lose.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:50:45 -0000

So, most of us are probably still in shock from yesterdays game against the Falcons. Our defensive unit played what probably could be argued as one of, if not the best performance/s of the season. It's clear the offense has given up on the season, now I'm not sure if it's the coordinator, scheme, players, etc. What we may have to endure is that if this unit does not pick things up in a hurry it may go down as one of the worst of all time.

Let's start with the questionable coaching decisions. The most glaring decision would happen to be benching John Skelton with a 13 point lead, now Skelton has not exactly been lighting the world up; however he has always notoriously started cold and gotten warm as the game goes on. Lindley came in and did not light the world up, but he did show us he can throw a beauty of a deep ball. He did fumble and some might question it, but what's even more troubling is how the offense just let Atlanta walk that fumble right into the end zone(That's right Fitz, you just walked off the field pissed off). Also shadowed in the benching of John Skelton was the "demotion" if you will of my favorite Cardinal, Adrian Wilson. Adub has been the pro's pro his entire career here in the desert and Ray Horton decided it was time to leave him off the field for nickel and dime packages. Wilson has had his share of whiffs, but I guess if Whisenhunt wants to make a statement to the rest of the team, Wilson is surely the guy to make an example of, as much as I hate to see it.

It's just too bad that our wide receivers (including Fitzgerald) did not get the memo that the post season is still not out of reach. None of our WR's did ourr Quarterbacks a single favor and quite frankly if Whisenhunt wants to make a statement to the offense another Fitzgerald drop should earn him a spot on the bench. It's quite unlike Fitz to play the way he has in the last few games, but look at the performance the defense put on after Wilson got relinquished of his duties in certain packages. Maybe some of you can remind me, did Lindley even target Housler, like at all?

Now onto the play calling. How many times did we see Lindley hit Doucet short of the first down yesterday? Seriously what the F#CK Mike Miller. Lindley was throwing the check downs like he was afraid to get benched in lieu of taking the shot and converting the first down. Then running LaSH up the middle on 3rd and shorts out of the SHOTGUN, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! What other armchair Quarterbacks like myself nearly called every play before it happened? It's just ridiculous how anemic and pathetic this offense looks. When you kicker is leading the team in points it's pretty sad.

Whisenhunt said changes were going to be coming. Now I still believe he is the best coach we have ever had here in Arizona, but this talk of making Ray Horton the new head coach needs to stop. The problem with our offense may or may not be Miller's play calling, but more so I think Miller lacks any motivational skills. See Ray Horton and how he got our defense to still perform after watching the offense sputter over and over and over and over and over and over again. However having said all this we technically still are not out of the post season race, but one more loss and this fan's interest on the season is going to fall off a cliff. This losing skid has been bad for all of us, but I'm sorry Whiz if your idea of making a solution is benching the QB you named starter in the second quarter with a 13 point lead it's time Michael Bidwill turned the heat up on your seat at the table. Who would you replace Whisenhunt with?

Poll

Would you bench Larry Fitzgerald to make a statement to the rest of the offense?

Yes

8 votes

No

25 votes

33 votes | Poll has closed

Position Group Grades and some silver linings for the Arizona Cardinals

INSOMAN1ATIC — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 03:03:45 -0000

Defense: The ineptitude of the offense has had these guys on the field WAY to much since the last post, and the performance of the defense is slipping. Grade: B

Secondary: Well, we still have a talented group anchored by a great safety tandem, but William Gay has been getting picked on as of late, and his performance had been rather frustrating. Notable play, ripping the ball away from a Packer for an INT. Peterson is doing his part, but has not made the highlight reel. Fleming has shown up, and it ended up being the wrong way to be seen on the highlight reel, but I do like what I see from the kid and think he has the talent to eventually help the rest of the defense clamp down opposing aerial attacks. Grade: C+

Linebackers: Daryl Washington is the best linebacker nobody outside of the Cardinals fan base talks about. Acho is playing his way into being considered the steal of his draft class. Schofield is having some issues with staying healthy, but was bringing the pressure quite often before we lost him for the season. Paris Lenon, in my first post Lenon was playing like the ageless wonder, but father time seems to have traded in the Honda for the Lambo. I'll be short Paris Lenon has become a total liability for the defense as of late. He allowed the Vikings, Niners, and the hapless Packers rushing attack to embarrass the defense. Grade: C-

Defensive Line: Reports have been out about Campbell possibly being injured. We already know that Darnell Dockett had a hamstring issue earlier in the season and both just don't seem to have the same ability to shove offensive lineman backwards the way they did in the beginning of the season. Dan Williams is performing like an absolute monster and is the main reason Washington can bring the heat so well up the gut. Grade: B+

Offense: This unit is the reason the sky is falling for us here at ROTB. It is riddled with injuries, but the performances they have been putting up have been absolutely embarrassing as of late. Grade: D-

Quarterback: Skelton has not looked very good since Kolb went down with injury. While the fault of the offensive ineptness can not completely fall on his shoulders, he does drive this offense and someone needs to inform him to step on the gas. If not for the formidable performance he put up at Green Bay things may look hopeless. Grade: D

Running Back: William Powell looked good running off the tackles, but we have not seen much else besides a muffed kick return from him. LaSH is pint sized powerhouse and has performed as well as he can given the questionable play calling that does NOT mesh well with his abilities. Grade: B+

Wide Receivers: Fitz will always be the best WR in the league in my opinion unless he is not a Cardinal for some strange reason. Roberts has proven to be a more than capable #2. Floyd has seen more snaps, and is making good use of all the attention Fitzgerald gets. Doucet may or may not have hands made of stone, and had some maddening drops (remember the game winner in Cincy that he dropped last season?) hopefully we will see very little of Doucet from here on out. Byrd has not seen the field as of yet, and most of us wonder why. Grade: B+

Offensive Line: We lost Adam Snyder in the first game after my last post, and sad to say I don't miss him at all. Bobby Massie is still struggling, but with Rich Ohrnberger playing next to him his struggles slowly seem to be disappearing. Which makes Snyder's singing even more head scratching. Sendlein has been playing solid like he always does along with Colledge to his left. Against Green Bay we finally got what we were hoping and saw D'Anthony Batiste get benched. Nate Potter filled in and when he was left on an island found himself getting pushed into the backfield most of the plays, BUT even though he was getting shoved around 40 ways from Sunday NOT once did I see his man get behind him, if the rest of our line could just do that then they have done their part and the rest of it rests on the QB to evade the pressure. This unit has struggled to open up holes on the inside as well, and as a whole the play has been putrid. Grade: F

