08-02-2007, 11:39 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Both of them
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Dansby puts bite in defense
Dansby puts bite in defense
Quote:
A year ago, the Cardinals were scheduling the dedication of the Karlos Dansby wing of the training camp doghouse.
Coach Dennis Green entered camp unhappy over Dansby's lack of participation in off-season workouts because of finger and thumb surgeries. Green's mood didn't improve when Dansby missed all of camp because of a toe condition and leg problems.
Today, under a new coaching staff and revamped defensive scheme, things are much different. Dansby has emerged from the doghouse and moved from outside linebacker to inside in a 3-4 alignment. He was a regular participant in the off-season program, adding 10 pounds and gaining strength.
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"It was motivation, man, just to get back on the field and show why the Cardinals organization brought me here," Dansby said of last year. "Now I'm getting an opportunity to really show what I've got. I came in in shape. I'm taking care of my body, and I'm ready to make things happen."
Cardinals coaches think Dansby will flourish at inside linebacker. He played there a lot in nickel situations the past two years, and his speed and size (6 foot 4) caused opponents problems.
Dansby can cover ground quickly, and his long wingspan can narrow a quarterback's passing lanes.
"Our quarterbacks have said to me, 'If he's in coverage, it's difficult to throw the ball in the seams because he's such a big, rangy guy in there and can move,' " head coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "The good inside linebackers, when they see something, when they see that crease, they can move and get in there."
A second-round pick out of Auburn in 2004, Dansby's talent tantalized coaches. When healthy, he has been a playmaker, with 17 sacks, six forced fumbles and four interceptions over three years.
While he has missed only four games in three years, Dansby has been nagged by a variety of injuries that caused him to miss considerable practice time. Green and members of his staff often wondered aloud how good Dansby could be if he practiced more.
That's why his commitment this off-season has coaches excited.
"Karlos' body has changed," said defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, a holdover from Green's staff. "He's filled out. I think he feels better about his body, and he knows he needs to stay healthy. To stay healthy, you need to work in the off-season.
"Obviously, if you don't practice and you try to play some on Sundays, you can't keep up with the speed of the game. In the NFL, you can't get away with a whole lot. If you're not practicing and the other team knows it, they may try to expose you in the game."
The Cardinals have long pointed to Dansby as part of a core of young players that they wanted to keep around. He's due to be an unrestricted free agent after the season, but the Cardinals have expressed interest in extending his contract before the year is out.
But first, the team's management wants to see Dansby become someone the Cardinals can count on in practice as well as in games.
The potential new contract, Dansby said, is in the back of his mind, not the front. But something is different this year. Maybe it's just that Dansby is healthy for the first time in a long while. Or maybe he's rejuvenated by a new coach. Or motivated by the potential of a new contract. Or perhaps it's a combination of those things.
The Cardinals are just glad that Dansby appears to have come a long way in a year.
"I'm just anxious to play football," Dansby said. "With the new coaches coming in, I was excited to get the opportunity to work with them and see what they had up their sleeves. And I like it. I'm going to roll with it."
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Dansby puts bite in defense
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