A Quarterback Who Can Move

Filed under Arizona Cardinals by on August 16, 2011 at 2:02 pm {no comments}

FLAGSTAFF – When Kevin Kolb got outside and turned the corner en route to a 15-yard gain, it was a part of a quarterback’s game that was never available from a Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson.

The Cardinals aren’t going to go and ask Kolb to be Michael Vick or anything. His mobility helps, but “if you are asking if we are going to have four or five designed quarterback runs in a game? Probably not,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

“I think you don’t take it into account unless you have some naked (bootlegs), things like that,” Whisenhunt added. “When things break down, which happens in this league, quarterbacks can keep plays alive with their feet and make plays.”

Whisenhunt noted the ability to move around can be great even if the quarterback isn’t gaining 50 yards rushing a game. That’s what Whisenhunt had as offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh when Ben Roethlisberger arrived.

“I had the great fortune of working with and coaching one of the best I have ever seen with that in Pittsburgh,” Whisenhunt said. “Ben was able to extend the play and make plays down the field. That is one way to have success. You still have to be able to stand in the pocket and make your reads and put the ball accurately and on time. You don’t necessarily count on his ability to run, but it certainly is a bonus when things break down.”

Kolb ran often in college at the University of Houston, and he hasn’t been shy to run since arriving in the NFL. Kolb gained 65 yards on 15 carries for the Eagles last season over five starts.

“It’s not the best part of my game, but I like to think I can move around if I have to,” Kolb said. “I want to be able to move in the pocket subtly. Getting out and run, anyone can do that. To be in the pocket and trust it, there is a fine line there and you have to make sure you trust that O-line at all times.”

PRESSURING ONE-ON-ONE

Whisenhunt talked recently about having his running backs needing to win one-on-one matchups with linebackers or whatever defender might be out on them. The same goes for his defense when it comes to the pass rush.

The hope is that new defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s scheme will create some sacks. Other times, Whisenhunt said, “we’ve got to be better in winning our one-on-one matchups.”

“Quite frankly we need some players to stand up on defense and win one-on-ones,” Whisenhunt said. “As a pass rusher, you have to win. Not every battle. But you have to win some of the battles.”

A NIGHT PRACTICE

The Cardinals will have their main practice Tuesday at night – their lone night practice of camp. A full-padded workout is expected, with a live goal-line session at the end. The practice will be held at Coconino High School, with NAU’s Lumberjack Stadium still under construction.

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Arizona Cardinals : News

A Quarterback Who Can Move

Filed under Arizona Cardinals by on August 16, 2011 at 5:31 am {no comments}

FLAGSTAFF – When Kevin Kolb got outside and turned the corner en route to a 15-yard gain, it was a part of a quarterback’s game that was never available from a Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson.

The Cardinals aren’t going to go and ask Kolb to be Michael Vick or anything. His mobility helps, but “if you are asking if we are going to have four or five designed quarterback runs in a game? Probably not,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

“I think you don’t take it into account unless you have some naked (bootlegs), things like that,” Whisenhunt added. “When things break down, which happens in this league, quarterbacks can keep plays alive with their feet and make plays.”

Whisenhunt noted the ability to move around can be great even if the quarterback isn’t gaining 50 yards rushing a game. That’s what Whisenhunt had as offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh when Ben Roethlisberger arrived.

“I had the great fortune of working with and coaching one of the best I have ever seen with that in Pittsburgh,” Whisenhunt said. “Ben was able to extend the play and make plays down the field. That is one way to have success. You still have to be able to stand in the pocket and make your reads and put the ball accurately and on time. You don’t necessarily count on his ability to run, but it certainly is a bonus when things break down.”

Kolb ran often in college at the University of Houston, and he hasn’t been shy to run since arriving in the NFL. Kolb gained 65 yards on 15 carries for the Eagles last season over five starts.

“It’s not the best part of my game, but I like to think I can move around if I have to,” Kolb said. “I want to be able to move in the pocket subtly. Getting out and run, anyone can do that. To be in the pocket and trust it, there is a fine line there and you have to make sure you trust that O-line at all times.”