Special Teams: Coverage units have struggled as of late. The return teams have had an alarming number of drops. Peterson was electric last season, but I will say this, IT IS TIME TO RELIEVE Peterson of his returning duties he has muffed way too many punts. He has only lost one of them, and the game was already lost but it is certainly time for him to start focusing on making his own Peninsula for the defense rather than taking a punt to the house. Grade: C-

Well since my last post we certainly have not had much to cheer about seeing as how we are currently on a 5 game skid. We should all be used to these losing streaks as they have happened every single season since Whiz and Co. arrived here in the desert. Seeing Potter in the Green Bay game and the rest of the rookies minus "Keno" get more playing time. Our scouting department and front office have done one heck of a job getting talent with the best player available approach. Whiz mentioned "Keno" in a presser, so maybe we may get to see our 3rd rookie on the Oline this season. Suppose Keno goes ahead and impresses us the way Potter did in his small amount of time then at least we have hope that things will be getting turned around with are front 5. Nobody is giving us a chance in this upcoming game in the Georgia dome, but we already shocked the NFL world in Week 2 by handing the Patriots their first ever home opener loss since the hoodie arrived in Foxboro. Let's hope this is the game that gives the team the spark it needs to make it to the post season. Seattle and San Francisco hold a lead over us, but with Alex Smith going down and Seattle unable to win on the road, the division is still certainly not out of reach. I'm hoping it boils down to Week 17, and we beat the Niners for the division title. God, that would be sweet.

Defense: The ineptitude of the offense has had these guys on the field WAY to much since the last post, and the performance of the defense is slipping. Grade: B

Poll

Do we rock the Falcons in the Georgia Dome this Sunday?

Yes

10 votes

No

12 votes

22 votes | Poll has closed

Whisenhunt and his rookies, plus some O-line thoughts.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:04:41 -0000

Well it should not be a surprise to anybody that our head coach does not play rookies immediately. That is unless injuries force them into the lineup, and we don't have an incapable veteran to hold the spot and muck things up a bit at whatever position it is. We saw this the year we drafted DRC, and finally they plugged him into the lineup, he thrived for the rest of that season. That season saw us make an appearance at the biggest game of all. We also saw Greg Toler (due to injury) take over the following year during the playoff game against the Saints, and he produced BIG. Then comes Beanie Wells, and well never mind. Either way it's no surprise we know that he doesn't prefer to play rookies right off the bat.

It should be no surprise this season that when we lost both of our starting tackles before the season began, that we would struggle get to see the newly drafted rookies Massie and Potter in action. Massie got the nod in Week 1 as the starter, but surprisingly Whisenhunt held off on plugging Nate Potter into the lineup until this match up against the Packers. Instead he chose to role with D'Anthony Batiste (previously mentioned incapable veteran), and the guy was nothing short of awful. Anyways Potter got the nod in what I think was the last drive of the first half, and I watched him through the entire game. Potter has issues driving his man off the ball a bit, but he did one HELL of a job keeping pass rushers at bay. The most notable play being the first offensive play of the second half, Clay Matthews took the edge and tried to get inside (which he did) even with that double move our 7th round rookie stayed in front of him and drove him away from John Skelton. He needs time to work with Colledge, but outside of that swatted pass, when Potter was called on to chop and pop on an island he kept his man at bay. As far as Massie goes he seems to be performing much MUCH better now that Adam Snyder has exited the lineup (once again previously mentioned incapable veteran). It was only one half of a game with both of them, but from what I saw against a team that was leading the league in sacks, given that Potter came into the game when the defense of Green Bay already had it's ears pinned back with a lone goal of harassing John Skelton, our shaken up offensive line with two rookie tackles answered the call, and that leaves me optimistic heading into the bye.

What is most frustrating about Whisenhunt's philosophy on playing rookies is that it always seems that we plug in rookies that effect the game when the season is teetering (anyone remember last year with the exit of Joey Porter and Clark Haggans from the starting lineup?) when they could have very well played much earlier in the season, and the team could have ended up with some extra W's. That being said maybe this is Whisenhunt seeing how this guy is going to perform in a high pressure situation, or perhaps it is Whiz's way of motivating a rookie to give it his all every single snap by making them so anxious to see the field they will do anything it takes to never sit on the bench during a game again? Either way In Whiz I trust to lead us into the post season this season. Should we make the post season, without a doubt Whiz needs to be thrown into the coach of the year award talk given the rash of injuries he has dealt with. One more thought given the play of Massie and Potter, what do you Russ Grimm haters have to say now? He seems to be capable of coaching up any offensive lineman that would play for any of the other 31 teams, but anyone who has left since he has arrived generally exits the league. Reggie Wells being the exception, but only because Philly could not find a single person that was any better.

Poll

Did Batiste's benching leave you feeling more optimistic about the outcome of this season?

Yes

34 votes

No

7 votes

Screw Whiz, LONG LIVE RETIREE!!

7 votes

48 votes | Poll has closed

Position group grades and some extras through week 6.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 19:46:14 -0000

Defense: The unit as a whole have given up the occasional big play since the last post, but they are still clamping down opponents. Grade: B+

Secondary: William Gay has struggled a bit and Kerry Rhodes may be down for a while with his back issues. Last season Rashad Johnson filled in and the D didn't really miss a beat. Our corners are still getting it done, A-dub will always be a force, and if Revis has his own island it's getting safe to say Peterson is making himself a peninsula. Turnovers have been coming, but given the talent I know we have the lack of them keeps this group from getting the A. Grade: B-

Linebackers: Just a force to be reckoned with, D-wash could still very well break the record for sacks by an ILB, Acho is still Mr. Consistent. Paris Lenon is playing like he has a 2 instead of a 3 as the first number of his age, and Schofield is coming on quite strong (I have a feeling his injury may be more than what we were lead to believe). Last but not least Mr. Groves is quite possibly making this our deepest group. Grade: A-

Defensive Line: Buffalo did a great job of keeping this group from dictating the game, however it's not to say they haven't performed as well as any front 3 with a hampered superstar. CC hasn't been making the havoc he did since the last post, but he's still doing his part. Dockett, whether he will admit it or not has been hampered by his hammy injury. Dan Williams will never make any noise at his position, but he is quietly the biggest performer of this group since my last post. Grade: A

