Bleacher Report - Articles by Sean Morris

Todd Haley's Departure:The Play-Calling Will Change In Arizona

Sean Morris — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:00:11 -0400

Todd Haley vacated his play-calling post in Arizona's high-powered offense for a shot at rebuilding Kansas City.

Now head coach Ken Whisenhunt will get back to play-calling, which is what got him his job with the Cardinals in the first place.

Whisenhunt called the plays for Pittsburgh when they got their "one for the thumb" back in 2006. He had great success because the Steelers had a run-first offense and a talented young quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger.

But let's not kid ourselves, Pittsburgh was, and probably always will be, built around its defense.

In the 2006 Super Bowl, Roethlisberger's passer rating was 22.6, the lowest ever by a winning quarterback in the Super Bowl.

The year after that Pittsburgh went 8-8, missing the playoffs with Whisenhunt still as their offensive coordinator. There was something missing.

His name is Jerome Bettis. He retired a champion.

Although Willie Parker had far more attempts, he only scored five touchdowns for the whole 2005 season, while Jerome Bettis scored 12.

I know what you're thinking, "It's all about situational play-calling."

But that's the point.

All play-calling is situational and personnel related. The challenges Whisenhunt will face this year will most likely be with his personnel.

Whisenhunt wont have a top notch run game or a Jerome Bettis-type player to consistently get those important yards on third and fourth down.

A player like Bettis makes play-calling easier. Everyone knows what's coming on short yardage plays, but they just can't stop it.

Arizona was last in the league rushing the ball for 2008, averaging a meager 73.6 yards/game.

Whisenhunt also wont have a shutdown defense to win him games. His decisions on offense will now more than ever decide whether his team wins or loses.

In 2007, his first year with Arizona, Whisenhunt was calling the plays and they went 8-8, just like his last season with Pittsburgh. The difference was that .500 record was a big improvement for the Cardinals.

Whisenhunt delegated play-calling to Todd Haley last year, and his aggressive pass-first mentality gave the Cardinals an edge they never had before.

Kurt Warner plays his best when he's getting a lot of reps fast, which is why he looks so good improvising in the hurry-up.

They passed the ball 65 percent of the time—a far cry from the ratio Whisenhunt called in Pittsburgh.

To make matters more complicated, the Cardinals will have Russ Grimm as their running game coordinator, and Mike Miller as their passing game coordinator.

Russ Grimm was with Whisenhunt in Pittsburgh and they will want to run the ball more this year.

A risky move, but one that could make the Cardinals more of a threat outside their division if it works. They ended the regular season 3-7 against non-divisional opponents last year.

Tim Hightower and Chris "Beanie" Wells are no Jerome Bettis, but they could improve the Cardinals' run game with consistent touches. There's really nowhere to go but up.

Whisenhunt will have to pass the ball more than he likes to be successful, but it works for this team.

An improved run game will be good for the Cardinals, just as long as they don't lose their identity.

A CBS Correspondent Hopeful's Questions for Anquan Boldin

Sean Morris — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:54:07 -0400

Can you imagine how amazing it would be if you were able to sit down with Anquan Boldin, during the most uncertain time of his career, and get honest answers?

There are so many important, interesting, and timely questions for No. 81.

I get the feeling his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, would never let it happen, but thinking about it makes me really want the coveted press pass credentials.

Any reporter would need to approach this interview with caution, and be willing to abandon the script if things took a turn for the worst.

To get the most out of Boldin, a reporter would have to trust his/her instincts and hope for the best.

My interview style is very conversational. When something interests me, I continue the interview in that direction.

Here is a list of questions I would ask the standout receiver...

1. What was playing in the Super Bowl like, and did you ever think you would play in the big game for the Cardinals?

2. In your opinion, what was the biggest reason your team lost the big game?

3. What was it like to sit out against the Panthers in the playoffs with a hamstring injury and watch your team completely dominate?

4. You were on the receiving end of the most violent hit I have ever seen in the NFL last year against the Jets. What made you still want to play after that and come back to your team so quickly?