PRESSURING ONE-ON-ONE

Whisenhunt talked recently about having his running backs needing to win one-on-one matchups with linebackers or whatever defender might be out on them. The same goes for his defense when it comes to the pass rush.

The hope is that new defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s scheme will create some sacks. Other times, Whisenhunt said, “we’ve got to be better in winning our one-on-one matchups.”

“Quite frankly we need some players to stand up on defense and win one-on-ones,” Whisenhunt said. “As a pass rusher, you have to win. Not every battle. But you have to win some of the battles.”

A NIGHT PRACTICE

The Cardinals will have their main practice Tuesday at night – their lone night practice of camp. A full-padded workout is expected, with a live goal-line session at the end. The practice will be held at Coconino High School, with NAU’s Lumberjack Stadium still under construction.

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In Line Behind Kolb

Filed under Arizona Cardinals by on August 15, 2011 at 9:31 pm {no comments}

FLAGSTAFF – Rich Bartel feigned surprise when it was suggested Kevin Kolb was a lock to be the Cardinals’ starting quarterback.

“I’m going to keep fighting, and 21 million dollars later, we’ll see what happens,” Bartel deadpanned.

The reference was to the reported guaranteed money of Kolb’s new contract, one of a few reasons Kolb will be behind center. Kolb is also the best quarterback the Cards have right now, which is the biggest reason.

Behind Kolb, however, there is competition. Three players – Bartel, John Skelton and Max Hall – are looking to fill what will probably be two roster spots (the Cards could go with two quarterbacks, but the Cards have shied away from that since 2007 when injuries hit both Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart).

The depth chart currently has, in order, Skelton, Bartel and Hall. All three were effective in their time during the first preseason game. Each threw a touchdown pass. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said that effort “muddied the picture” in terms of his decision-making, making the eventual choice that much more difficult.

But all three know there will eventually be a choice.

“Kevin comes in highly touted, he’s having a great camp and he was behind the eight-ball having to sit out those (early) practices,” Skelton said. “But that week or so when it was just the three of us, we were pushing each other. One of us would make a play and another of us would make a play too. It stinks because we know in all likelihood someone will have to be let go, and whoever that is it will be rough because I think we have great chemistry in the quarterbacks room.

“We don’t really talk about it but I think everyone knows in the back of their head and it’s a tough situation for anyone to be in.”

Skelton, who started four games at the end of last season and was a fifth-round pick, seems the safest of all. He is expected to be the backup. But Whisenhunt noted that Skelton still needs to improve on commanding the huddle and understanding the plays. Skelton also lost the offseason that could have helped him, and didn’t play much last preseason because, at the time, Leinart and Derek Anderson got most of the work.

Just because Skelton had four starts, Whisenhunt said, “that doesn’t prepare him automatically to take the reins and run with it.”

Nothing in this competition is guaranteed. Hall went from being the backup coming out of camp last year – and winning his first NFL start – to possibly being nudged out by Bartel on the roster (neither Bartel or Hall are practice-squad eligible). Bartel, meanwhile, has been through this many times. He was plucked from the UFL late last season when Hall was injured, and has appeared in only one NFL game despite this being his third NFL season at 28 years old.

“It’s a little bit of everything, right?” Bartel said. “It’s exciting, it’s stressful, it’s fun. It’s unique. At the end of the day, no one else can really relate to you except the other guys in that room that you are competing with. From that aspect, the dynamic is awesome.”

The one benefit is that all three were around in 2010, allowing a comfort level Kolb wasn’t afforded. Both Skelton and Bartel acknowledge having an offseason would have helped, but Bartel said he finally feels mentally caught up from when he first arrived and Skelton said his camp this year is “night and day” compared to last year.

Even Hall spoke about how his two-minute, game-winning drive against Oakland was the most at ease he has been on an NFL field.

“That comes with experience, and last year, whether it was good or bad experience, it was experience,” Hall said. “It got me better.”

