2010 Cardinals Roster Review
By Scott Allen
They’ve parted ways with Matt Leinart, but the Arizona Cardinals move on with 53 guys ready to hit the field for the regular season. For now, this is the roster, however as you know things can change in a heartbeat this time of year depending on what come available from other teams cuts.
A look at the 2010 roster:
QB: Derek Anderson, Max Hall, John Skelton
Anderson is the starter, for now. Don’t be surprised to see Max Hall get some reps in the regular season though, especially if Anderson struggles. Anderson started off slow in the preseason, but played much better over the last three games.
RB: Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells, Jason Wright, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Reagan Mauia (FB)
Hightower is officially listed as number one on the depth chart, however he is really 1 and Wells 1A. Both will most likely will share the work load and might even see Wells end up with more touches than Hightower depending on game situations. Wright can run and provides a good option on pass screens. We all know what Stephens-Howling can do returning the ball.
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Early Doucet, Stephen Williams, Andre Robets, Max Komar
We all know what Fitzgerald and Breaston gives to the team. As far as Doucet, even though his coming out party was at the end of the 2010 regular season, his coming out season should be this season. Don’t be surprised though to see Stephen Williams end up with a number of touches. Roberts wasn’t as productive as we had hoped he would be in the preseason. He most likely made the roster because of his draft status and you just don’t give up on talent like his that quickly. Komar was the surprise. I would love to see him get a touch here and there, as long as he is active on Sunday’s.
TE: Ben Patrick, Stephen Spach, Jim Dray
Patrick and Spach will both see good time out on the field. The TE is not a position the Cards target all that often, so both will need to produce when called upon. Jim Dray is the number three guy, but don’t bet the farm he will be on the roster all season. Also don’t be surprised if the Cards call upon some old familiar names is this core doesn’t produce.
LT: Levi Brown, Jeremy Bridges
Brown, as far as I am concerned can be one of the best in the game. He didn’t play like it in the preseason. Hopefully he shows his stuff in the regular season
LG: Alan Faneca, Rex Hadnot
Faneca didn’t have a good preseason, leaving many of his critics looking like geniuses. I sure hope he isn’t being kept around just cause he knows coach Ken Whisenhunt’s system. He needs to play much better to give the quarterbacks a chance to make plays.
RT: Brandon Keith
What is there to say more than hasn’t already been said about the preseason performances of the OL?
RG: Deuce Lutui
Lutui won the job over incumbent Reggie Wells. The Cards didn’t want to pay Wells to be a backup and Lutui they feel has come along far enough. Originally a weight concern entering training camp, Lutui is out to prove he can be one of the best in the game.
C: Lyle Sendlein, Ben Claxton
No changes here. Both can give solid performances.
The defense, always a concern when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals, breaks down like this:
DE: Calais Campbell, Kenny Iwebema
Campbell is a stud and Iwebema had a very nice preseason.
NT: Bryan Robinson, Gabe Watson, Dan Williams
Robinson is a huge guy who can make his presence known in a hurry. Same can be said about Watson. Dan Williams eventually will be groomed to be the number one guy in this system. It will take some time though.
DT: Darnell Dockett, Alan Branch
Dockett just got his contract extension. As far as I am concerned, he is the best DT in the game. Don’t expect there to be any let down even though Dockett has $30 million guaranteed reasons to have one. He is a beast and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
ROLB: Joey Porter, Will Davis
Porter may have lost a step, however he can still make plays. I’m sure glad he is on our team now.
RILB: Paris Lenon, Reggie Walker
LILB: Daryl Washington, Pago Togafau
Washington played great in the preseason. I love his pick over Jerry Hughes. He may end up being the best pick of the 2010 Cardinals draft class. So far, he appears to be.
LOLB: Clark Haggans
Haggans has fared better than I thought he would. He’s a menace in the middle. Let’s just hope he stays healthy.
RCB: Greg Toler, Trumaine McBride, A.J. Jefferson
Toler has turned into a pleasant surprise. He had a good preseason. Turns out it does appear the Cards did know what they were doing in the 2009 draft. McBride and Jefferson were thought to be fighting each other for a spot, but both made it. For now.
LCB: Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, Michael Adams, Marshay Green
DRC is well, DRC. A man with an attitude with some of the best skills the Cards have ever had at that position. Adams continues to make improvements and continues to help on special teams as well.
SS: Adrian Wilson, Matt Ware, Hamza Abdullah
Wilson, the most tenured player on the team, is also the hardest hitting. Wilson plays hard 100% of the time. Sometimes it gets him into trouble, but I am sure 100% glad he is on our side.
FS: Kerry Rhodes, Rashad Johnson
Rhodes will need to prove he was worth the free agent pickup, replacing the departed Antrel Rolle.
Special Teams:
K: Jay Feely
Feely is an accurate kicker. He only missed three field goals in 2009. I just hope he is given more of an opportunity to make the 40 and 50 yarders than Neil Rackers was given over the past couple of seasons. He should be a fine replacement for the long time Cardinal Rackers.
P: Ben Graham
Best in the NFL. Sorry Andy Lee. Graham’s ability to punch balls inside the 10 and 20 yard lines makes him one of the best offensive weapons this team has.
LS: Mike Leach