5. You and Kurt Warner were seen disgruntled with former offensive coordinator Todd Haley on the sidelines at different times last year. Most notably you during the Super Bowl. Are you happy to see him gone from the Cardinals?

6. You have said that you love playing on this team, but are unhappy with the management, going as far to say that they lied to you. Can your relationship with the Cardinals be resolved with a bigger contract?

7. How much money do you want?

8. You played last year even though you were unhappy with your contract. Any chance of that happening this year?

9. You came into the league in 2003 and instantly became a star, catching 101 passes for 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. What did you think when the Cardinals drafted Larry Fitzgerald in the first round the following year?

10. You had your best scoring output last year with 11 touchdowns, even though you missed training camp. How do you explain your increased production and how do you look to improve on your success this year?

11. How much time do you need with a quarterback to get on the same page? How important is the reciever's relationship to a quarterback?

12. If you end up on a different team this year, what kind of legacy do you leave behind in Arizona. What do you want to be remembered for?

These are the biggest questions I would ask Anquan Boldin. Even with press pass credentials, this interview would probably never happen, but it's fun to dream.

To interview NFL stars would be amazing; I would eat it up.

Heisman Trophy Winner Matt Leinart Could Be Bumped to Third String

Sean Morris — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:28:12 -0400

After the Arizona Cardinals won the 2008 NFC Championship, Matt Leinart was quoted as saying he could have led the team just as far as Kurt Warner.

Now, head coach Ken Whisenhunt has said, during 2009 training camp, Leinart will have to compete with Brian St. Pierre for the No. 2 spot behind Kurt Warner.

Confidence is key, but Leinart's chances of becoming something in the NFL are hindered by his delusional self image.

How in his right mind could he think his game is as good as Kurt Warner's?

The answer lies in the question. Leinart is not right in the head. For fun, let's just compare Warner and Leinart.

The body of Kurt Warner's work speaks for itself. It's debated whether or not he will end up in the Hall of Fame, but in my mind he's a shoe-in.

Warner had all of those great performances with the Rams (the greatest show on turf), throwing to one of the most exciting and dominant receiving tandems in Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. Also, Marshall Faulk was a dual threat, and at one time he could not be stopped.

What Warner has done for the Cardinals is impressive in a different way because he had to gain his proper place as a starter back from Leinart. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin have emerged as the best receiving tandem in the NFL, with Warner throwing them the ball.

Warner has played in three Super Bowls and currently holds the record for pass yards in the big game. His overall career stats are 28,581 yards, 182 touchdowns, 114 interceptions, and a 65 percent completion rating.

Matt Leinart's NFL career is most remembered for being on the losing end of one of the biggest second half comebacks in Monday night history in 2006 against the Bears. Up 23-3 at the half, Matt Leinart and the Cardinals somehow found a way to lose it.

Leinart's career stats are 3,458 yards, 14 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, and a 56 percent completion rating.

It might not be fair to compare Leinart and Warner in this way. Leinart hasn't had that many chances.

I'd like to point to a single game in which Leinart played the first half and Warner played the second. This is the best comparison because they played against the same defense in the same conditions.

It was against the Baltimore Ravens in 2007.

Leinart's first half was abysmal. He completed nine passes on 20 attempts for 53 yards—no interceptions though, which is good. Leinart's passer rating for the game was 52.1.

This wasn't his worst outing.

Warner's second half was amazing. He completed 15 passes on 20 attempts for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Warner's passer rating was 150.0.

The Cardinals lost the game, but it was not Warner's fault.

Warner came into the game with a fire, and he trusted himself like he always does. Warner and his quick release was threading balls to his receivers, moving the ball down the field with authority against a good Ravens defense.

In comparison, Leinart's first half was emotionless. He was lofting balls up to no one. It was never more evident that he lacked the decision making skills of a good NFL quarterback than in that game.

Personality-wise, Warner and Leinart couldn’t be more different. When Warner is a backup, he’s always engaged in the game trying to help his team. Leinart at times pouts on the sideline as a backup, feeling sorry for himself that he’s not playing.

Warner got his status in the NFL through unadulterated work progress starting in the Arena Football League and at one time bagging groceries.

Leinart appears to want his spot as a starter handed to him.