Offense: This unit is stuggling, and needs to start carrying it's own weight. 3-5 more third down conversions may VERY well be enough to rest our defense enough to make the big play to win it. Grade: D+

Quarterback: It's unsettling we don't exactly know who is going to line up under center, but Kolb has been anything but impressive since the last post, and I fear teams know he won't hang back to throw the deep ball down field and it's showing with the way teams are coming at him with reckless abandon. We finally saw Skelton see some action since week 1, he attempted 10 passes while only completing 2, of course in typical John Skelton fashion the only two completions he made were what set up the team to tie the game and had the special teams unit made the second kick would have won the game. In OT he threw a boneheaded pick that lead to Buffalo's winning kick. He also apparently still can't move around on his ankle fully. Peter King made a bold prediction in the off season that Ryan Lindley would be our starter by mid-season, Mr. King may be spot on. Grade: D-

Runningback: Injuries, Injuries, Injures....Is it to much to ask for an RB that can gain yards and stay healthy? Beanie and Williams are both down for quite some time. However all hope is not exactly lost William Powell impressed me mightily running outside the tackle, the Houston Texans also lose two of their starting RB's and an undrafted man named Foster made a name for himself...One can hope Powell is the next Foster, right? LaSH is being utilized in the wrong ways, he looks terrible running up the middle, and had a heart breaking drop in OT last Sunday. I don't have much to say about Smith, except I hope he can gain positive yards. This group needs some help from the other positions. Grade: C

Wide Reciever: This group is only as good as the other one's it relies on to make plays. Fitz is still the best, Roberts is looking better with each game, and I still believe Floyd was the right choice in the first round. I'd like to see the other wideouts on the field every now and again to shake up opposing defenses. Grade: C+

Tight End: Todd Heap is still injured, (Shocking, right) much like when he was in Baltimore. King is still Mr. Solid all around, and FINALLY our QB's are finding Housler and he is making some little things happen. Grade: C

Offensive Line: Well, they have simply been offensive. What boggles my mind is this is the same group that kept the Seahawks, Patriots, and Eagles more than formidable front 7's rather quiet. It's like Miami beat up the unit's confidence, then the Rams ripped it up, and Bills kicked it when it was down. I think it's a mix of things that is responsible for this unit's poor performance, but something needs to be addressed. Batiste and Snyder's seats should be scorching for the starting position, I'd like to see what Potter and Kelemete could bring to the table, because they can't possibly be any worse than those two. Massie has also been bad, but I'm willing to chalk it up to growing pains. Grade: F

Special Teams: This unit is getting it done. Grade: B

As someone who recently just purchased the NFL rewind, I must say that when we lose and we hear Whisenhunt say "Well, we failed to execute and left some plays on the field" I used to roll my eyes, but after seeing it all I can say with conviction that our head coach is spot on. The game plans are as good as they can be, but the boneheaded lapses cost this team games. Mike Miller may not be Mr. Flashy, but he has put the team in a place to win games, and last but not least I am sooooo sick of hearing about how terrible Russ Grimm is, find me some linemen that have left this team and became budding stars elsewhere? Exactly. Reggie Wells just got a job midway through the season, Lutui is unemployed, Mike Gandy is out of the league, along with Rex Hadnot. if anything we should be thanking Russ Grimm for being a F#cking magician. I'm hoping the front office signs Chris Williams, because we could then see what Grimm is able to do with first round talent, whether or not he was overdrafted.

Defense: The unit as a whole have given up the occasional big play since the last post, but they are still clamping down opponents. Grade: B+

Special Teams: This unit is getting it done. Grade: B

Poll

Is it time to plug Potter and/or Kelemete into the lineup?

Yes

10 votes

No

2 votes

12 votes | Poll has closed

Knee Jerk, Reality, and 4-1.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 06:38:26 -0000

It was bound to happen sooner or later. This was a tough game to swallow on Thursday, but on a positive note at least it wasn't as bad as the one sided beat down Philly gave us in our last appearance on Thursday night, right? A reality we will have to face from here on out is that the Rams went and hired a coach that can make good use of all the first rounders and early round picks that St. Louis has collected over the last half decade, so they will no longer be the doormats that we have all grown used to. This loss will sting far less when the Rams have a respectable record by season's end.

Defensively, there is not much to say because they did what they have done all season and kept us in the game despite our offense's ability to score or even give them some time to catch their breath. On offense things are starting to look very bleak, but let's not forget we are missing our starting tackles, tight end, and running back. Our offensive line has been simply offensive, butI can no longer bash Kolb for being fragile. Oddly, I had no idea Snyder was as versatile as he is when we signed him, not only can he play guard or tackle, but in a pinch we may be able to move him to the other side of the ball to play defensive end or nose tackle.

I want to blame the playcalling (Miller or Whiz), but I don't care who was calling the shots. Let's face it though the team just seemed a little off from what we have seen this season, and much like Whiz says after every loss they really did fail to make some plays that were out on the field. As far as Russ Grimm goes, I for one am growing tired of people blaming him or calling for his head for the performance of the offensive line. He's taking Levi Brown's scapegoat role right now, and it's unwarranted. The finger of blame needs to be pointed somewhere else, unless anyone on this site can name me offensive lineman that have left since Grimm took over and have become pro bowlers, or even starters for that matter. Either way the long week should give the offense time to think about how they embarrassed themselves and show the league that they are the real deal against the Bills next Sunday.

