ESPN - Scouts Inc.: Cardinals camp preview - NFL
Three Burning Questions
Could the Cardinals actually have a respectable offensive line?
Yes, they could have an offensive line that actually isn't one of the worst in the league for the first time in recent memory. Levi Brown may not have been the fifth-best overall prospect in this year's draft, but he has outstanding natural tools and was worth that pick to the Cardinals. Arizona had to pay a high price to secure his services in a draft that lacked star power at offensive tackle. Of course, he will have his early struggles, but he is the perfect clay for offensive line coach Russ Grimm to mold into a potentially great bookend. The rest of the line has some talent and versatility. The combination of scheme and coaching should quickly get this unit back to respectability.
Is the move to a 3-4 defense a good idea for Arizona?
While it doesn't appear that Arizona is going to be a strict 3-4 defense, it is clearly moving in that direction. The Cardinals' personnel on defense is far from perfect to make the switch, but their defenders were hardly ideal or the 4-3, either. They lack a true thumper at inside linebacker and don't have a proven nose tackle, although Alan Branch could easily develop into that space-eater in the middle. A player like Darnell Dockett won't be able to utilize his explosive upfield ability as much in a three-man front, but overall, this move should not be disputed at this point, although playing a hybrid of the two schemes won't be easy to pull off with mediocre players.
What can we expect from Matt Leinart?
For such a young player, Leinart has impressive swagger and confidence. The new coaching staff will stress the run game and physical play up front. This should help take pressure off Leinart and could open up opportunities for him to find his exceptional stable of wide receivers in favorable situations. He is accurate and throws a very catchable ball. His pass protection should be much better than it was a year ago. In short, don't expect Leinart to light the world on fire, but he should demonstrate steady improvement and become a more than serviceable starting quarterback before long.
Camp battle to watch
Darryl Blackstock vs. Calvin Pace at OLB
Pace has been a disappointment since being drafted as a first-round defensive end. He has played both end and outside linebacker in the Cardinals' 4-3 scheme, but could benefit from the switch to the 3-4, where his lack of size and power at the point of attack will not be as evident as it was at defensive end. Blackstock played outside linebacker in the 3-4 at the University of Virginia and had success as an edge pass-rusher in that scheme. He has a long build and good athletic ability, but he isn't very powerful and could struggle near the line of scrimmage. Neither player should be considered an ideal starter at this point, but the competition between the two should benefit the Cardinals' defense. Both should play quite a bit.
The player under the microscope
Edgerrin James. It is hard to aim the microscope at one particular player on this team, but the Cardinals spent a fortune to acquire James' services before the 2006 season and they need to get more from their investment. James turned a dismal season around by performing very well down the stretch, so there is certainly promise here, even for a running back who will be 29 when the season starts and has taken a pounding over his outstanding career. Obviously the Cardinals' offensive line woes had something to do with James' poor production early on, but Arizona still needs James to be better.
Fantasy take
A reworked offensive line will be a key for an Edgerrin James resurgence. Look for an improvement in the overall running game before investing in the former first-rounder. If opponents respect the ground game, there will be less pressure on Matt Leinart to carry the offense, which would bode well for the sophomore standout.
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Deuce Lutui. As a rookie last season, OG Lutui was one of the bright spots on the Cardinals' suspect offensive line. While most starting spots on the line are not yet set in stone, it appears Lutui has the right guard spot all but locked up. He is massive with good movement skills and the fire to finish plays. With Grimm in the fold as Arizona's new offensive line coach, Lutui could be due for a breakout season. Lutui is at a very moldable time in his young career and Grimm should help develop him into a well-above-average starting guard.
Comeback player of the year
Bertrand Berry. Berry tore his right triceps muscle in Week 11 last season, but reportedly is recovering well and should be ready for the start of the season. In addition to coming back from a major injury, Berry will also be learning a new position: outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. If he can stay healthy, Berry could be in for a big season. Arizona will use different varieties of the 4-3 and 3-4 this season, and Berry has the skill set to contribute in both. In the 3-4 he can use his pursuit skills and excellent speed as an edge rusher or he can be more of a traditional defensive end in the 4-3. These changes should benefit Berry a great deal and could lessen the pounding that his body takes.
Offensive philosophy
Ken Whisenhunt takes over as the Cardinals' head coach. He made his bones in Pittsburgh under Bill Cowher and earned his reputation as a creative, bright and intense offensive mind who has a real knack for play calling. In Pittsburgh, Whisenhunt had to answer to Cowher. Now, he has free reign to do what he pleases with this potentially high-powered Cardinals offense. Do not expect a carbon copy of Pittsburgh's offense. Arizona will be a run-first team that utilizes a powerful lead-blocking fullback and stresses physical play and controlling the football. James will have to adapt to the power running scheme. This will certainly be a more physical offense regardless of the results. Whisenhunt will not hesitate to throw the ball vertically, though. He is a smart coach who obviously understands how fortunate he is to have weapons like Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. A huge reason why Whisenhunt was hired was because of the fine job he did in developing Ben Roethlisberger. He should do the same with Leinart. Todd Haley is the offensive coordinator, but the offense will be Whisenhunt's baby.
Defensive philosophy
Clancy Pendergast was retained as Arizona's defensive coordinator, but there will be changes in the scheme. Pendergast is a very creative defensive mind and the Cardinals were smart to keep him on board. Expect Arizona to feature a lot more 3-4 looks. This year, there certainly could be some growing pains with the new scheme, but Pendergast will not hesitate to bring pressure from linebackers and defensive backs. He has a great player in S Adrian Wilson, who could be used more like Troy Polamalu was utilized in Pittsburgh. Expect Wilson to move around all over the field and be used in every way possible.
Matt Williamson was a scout for the Cleveland Browns in 2004. Previously, he was director of football operations at Akron and spent three years as a recruiting assistant at Pittsburgh.
Cardinals Training Camp Preview
Cardinals Training Camp Preview
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