TJB Scout: Arizona Cardinals
For some reason, it seems that the Cardinals and Jets share a kinship of sorts. Both are the butt of jokes, both are known for more seasons of futility than success, and both are often afforded no respect–
Look, you just did it yourself — as soon as you saw that Cardinal in the crosshairs to the right, you thought: “Well, this should be a win this week. These guys are never any good.”
And I’m sure right now, somewhere in Arizona, there’s a fan looking at a Jets logo saying, “Well, this should be a win this week. These guys are never any good.”
Ah, but just like the Jets have gotten the personnel together to be better than in years past, so have the Cardinals.
Let’s take a look in the mirror . . .
Cheerleader check: Yes, and a very nice bunch of birds at that.
The scene: The game is at The Meadowlands at 1 on Sunday. Right now, the forecast is calling for possible showers with a chance of clearing by kickoff. Game on!
Record: The Cardinals are 2-1, off to one of the better starts in team history under second-year head coach Ken Whisenhunt.
Barometer: Rising, as even after a close loss to the Redskins in Washington last week, the Cardinals seemed to be a greatly improved team. Of course, by the recent “logic” seen around this site, the Cardinals should have the edge, as they beat the Dolphins who beat the Patriots who beat the Jets.
Streaks: The Jets have won the last four meetings between the teams.
Old Friends: Whisenhunt played tight end for the Jets (1991-93). Defensive back Oliver Celestin also returns, as does running backs coach Maurice Carthon and offensive quality control coach Dedric Ward. Cardinals special teams coordinator Kevin Spencer coached Eric Mangini at Wesleyan (here in CT), and gave Mangini his first NFL break in Cleveland, “picking up jocks and socks.” Oh, and of course, quarterback Matt Leinart should’ve been a Jet. (I searched for Myers’ infamous “Jets Will Rue the Day the Didn’t Draft Leinart” column on the News website, but for some reason, that column seems to be inaccessible …)
Questions: Is this the same old classic underachieving Cardinals team, or has Whisenhunt really managed to change the culture? Can the Cardinals play some defense to go with their high-powered offense? Has God-fearing Kurt Warner made a deal with the Devil to keep playing at such a high level? When will the next set of Matt Leinart hot tub pics be coming out?
Key injuries: DE Bertrand Berry (groin) and DT Darnell Dockett (hamstring) are expected to play, as is DT Gabe Watson (knee).
Five things to know about the Cardinals offense:
- Like Ralph Malph, Kurt Warner Still’s Got It – The former Iowa Barnstormer and two-time NFL MVP beat out former golden boy Leinart in the preseason, and has played fairly well in the first three games: 54 of 84 (64.3 completion %) for 750 yards, 6 TDs, 1 interception and a 111.7 QB rating. He isn’t a particularly mobile quarterback, but makes up for it by possessing a quick release and excellent accuracy.
- The Dynamic Duo – Unlike most of last year, the Cardinals’ two terrific receivers, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, are both healthy and in the lineup, providing a dangerous double threat to any defense. Fitzgerald has caught 16 for 293 yards and 2 TDs, while Boldin has grabbed 17 for 247 yards and 4 TDs, so obviously Warner feels comfortable finding either. Thus far, Fitzgerald is more of the downfield target likely to take it to the house, while Boldin is the red zone favorite.
- Lost a Little Edge – Edgerrin James is still the star of the backfield, and even though there’s some mileage on those treads, he is averaging 4.0 yards/carry here in his 10th NFL season. He hasn’t had a run longer than 35 yards in four seasons, so he’s not a threat to break one.
- All Along the Hightower – At the goal line, the Cards like the 6’0, 224-pound rookie from Richmond, Tim Hightower, who has a pair of rushing TDs on the year. He can also can catch coming out of the backfield, ranking third on the team in receptions with 7.
