Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) against Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Eric Winston (73) at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ever since 2008, we Cardinal fans have heard year after year about how they don`t have a good offensive line and that they need to upgrade. Well, last season was finally the major start for that project and this upcoming season`s group looks to be even better. So Cardinal fans, lets take a look at the unit that makes up the roster so far.
Starting at Right Tackle, there is Eric Winston. Winston started all 16 games last season and has been a starter in the league since `07. Backing him up is Bobby Massie who played in eight games last year and started all 16 in `12 and did a good job. I expect Bruce Arians to bring in another RT or two while in training camp, but I think Winston and Massie will make the roster.
Now at Right Guard, there is Paul Fanaika who was the starter last year, but the front office signed Ted Larsen who has played in 60 games, starting 31 of them for Tampa Bay the past four years. Fanaika held his own last year so whoever ends up becoming the starter, the other will make a solid backup, if there is cap space on the roster.
Center is Lyle Sendlein who is solid, need I say more? Behind him is Mike Gibson who played in every game last year, but the front office brought in John Estes and Tommie Draheim. Both have only played in the pre-season, so lets see if they can take the job from Gibson.
At Left Guard there is last year`s first round draft pick Jonathan Cooper and I for one can`t wait to see him in full action. Behind him is Earl Watford who was drafted in the fourth round last year, also there is Christian Johnson and Blake Philip who can also play center. None of these three have started a game and I would expect to see someone else being brought in due to the lack of experience.
Finally Left Tackle, the team`s so called BIGGEST NEED, whatever. On Tuesday the Cardinals snatched up Jared Veldheer who was drafted in `10 and has played in 53 games and started 48 of them and it`s said he is an old school type player, can`t wait to see him in action. Behind him is Bradley Sowell who played well after taking over for Levi Brown and Nate Potter who also played well last year and in `12 after Brown got injured. Sowell and Potter both are good and have starting experience, but most likely someone is going to be the odd man out.
So there you have it Cardinal fans, an offensive line and just in time too. I think it`s about time for a team to play in the Super Bowl on their own field. Lets go Cards.