Position group grades through week 2.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 02:35:32 -0000

Secondary: Our deepest position group to date. Loaded with young talent, sprinkled with some seasoned veterans and anchored by the league's best safety tandem. Half of that tandem is Adrian Wilson who I truly believe still has his best seasons in front of him. Either way this group has yet to give up that disappointing huge play, but the penalties keep them from getting an A. Grade: B

Linebackers: It's amazing what not being a nursing home for OLB's does for a defense driven by the play of it's LB's. Schofield is seemingly always in the backfield when called upon, I see Acho on the screen nearly every play even when he is not making the tackle, and Groves gives us some quality depth to rotate between those two and possibly creep ahead of Schofield on the depth chart. On the inside Daryl Washington is becoming the best LB that nobody outside of Arizona/NFC west fan base knows about., and Paris Lenon, well he seems to be like fine wine...just getting better with age. These guys have been producing and are becoming very exciting to watch every Sunday. Grade: A-

Defensive Line: CC, DD, and the plug have obviously embraced the new roles that Ray Horton wants from them, and folks the defense is thriving because of it. Last week it was the CC and DD show the league should take notice that the two of them were able to abuse the interior of the Patriots offensive line all by themselves. Grade: A+

Wide Receiver: We have way too much talent for this group to have such little production, Fitz is always going to be Fitz, so the other wide outs on this roster need to make defense's pay, and allow Fitz to get in on the action. Grade: C-

Tight End: We seem to actually be using the TE's this year, but bad passes are not on the shoulders of the TE's. Not much else to say at this point. Grade: C+

Running back: We have an incredible amount of talent in Beanie and Williams, but they are underachieving and we had a scary case of fumbilitis last week. Rounding out this group is our pint sized power house LaSH who I wish Mike Miller would make a bigger part of any game plan. Grade: B-

Quarterback: We still have a full blown competition going, and I expect it to last the duration of the season. The negative is that we don't actually have a QB that can make you say he's our guy, but the positive is that it makes D coordinators unable to commit to one given that they are both two very different types of QB's. The other positive is both seem to playing NOT to lose the competition so turnovers have been minimal and I am quite alright with that. Grade: C+

Offensive Line: Well the preseason left us with little hope concerning this group. It's hard to speak about individual performances with this group, but they need to start blowing holes open sooner than later, but on the other end of that SCHTICK. I'm going to point out two sacks in two games, even the biggest of Cardinals homers wouldn't have expected that. Maybe Russ Grimm really is the guru we want him to be? Grade: A-

Tight End: We seem to actually be using the TE's this year, but bad passes are not on the shoulders of the TE's. Not much else to say at this point. Grade: C+

QB, O-line, or Culture....

INSOMAN1ATIC — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 02:49:25 -0000

So, we all know by now that Levi Brown has been lost for the season due to a triceps injury. While I have never been Brown's biggest fan, but let's face it he has been a scapegoat. His resigning speaks volumes to what Ken Whisenhunt is actually doing here in the desert.

Last season we went out and traded away our biggest playmaker on defense and a 2nd round pick for an unproven QB who showed flashes of being able to light up a scoreboard, then the front office went ahead and gave him a whopper of a contract. This deal may or may not have been made to keep Larry Fitzgerald in Cardinal red for his entire career, because if not for Jimmy Johnson trading Herschel Walker...well the trade we made for Kolb would be the worst in history.

Not to mention this same front office has nearly completely neglected to infuse some talent into our offensive, offensive line. Things are not all that bad though on Friday Ken Whisenhunt once again proved he will put the best people we have on the roster on the field regardless of anything....see Matt Leinart and Kevin Kolb.

Having a head coach that will put the best player on the field regardless, is once again another signal in the change of culture that has made it's way into the desert with Ken Whisenhunt, while we may or may not have the next Kurt Warner, Arian Foster, or James Harrison on the roster, if fans take notice of it, one has to imagine that the professionals in the league fully know that if they get the chance to see playing time in Arizona and set the league on fire that this is a team that will keep them on the field.

The draft is around the corner...

INSOMAN1ATIC — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:26:10 -0000

and all I keep hearing is how we need to address our offensive line. I strongly disagree our offensive line while not great, is far from terrible. All we did to "upgrade" the line was sign Mr. Snyder this offseason, while his talent can be argued, a recent article from the team's homepage points out that Darnell Dockett considers him an arch enemy. Snyder is the missing link that our offensive line has been missing to get to the next level, and when I say that I mean he will bring a nastiness that we have been missing in the behemoths that make up our front five.

The other point about our offensive line is our QB's do them absolutely no favors at all. One quarterback likes to move around like a spazz outside of the pocket and pretend that he is John Elway, while the other hangs out in the pocket, but can't make up his mind whether he wants to go for the first down or the touchdown, 10 seconds later sometimes he decides if the opposing defense hasn't gotten to him.

Yes, this is absolutely a post that if the BPA is a wide receiver we indeed must take him at number 13.

How the west was won in the 2012 draft.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:26:14 -0000

With the talk of the draft starting to sizzle, I'd like to think I tend to see the majority of the community is set on BPA regardless of what position they are playing. I for one am a huge advocate of it, why not get the best player we can get even if we are stacked at the position. Reaching for an offensive tackle has garnered some discussion, I hope it does not happen.

The talent is there on our offense to be good, but for some reason the offense is slow and stagnant, we still have the same questions about our Quarterback situation as we did last season, some place blame on the QB's others like to place the blame on the offensive line. We have a starting running back who has yet to stay healthy for a full 16 games, and a second round draft pick that we lost for the season that we know nothing about, last but not least LaSH is every bit as good as Darren Sproles but would lose his effectiveness if asked to carry half the offensive load. The only sure thing we have on offense as of now is Larry Fitzgerald, his supporting cast has shown they can produce, but either Doucet or Roberts needs to start making secondaries fear them. As far as TE's go the talent is there, but again much like Fitz supporting cast they need to start making the league take notice.

Entering this draft I hope the front office completely neglects the offense and forties our defense, unless the BPA is an offensive talent a dozen slots higher on the board than any defensive talent. They say the best offense is a great defense, so it's time to dedicate 2012 to giving Ray Horton all he needs to produce a defense that will blitz, pick, and sack their way to the top 3.

Lucky number 13, should we go need or playmaker?

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 07:11:23 -0000

Never mind the headline, as with all drafts we should take the best player on the board regardless if we are stacked at the position or there is a guy that has shown performance and talent that is highly debatable that fills a gaping hole we have on the team.

We have a pick in the first half of the first round, so with this selection anything else than drafting a player that would make highlight reels is an absolute waste of a first round pick. Our offensive line seems to be the red headed stepchild of our offensive woes, while our offensive line is certainly noting to brag about the group of linemen we have are certainly not offensive. Take a look around the league the longer any front 5 stays together as a group the higher they rise in the rankings. All these mock drafts that have us tacking a tackle whether it be Martin or Reiff have been driving me mad, we could have the best offensive line in the world, but it won't do jack if Kolb or Skelton can't get the ball out in under 5. Anyways onto who I would feel best about us grabbing at 13 in order of preference

David DeCastro- Once in a decade guard prospect, getting this generation's Steve Hutchinson is a wonderful thing

Melvin Ingram- He may have short little arms, but that same "handicap" gave him the drive to build a fierce collection of moves to get by a blocker and get after the passer. I'm also going to go against the grain here, and say if we draft Ingram slipping him inside next to Washington would take our defense to a whole new level with being able to get pressure from all angles.

