NFC West

[Geraint]

A vote for Kevin Kolb after Cards' 4-0 start
- ESPN.com


The NFC West has produced four recent NFC players of the week, a 9-3 record outside the division, an 8-0 home record, an NFL-high 11 victories and one of three teams with a 4-0 record.

Surely someone from the division, and specifically from the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals, should receive a mention in the league MVP race.

We have a nomination: quarterback Kevin Kolb, whose box-score stats line up quite nicely with those of Aaron Rodgers, listed third on the MVP Watch.

Kolb led a fourth-quarter comeback victory against Seattle in Week 1. He did it again, this time with even greater flair, during a 24-21 overtime victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. Between those games, Kolb generally avoided mistakes while the Cardinals' defense dominated against New England and Philadelphia.

We could easily harness that body of work into a redemptive narrative, suggesting Kolb has finally arrived after learning from his mistakes and enjoying better luck with injuries. I'd like to see more.

 

[BINGO]

Conflicting reports on Amendola
9:45AM ET
Danny Amendola | Rams

UPDATE: ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that tests on Amendola on Thursday night were inconclusive, ergo all the confusion on his condition, and his additional testing on Friday.

---

As he headed back through a tunnel on the way to undergo medical tests, St. Louis Rams WR Danny Amendola was caught by NFL Network cameras slamming his helmet and shouting an obscenity. The reason: he'd injured his shoulder and wouldn't be returning for the rest of the contest. And according to one report, he may not be returning for quite some time.

A team source revealed to Pro Football Talk that the injury is a broken collarbone, and it'll knock him out for several weeks.

This differs from the official word coming down from the team. Rams GM Les Snead informed Jeffri Chadiha of ESPN.com that they won't know the official diagnosis until Friday, but that the collarbone doesn't appear to be broken.

Obviously we'll know more on Amendola's return timeline once the diagnosis is divulged. But the Rams have to be discouraged by the fact that they were not really able to move the ball too well without Amendola in the lineup (aside from Sam Bradford's 51-yard strike to Chris Givens).

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

I hate reading things like this. NFC West is really tough as it is:


QB fix could vault Cardinals
Signing Michael Vick or drafting a top signal-caller are Arizona's best options
Updated: January 24, 2013, 10:21 AM ET
By Rivers McCown | Football Outsiders

Arizona QBs Kevin Kolb and John Skelton had a combined TD-to-INT ratio of 10-to-12 in 2012.

Last season, the Broncos made the playoffs but weren't a major threat with Tim Tebow under center. This season, with Peyton Manning, the Broncos went 13-3 and snagged the top seed in the AFC before Rahim Moore and the rest of their defense morphed into pumpkins against the Ravens.

Which team could take that same sort of leap next season with a quarterback upgrade? Say hello to the Arizona Cardinals.

This season, the Cardinals were one of the most unbalanced teams since 1991, according to Football Outsiders' defense-adjusted value over average metric ratings, or DVOA (click here for a detailed explanation). They finished last in offensive DVOA, at minus-31.0 percent, but their minus-13.5 percent defensive DVOA was the sixth-best in the league. Looking at recent teams with that sort of split, you'll find that regression toward the mean tends to happen. For instance, the Jaguars had the 31st-ranked offense in 2011, and improved their offensive DVOA by 8 percent in 2012. That's despite playing more than half the season with a clearly overmatched Blaine Gabbert at QB. So even if Arizona doesn't make any drastic change at the quarterback position, it's already probably going to be a little bit better on offense in 2013.

But the Cardinals were an even more extreme example on the field because it was clear that their offense had talented players. Larry Fitzgerald finished last in receiving DVOA, but that clearly wasn't his fault. Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and (especially) Ryan Lindley were just unbelievably bad. And the offensive line, after losing tackle Levi Brown (who actually showed some improvement near the end of 2011) to a torn triceps, spent most of the first half of the season waving pass-rushers to their already overmatched quarterbacks like air-traffic controllers with light sticks. With Bruce Arians coming over from Indianapolis to take the reins as head coach, plenty of up-and-coming receiving weapons like Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts, and a defense stocked with impressive pieces like Patrick Peterson and Daryl Washington, the Cardinals would seem poised to find their recent playoff form again if they could just fix their hole at quarterback.