Whisenhunt said he prefers difficult decisions when it comes to the roster. All three quarterbacks are hoping they can provide that kind of pressure.

“The mentality isn’t that you are competing with John or with Max,” Bartel said. “I’m not throwing against John or Max. I am throwing against the defense.

“Hoping someone does bad is not why you want to earn the job. You want to earn the job because you are the best guy for the job.”

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A Nose Under The Right Conditions

Filed under Arizona Cardinals by on August 15, 2011 at 3:31 am {no comments}

FLAGSTAFF – At some point, Dan Williams knew nose tackle was going to be his job.

“When you’re drafted number one, there will be a point where they tell you, ‘You’re the guy we are counting on,’ ” Williams said.

At this point, though, that isn’t the end of the message Williams is getting. The Cards, who have the second-year player atop the depth chart, are also telling him he needs to be in better shape.

“I need more out of him,” defensive coordinator Ray Horton said. “We need him to get into shape, and we need more out of him. We think he’s a Pro Bowl-caliber nose tackle. That is what we are going to demand and expect from him.”

Playing a position where size and girth are a benefit, the Cardinals still want Williams under control weight-wise. He is listed at 327 pounds, and whatever extra weight he was carrying it wasn’t significant (one report had him seven pounds heavy to start camp). More importantly, the Cards want Williams better conditioned to be able to hold up during the game.

Given that the nose tackle holding up is crucial to Horton’s defense, it’s not a small request. Williams emphasizes he did work out in the offseason, but also knows he fell short of his – and the team’s – goals.

“I’m not in football shape and 7,000-foot elevation doesn’t really help, but for the most part, I feel good,” Williams said. “Against Oakland I didn’t really get winded, so what I am doing now is helping. You can’t change the past but I’m just trying to help the team.”

Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett praised Williams, saying his teammate “took it to heart” when he realized he wasn’t ready for camp.

“I had a long conversation with him, and it’s funny, I only had to have one conversation,” Dockett said. “He’s in here twice a day with cardio, he runs after practice extra every day. He don’t even complain, because he knows what he has to do. The defense can’t go without him.”

Horton is still trying to figure out what makes many of his players tick, and that includes Williams. The learning curve is being climbed – “I said something subtle to Dan and he came back at me, so I know he’s competitive,” Horton said – but there is also competition. Horton made clear he likes sixth-round pick David Carter, the backup nose tackle.

Williams said learning the defense enough so that he is reacting more than thinking will help his play. But that’s only part of the equation, and Williams needs to improve both places to become the player Horton and the Cards crave.

“You definitely have to get your job done,” Williams said. “If not, you’ll hurt the whole middle of the defense. Now it’s get your hands on people, make sure you hold up the center. You can’t really look for the ball because you’ll get driven back. I’ve got to get to my gap and stay there. You’re the key.”

EVALUATING PETERSON

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said rookie cornerback Patrick Peterson “has a little ways to go” and wasn’t going to gush about Peterson’s play in the preseason opener. That’s not a surprise when it comes to a rookie, players Whisenhunt wants to see earn their way on the field.

It is clear Whisenhunt believes Peterson will get there, though, in large part because of his confidence.

“He’s a very confident young man but it is not an arrogant confidence,” Whisenhunt said. “He wants to do it the right way and he is eager to learn. A lot of this business is how you respond to failure. Whether you run the wrong route or don’t line up on the right side of the formation or you don’t hit a kick well, you’re going to get yelled at or receive criticism. In a 60- or 70-play game, there will be things that don’t go right. How you respond to that defines what you become.”

SPECIAL PLAYERS

The Cardinals used linebacker Daryl Washington as a gunner on punt coverage against Oakland. Whisenhunt said it shouldn’t be a shock, since he believes starters should play at least some special teams. It isn’t an every-time thing, instead based on how much those players are playing on offense or defense. It could be Washington as gunner, Peterson as return man, or Calais Campbell blocking field goals.

“In certain situations, we’re going to ask them to play, ask them to lead,” Whisenhunt said.