Cordy Glenn- Total project and may be a reach, but why not put a freight train in the middle of the line for a ball control offense.

David DeCastro- Once in a decade guard prospect, getting this generation's Steve Hutchinson is a wonderful thing

Cordy Glenn- Total project and may be a reach, but why not put a freight train in the middle of the line for a ball control offense.

Free agency wish list.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:49:23 -0000

Peyton Manning- A no brainer, Keep up on your promise of being aggressive Michael Bidwill, landing Manning is quite possibly the biggest free agent signing ever.

Ahmad Brooks- This guy knows how to get after a QB, and singing away a starter from our beloved rivals is only a plus.

Eric Winston- He was starting on the best offensive line in the league last season. Houston fan's are still probably scratching their heads. Last but not least he is a converted tight end, although I have heard is run blocking leaves a bit to be desired, maybe we can slip him in at LT.

Laurent Robinson- There are still better WR's on the market, but Robinson would give the best bang for the buck.

Michael Bush- Can you just imagine how tender he and Beanie could make an opposing front 7?

Jared Gaither- We have not had much success with our line, time to mix it up and try things with new faces.

Kendall Langford- Extremely talented, but inconsistent.

Demetrius Bell- Solid but fragile.

Barret Ruud- Solid all around ILB

Ronde Barber- We really do not need him, but to be the best you have to beat the best, and what better player to mentor a group of talented CB's, and icing on the cake would be having not one but TWO active members of the 20-20 club on our defense.

Things have already been quite interesting an unpredictable for 2012, I think any of these guys would contribute big time for us this season.

Peyton Manning- A no brainer, Keep up on your promise of being aggressive Michael Bidwill, landing Manning is quite possibly the biggest free agent signing ever.

Ahmad Brooks- This guy knows how to get after a QB, and singing away a starter from our beloved rivals is only a plus.

Laurent Robinson- There are still better WR's on the market, but Robinson would give the best bang for the buck.

Michael Bush- Can you just imagine how tender he and Beanie could make an opposing front 7?

Jared Gaither- We have not had much success with our line, time to mix it up and try things with new faces.

Kendall Langford- Extremely talented, but inconsistent.

Demetrius Bell- Solid but fragile.

Barret Ruud- Solid all around ILB

Things have already been quite interesting an unpredictable for 2012, I think any of these guys would contribute big time for us this season.

Manning sweepstakes...Arizona vs. Miami who has the edge

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 04:16:01 -0000

Well since the word seems to be it's going to be us or the dolphins I figured it was time to break it down.

Coaching staffs- Well we boast the longest tenured head coach in the division, and Miami just cleaned house and I believe have a rookie NFL head coach in charge now. Edge: Cardinals

Defense- Both teams have talented and young defenses on the cusp of being elite throughout every level. Edge: Tie

Running backs- Beanie showed us he is productive and LaSH, while small in stature makes big time plays when the game is on the line. I'm not too read up on Miami, but it seemed Reggie Bush had a pretty good season down there in South Bay...Edge: Tie

Tight Ends: We have a mix of youthful playmaker, solid TE, and aging pro bowler, I'm not too sure what Miami has at the TE position, but much like our TE's they didn't make much noise. Edge: Tie with a wee lean to the Cardinals.

Offensive line: Well we all know how our line was, although I do believe if we had a Qb that didn't hang on to the ball we could cut 20 sacks out of the count. Miami has one of the better left tackles and a solid group throughout the front five. Edge: Miami

Wide Receiver: The most important position to any QB. Both teams have guys that show flashes at below #1 but none have been consistent. When comparing No.1's Brandon Marshall and Larry Fitzgerald are pretty equal in terms of talent, but the choice for Peyton Manning is between throwing to the headcase or the consummate professional. Edge: Arizona....

If someone knows when Manning is scheduled to fly in let's get a flash mob together in front of Cardinals HQ.

Well since the word seems to be it's going to be us or the dolphins I figured it was time to break it down.

Coaching staffs- Well we boast the longest tenured head coach in the division, and Miami just cleaned house and I believe have a rookie NFL head coach in charge now. Edge: Cardinals

Defense- Both teams have talented and young defenses on the cusp of being elite throughout every level. Edge: Tie

If someone knows when Manning is scheduled to fly in let's get a flash mob together in front of Cardinals HQ.

Two choices for the first.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 16:10:44 -0000

My only two choices on who we should take in the first round are,

David Decastro- This guy is being touted as a once in a decade prospect and is having a great combine showing. I know guard isn't a glaring need but if we are going to spend a first round pick on an offensive linemen, assuming he is still on the board when it's our turn this is a no brainer he needs to wear Cardinal red from his first offensive snap to his very last one.

Melvin Ingram- I don't think there is another player in the draft that has shown the versatility that Ingram displayed, he can cover TE's, play with his hand on the ground, and rush the edge like nobody's business. Next he is the prototypical size of an edge rushing menace, and apparently shed some weight for the combine (Can anyone say this year's Von Miller). So if a guy didn't need to do a thing but put up a good show for the combine you can probably be sure he is willing to go the extra mile for almost anything.

If neither of these two are on the board when we select that it would be best to trade down, and build depth to just let the cream rise to the top.

What's your thoughts?

My only two choices on who we should take in the first round are,

If neither of these two are on the board when we select that it would be best to trade down, and build depth to just let the cream rise to the top.

What's your thoughts?

The Arizona Cardinals will,

INSOMAN1ATIC — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:44:34 -0000

trade away and get some more draft stock with the 13th pick of the NFL draft. With the Senior bowl coming up I figured it was time to warm up for the many draft prediction articles to surely follow. While what I would like to see most is trading down, but who knows what is going to happen with the 13th slot. The Cardinals took the BPA approach last year and we had an extremely productive rookie class that will only go better. My wish list pre senior bowl.

David Decastro- Now I know we need to address the tackle position, but I keep seeing more and more that this kid is the best guard prospect in over a decade. Why not take a chance and solidify the inside of our line and put more focus on tackle.

Michael Brockers- CC and DD are already the best tandem in the league, but you can never have to many good linemen on defense. If you want proof just look at the New York Giants.