But do they want to?

Owner Bill Bidwill stated that he was not ready to give up on Kolb before Arians was brought on board. Arians himself seemed to indicate that he'd give all of the incumbent quarterbacks a "fair shot" at the job. The real problem with this idea is that Kolb is the wrong type of quarterback for Arizona's current situation. He has some strengths, but his biggest weakness -- even dating back to his Philadelphia days -- is dealing with pocket pressure. Combine that with Arizona's offensive line, which has finished in the bottom seven in Adjusted Sack Rate each of the last three seasons, and you've got a recipe for sacks, hurries and throwaways on crucial passing downs.

With Arizona scraping up against the salary cap before any offseason releases free up cap dollars, keeping Kolb could force the Cardinals to only consider quarterbacks in the draft pool. The consensus is that none of the quarterbacks in this draft are worthy of the top pick (at least for now), so that should give Arizona some options at No. 7. West Virginia's Geno Smith and USC's Matt Barkley seem to compose the "top tier," while Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson and North Carolina State's Mike Glennon are also guys who could be pushed up the board -- or who could be around in the second round for Arizona if things break right. If the Cardinals take this route, they need to make sure they select a quarterback who can make plays under pressure in the pocket, and my personal opinion is that this should lead them to focus on Smith and Wilson.

Michael Vick would give the Cardinals a QB who can make plays with his legs, an important ability given the team's porous O-line.

If they do decide to cut Kolb loose, that opens up a few other options, but none of them are perfect fits. Most of the best potential free-agent quarterbacks this offseason will be jettisoned from the roster for mediocre play or because better options opened up. For instance, Joe Flacco is slated to be a free agent, but after what he's done in the postseason, he's getting franchise-tagged so quickly that it's not even worth discussing the idea of him going to Arizona.

Michael Vick, who is almost certain to be released by the Eagles, showed problems identifying blitzes at times last season -- but he's far better than Kolb and has at least shown the ability to make plays with his legs. Alex Smith has been a solid starter in San Francisco, but how much of the success can be attributed to him and how much of that was the manipulation of Jim Harbaugh, one of the most creative offensive coaches in the NFL? Moreover, Smith was almost always coached to throw the ball away under pressure, which makes him another poor fit for Arizona's offensive line. One other candidate for release could be Ryan Fitzpatrick, who regressed right back to the average quarterback he'd always been following his huge contract extension in Buffalo. However, Fitzpatrick has had most of his success in the spread system. How he'd acclimate to Arians' offense is the main question. Of the three, Vick makes the most sense both from an upside perspective and as a temporary patch until a long-term solution can be found.

That leads us back to the draft. As Arians knows, having mentored Andrew Luck last season, it's becoming more and more common for quarterbacks to immediately experience success in the NFL. Matt Leinart's failure set the Cardinals back, but he was also drafted seven years ago. It's time for Arizona to pool its resources together and try to find a real solution to the problem at hand.

If they hit correctly in the draft, the Cardinals could find themselves in contention in a hurry. They need only look within the division, to Seattle and Russell Wilson, to find the model they should be trying to emulate.

 

[MHSL82]

Oh. I hate this thread, but that was months ago. Thanks for bumping it.

Seriously though, I have no idea where Vick is going to go. They said maybe Philadelphia now that they brought Kelly in (he might change his mind on restructuring or release and re-sign) but they then brought in Shurmur, which I don't know how that affects this. Arizona makes sense, but I also thought the reasons that other QBs wouldn't make sense, didn't make sense. I don't know Arians that well.

