Three Things to Look For From Cards Camp 2007

Three Things to Look For From Cards Camp 2007

We all know that the offensive line is a focus for Arizona entering Cards Camp 2007-- it has pretty much been talked to death. These other three factors are just as important for the Cardinals in 2007. The solutions and the preparation to better the 2006 campaign, starts at Cards Camp 2007 and does not only involve the offensive line.

1. Can the Cardinals get quality play from the cornerback position? This question has somehow gone overlooked. The Cardinals defensive secondary other than Adrian Wilson, got torched last year. First round draft choice in 2005, Antrel Rolle only had one interception in 16 games last year, just one pick. Some see Roll as a safety but the reality is he is slotted at cornerback. Roll needs to play THAT position better in 2007. Eric Green also has a ton of potential but may not have realized it yet. This year is a reality check for both Green and Rolle. Roderick Hood was brought in this off- season to jump- start the Arizona secondary. The fact is, of the three, Hood is the most proven and has produced when given the chance. Hood is going to get another chance in 2007. Roll and Green will need to mature this year and the coaching staff is going to need to hide some of the weakness in this secondary while Green and Roll continue to mature. This is going to be an interesting depth chart battle as well, look for Hood to see a lot of playing time in the pre- season and if he looks good, he'll be the Cards second cornerback.

2.  Can Darnell Dockett, Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor play the 3-4 and make that adjustment in 2007? I feel they can but last year this group feel to the bottom half of the league in defense. Bertrand Berry has missed a ton of time over the last two years and Dockett had a quiet 2006 season. Berry could have a monster year if he can stay healthy and master the defensive end, outside linebacker rush scheme. Darnell Dockett will now be playing end so look for this undersized defensive tackle to be a force with his quick first step and defensive tackle power. Okeafor should also have a sweet year due to his speed and athletic prowess. The nose tackle situation is the real question mark here. Two former Michigan studs will battle for the majority of the snaps. Alan Branch and Gabe Watson are monsters but both have come to camp slimmed down and ready to play. These two could turn into NFL stars but only time will tell. With the 3-4 defense, you need speed, you need pass rushers and you need linebackers that can cover-- Arizona on paper, as all of this.

3.  Can the Cardinals special- teams have a better 2007 season?
The Cards special- teams were horrid, flat out miserable in 2006. The Cardinals have a talented unit though. A former Pro Bowl punter and kicker as well as a quality long- snapper but this group took a step back in 2006. Neal Rackers had impressive numbers in 2005 with 140 total points and over 95 percent accuracy but in 2006, the always eager to tackle you place kicker mustered a mere 116 points with a field goal percentage of only 75. Scott Player has always been one of the league's best punters and we all love his face- mask (it sucks) but Player's numbers also tanked. In 2005, Player averaged 37 yards per punt but in 2006, that average dropped to just 34.5 yards, not good. Another sweet thing with Coach Wiz and company is his focus on special- teams. Kevin Spencer is the new special- teams guy in Arizona and with Whisenhunt, they have retained some of the best Cardinal special team players. Look for rookie tackling machine Buster Davis to add a spark to this unit. If Rackers can get back to 130 plus points and 85 percent and if Player back to his old self, the Cardinals can win close games instead of loosing them-- the Cardiac Cards.