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Pressuring The Passer

Filed under Arizona Cardinals by on August 14, 2011 at 10:31 pm {no comments}

FLAGSTAFF – Kevin Kolb’s first introduction to 11-on-11 in practice was a flood of defensive bodies invading the backfield.

The quarterback scrambled around, as did backup John Skelton during his reps that day, until finally safety Adrian Wilson bellowed “Don’t know if y’all know, but we’re bringing pressure.”

From the day new defensive coordinator Ray Horton was hired and introduced himself by telling the world the Cards’ first defensive play would be a blitz, the idea of the pass rush and pressuring the quarterback has been at the forefront.

The Cardinals did not do well in that area last season, just one of many areas that didn’t work in 2010. Team sack leader Calais Campbell only had six. Linebacker Joey Porter, brought in ostensibly to provide pressure, had just five in a self-admittedly poor season. Darnell Dockett saw his sack total drop to five from nine the season before.

In came Horton to replace Bill Davis, and the change is evident.

“It doesn’t matter who is starting, just that when guys are out there we get pressure on the quarterback,” linebacker O’Brien Schofield said. “We run the same defense as the Steelers and you look at how crucial it is for them when they get the pass rush from James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley.

“We have to, I won’t say mimic, but bring the same intensity to the pass rush. If we do that, we have a great secondary and we will be able to get some things done.”

The Cardinals don’t have the same personnel as the Steelers. Harrison and Woodley are proven commodities at the position most important to the scheme – “If you are a pass rusher, you have to love this system,” said Porter, who played it in Pittsburgh – while the Cards are searching for that guy.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he thought the pass rush pressure was decent in the preseason opener in Oakland. There were a few times when the coverage drops were poor, he said, allowing receivers to get underneath the defenders so the Raiders quarterbacks could have quick and easy throws. Fix that, Whisenhunt said, and the Cards would have reached the QB more often.

Regardless, the Cards are going to go after the quarterback hard. Clearly, the idea many times is simply to blitz so hard the opposing QB will have a difficult time reacting.

“My job is to find ways to do it,” Horton said. “I have to find who does what best. If that means this guy or that guy, it’s a different team (than the Steelers), but we will be able to do it.”

The Cards are pinning many hopes on Schofield, the 2010 fourth-round pick who transitioned from college defensive end. Schofield wasn’t even supposed to play last year after blowing out his knee in a Senior Bowl practice in January of 2010, but he did end up in 10 games, notching two sacks in limited time.

He’s healthy now, although far from a polished product.

“I want to get better in coverage, because for me pass rush is a given. That’s why I’m here,”
Schofield said. “They will see (who I am) as the season goes on. I want to be as consistent as I can be. I will do my best not to be up and down. They will know me as a hard worker, even if I don’t get a sack, if it’s 10 tackles, a pass breakup, whatever I can do to help this defense.”

The sacks and quarterback hurries are going to be Schofield’s main job, however. Horton praised the early showing from rookie Sam Acho, another guy moving from college defensive end to linebacker. With Porter and fellow starter Clark Haggans older and near the end of their careers, the Cards must infuse the new blood at outside linebacker.

Last year, Schofield said the issues came with depth. Between the loss of Cody Brown – a 2009 second-round pick who turned out to be a bust – was released, Schofield’s rehab and a foot injury to Will Davis, Porter and Haggans ended up playing much too much.

“You can’t blame those guys and expect them to give 100 percent when they play every snap, thinking they won’t be tired,” Schofield said. “Pass rush takes a lot out of you because you’ve got to give everything you’ve got.”

It won’t just be about the outside linebackers, of course. The blitzing will come from everywhere, which should give players like Wilson (assuming he is able to play), cornerback Patrick Peterson and inside linebackers Daryl Washington and Stewart Bradley, for instance, shots at the quarterback.

However it’s done, the urgency to create that urgency has never been greater. The defense – and in many ways, the Cards’ hope for success this season – relies on it.

“I know schematically it works,” Horton said. “We just have to get that pressure.”

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