 

[Jikkle]

Vick couldn't survive behind the Eagle's offensive line and unless they make some huge tweaks this offseason no way he survives behind the Cardinals line.

Cardinals best course of action is to fix their horrid offensive line and then look at adding a QB.

 

[BINGO]

Vick couldn't survive behind the Eagle's offensive line and unless they make some huge tweaks this offseason no way he survives behind the Cardinals line.

Cardinals best course of action is to fix their horrid offensive line and then look at adding a QB.

I agree!

 

[BINGO]

Rob Ryan won't be St. Louis Rams' defensive coordinator -- Jeff Fisher - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

Tim Walton to be named defensive coordinator of St. Louis Rams -- sources - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

Mike Glennon in that offense would scare me. Not in their first year though because their oline sucks and Glennon is not a mobile QB at all and needs to be protected. However, if they improve with pass protection and they end up adding Glennon, that offense would be scary IMO.

On Arians' intentions for Cardinals' offense
February, 20, 2013 10:15AM ET
By Mike Sando | ESPN.com

Bruce Arians' Indianapolis Colts targeted running backs as receivers 50 times last season, an NFL low. The Colts' percentage of targets directed toward running backs was 8.3, another league low and well off the 18.7 percent average for other teams.


RB Target Percentage Since 2007
Rank Team Pct.
12 Seahawks 21.0
15 49ers 20.3
19 Rams 19.7
26 Cardinals 17.0
-- NFL Average 20.2
Source: ESPN Stats & Information

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the Arizona Cardinals should expect more of the same now that Arians is their head coach. This is something to keep in mind when projecting the types of running backs Arizona might target when bolstering a position hit by injuries.

"They are back there because they are runners and pass protectors," Arians said.

The Cardinals under former coach Ken Whisenhunt ranked 29th last season in percentage of passes targeting running backs (12.8). The rate during Whisenhunt's six-year run from 2007 through last season (17 percent) was still more than double what it was for Arians' Colts last season.

Arians wants to push the ball downfield to wide receivers. Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd give Arizona the personnel at receiver to execute such a strategy. The team will need to upgrade other areas, including quarterback, to make any strategy work.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

LOL, just want to give a shout out to anyone who felt that the 49ers were dumb as hell to pass on trading for Kolb.

Awesome, I was very anti-Kolb.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

I agree!

I get the feeling those buffoons are gonna rely on Levi Brown.

 

[BINGO]

Cards expect 'big things' from Ryan Williams

Cardinals GM Steve Keim says the club is "expecting big things" from third-year RB Ryan Williams.

Williams has been injured since his redshirt freshman season at Virginia Tech, but the Cards aren't giving up. "We watched him against Philadelphia ... (and) New England," Keim said of Williams' 2012 tape. "His lateral quickness, his natural run skills, his avoidability is something he brings to the table. Plus he’s a three-down back. We’re expecting big things out of Ryan moving forward." Source: azcardinals.com

Feb 21 - 4:57 PM

 

[Ltrain]

Report -- Steven Jackson of St. Louis Rams plans to void contract - ESPN

Good news is he will hopefully be out of our division...bad news is increased likelihood of seeing him in the playoffs on a better team.

 

[BINGO]

Report -- Steven Jackson of St. Louis Rams plans to void contract - ESPN

Good news is he will hopefully be out of our division...bad news is increased likelihood of seeing him in the playoffs on a better team.

I would hate it if he ended up being signed by Green Bay.

 

[BINGO]

Position switch for Levi Brown?
February, 26, 2013 1:57PM ET
By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN.com

One of the major malfunctions of the Arizona Cardinals' offense in 2012 was the lack of protection the offensive line afforded the gentlemen that occupied the QB position. A big part of that malfunction was the fact that starting LT Levi Brown missed the entire season with a tear to his triceps muscle. In any event, Brown appears to be ready to roll again for 2013, but there is some speculation that he could be moved inside to guard, depending upon who is brought in via free agency and the draft.

Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com doesn't believe that will happen, though, based upon what new HC Bruce Arians has said about Brown.

"He's a talent," Arians declared recently. "I don't think he'd have any problem playing guard. But tackles are harder to find. Depending on what is available in the draft and free agency, those six or seven we suit up on Sunday you like to have position flexibility. But I would see him more as a right tackle/left tackle than a guard."

The Cards have a potentially strong RT in Bobby Massie, but if they fall in love with a particular LT prospect that's still on the board at No. 7 overall, there could be some shuffling of everyone involved.Tags:Arizona Cardinals

 

[NinerSickness]

It's about time. On draft day, I thought Levi Brown was one of the most overrated tackles I've ever seen. Maybe he'll do better at guard.

I hope that means Adam Snyder is gonna play tackle. ???

 

[BINGO]

Offseason Playbook: Cardinals
A look at Arizona's philosophy, team needs and a key free-agent move
Originally Published: March 3, 2013
By Gary Horton and Field Yates | ESPN Insider

The Cardinals need to find Larry Fitzgerald some help this offseason.

In a new offseason series, Insider takes an in-depth look at NFL teams before free agency begins March 12. What is each team's philosophy on offense and defense, biggest needs and one player who could make for an ideal signing in free agency?

Team philosophies​

Offense -- New head coach Bruce Arians has a huge rebuilding job ahead of him to fix this offense, but it won't be done in one offseason. With veteran Tom Moore on board as assistant head coach, this will be a very creative offense with innovative schemes and plays. He is a pass-first coach and he will use a lot of movement and motion, with a likely base package of three wide receivers, one tight end and one back -- but we will also see more two tight end sets, and they will be a bigger part of this offense in the run game. Early on we will see wide runs and stretch plays with play-action coming off it, but the Cardinals will not throw the ball a lot to their backs.

Arians needs to add a hybrid tight end to this offense who can attack the middle of the field, and the wide receivers will run a lot of deep crossing routes and take more vertical shots than you might think. We will also see bunch formations. Sight adjustment will be a part of this passing game if the players can handle it, and Arians will call the plays; he is an aggressive playcaller. They may not have elite talent, but this will be a smart offense. We could also see cornerback Patrick Peterson in some wildcat packages.

Defense -- Todd Bowles is the new coordinator, and while this will remain a 3-4 defense, it will have some different wrinkles from last year. Instead of two-gap read-and-react schemes up front, Arizona will be more of a one-gap penetrating group. The Cardinals want hybrid players who can play a variety of alignments with pre-snap movement, and they will go to some 4-3 fronts at times, especially in nickel. There will be combo coverages on the back end with aggressive blitzes, as they want to play fast, but also disciplined. This defense will not look a lot different from Ray Horton's scheme a year ago, but one twist could be Peterson playing one-on-one against the opponent's best wide receiver in a man scheme, which allows the rest of the secondary to play those combo coverages.

Team needs​

1. Quarterback -- This is a tough position for the organization to deal with and there are no easy answers. The Cardinals must decide to either release starter Kevin Kolb or restructure his contract. The backups, Ryan Lindley, Brian Hoyer and John Skelton, have all had their shots to play, but none of them has shown much that gives hope for the future. Arians would obviously love to have his own guy to build around, but with a so-so free agent and college quarterback market, Arizona might have to wait another year and try to live with Kolb for 2013.

Kevin Kolb may not be the answer for Arizona, but the Cards may not have a choice this offseason.

2. Offensive line -- The organization will tell you that injuries were the biggest problem with this unit in 2012, and when the team gets everybody back and healthy, it will be much better. However, when you watch the Cardinals on film there are a lot of deficiencies. They need at least one starting OT, and if they draft a guy early they could move Levi Brown from left tackle to right tackle. They could also use help at all three inside positions, as their quarterbacks take a pounding and the interior of the line can't open up holes in the running game. They need to get younger and more athletic to give this offense any chance to be successful.

