Arizona Cardinals Off Season To Do List: Decided between Skelton or Kolb?
By Editorial Staff
Arizona Cardinals off Season Check List
2011 Outcome (8-8)
The Cardinals were 1-6 and 2 things were on the horizon: Whisenhurst being dangerously close to being fired and the Cardinals being in the running for Andrew Luck. The next 9 weeks brought a 7-2 record. Most of those wins came from John Skelton. The Cardinals paid good money and draft picks to acquire Kevin Kolb from the Eagles…but 2nd year backup Skelton had 6 of the wins. While his statistics weren’t noticeably different the results were. Where do the Cardinals go from here?
Coach Seat Temperature
Ken Whisenhunt has a 40-40 record with the Cardinals. While most franchises would not be too happy the Cardinals were not most teams. Whisenhunt has done a tremendous job reviving this dead franchise. Also the loss of Warner set them back after a Super Bowl appearance. I think Whisenhunt is perfectly safe for the moment. DC Ray Horton did a fabulous job with what he had. OC Miller might be taking a back seat to old OC Todd Haley.
2011 Draft Class Rating (A-)
This class is the type that can elevate your football team. Patrick Peterson is just a flat out playmaker. He might be the best return man in football and has the makings of a shut down CB. Ryan Williams missed the 2011 season but should be a solid RB. Housler struggled a bit in 2011 but should improve. Sam Acho appears to be a very good pass rusher at the OLB position. The rest of this class had ST standouts and provide quality depth.
2010 Draft Class Rating (B)
The 2010 Class was rock solid as well. Dan Williams has not been as good as advertised but provides solid play at NT. Darryl Washington has Pro Bowl potential at ILB. Andre Roberts and O’Brien Schofield are possible starters in waiting. John Skelton is a very sound backup QB and is pushing to start.
2009 Draft Class Rating (D-)
Not every draft class can be a hit. Chris Wells is a very good RB who cannot stay healthy. Cody Brown and Rashad Johnson are busts. The rest of the class is either backups only or have already been cut.
Current Needs
Offense: WR, TE, OT, OG
Defense: ILB, OLB, CB, FS
Current FA
Early Douchet: While not special he is a quality WR who provides depth and has improved a bit over the last season.
Levi Brown: While not LT material he is a quality RT player with the ability to fill in at LT if injuries hit.
Calais Campbell: Campbell is one of the better 3-4 DE players. Cardinals must resign him if the defense wants to avoid a slip in play.
Richard Marshall: Had a very solid season at CB and filled in well at FS whenRhodes went down with injury. His versatility should be welcomed back.
Current Mock
1. David DeCastro OG Stanford
3. Tank Carder ILB TCU
4. Keith Tandy CB WV