- It All Starts Up Front – Not surprisingly, under the tutelege of Whisenhunt and offensive line coach (and former Hog who should be a Hall-of-Famer) Russ Grimm, the O-line has been much improved, although it has given up 8 sacks through three games. Second-year tackle Levi Brown and guard Deuce Lutui, who is in his third year, make for a solid and young right side (with backup Elton Brown pushing Lutui), while left tackle Mike Gandy and tackle Reggie Wells, servicable pros, man the left side.
Jersey watch (offense): The #81 of Boldin or the #11 of Fitzgerald — choose your poison.
Five things to know about the Cardinals defense:
- On the Dockett – Pro Bowler Darnell Dockett is the anchor to a banged-up defensive line that has played well at times for coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s 3-4 defense. The once highly touted Alan Branch has struggled with keeping in shape, and in the lineup.
- Welcome Back, Watter? – Nose tackle Gabe Watson is nearly recovered from a fractured kneecap and could finally be on the field for the first time this season this week. As the line has struggled at times against the run, giving up a little more than 100 yards a game (105.3, to be exact), the 6’3 332-pound Watson would be helpful in clogging up lanes and getting a push in the middle.
- Rotation Station – Bertrand Berry and Travis LaBoy have rotated at the right DE/OLB slot with some success: Berry has had a sack in each game while LaBoy has collected a pair. The rest of the linebackers — Chike Okefor, Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes — are a fast and physical group, and rotate regularly.
- Mr. Willllson! – Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson is back from injury-plagued 2007 season and making big plays, already posting 13 tackles, 1 pass defensed and an interception. The Cardinals secondary has not given up too much in the way of big plays, although last week Washington exploited them with a West Coast-style of attack, featuring short passes, crosses and slants.
- Do-Ro-Cro? – That may not (yet) be the nickname for high-profile rookie corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but he hasn’t made much of an impact through three games: 4 tackles, 1 pass defensed, 0 interceptions.
Jersey watch (defense): The #92 of Berry can put pressure on the quarterback.
Three things about the team special teams:
- What a Racket – Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers is strong-legged and inconsistent, converting at a rate of 95% three years ago, but then following that with consecutive seasons under 76%. This year, he’s hitting at 83% (5/6). He has hit at least one field goal of beyond 49 yards each of the last seven seasons.
- Dirk Gets to Work – Currently, punting duties are handled by journeyman Dirk Johnson, who is averaging 42.4 yard/putn with a 37.8 net. Meh.
- Breast of the West – Steve Breaston returns punts and kicks for Cardinals, averaging 9.4 with a TD on the former and 22.4 on the latter. Overall, the Cardinals special teams have played decently, not giving up a kick return longer than 34 yards and a punt return longer than 17 yards.
What to expect from the broadcast booth: The game is on FOX with Brian Baldinger and Brian Billick, who may pause from shilling beer long enough to offer some thoughts on what it’s like to be a coach on the hotseat. Also expected deserved gushing over the Arizona passing game.
Spotlight matchup: Fitzgerald and Boldin vs. Revis and Lowery. The Jets need to control the Cardinals’ best weapons and force them to go to their other less-effective receivers, or even better, the run, where they are not nearly as dangerous.
The pressure is on: The Jets secondary to stop the potent passing game of Arizona, currently ranked 9th in the NFL with 245.7 yards/game.
Expect the unexpected from: Tim Hightower, coming out of the backfield.
Bottom line: This is a team that is very similar to the Jets — a possible playoff contender, but also not quite ready to dominate opponents consistently. Should be another close game.
66 Responses to TJB Scout: Arizona Cardinals
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sec108 says:
One way to beat Warner and company, hasn’t changed in 10 years, PRESSURE!! We need to get in his face and stay there ALL DAY! Almost certain turnovers will result as Warner gets flustered. Its pretty simple, with no pressure we likely lose, with a decent pass rush (I’m looking at you Bob Sutton) we win.