Anyways this season is almost completely in the books, and here's to hoping Michael Bidwill stays aggressive through his tenure.

Michael Brockers- CC and DD are already the best tandem in the league, but you can never have to many good linemen on defense. If you want proof just look at the New York Giants.

Anyways this season is almost completely in the books, and here's to hoping Michael Bidwill stays aggressive through his tenure.

Poll

Your the FO, what do you do in the first round?

Trade down

34 votes

DeCastro

22 votes

Brockers

1 votes

Trade up

10 votes

Other

23 votes

90 votes | Poll has closed

LoL@San Francisco

INSOMAN1ATIC — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:13:34 -0000

So our much disliked rival San Francisco just wrapped up a fantastic loss, one in which Alex Smith proved the divisional round was absolutely the exception for him and not the rule, but also that San Francisco has no talent at WR what so ever. First let's start off with Jim Harbaugh, because if I am a niners fan I would want to hear what he has to say in the post game press conference. Turns out Jim Harbaugh likes putting on a show and running his mouth when his team wins, but declined an interview after the loss in the championship game, what kind of leader is that? As most of us know this was just a fluke season for the Niners and we need not worry they are still as incompetent as ever on offense. Which brings me to my next question who is the bigger draft bust Alex Smith or Jamarcus Russell?

It's tough to decide because it needs to come with an asterisk that reads, Al Davis is much smarter than Jed York. Having said that we all know how short of a career Russel had, but on the other hand Smith is still in the league. Smith also has a slew of top picks around him and is still nothing more than a game manager, and now that everyone around the league has a full season of film on Harbaugh's offense, Alex Smith wearing a niners uniform next is GREAT news for the rest of the NFC west.

Poll

Who is the bigger bust?

Alex Smith

5 votes

JaMarcus Russell

74 votes

79 votes | Poll has closed

The big red rage will have our head coach and owner on tonight with Kerry Rhodes

INSOMAN1ATIC — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:36:35 -0000

The big red rage will have our head coach and owner on tonight with Kerry Rhodes

Ron Wolfley himself.

2011 recap: Position by Position

INSOMAN1ATIC — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:57:23 -0000

Safety: A peculiar position for the Cardinals. This is one of two positions we have with two marquee players with plenty of attitude, experience and talent. Rhodes got injured, but appeared to spend his time with a bumfoot on the bench press, and is still a great safety. Rashad Johnson is a backup but could start for another team. Last but not least my favorite Cardinal Adrian Wilson . He is a beast and in the best of the NFL talk he is still getting snubbed, one of only two active 20/20 club members in the NFL. He may not be the ballhawk the ":best" safety/s are, but neither of those two will stuff an RB at the LoS like Adub can either. Now that the defense is under the Tutelage of Ray Horton with the assistance of a youth movement at a different position on the defense Adub's best years may very well be in front of him.

Cornerback: A position that you could proclaim to be a CB nursery. A couple solid DB's and three others with different skill sets. It will be interesting to see how they progress next season.

Linebacker: We experienced a MUCH needed youth movement. Lenon held his own for an old man, but Haggans was exposed in coverage time and time again. Porter like Faneca was just a wasted roster spot. Washington was all over the field. Scho and Cho were able to generate a pass rush and come up BIG every now and then. Lenon held his own, and Bradley spending so much time on the bench is worrisome. Washington needs a thumper to pair up with and he is already in Tempe.

Defensive Line: The other position we have featuring two marquee players. Simply put CC and DD may be argued as Top 5 3-4 DE's, but seriously we have both of them so who cares. Dan Williams came in to training camp overweight and out of shape. He was looking like the real estate hog he was drafted to be before an unfortunate season ending injury occured. Nick Eason and Vonnie Holliday provided solid depth. David Carter rounds out this group and has already been worth his draft stock, he will probably never be a full time starter, but it's nice to know we have a rotational guy that can make noise at all 3 spots on the line. One last thing, i'm crossing my fingers the FO locks CC up with a 7 year deal.

Offensive Line: The play was simply offensive. This is a position that needs to be addressed in FA I know everyone is clamoring for an OT in the first round, but we would probably be better off showing the money to 3 guys named, Demetrius Bell, Carl Knicks, and Ben Grubbs..

Wide Receiver: Fitz is Fitz, Doucet is every bit the Boldin-lite we were hoping for. Roberts disappoints and wows at the same time. Stuckey is roster fill and a wasted roster spot. Williams is fast and tall, but I don't recall seeing him at all this season. Sampson is a 7th round pick, we didn't see much of this season.

Tight End: Jeff King was a great signing, solid and productive. Todd Heap was finally sighted a few weeks ago after disappearing for half the season. Jim Dray didn't make much noise. Rob Housler is our piece for the evolution of a position, and he was wide open multiple times this season, but it would seem he is either too excited or just has terrible hands. I hope it was just the excitement.

Full back: The Shermanator is simply a beast and will help our ground game for seasons to come.

Running back: Beanie Wells is just a beast of a back. LaSh was simply dynamic all he did was make huge plays in the clutch, but running him inside still confuses me, maybe Mike Miller hasn't heard of a two back set. Taylor is just a journeymen back. Smith probably won't be around next season. Ryan Williams sat the season out due to an unfortunate knee injury, but seems like he will run like Frank Gore. This position looks very bright going forward.

Quarterback: Is just a hot mess. Kolb didn't look like a guy in his fifth season. Skelton can't get off to a fast start. Bartel is just simply roster fill. Two seasons and still no answer for the departed Kurt Warner which is the bad; however the good is we still managed to win seven and possibly eight games. At least the team has gotten better even if the QB position has not.

Cornerback: A position that you could proclaim to be a CB nursery. A couple solid DB's and three others with different skill sets. It will be interesting to see how they progress next season.

Full back: The Shermanator is simply a beast and will help our ground game for seasons to come.

Offense's next step...and a shoutout to the Shermanator.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:15:35 -0000

Well if the beginning of the game against St. Louis was the top of an ugly tree and the end was the bottom the Arizona Cardinals hit quite a few branches on the way down, but I will take the end result anyday of the week. Our defense is still looking sharp even with the loss of Dumpster Dan, but they held on to keep the team in it. I've said it many times before the player I see Sam Acho becoming like is Mike Vrabel, he won't ever be an edge rushing menace or a TE blanket, but he will consistently execute his assignment and get the big plays every now and again for doing so.