He’s not the first QB to achieve greatness at the college level and fail professionally, and he won’t be the last.

Just look at the list of QB Heisman Trophy winners. It’s a list of who’s who in NFL flops with just a few exceptions.

I’d say the Cardinals should trade Leinart, but I don’t think anyone wants him. If he wants to remain the number two guy with a shot at potentially playing down the road for the Cardinals, Leinart has to work harder.

That still might not be enough.

The Arizona Cardinals' D-Line in Transition: Darnell Dockett Wants Out

Sean Morris — Sun, 17 May 2009 03:50:48 -0400

The boys are not back in town.

Three key players most likely will not be returning to the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals' defensive line.

Darnell Dockett has demanded a trade after the Cardinals refused to give him more money. Nothing is certain at this point, but it looks like he's gone.

Antonio Smith is already gone to the Texans. He left quickly. The Texans signed him on February 28th, just 27 days after the Cardinals' Super Bowl let down. He got paid. Smith should be good for them.

Travis LaBoy, a little known hybrid defensive end, will undergo ankle surgery this month and could miss the entire season. For those of you who don't know him, he's the white guy with long hair coming out the back of his helmet a la Pat Tillman.

It has been said that the defense wins championships. The Cardinals almost disproved that last year. They played inspired defense in the playoffs, but that's not what got them there.

They fired defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast shortly after their loss on the world's biggest stage when the Pittsburgh Steelers came back to win with a long, methodical drive orchestrated by "Big Ben" Roethlisberger.

That drive was truly amazing, but the NFL (like all professional sports) is about the bottom line. The Arizona Cardinals' defense failed them when it mattered most.

They were a lot better than in years past, but the Cards' defense gave up over 30 points five times last season. Three of those games were over 40, and one was over 50.

The Cardinals were 16th in the league in rush defense, giving up 110 rush yards a game. They tied for 14th overall in sacks with 31 on the season.

The point is their defensive line was middle of the pack. Let’s not forget they're in the NFC West, which, aside from the Cardinals, was the weakest offensive division.

So, the Cardinals' defensive line has room for improvement. It looks like they'll have to rebuild, but it could work out for the best.

The Cardinals drafted four defensive players including outside linebacker Cody Brown from the University of Connecticut and defensive end Will Davis from Illinois. Scouts weren't talking them up too much, but maybe the Cards see something they don't.

They still have Bertrand Berry, a 12 year veteran on a one year contract who will get a lot more playing time than last year. This could be his last season.

Since the Cardinals' defensive line was middle of the pack they have room to improve, but they also have room to regress. How they promote and develop their players will determine their success or failure.

Former linebacking coach Bill Davis is now the defensive coordinator. The linebacking core for the Cardinals has been solid since Davis has been coaching, so it will be interesting to see if his promotion translates to overall defensive improvement.

Anquan Boldin and the Arizona Cardinals: Stay Together for the Kids?

Sean Morris — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:06:31 -0400

As Anquan Boldin's seemingly lifeless body lay in the New York Jets' end zone on week four last year I wasn't the only one who thought, "That man is dead."

After being sandwiched by two lunging Jets defensive backs, Boldin's head hit the ground hard and his body went limp. He was knocked out and had to be carted off on a stretcher.

Jets fans everywhere were chanting, "He got, JACKED UP!" emulating the ESPN segment touting the biggest hits of the week and season.

Cardinals fans didn't immediately recognize the seriousness of the situation. Boldin takes hits, that's his MO. He's usually the guy initiating the contact and undoubtedly the toughest receiver in football.

So when it was revealed Boldin would have to undergo structural face surgery and receive metal plates, the severity of his injury was evident.

Surprisingly the only person who considered retirement after this incident was Kurt Warner. He felt responsible for the play. In Warner's eyes he never should have thrown the ball into double coverage.

That play really drives home how dangerous the NFL can be. Most QB's don't want to throw into double coverage because it could result in an interception. This play shows throwing into double coverage is also risky for the health of your teammates.

I knew Boldin was tough, but to only miss two games after such a punishing hit was amazing and inspirational.

