SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Tyler Nickelhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-12-19T13:01:00-07:00https://arizona.sbnation.com/authors/tyler-nickel/rss2012-12-19T13:01:00-07:002012-12-19T13:01:00-07:00D-backs owner happy with work of his GM
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The Diamondbacks have made a few moves this offseason and Ken Kendrick seems to be pleased with what his GM is trying to build. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> haven't had an offseason like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a>, but they have acquired a few pieces and made a few trades in the hopes of making their team better for the upcoming season and beyond. </p>
<p>And owner Ken Kendrick seems to be on board with the moves his general manager, Kevin Towers is making. </p>
<p>Via MLB.com:</p>
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<p>"We have <span>Brandon McCarthy</span>, who I think is very affordable for the talent he brings," Kendrick said. "We have a shortstop [<span>Didi Gregorius</span>] that we have control over for six years, who has a lot of upside. Of course he's a young player and he's got to improve himself. <span>Eric Hinske</span> is a good-luck charm for every team it seems he plays on. <span>Eric Chavez</span> is a very fine player and gives us a righty-lefty [combination at third]. <span>Heath Bell</span> might be a candidate for a real bounceback. <span>Tony Sipp</span>, a great lefty, fits really well in our bullpen. [With] a mix of all those guys, with not an enormous amount of financial commitment, I think you can say, 'Job well done' to KT." </p>
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<p>Towers has managed to add bullpen help, another starting pitcher, a young shortstop that may be the everyday guy by the time the season rolls around and another third baseman. </p>
<p>Of all the moves, I am personally a bit skeptical. Of course Kendrick is going to be happy, as his payroll is only going to rise by a few million dollars, according to MLB writer Steve Gilbert. The D-backs figure to be spending somewhere in the vicinity of $85 million next season. </p>
<p>I just don't see any of these moves as being the kind of splashes that are going to help the Diamondbacks leapfrog the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a> or the Dodgers in the NL West. Heath Bell will need a huge bounce back year, as will Brandon McCarthy. The team already has a glut of closers in the pen and a solid rotation of starting pitchers. Were either of these moves entirely necessary? </p>
<p>Then you have the addition of Didi Gregorious. Could Arizona not manage to get more for their star, yet maligned pitcher, <span>Trevor Bauer</span>? Gregorious seems like a nice defensive prospect, but he doesn't add much in the way of hitting. Hopefully he can learn to develop that part of his game in AAA or learn quickly in the Majors. </p>
<p>Sipp, Chavez and Hinske will be solid depth guys, but nothing to carry on about. </p>
<p>So while Kendrick might be content with the moves Towers has made, color me skeptical. They are nice additions and they could easily help make the team stronger, but the Diamondbacks seem to be banking a lot on potential and bounce back years for their players instead of relying on proven, consistent talent. </p>
<p>But as long as the owner is happy, who cares, right? </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/12/19/3785016/diamondbacks-owner-ken-kendrick-praises-work-of-general-manager-kevinTyler Nickel2012-12-17T09:00:37-07:002012-12-17T09:00:37-07:00Beanie Wells ran well, but it may be too late
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<p>Wells played well for the Cardinals on Sunday by scoring three touchdowns against the Detroit Lions, but is his fate already sealed?</p> <p>In order for the Cardinals to break their nine-game losing streak, it was going to take a concerted effort from all of their players. The stars would have to show up and demonstrate what got them to their heralded status. The players would need to rebound from an embarrassing 58-0 defeat and show that their coach still had their faith. </p>
<p>And that is exactly what the team did. </p>
<p>One of the top performers in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>' big victory was running back <span>Beanie Wells</span>. He rushed for three touchdowns on the day, coupled with his 67 yards on the ground. Unlike times in the past, it only look him 17 carries to get that yardage, good for a 3.9 average. </p>
<p>It was Wells' determination that really stood out. He was going right into the gut of the defense on most plays, blowing up often talked about defenders like <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> and <span>Cliff Avril</span>. He was hitting holes with a vengeance, which made it seem like he had something he wanted to prove. </p>
<p>Perhaps most impressive was his final touchdown run, a 31 yard sprint along the sideline that put the nail in the coffin for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>. </p>
<p>It seems that Wells has finally regained his health after dealing with knee injuries all year long. It was nice to see, as he is definitely a weapon the team can utilize in their final two games. But one has to wonder: is it too late? </p>
