Professor

http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/a...als270606.html

Cardinals' Dockett could be in for career season

In his first two years in the NFL, Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has proven to be a solid performer. The Cardinals drafted the former Florida State star in the third round of the 2004 draft, hoping he'd be worthy of a starting job on what was a porous defense.

Not only has Dockett been a starter for 31 of his first 32 games as a pro, but he's been one of the Cardinals' best tackles in quite some time. Given the Cardinals' recent history at defensive tackle, that may not be saying much, but it's something.

As a rookie in '04, Dockett racked up 39 total tackles, 3 ½ sacks and an interception. He was certainly a pleasant surprise for the Cardinals' coaching staff, especially head coach Dennis Green. When Arizona entered that season, Dockett was a starter. He could have been a success or failure, and he succeeded, providing the Cardinals' fans some joy in an otherwise disappointing season.

Dockett entered last year with high expectations from both the Cards' fans and defensive coaching staff. Unfortunately for Dockett and the other parties mentioned, the 293-pounder's 2005 was little more than a letdown. In Arizona's 5-11 season, Dockett ended up with 10 less tackles than his rookie year (29), three less sacks (½) and the same interception total. Clearly, Dockett's sophomore season in the pros saw him slump substantially.

However, entering the new season, the Cardinals and Dockett have new expectations heaped on them. The formerly hapless Cardinals are supposed to compete for a playoff spot in 2006, while Dockett will have to form a terrific duo up front with a new starting tackle next to him, veteran Kendrick Clancy.

One big motivation likely to fuel Dockett is his contract situation. At the close of the season, he'll become a restricted free agent. He'll be paid $425,000 for the final year of his contract, and the Arizona Cardinals will have the right to match any new offers Dockett might receive from other franchises.

Of course, if Dockett finally breaks out and has a huge year, it means he'll be set to rake in some big-time money. The bad news for the Cardinals is that a big season from Dockett could mean they'll have trouble matching large offers from other teams, but they'll cross that bridge when they get to it.

Currently, the most accomplished ex-Florida State tackle in the league is the Indianapolis Colts ' Corey Simon. For most of his six-year career, Simon--also 293 pounds--has been an elite player.

Should Dockett perform nearly as well as his Seminole colleague, the chances of the Cards' defense experiencing success this season will be quite high.

chris_36824

I agree that Darnell Dockett will have a good season this year... He has been playing good for the past 2 seasons and will probably have another solid year this year...

MickeyG

well like Chris said he has been getting better and better so maybe this is his year.

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Professor

actually his numbers did decline a bit in his sophmore season, but he showed some promise in his rookie year. The thing he has this year is that the job is his and he has a chance to get a nice contract next year if he plays well.

UCFNoleFan

Once they get some more talent around he and Berry, that line will be dominant. He got doubled all last year, along with Berry. They aren't scary because they have to good players, Dockett is a great pass rushing DT, but he needs to play the run a little better than he did last year. But he should be ready this year.

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bigboy

And that's the thing, at his size he gets over matched inside and last year was the focal point of a lot of blocking inside and he does not have the strangth to hold it up. They did add CLancey from NYG to play NT and maybe that will help keep people off but clancey did only an average job in NY at the NT spot.

BigOrangenation33

Just think what that line would be if they didnt release DT Kyle Vanden Bosch, who was like second in sacks last year i believe...

UCFNoleFan

Vanden Bosch is a DE, but if he was there, Dockett would have at least had the same numbers as his rookie year, he kept the doubles off Dockett and Berry. Clancy could help do that this year.

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BigOrangenation33

yeh thats what i meant...my bad.