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Reprocity says:
DSmizzle, Watch out for security! This is the No Fun League. There’s this Place called Saratoga Performing Arts Center or SPAC and they have a small arena with lawn seats outside. You use to be able to bring a blanket with a cooler filled with beer and have a good time. First they said no more coolers, then they said no more beer unless you buy it at the beer tent, and then they said no more blankets! I’m not kidding “No Blankets.” 8$ for a plastic cup of coorslight that you have to wait 20 min to get. Kind of like the Meadowlands huh?
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You guys ever see the Geico commercials? The Tennis one where Geico signs are everywhere and they get all pissed? I wonder if the Jets feel like that when they see Giants signs and colors everywhere?
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DSmizzle says:
Reciprocity:
We just set up tailgate parties in the parking lot. Our rides have parking passes, thankfully.
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Funny how the Jets have had much more success than the Cardinals in the last 10 years but they are still put into the same sentence. 97-06 were good years even though most Jet fans want to yell Same Old Jets everytime something goes wrong. Where as the Cardinals have been pretty awful during that same time. Maybe the perception of the Jets has alot to do with it’s ridiculous fan base.
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JustAGreenGuy says:
Drew- Ding ding on the nosey. The Browns would kill for our success.
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Tough being a Jets and Mets fan right now. BUt its a long season and the schedule certainly gets easier for the Jets. Its a short week but hopefully the coaching staff will make some much needed and obvious adjustments. Why not go into the 5 wide hurry up formation early and get Favre in a rhythm. I know it was working later in the game bc the Chargers were sitting back bc they were up so much but I think it could still work early in a game. The cardinals dont exaclty have a dominating secondary. I always think back to the last game of the season against baltimore (we ended up losing) like 8 years ago when we did this and Vinny had 200 yards in the first half. Go 5 wide, have leon back there occasionaly coming in motion next to favre and lets put some points on the board early.
If anyone is going to the game and is looking to tailgate but is taking public transportation or doesnt want to deal the hassle, shoot me an email at zach@tailwaiters.com. Want to avoid spamming these comments as much I can bc I know it upsets some people, but I’ve started a company with 2 of my buddies where we bring everything you need to tailgate to you in the parking lot and then clean it up when you are done. We have 4 orders for sunday but hoping to serve more. The website is http://www.tailwaiters.com (sorry)
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Herm says:
Wow what a great idea. It’s cool that you guys are Jet Fans. I am going to the game this Sunday…. could you guys do a group of like 20-25?
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We can accomodate groups of any size. Just make sure you show up on time, Herm. Not funny, sorry.
Anyway, as to not pollute these comments too much more please email me so we can discuss on the side. Zach@tailwaiters.com
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Najy says:
Drew,
I would like to forget some of those years between 97-06.
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Drew,
You and I need to start writting letters to Mangini and tell him to stop listening to people. Run the GOD DAMN BALL with TJ all game.
I think it should be part of our game plan to run the ball 20 times a game with TJ and 8-10 times a game with LJ. That should be the game plan at all times no matter what.
I still cant believe that we were in shot gun from the 6 inch line.
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LW*
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I think we played right into the Chargers hands on MNF. The tempo of the game was way out of hand. They are much more expolisve then us. Instead of slowing the temo down and taking time of the clock, we played right into their hands with the up tempo football.
Limit turnovers by playing smart football. Smart football is running the ball and allowing it to open up the rest of your game. We are not a high powered offense that is giong to score 40+ points a game.
Get a clue Mangini!!!!
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hank/naples says:
Najy:
This Sunday the defense will give lots of resons to be happy AND hopefull. Jets defense WILL WIN THIS ONE !!!
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Najy:
We lost Monday because we wre outplayed by a youg QB named Rivers, Period.
I agree we should run the ball 25 or more times. TJ is running at a 4.4 clip and with vengeance !!
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They were in the shot gun at the 6yrd line to work the redzone drill. The game was lost and Favre needed practice. Anyone would normally have ran it from there.
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I’m sorry 6 inch line.