3. Linebacker -- They could use help both inside and outside in this much improved defense. A starter to develop to replace unrestricted free agent inside linebacker Paris Lenon is a potential move if the Cardinals do not re-sign him. Outside linebacker starters O'Brian Schofield and Sam Acho are capable, but not impact players, and Schofield needs to stay healthy. However, there is not much depth or many young players to develop behind the starters. In a defense that expects most of its pass rush from the outside linebackers, this becomes a very important position.

4. Safety -- Free safety Kerry Rhodes is a solid player, but strong safety Adrian Wilson is more of a run support guy at this stage of his career with limited cover skills. Although they do like Rashad Johnson, an unrestricted free agent, a guy to groom as Wilson's successor would be nice.

5. Tight end -- This organization has ignored this position for years, and now with an offensive-oriented head coach who loves to throw to his tight ends, Arizona needs to have a pass-catching TE to cause matchup problems. Starter Rob Housler has potential, but he has too many drops and the other guys are mostly blockers.

6. Running back -- Beanie Wells continues to be a big injury risk and he cannot stay on the field, along with Ryan Williams. LaRod Stephens-Howling is a UFA and a third-down, pass-catching back, which is not a skill set that this new coaching staff puts a lot of value in.

-- Gary Horton​

Key free-agent move​

Jake Long, OT, UFA

Long finished a disappointing 2012 season on injured reserve, and his struggles over the past two seasons have been publicly chronicled. But at just 27 years old, Long has good football left in him when healthy.

There are no indications that the triceps injury from last season will linger into 2013, and Long is looking for a chance to prove himself once again as an elite left tackle. A return to the Dolphins looks highly unlikely, and the need for offensive line help in Arizona is immense.

While the quarterback situation may not be sorted out this offseason for the Cardinals, providing whoever is under center time and space will go a long way toward fixing what was among the worst offenses in all of football last season.

A strong offensive staff has been assembled in Arizona, including respected veteran Larry Zierlein, who will serve as the assistant offensive line coach.

Long's physical attributes have not diminished to the point where he can no longer be effective, and a change of scenery could help to rejuvenate his previously stellar career.

-- Field Yates​

Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.


Gary Horton spent 10 years in the NFL as a scout and another 10 years at the college level as an assistant coach and recruiter. He is the founder and most seasoned member of the Scouts Inc. staff, and his extensive experience at all levels of football make him an excellent talent evaluator.


Field Yates
ESPN Insider

Field Yates has previous experience interning with the New England Patriots on both their coaching and scouting staffs. A graduate of Wesleyan University (CT), he is a regular contributor to ESPN Boston's Patriots coverage and ESPN Insider.

 

[BINGO]

Report: Cullen Jenkins to meet with Seahawks, 49ers - NFL.com

 

[BINGO]

John Abraham to visit the Seahawks this week Free agent

DE John Abraham will visit the Seahawks this week.

It's Abraham's first known visit since being released by the Falcons last Wednesday. The Seahawks are searching for pass-rush help, and 35-year-old Abraham would certainly fit the bill. He recorded ten sacks in 2012 while lining up all over the defensive front in Atlanta. Abraham would be a nice fit as Seattle's "Leo" pass rusher while Chris Clemons recovers from a torn ACL. Source: Kimberly Jones on Twitter

Mar 7 - 3:27 PM

 

[NinerSickness]

John Abraham to visit the Seahawks this week Free agent

DE John Abraham will visit the Seahawks this week.

It's Abraham's first known visit since being released by the Falcons last Wednesday. The Seahawks are searching for pass-rush help, and 35-year-old Abraham would certainly fit the bill. He recorded ten sacks in 2012 while lining up all over the defensive front in Atlanta. Abraham would be a nice fit as Seattle's "Leo" pass rusher while Chris Clemons recovers from a torn ACL. Source: Kimberly Jones on Twitter

Mar 7 - 3:27 PM