Diner Morning News: Super Bowl Curse

(Photo by Jonathan Willey/Getty Images)

1. Replace left tackle Mike Gandy. I admire Gandy; he’s been a very good player for nine NFL seasons (almost every doctor in the NFL failed him on his physical because of knee and shoulder problems, although he keeps playing), but he was never meant to play left tackle. He has always been a fill-in and has filled in decently at left tackle (I give my man Bobby “Babe” DePaul of the Bears credit for thinking he could be a left tackle). Gandy cost them in big games, especially the Super Bowl. They must improve here.

2. Get a tight end who can block for all the one-back sets in both the run and pass games. Check (signed Anthony Becht).

3. Find a big-time runner—someone who can make a difference. Check (drafted my man Chris “Beanie” Wells, who will be huge this year).

4. Give some love to Anquan Boldin, but if he doesn’t give it back (I’m not talking about a new contract, I’m talking about a relationship on the field), apply the “Law of Threes” to him. Using it on anyone who wants to be different will be the key to success for the Cardinals.

5. Put pressure on Alan Branch, Gabe Watson, and Calais Campbell to become players now. If they don’t respond soon, think about signing Kevin Carter to add depth to the defensive line.

For the Cards to find success in 2009, Warner has to stay healthy.

6. Pray that Kurt Warner doesn’t get hurt. Limit his time in preseason games. I don’t like the idea of turning this team over to Matt Leinart.

7. If anyone has matching luggage on road trips, start worrying about their commitment to winning because they’ve gone Hollywood. I have a pet peeve when it comes to players with matching luggage. Our own Matt Bowen never had matching luggage—he just brought his toothbrush and a change of clothes; he understood it was a business trip. If Branch, Watson or Campbell have matching luggage, cut them on the spot because you’re wasting your time thinking they will be players.)

Scheme Checklist

1. Cut down the amount of schemes you run on defense and have a scheme that you know can stand the test of time. Work on improving the fundamentals and techniques of the players; don’t add more plays. Don’t forget, you were ranked 28th in points allowed last season.

2. Work on areas of strength on both sides of the ball. Practice longer on your red zone schemes—on offense and defense. Don’t practice longer or with more contact; practice smarter. The strong points of your team must stay strong.

3. Expect people to prepare for your offense with new ideas about slowing down your attack. Have new wrinkles, new ideas, but never lose the core of what you are as an offense.

4. Expect more people (college coaches, media, friends) at your training camp. Expect more attention from the national media. Be careful not to let other coaches observe your schemes. Trust no one.

5. Don’t be afraid to make unpopular choices. Status quo only promotes the same, and the whole theme of the offseason is to move forward.

6. Work one day at a time, and never think of the future. Keep bad practices in the context of the day, time and place. Never forget that the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint.

That’s my “Super Bowl Curse” checklist. I hope the Cards don’t suffer my pain of 12 losses.

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