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hank/naples,
Yea, I would have never thought that our D would let up that many points on MNF. We gave them about 28 points with turnovers and short field. Kris Jenkins getting hurt really hurt our chances.
If the NT position is so improtant to our D, as it clearly showed on MNF, why do we not have a good back up? It seemed that when Jenkins was gone, our pass rush went off the field with him. Its was very frusturating.
Again, if this is such an important position, why do we not have 2 or 3 guys that can play that position effectively since all Mangini ever does is preach versitality?
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JustAGreenGuy,
I hope that was the reason. I was surprised that no one asked Mangini about that in the press conference. I would have expected him to say….
“Well, we went over that play in practice all week and we really felt comfortable running that play in that situation. Its something that we have talked about and have felt real good about. We just didnt execute. We will watch the film, correct our mistake, and move forward…”
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jet4lif says:
This cardinals team looks very solid. I saw them last week against the skins and they should’ve come out with a win if not for some defensive lapses in the secondary.
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NAJY- Believe me it better have been the damn reason..
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Noticed the game is on Fox this Sunday. It also looks like another known Jet hater in Brian “Bowfinger” is calling the game. God I hate this guy. He is a smug ex athlete who thinks way too highly of himself and kills the Jets at anytime. I remember this clown ranting how the Jets blew their season by not trading up/drafting R Bush and would win 3 games in 2006. He then stated how poorly the Jets were on the O-line….Funny how he wanted us to draft an undersized RB but we had no O-line….Typical
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subwayfare says:
hank/naples-
I agree that Rivers played a superb game. Do you know who he idolized and modeled his game after?
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My question is… How much input and influence does Mangini have with the offensive play calling?
I would anticipate that its not that much since he is a defensive coach and was only a D coordinator for 1 year in NE. How much does Mangini know about offense and how much does he influence Shotty? Because it really is a joke out there sometimes.
I thought they brought in Bill Callahan as the offensive assistant to help out with the play calling. I know he is the O line coach but I am almost positive that he is the assistant O coordinator. Any thought?
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subwayfare,
Ty Law
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Sorry, I thought you were talking about Revis.
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Has anyone else caught the irony of the Broncos putting in some 3-4 looks and asking D-Rob to play the nose. This guy must be pulling his hair out.
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Brett Favre.
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jas says:
Najy,Drew ,Editor,dakar-
We need help. The Jets signed Poteat today! Good move. Now the bad news. The lunacy continues. That gives us 7 count them 7 CB’s. HERE IT IS-they cut will montgomery (OL) giving us 2 count them 2 OL line backups for Sunday.
I swear to all you loyal fans I am a die hard fan but these guys may really be idiots. Scary thought-when i joked that Ainge was working out at LT -oh lets hope not. In the few years we have been watching NFL games anybody seen a o-line get ankles and knees banged up in a game. Scary.
7 CB’s (i know true believers Barrett also plays safety-if you call that playing) you have got be kidding. how about coleman and eric smith who can’t play! -
Poteat is back! This says quite a bit… Coleman? Miller? Barrett, and even Elam? I always liked poteat. He’s like an Otis Smith without the highs and lows.
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vbsiena24 says:
Even though we lost last week. I felt Shotty called a better game on offense. Yes we abandoned the run but we were down the entire game not too much to do other than pass to get back in it.
He finally finally called more play actions. They are the key for a run first team, which his play calling seems to dictate we are. Favre made some mistakes that lead to turnovers, but I really feel Shotty did a much better job than in the first 2 weeks. Lets see if that continues. For some reason I don’t think it will.
I still think Sutton is worse than Shotty. But that isn’t saying much for either.
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Again, what is Mangini’s roll in all of this?
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jas,
Interesting turn of events. Montgomery was our starter last year. Hmmmm. Makes you wonder what kind of sh** show is being put on by these guys?
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Najy:
Two things:
1) Don’t get too down on Mangini. I knows his steady, unemotional demeanor is very fustrating. But I promise there is NO better manger !! The only thing he needs to make him a great coach is fire and emotion. His evaluation of talent is the best I have seen in his short stay so far. Very few plays are suspect and he is the best if you need one game won.