Boldin is a football player. Plain and simple. When he's saying he wants more money it's because he deserves it. He puts his career, and sometimes his life on the line in every game.

So the Cardinals management has an interesting choice as they debate how to handle Boldin's contract situation.

On one hand they already have a talented number one receiver in Larry Fitzgerald, while on the other Boldin is the kind of player that will elevate any team he plays for.

My advice to the Cardinals management is to pay Boldin whatever he wants. Especially because Warner and Fitzgerald have said they will take pay cuts in order to keep Boldin on the team. It makes fiscal sense to get the most for the money.

Plus Boldin and Fitzgerald have been on the same team their whole careers. If they stay together they will be debated as the best receiving tandem of all time.

With all the flashy wide receivers begging for attention in the league, Boldin has never succumbed to such degradation.

When Boldin asks for more money it's not because he thinks his marketability has outgrown his pay, it's because his play on the field is a superior product and the only way he knows how to play is dangerous.

Boldin wanted more money last year, but the Cardinals refused to rework his contract. Boldin missed training camp but played anyway. He stayed together for the kids, knowing his spat with management wasn't going to be resolved.

But now it seems Boldin recognizes he can't gamble with his body.

As the NFL heads toward an uncapped season it's time for teams to pay up, especially to players that are part of their identity.

In order to build on their success last year the Cardinals should keep Boldin for all the right reasons.

The Arizona Cardinals' Window Is Closing, Kurt Warner Needs Protection

Sean Morris — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:12:57 -0400

The Arizona Cardinals made it all the way to their first Super Bowl last year and should have high expectations for their 2009 season, but uncertainty looms almost everywhere you look.

Anquan Boldin, Darnell Dockett, Karlos Dansby, and Adrian Wilson represent the short list of players who would like more money or would rather play somewhere else.

Will head coach Ken Whisenhunt be calling the plays?

Will Kurt Warner recover from hip surgery?

One thing is certain; unless Russ Grimm gets their offensive line to improve they wont make the playoffs.

When defenses play Arizona they have an easy route to the backfield.

The Cardinals have a porous offensive line, little run game, and pass protection greatly exaggerated by Warner's quick ability (more like necessity) to pull the trigger on his rocket-arm.

Without a doubt, the Cards had success last year because of Warner getting the ball to playmakers fast, despite being driven into the turf by constant defensive pressure.

Warner was a pocket-passer, but now he's something else. The Cardinals offensive line doesn't consistently form a pocket, so he doesn't have time to sit back and survey the field like a Tom Brady.

Kurt Warner has to be quick with his reads, tough, and lucky not to get seriously hurt.

The receiving tandem of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin is known as the best in the NFL, but no one knows if they will stay together. Boldin would be a number one receiver on any other team, so it shouldn't be surprising to anyone Boldin wants proper compensation.

As far as offensive philosophy the Cards pass to set up more pass. Forget about setting up the run. They rarely had rushing success last year.

Everyone knows traditionally you have to run to set up the pass. Without a reliable offensive line, the Cards were forced many times to abandon the run game.

Rookie Tim Hightower led the team with 143 rushing attempts and scored 10 touchdowns, yet only accumulated 399 yards.

The Cardinals lack of run game was evidenced by their drafting of Chris "Beanie" Wells in the first round and the releasing of Edgerrin James.

James was a workhorse in Indianapolis for years, always staying low and falling forward after contact. With the Cardinals, James was often hit behind the line of scrimmage. Even though he was falling forward, it was usually for minimal gain.

Chris Wells could give the Cardinals a better first-down run option, but there are questions about how productive he will be in the NFL. After all, he did run for Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse. Plus he spent time injured.

Although he is built bigger than James and Hightower, Wells wont be much of a threat if he doesn't get good push from the offensive line.

The only player who could break multiple tackles in the backfield several times in one game was Barry Sanders. Unfortunately for the Cardinals he's not pulling a Favre.

The Cards ended the regular season 9-7 last year with an impressive 6-0 division record and conference title.

There are no flukes in the NFL. The Cardinals had an impressive run last year because they were good, but whether or not that will translate to anything tangible this year is just plain uncertain.