D-Day
By Scott Allen
As I wake up this morning to another season of college football, I also am not forgetting that today is the end of the road as far as hundreds of NFL players go. Today teams must cut their rosters down to 53. As far as the Cardinals go, some calls will be tough while others are locks to be cut.
A look at the skill positions:
Quarterback: The Cardinals most likely will carry three QB’s this season. Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner, at least not publicly, have been told who will be the starter next Sunday. My guess is coach Whisenhunt will be visiting with both players today to let them know of his decision, so they can start preparing for San Francisco. Brian St. Pierre, who played well in the first three preseason games, most likely has locked up the number three. Anthony Morelli, it was nice knowing you.
Receiver: Regardless of how receiver Anquan Boldin feels, he is still a Cardinal and he will still produce as long as he is here. Larry Fitzgerald may have a record breaking year in receptions if either Boldin is traded or is injured. The third spot still remains a mystery. Steve Breaston played well. Jerheme Urban also played well. Sean Morey is a valuable player, as he can also play special teams. Early Doucet, beset by injury most of the preseason, finally got into a game last night against Denver. I think the Cardinals will carry six receivers, Boldin, Fitzgerald, Breaston, Doucet, Urban, and Morey. If you have to cut one, unfortunately Urban or Morey are out. I would not be surprised to see the cut player though on the practice squad. I also liked Lance Long. I would not be surprised to see him signed to the practice squad. If he isn’t, I think he latches on with another team before next Sunday.
Running Back: The man is obviously Edgerrin James. Behind him though are two players who had pretty good preseasons, Tim Hightower and J.J. Arrington. JJ had a 26 yard run for TD last night. Tim Hightower appears to be a workhorse who can spell Edge for 8-10 carries a game. Arrington also is a threat in the return game.
Tight End: Leonard Pope appears to be completely back from his injury. He caught his second TD pass of the preseason last night against Denver. The backup appears to be Ben Patrick.
Fullback: Tim Castille played well. I would not be surprised to see him make the team over Terrelle Smith. Smith is the better blocker, but overall I think Castille may be the better choice since he can catch and run better.
There will also be tough cuts on defense. The secondary was torched for long plays several times in the preseason. Adrian Wilson, Rod Hood, Antrel Rolle, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are all safe.
So, here is my list of predicted cuts:
Travarious Brown, Steve Baylark, Troy Biennemann, Peter Clifford, Eduardo Castaneda, **Oliver Celestin, **Keilen Dykes, Jasper Harvey, Dennis Keyes, **Lance Long, Brent Miller, Demario Minter, Jamaica Rector, Alex Shor, Terrelle Smith, Anthony Morelli, Elliot Vallejo, Kelly Butler, Michael Adams, Jason Banks, **Brandon Keith, Carlton Medder, Matt Stewart, **Jereme Tuman, Chris Vincent.
** = predicted practice sqaud.
I may be way off base, but that’s why they call them predictions. I look forward to finding out what Whisenhunt decides.
Go Cards!
Scott Allen
AZScott