He may be loyal to a fault but the players respect that. I guarentee you he WILL DELIVER US A WINNER VERY SOON.2)It was pointed out that someone like Jenk is very, very difficult to find. However think back to last year and look how many holes we filled and the quality of young players we have. Just think how close we are now and how strong we are going to be after next years draft. I know you don’t want to hear about how close and next year but you must look at Tanginis’ draft record and MUST FEEL GREAT !!
Lots and lots of bloggers were dissing Mangini on releasing Marcus Henry, while no one noticed that the Dolphins signed McChesney G. He is going to come back and haunt us, I guarentee you, just watch.
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Jas- You know how I find your complaining about the roster ridiculous, but I think we are too stacked in the secondary to not have the most solid unit in the NFL Poteat is a good addition, but someone has to go.
Schott did call a decent game. One play amazed me as it unfolded. I almost leapt into the air watching the coverage fail to adjust to the routes they ran. We have potential. I’m pumped for Keller.
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john r says:
who is going to cover Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
i live in san fran and went to the game against the niners and boldin is a bad bad man. -
Greenguy-
This is simple. It is hard enough to win in the NFL with a tried and true roster make up. We are not yet an elite team so a balanced roster is critical. you tell me, is 2 OL backups enough in the NFL? Why don’t you find me another team with 7 CB’s. You may not like it, but I am not giving opinions I am just stating facts as to their roster. It’s not possible to make this crap up- nobody would believe it. It is unbelievable. Ripley would have a field day with this Jet team.
I am not complaining, I am crying!
Oh, and if I remember correctly, we lost to the Pats because we had NOBODY on the roster to an extra point except Nugent. I’ll bet you Belicheat has someone. -
Revis will handle Fitzy and I’d assume. Lowry with Rhodes or ‘gulp’ Smith/ Barrett over the top on Boldin.
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John r-
We’re going with 7 CB’s and 2 safeties with 2 DLs. They’ll never figure out how to beat us. -
Come on greenguy-admit it. you would have cut a db for poteat and not montgomery. If our db’s were so good why did the brain trust sign poteat. And since you asked i think poteat is better anyway.
And, since we lost McChesney to the Phins we have no OL’s on the PS worth a darn. Oh well, more room for kickers i guess——OR ———- more CB’s! -
I like the amount of QBs. I agree with too many DBs. I thought Bender and Garner had potential. Oline depth is critical. I hope the roster is repaired after the kicker situation is sorted out. Keep the faith. Don’t cry too much.
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The Phins took Garner too. They are desperate to solidify their O-line before Henne gets in and I can’t blame them.
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GG- thank you. If not for the kickers and now the DB’s we could all live with 4 QB’S. It only becomes a burden when this other stuff breaks out.
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The 4 qb’s situation is a back up plan incase Brett leaves. He may leave after this season so we will be all set with 3 Qb’s. I dont how talented they are but we will ahve 3 qbs.
I cant explain the amount of CB’s. Sorry.
I thought Montgomery was a decent back up. He started games for us last year and would have been better than nothing.
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Oh I can explain it. Mangini collects DBs like Gruden collects QBs. He was a secondary coach and isn’t bad with them.
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matthewm says:
All i have seen is the highlight reels, but the Cardinals seem to be on a roll. So I am nervous, and Collins is very hot. If Leon isn’t in the game, nor Brad Smith, look for Thomas Jones to run about 14 times (average 2.7 a carry) before Brett starts heaving jump balls into the end zone. Believe me, I wanna believe in Mangenius, and all the money on the free agents, and the shut down corners, but only having a highlight film against Miami in the first game doesn’t give me much confidence. Many of the plays, except for Leon’s big return, look like variations on a Graham punt—something drawn in the mud with a stick. Brett has heart, but he’s 39 and playing a lot of street ball. Mangenius seems to forget the playbook every Sunday. (That onside kick? The kicking game? The weird calls, like 4th and 2 inches, and passing?) My formula is to bench Jones, start Leon and Ratliff, and on defense, play a 5-2-4. I am tired of all the flexibility in the 3-4. So flexible, the Bolts got, what, 40 points. I am looking for inflexibility on the line.