Special teams disappointed early, but they picked up steam as the game rolled on. I have no doubts Patrick Peterson will be breaking Devin Hester's record by season's end. It was a shame we didn't get to see a blocked FG though.

Last is the offense, which is still a hot mess at best. The positive note is that we fed the Bean plenty and in return he went ahead and broke a franchise record set back in 1996, which brings me to the playcalling, it's blatantly obvious that our Oline is much better suited for run blocking, so why do we try and pass the ball so effing much, Skelton was high and his timing was off all but a handful of times, though he pulled off a couple of critical plays in the 4th quarter to keep things alive, and then a combination of Beanie and LaSH ended the Rams hopes of not letting us hang 7 straight on them. Our run game more than covered the ineffectiveness of our passing game, and with that record being broken on the ground at least we FINALLY have something for the offense to build it's identity around. Note to Mike Miller, let Patrick Peterson become great at CB and quite trying to find some way to use him on offense, get LaSH more involved on the offense if we want speed.

The Shermanator: Anthony Sherman joins an ever expanding list of 5th round producers for the Arizona Cardinals under Ken Whisenhunt, although unlike the others (Breaston, Hightower, and even Skelton) we never hear his name being called, but he is a huge reason Beanie was able to bust off some of his nice runs today, I swear you can see Sherman taking the Lb that was lurking around for Beanie out of the play a on his big runs. Sherman needs to be the first 5th rounder we lock up long term, that is all.

Winning, it just feels better than losing.

Poll

What's our main problem on offense

Mike Miller

19 votes

Ken Whisenhunt

15 votes

Russ Grimm

8 votes

Players not making plays

27 votes

69 votes | Poll has closed

2011 draft class, only halfway through the season and possibly the most productive yet?

INSOMAN1ATIC — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:58:05 -0000

Patrick Peterson: Has played from week one, and has made plenty of boneheaded plays and mistakes, but seems to be progressing week to week and has shown he can hang with the league's elite. On special teams he is roughly 11 punt returns away from every analyst and talking head exclaiming "You do NOT kick the ball to Patrick Peterson".

Ryan Williams: Somewhat tragic injury sidelining him for the season, appears like he could be the perfect dash to Beanie's smash. Not much else to put on this one.

Rob Housler: Is inconsistent and seems like he will benefit the passing game far more than the running game, he has shown us some flashes of being a mismatch which is very exciting going forward.

Sam Acho: Late round producer, he didn't get much playing time early on in the season but that has been changing the last few weeks and he has produced with his time on the field, I've said it before this guy will never be an edge rushing menace, but he will consistently generate pressure and make the critical stops as he grows into his role.

Anthony Sherman: Another 5th round pick that has already produced big, he has been solid on special teams and I think the running game missed his ability to take holes the line makes and blow them wide open for the bowling bean. I can't recall many catches he has made, but something tells me if he was targeted he'll catch it and grab the tough yards.

Quan Sturdivant: Hasn't done anything in the regular season, saw very little of him in the preseason, while I try and stay overly optimistic about the BPA approach the FO took this draft, I don't see him being a Cardinal next season.

David Carter: Shown he can be versatile, doesn't quite fit the mold of the NT or DE's that excel in a 3-4, has produced when given the opportunities. Seems like a Ratliff, Sopoago type of NT, may work well playing in rotation with Dan Williams, bottom line is we get results when he is given opportunites and how much more can we ask for?

Demarco Sampson: He is buried on the depth chart, I don't recall seeing him in the regular season yet, but as a 7th round pick this will have to be a wait and see approach.

So far I couldn't be more pleased with how this draft class is panning out, here's to hoping the Front Office always takes the BPA approach every year.

Ryan Williams: Somewhat tragic injury sidelining him for the season, appears like he could be the perfect dash to Beanie's smash. Not much else to put on this one.

Rob Housler: Is inconsistent and seems like he will benefit the passing game far more than the running game, he has shown us some flashes of being a mismatch which is very exciting going forward.

Demarco Sampson: He is buried on the depth chart, I don't recall seeing him in the regular season yet, but as a 7th round pick this will have to be a wait and see approach.

So far I couldn't be more pleased with how this draft class is panning out, here's to hoping the Front Office always takes the BPA approach every year.

Poll

Grade the production of 2011's draft class through the first 8 games.

A

10 votes

B

25 votes

C

4 votes

D

0 votes

F

0 votes

39 votes | Poll has closed

Rashad Johnson and other thoughts.

INSOMAN1ATIC — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:15:28 -0000

Since the hot button issue around here will be all about the quarter back position, one topic I have not heard a lot about is the free safety position that Rashad Johnson is manning due to the absence of Kerry Rhodes. While RJ has not done anything sexy yet, I have noticed with Rhodes being out our run defense hasn't been as stout, but it seems to me that Johnson is keeping the lid on this defense. Of course the big play may be getting prevented now that Calais Campbell and Sam Acho are starting to get used to one another and seem to be making QB's uncomfortable. Another thing on our defense is all the should be INT's...Daryl Washington had two, one of which was still an enormous stop, but although the missed INT's drive me as crazy as the next person, it does tell me that our coaching staff is getting players in a position to make plays. It is a very complex system and once they know exactly how things are supposed to be I get the feeling our defense can be described in two words, Fierce and Stingy. What do you think?

Also did anyone notice that sighting of the screen pass that John Skelton opened the game up with? How perfect was that, and why have we not been able to do it this season? I'd like to believe it's been inexperience at QB, but our backup certainly proved that we have the talent to do a lot of things on offense and do them well. I think at this point it would be wise if the coaching staff let Kevin Kolb rest this week and be ready for the Niners, if he can beat the Niners then I'll say give him a second look, but if he loses then that essentially ends our race to the playoffs and it's time to dump Kolb invest more in the Oline and let Skelton become the quarterback for this decade.

Poll

Is RJ helping our coverage

Yes

4 votes

No

8 votes

12 votes | Poll has closed

Kolb still stinks, but our youth looks promising

INSOMAN1ATIC — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:36:30 -0000

Well this has to be the hardest defeat to swallow this season. We opened the game up at Baltimore absolutely dominating both sides of the ball in the first half, then the dream turned into a nightmare. The coach who needs to be shown the door first is Mike Miller since our play calling was absolutely terrible all 2nd half, please note coach Miller, if you have a two posession lead please don't put it on your QB's shoulders (they are far far to small to handle it) and pass on first down. I get the conception that it may catch a defense by surprise but when this arm chair expert knows your passing I can only imagine how much professionals know about your tendencies. We were simply outcoached all second half.

