Well week two is coming to a close at the Arizona Cardinals training camp as the team is preparing for its first preseason matchup against the Oakland Raiders this Saturday. This week included the arrival of the team’s first round pick, a second night practice, the red & white scrimmage, and Coach Whisenhunt’s continued frustration at the TE spot.
Week 2
1. Russ Grimm’s method, KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid
The big story last week was the signing of rookie Levi Brown to a 6 year, $62million contract with over $18 million in guarantees. WOW. But Brown’s contract doesn’t concern me. It is likely that he won’t see the entire amount due to the fact that it is a very incentive based contract, but more importantly I think he will show that he was worth it and become the cornerstone of this O-Line. In his first week at camp, Brown continued to impress his coach Russ Grimm, as well as his fellow lineman. His skill as well as his excellent work ethic and attitude fit perfectly with what Grimm is trying to instill in this unit; tough, mistake-free blocking designed to react to defenders, not a zone. Last year, the Cards tried to employ a zone blocking scheme, as that is what RB Edgerrin James was accustomed to operating behind in Indianappolis, but all it did was cause confusion and chaos. Players not experienced in it and not quick enough to execute it often times never reached their assigned zone of responsibility, causing congestion and a complete absence of running lanes. Once the O-Line got out in space, they were searching for people to block, but usually came up empty due the confusion.
Grimm is employing a straight up, assignment blocking system. Players will have specific defenders to reach and block, it will be a two back system meaning that the most important battle for the O-Line will be in the trenches, not out in the open field. The FB (whoever that will be) will lead up through the hole and kick out the LB, but the hole has to be opened up!! That’s where a mauling, physical run blocker like Brown will pay huge dividends for the Cards, manning up on a DE and blowing him off of the line. It’s been challenging so far in camp, as the Cards defense has been showing multiple fronts and blitz packages for the front five to block against, and that leads us to #2……
2. Pendergast has Defense looking sharp so far
Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast was the lone holdover from Denny Green’s prior staff, and that continuity is really helping this unit develop in camp so far. Many predicted that the change over to 3-4 would cause a lot of problems for the Cards and their personnel, but so far the players aren’t just picking it up well, they are excelling in their new positions. Some of the defense’s stars, like Adrian Wilson and Bertrand Berry have noted that nothing has changed too much, it’s just a difference of an extra guy standing up as a LB and only 3 down. Both Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes are showing excellent skill at the ILB positions, and the first team defense has been throwing multiple blitz packages and looks at the first team offense. Now I know I beat up on the first team offense last week for not punching the ball in the endzone during a goalline drill, but I have to say that after two weeks of looking at this defense, maybe they are just that good! I think Whiz made a great decision in keeping Pendergast as the D-Coordinator. He knows the players, knows they’re strengths and weaknesses, and knows how to utilize ‘A Dub’ effectively so he can go out there and do what he does, make big plays!! I think this defense is going to surprise the league this year – and azsuperbowlblogger drafted the Cards Defense/Special Teams for her fantasy football team. BLAST!!
3. Whisenhunt still not impressed with the TE situation
The players battling for the starting TE job, Leonard Pope (currently #1), Troy Bienneman, Tim Ehus and Ben Patrick have all had a chance to show the coaching staff what they can do on the field so far. Unfortunately, none of them have shown any particular skill in what Whisenhunt is needing from the TE position this year: the ability to be a solid and effective run blocker. In this ground-oriented offense, the TE position is absolutely vital to the team’s success. While many of the players listed range from having good to excellent skills as a receiver, they have not fared well in blocking drills so far. They have also admitted to being intimidated a little bit by coach Whisenhunt and his resume as a player in the NFL. Whisenhunt played 10 seasons in the NFL, at H-Back and some at TE, so he knows what he is talking about when he demands more from his guys. It will be very interesting to see during the preseason matchup this weekend against Oakland to see which one of these guys steps up and shows the coaching staff a little gameday heart.
4. Warner’s gonna be here until the end, and the Cards couldn’t be happier about it
He thought about hanging ’em up, hell why not. I mean, Kurt Warner has achieved some pretty monumental goals in the NFL: 2 time League MVP, Super Bowl Champ, Super Bowl MVP. Any one of those accomplishments are something a player could hang their hat on for their entire career, but add it together and it’s a fantastic accomplishment. No one would have blamed Kurt for walking away, he has lost the starting job to young Matt Leinart who is now considered the franchise QB. Warner will now serve only in a back up/mentor role to Leinart and provide relief when needed, but apparently that’s fine by him. Warner has stated that he is completely content in finishing his contract which runs through the 2008 season in his current role, which just goes to show you this guy’s character. I think Kurt is going to play a huge role in the Cards’ run at a title and I am ecstatic that he will be here to help turn Leinart into a premiere QB in the NFL.
5. Instead of morning practice, movie time!!
Whisenhunt had a surprise for his players on Wednesday. Instead of running through drills they were going to see a movie, a tactic that Whiz picked up from his former mentor Bill Cowher during his days in Pittsburgh. The idea is to promote team chemistry and camraderie among players. Too often through camp and during the season players develop into cliques: offensive players, defensive players, special teamers, guys just tend to hang out with the players they are practicing with day in and day out. What Whisenhunt wants to do is to get these cliques to disappear, and for players to develop bonds that exist both on and off the field. I think this is great!! This team needs to come together before the season starts, they need to go into 2007 as one unified club, focused on one goal – to be the best!!! and whatever Whisenhunt and Co. can do to make this happen, I am all for it!!!
Well that’s week 2 Cards fans, and it’s only getting better!
Mike Duggan
AZCardsfan4life