This could be a big day for Jerad Allen

That offensive line has been the target of all the "non-finger pointing" this week in the Arizona Cardinal camp. They have quietly been said to be the reason for the recent "unsuccess" of RB Edgerin James and a big part pf the reason Kurt Warner has been seated. (Of course Warner was the person throwing those untimely, inappropriate passes, that ended up in the arms of the opposition).

The malaise has been there all along- at least since the Cardinals' wasted the number 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft. They took on the 6-6, 366-pound Leonard Davis figuring that they were getting a mammoth LT who could anchor that side and form a foundation of a wall designed to give the QB, whoever he was, time to find those excellent wide receivers. The only thing that Davis has proven over time is that he cant move his feet. He can't handle speed rushers. Paying attention Jerad Allen?

As a result Davis has found himself the foundation of an offensive line that has given up 13 sacks in the first four games, for a total of 89 lost yards. Will the Chiefs fierce pass rush account for even more? I bet they will.

The teams interception totals are just as dreary. Along with the five that Kurt has chucked, rookie Matt Leinhart in his first game threw one last week. He was 6-9 for 54yds with 1 int and 1 sack. He knows pressure already.

On the other side at the right tackle Oliver Ross isnt all that much better. He and center Alex Stepanovich and guards Reggie Wells and Milford Brown all have some NFL experience. Brown though, is in his first Cardinal season, he has at least some excuse. Together they haven't played that much, as a unit. The remaining three spot mentioned have been slowed by injuries in the last couple years. So, yes, it all looks pretty bleak!

Brian Baldinger, one writer for Sports Illustrated has observed:
"They [the cardinals O line} miss a lot of assignments. For example, when linemen double-team a defender, one guy typically is supposed to slip off the block and pick off a linebacker or defensive back at the next level. But the Cardinals constantly take their double-teams to the wrong guy. Physically, they're not bad. But mentally, they're completely out of sync. They get confused, fail to adjust, turn guys loose -- and then watch while Warner gets sacked or James gets stuffed. It's ugly"

I guess it's like EJames said this week, that It's not time to point fingers. He added that it's not like they can go out and make changes at this time of year. So he himself is resigned to just play the "cards" they been dealt. He urges others that it is time to buckle down, to learn the system and they can all ride the horse that brung 'em.

I myself say good luck to them. I do mean it- but please, could you all wait about one more week? We thankya!



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