About our talent, I was beginning to think we just do not have the talent in the right places to win this season; however with Scho and Cho spreading tackles, forcing a fumble, racking two sacks, generating pressure, and even smothering in coverage on a few plays, I ask myself why in the F#ck! have they not been seeing more playing time from the get go. Turns out Joey Porter sitting out came with writing on the wall, but I'm calling for Haggans to see more time on the bench. Offensively Beanie really does look like he can be right in the mix with AP and DMC, but at the very least he's striking fear into DB's. Honorable mention to the performance of Daryl Washington he was all over the field today just like we will need him to be if we are going to be a top 5 unit.

Last but not least the position debate that is driving the wedge here at ROTB. It is time to put Kevin Kolb on the bench and wish him well at the end of the season. I know he hasn't had the time, but going on his 5th season in the league he should be making better decisions, and if we are going to have a QB tossing balls down the field, let's put the QB in that can zip it 50 yards down field. If your reading Whiz please make it Skelton time for this fan's sanity. Let's give the kid a chance to save the season instead of waiting until the season is lost to give him some playing time.

Poll

Is it Skelton time?

yes

35 votes

no

34 votes

69 votes | Poll has closed

Youth movement is a must

INSOMAN1ATIC — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:16:36 -0000

After another disappointing loss with a ridiculous negative to positive ratio on both sides of the ball, and with someone calling the local wrap up broadcast and speaking of a message board that fans are saying that the Whiz's seat has a cooling issue (total pun intended,) and it's warming up. With the season at 1-5 taking the same approach is just plain not gonna work, technically we still are not out of the divison race just yet.

Time to go young at the LB position. Let's face it at least when we were the OLB nursing home for Berry and Okeafor we got an edge rush and less the desirable coverage, now that Haggans and Porter are in the "home" we have one LB who seems to have far too many Alzheimeresque plays as he gets deeper into his twilight. (Miller on a TD and taking the play off when your 3 steps away from a sure sack are the freshest) and a former edge rushing menace who has not been terrible, but isn't really gonna help any defense win. As the title says it is time to purge the nursing home and bring in a new tandem. I'd like to have an official nickname on ROTB for O'Brien Schofield and Sam Acho by the Ravens game. So far what I have collected is that Acho is brilliant but needs time to loosen up and adjust to the way he is going to play at this level (Mr. Lott I have full faith in your ability to get him where he needs to be physically) and Schofield has already shown an ability to get after the passer, but according to the coaching staff he is apparently pretty thick, in the skull department. Darly Washington is showing us he is here to make Dansby nothing but a distant memory...nuff said. Lenon is not going to get any better...Nuff said. I don't know what to say about Bradley he may be our defensive version of Beanie. No sense in wasting time on our 3 LB's over 30 as they will not get any better, however they will make for great depth in the event that our new tandem can make some serious noise. (Which we all know they are capable of)

Poll

Which would be the best nickname for Obrien Schofield and Sam Acho?

AchField

1 votes

Sacho

13 votes

Scho and Cho

14 votes

Cho and Scho

7 votes

Other

7 votes

42 votes | Poll has closed

Is Harrison worth a 1st?

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:46:09 -0000

Well since our beloved Cardinals can not lose this week, it's time for the front office to get on the phone and get us a pass rusher that we so desperately need. I know he is out with an injury, but does anyone else here think that we may need to pull an Al Davis and grab a Marquee defensive player in his twilight? Richard Seymour has worked out rather well for Oakland, and the old man was dead on when he mentioned that Seymour was better than anyone he could have grabbed in the 1st round. James Harrison will be out for a few weeks, and they have slid a first rounder into his place at ROLB, so it's only a matter of time before Timmons makes the more expensive Harrison expendable in the Steelers' D, Do you think James Harrison can provide the impact our defense so desperately needs?

Poll

Is Harrison worth trading our 2012 1st round pick for?

Yes

14 votes

No

34 votes

48 votes | Poll has closed

Rose colored glasses...Kolb you suck...

INSOMAN1ATIC — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:32:18 -0000

Take them off Kolb supporters, through week 5, The raping Philidelphia gave us only looks more and more lopsided when we gave up our best CB AND a 2nd round pick for a guy who is no better than what we had taking snaps under center last season, and to top it all off they went ahead and gave him a contract for his "potential", so Mr. Michael Bidwill you promised to be aggressive in making a good team, who are you firing first Rod Graves or Ken Whisenhunt?

I was calling for Grimm's head, but as the weeks go on it clearly is not on our offensive line or our ground game for that matter, the problem this season much like last season is at QB, Kevin Kolb looks lost, and before you go jumping all over me about how it's not all his fault, all I have to say is Kevin Kolb makes Andy Dalton and Cam Newton look liked season vets when your talking about pocket presence.

The last head scratcher about the rap..err trade we made to get Kevin Kolb, a secondary with DRC would be more than enough to allow a handful of coverage sacks already this season. So Mr. Bidwill time to clean house with complacent coaching and front office staff.

Poll

If things keep up who should be fired first?

Ken Whisenhunt

65 votes

Rod Graves

35 votes

100 votes | Poll has closed

Formula for a W...

INSOMAN1ATIC — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:46:50 -0000

After a disappointing loss against the Washington Redskins this Sunday, we find ourselves sitting at 1-1 and have a team full of disappointment and promise. On defense we have a new coordinator who is trying to install a new system. From a talent standpoint we have everything we need for a top 10 unit in the front 7, but our secondary may have the talent, but need the reps to learn it what is supposed to be a complex system, having surrendered nearly 1000 yards ( that's right 1000 yards) in 2 games, the bottom line is we are 11th in points allowed.

On offense we make quite a trade in the off-season to get a QB, and while I wasn't for getting Kolb for the price we paid, I have to admit it is great to see Fitz getting a ball or two deep down the field again. Kolb has come just as advertised. We can move the ball as well as anyone through the air, and our ground game has been very effective.

This last Sunday we saw Beanie slowly taking the lead in the "Running back defensive backs want to avoid" category this season, time to start getting inside of our opponents' heads. My take on how we get above .500 and hold it, Feed Beanie 15+=Victory.