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Ah. Thank you. Do we know the flavor cool-aid they’re drinking out there in Jetville.
Greenguy. Could you send eric an email and let him know DB’s can’t play OL or DL. It just be as simple as no one ever told him. -
I will tell him over pie and ice cream. I don’t think they are flawless, but I still like Tannenbaum and Mangini and love Vanilla ice cream.
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Yes. He is excellent with Cb’s and evaluating talent. I think that is a strong part of his game.
I feel very good about our D. I really do. It only makes sense because Mangini is a defensive coach. He has his players this year, even though we are thin in some positions, I will give him credit. Our D looks very good this year.
My biggest problem is the O. First off, I have to question how much experience and knowledge Mangini was with O. The offenseive gameplanning and playcalling has been horrific at times. The talent on this team is great, especially on O but we need to start developing a rythem and I am not sure Mangini knows how to do that. Yet.
Special teams was vastly improved from the Pats game. Kudos for the coaching staff for that.
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The D has a lot more talent then the O. We don’t have a #1 reciever and TJ isn’t anything special. I love Keller, Leon, Stuckey (If he can stay healthy) and Jerricho, but they aren’t anything remarkable. Roy Williams is in a contract year. Wink wink nudge nudge.
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JustAGreenGuy,
You seem pretty knowledgable.
I am dieing to know what people think about Mangini and how much influence he has on the O. Someone needs to get fired for some of the O gameplanning. It is rediculous sometimes.
How much does Mangini know about offense and how much does he contribue to the playcalling?
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I wonder too. I wouldn’t think much considering they added Callahan as an assistant head coach. I don’t know how much him and Schott have conflicting styles, hence the struggling to find an offensive identity.
Someone the other day said how adding Favre through us off from a game plan that originally seemed geared to a power running game. I agree fully with that.
I think they were designing a team to support Clemens. Strong line, strong running, and a deep threat tight end are a check list for what a young QB needs. Hype hurt us.
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You always want to have a good line and a good TE. I think thats what makes a good football team. Brett Favre can do exactly what Clemens does and more. That should not be a problem. The problem is the O gameplanning and play calling. I have hated it since last year. It is really terrible most of the time.
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billvv says:
You simply CANNOT blame Mangini when you post what’s wrong with the team, he tries it, it fails! How many calls for his head did we hear after three runs from the one? How many after two passes from the one? You can’t have it both ways, try as some might.
Also, Berry was sent back to SD with a groin pull.
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I don’t disagree and other than my unnatural hatred for Brett Favre I believe he can run the O….. BUT people expect the deep ball from Favre and tons of passes, like we saw on Monday. When our game plan should be alot like the one we ran against the Pats with a sprinkle of what we saw Monday. We need a balance and to make our opponents react to us. Thats why I liked the onside kick. I took the kick off for granted and looked up to see an onside. It was crafty it failed, but at least I wasn’t bored. We need to take risks to beat a team like San Diego.
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pat d says:
So if Farve leaves we have 3 QBs. Are you kidding me. KC was the worst QB in football last year and he couldn’t beat Chad in a QB competition. The other two have never played a game.
Our last 3 drafts have been average compared to other teams. Mangini and company have reached for players either because of character or need.
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Yes. I really like the game plan against the Pats but I think that field position killed us and the inability to mix the run and pass caused a ton of our drives to stall.
Its not about just running the ball 20x a game. You gotta know when to run and when to pass to keep the D guessing and on their heels. We just dont have that and havent had it for 2 years under Shotty.
The game plan for the Pats should have been a little more aggressive on O but I blam that loss on special teams.
