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**RoyWilliams** · 08-02-2007, 11:38 AM

Run first may mean smaller numbers from Boldin, Fitzgerald | EastValleyTribune.com

Quote:

They are receivers on what is supposed to be a run-first team.
And they say they couldn’t be happier. Seems hard to believe, especially when those receivers have each caught more than 100 passes in a season, a feat they now seem unlikely to repeat.

View a chart comparing Boldin and Fitzgerald's catches

Yet Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald say they want to win. And Dennis Green’s pass-first offense didn’t do the job.

Besides, even though they figure to catch fewer passes, they might break more long ones if opposing defenses are forced to concentrate on the run.

“When you think run-first offense, for a receiver, you think of one-on-one coverage outside,” Boldin said.

“You make defenses commit, they bring eight in the box and outside, you get what you want.

“I’m all for it.”

So, too, is Fitzgerald:

“Running the football isn’t a bad thing. It will produce wins.

“We haven’t been to the playoffs since 1998. That’s unacceptable.

“If we have to run the ball more efficiently to get to the playoffs, so be it.”

The catch, of course, is that the running game needs to work well enough to be taken seriously.

If it does, and defenses respond to it, “That leaves just three guys in the secondary,” Fitzgerald said. “I’ll take that matchup.”

Coach Ken Whisenhunt reiterated that, “The run-first approach is more of a mentality,” one that is designed to develop a physical style that becomes ingrained and can be put to use whenever needed.

“It establishes a mind-set, so if you get in a situation late in the game where we have to run, it’s not, 'What are we doing to do: run or throw?’

“We’re going to run, and we’ll be successful because that’s what we do.”

If opponents load up on the line, “I don’t think either (receiver) will complain about a 60-yard touchdown because that’s what I envision could happen.”

No matter how the running game plays out, quarterback Matt Leinart isn’t going to forget about his receivers.

“You have two of the best in the game. You know every time you throw them the ball, they’re going to make a play.

“And they’re both different.

“Larry is bigger and taller, he goes up and gets the ball. And Anquan is probably the best run-after-catch receiver in the league.

“He’s like a linebacker or safety playing receiver.”

And opponents can’t “sleep” on the third receiver, Bryant Johnson, “because he’s a deep threat,” Leinart said.

Part of the reason the Cards have thrown so much in recent years — in addition to their shaky line and running game — is that they’ve been behind in games.

“You have to do more when you’re behind,” Fitzgerald pointed out. “You have move the ball around a little faster and not burn as much time.

“Unfortunately, we had to do that last year. This year, we want to (run the offense) more efficiently and dictate things.”

Still, Boldin and Fitzgerald must secretly think with warm nostalgia of those 100-catch seasons (Boldin’s done it twice, Fitzgerald once). That’s the mark of a big-time star, right?

No, they won’t take the bait.

“The goal is to win,” Boldin said. “Who cares about the stats? If you’re winning, everybody is happy.”

Fitzgerald points to the Super-Bowl winning Colts:

“Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne both had 80 catches and double-digit touchdowns. That’s a good year, a great year for a receiver.

“Then you get postseason accolades. That’s the season me and Q are capable of having. That’s what we’re looking for.”

So, if Fitzgerald could draw it up, would he take 80 catches, a 10-6 record and the postseason?

“Eleven-and-5 sounds a little better.”

**Serrated Shadow** · 08-02-2007, 12:18 PM

I know Fitz will take it to the house if he gets more space to weave, and Boldin will only have to run over 3 or 4 guys each play then, so i think they'll both have good years!

**RoyWilliams** · 08-02-2007, 12:20 PM

Yeah im not buying it, i bet they still put up the same numbers.

**Serrated Shadow** · 08-02-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyWilliams

Yeah im not buying it, i bet they still put up the same numbers.

Once Tomlin realizes that his run first approach is getting a lot of 3 and outs, he'll even things out imo.

**RoyWilliams** · 08-02-2007, 12:34 PM

You got to play to your strengths. And they are definitely strengths.

**Serrated Shadow** · 08-02-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyWilliams

You got to play to your strengths. And they are definitely strengths.

not to mention you've got Bryant Johnson who's no laughing matter. I really can't wait to see this team in action this year..

**RoyWilliams** · 08-02-2007, 12:54 PM

People tend to forget about him.

Aundre · 08-02-2007, 01:39 PM

in their case the pass is going to have to open up the run.... they dont have a strong enough line to open up the pass game, when you have the best WR corp in the league you dont really need to open the pass up anyway

**Professor** · 08-02-2007, 11:21 PM

I have been saying this for some time, not only will they lose stats because of the commitment to the run, but if Arizona is winning late in games than there will be even less opportunities for the receivers.

**Serrated Shadow** · 08-03-2007, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by professorellisdtrails

I have been saying this for some time, not only will they lose stats because of the commitment to the run, but if Arizona is winning late in games than there will be even less opportunities for the receivers.

I'm not positive, but didn't the saints run down the clock a lot last year? Still had plenty of stats in the end...

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