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pat d,
You are not going to pay ludicrous money to have a great back up Qb. One of the benefits of bringing Favre allows our other young Qbs to learn and have more time to develop which they clearly need like you stated.
My point was that if Favre left, we wouldnt be in bad shape at Qbs. We wouldnt have to go out and find more Qbs because we already have 3. I think that is the logic behind that. Take it for what is worth.
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If Farve leaves we better look for a QB. There are many out there better than KC.
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I have a question for everyone. Who is going to cover Anquan Boldin in the red zone.
Oh yeah we just signed Hank Poteat.
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pat d,
I am not sure if you saw what Revis did to Ted Ginn Jr. in the goal line but he boxed him out into the stands.
Corner play is the least of my worries.
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swizzle81 says:
There is no reason why TJ should have at least 20 carries a game and Leon having 5-10 carries a game. The Jets are built for a run first offense right now. Let Favre get used to his receivers some more, this cannot be more apparent than the result of the MNF game. Remember the FIns game, play action to Cotchery for long TD. You set up the pass with the run. If the Jets abandon the run like they did early in the SD they will get into another shootout with the Cards and probably lose unless Warner has a severe case of fumbilitis.
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SackDance99 says:
pat D, the Jets’ drafts under Mangini have been, in a word, awesome. So far, Keller and Lowery look like studs in the making and we have to give VG a pass this season. Last year, with only 4 picks, yielded 2 defensive starters and potential Pro Bowlers (Revis and Harris) and the Jets leading WR this season (Stuckey). In ’06, we got Brick, who may never be an adequate run-blocker, but his pass protection is getting better and he’ll probably grade out as an average LT, Mangold, who may become a Pro Bowler, and Leon Washington, the Jets most exciting and under-utilized player. In ’06, the Jets also drafted KC, Brad Smith, Eric Smith and Drew Coleman, all of whom have had their moments (just not enough of them) and, IMO, would play for some team in the NFL if cut. I like Brad Smith and I still think that he can become a productive NFL WR; he is a dynamic open field runner and I’d like to see him, because of his height, in for more slants and more WR screens.
najy and jagg, i’d like to see the Jets come out in 4 and 5 wide sets with Keller and Stuckey in right off the bat against AZ. Get a lead, force AZ to have to pass and then sack and hit Warner, who fumbles a lot and can be goaded into bad picks. Let Favre be Favre with the quick slants and outs that were really his bread-and-butter. Let him throw those TE seam passes that made Jackson, Chmura, and Franks Pro Bowlers. Seriously, what other QB has ever had that effect on the TE position? Then, once the safeties start cheating up because the short stuff is killing them, then let Favre go long. Set up the run with the pass and, please, let’s get Leon in there more. The way to make the offense better is to let the Jets’ offensive playmakers get the ball more and, as much as I like him, TJ is not a playmaker.
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It would be nice to run the ball first in every game but quite frankly we can’t. If a teams strength is against the run then we need to pass to set up the run and vise versa if our opponents strength is against the pass.
I agree we need to get the playmakers the ball more because quite frankly we don’t have alot of them on offense. I agree we need to use Leon more because he is one of the few playmakers we have.
Najy
I agree our corners had a good game against Miami. But Ted Ginn Jr is not Larry Fitzgerald or Anquan Boldin. I mean get serious.SackDance99
There is no way our last 3 drafts have been awesome. Your own quote sums it up well -
“In ‘06, the Jets also drafted KC, Brad Smith, Eric Smith and Drew Coleman, all of whom have had their moments (just not enough of them)”
Of the other 3 players drafted in 06 Leon was a good pick. Brick has not played as was expected. I won’t use the word bust but he is a diappointment.Nick Mangold is a center. You don’t use a first round pick on a center. That pick was a reach.
God I’m going to this game and I have a sinking feeling …
Should be great though; rocking a sweet tailgate, gonna get hammered and enjoy it … only the JETS could ruin such a day!