<p>Beanie may be on his way out next season with the Cardinals having yet another disappointing year. They have no chance to finish .500 or better, which will likely result in sweeping changes throughout the entire organization. Being injured as often as he is, Wells could be one of the casualties. He is only a $1.67 hit against the cap for next season, but the team may just decide to start completely fresh, especially with the running back corps. </p>
<p>For now, it's nice to see him running so well. If he continues to do so, maybe, just maybe, Wells can save his job and remain a Cardinal next season. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2012/12/17/3774876/beanie-wells-finally-appears-to-be-healthy-for-the-cardinals-but-isTyler Nickel2012-12-16T09:00:17-07:002012-12-16T09:00:17-07:00Carrick Felix is the glue for ASU
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<figcaption>Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Felix's ability to do anything asked of him on the floor makes him ASU's 'glue guy'. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123168/carrick-felix">Carrick Felix</a> has, by all accounts, been the most consistent player for the Arizona State Sun Devils this season. In fact, he may be the biggest reason as to why the Devils find themselves with a 9-2 record at this juncture. His energy, versatility, great attitude and willingness to do as he is asked make him the type of player any college coach would covet. </p>
<p>On Saturday afternoon against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/dartmouth-big-green">Dartmouth Big Green</a>, we saw a transformation from the senior Sun Devil. The energy was there as usual, but Felix did not have the best of days shooting from the field. He went 6-15, including 0-3 from beyond the arc. But it seemed to have no effect on him. He continued to do all of the little things on the floor: collecting rebounds both offensively and defensively, blocking shots, ripping away steals for turnovers and creating plays for his teammates. </p>
<p>Felix set a career high in rebounds with 14, including 4 offensively. He also recorded 5 blocks, good for another career high. </p>
<p>"I always come through in the clutch time," Felix said after the game. "I just think it's about me putting in the work during the summer and my teammates giving me the confidence and encouraging me to just play my game." </p>
<p>Sun Devils coach Herb Sendek lauded his senior leader's performance as well. </p>
<p>"Once again, I thought Carrick's performance was tremendous because of the energy and the effort. He comes down with a double-double, 14 rebounds, 5 blocks, 4 steals. I mean, he's a stat sheet stuffer, right? I was just really pleased with the way he played today.</p>
<p>"I think he just has matured so much. He has already demonstrated this season that he can, maybe not shoot his best, but still greatly impact the game. He's already demonstrated that he can weather foul trouble, stay connected and still come back and greatly impact the game. He's already demonstrated that even on a night where he's not getting many shots or scoring, he still can have a significant impact on the game.</p>
<p>"He's just playing both ends of the floor. There's certain things that stand out, because you can look at his stat sheet, and then there's all the other things that you've got to watch the game or listen to conversations to know. He's doing so much for our team beyond the stat sheet. His leadership is exemplary, his defense has been outstanding. Night in, night out he's guarding the other team's best player... His defensive versatility has been tremendous. </p>
<p>"His attitude and his approach and his caring of his teammates; I mean he's just so easy to cheer for... He's just so easy to want to do well." </p>
<p>For the Sun Devils to reach the goals they have in mind, it will take a concerted effort from Carrick Felix every night. None of the other players on the team have the nose for the ball or the grinding style of play that Felix does. That may be something that comes with the maturity of being a senior, but it's also something that coaches simply cannot teach. </p>
<p>Mark my words, this basketball team would not be half as good as they are without Carrick Felix on the floor. </p>
<p>ASU heads to what be their most difficult game of the season next week as they get on the road to take on Texas Tech. If they are to win, you can bet that senior Carrick Felix will have a big hand in their victory. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaab/2012/12/16/3770962/carrick-felix-the-glue-that-holds-it-all-together-for-asu-basketballTyler Nickel2012-12-15T16:02:56-07:002012-12-15T16:02:56-07:00Carrick Felix has big game in ASU's win
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<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>One of the things the Devils have struggled with this season is letting inferior teams hang around for too long. </p> <p>Although the Devils' 61-42 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/dartmouth-big-green">Dartmouth Big Green</a> was a satisfying victory before they hit the road to play Texas Tech next week, it was not one that they can hang their hats on as a big victory. Dartmouth was the inferior team by all accounts. They did not have the size nor the talent that the Devils did, yet it was just a 10 point margin at halftime that Dartmouth ended up bringing to within seven later on. </p>
<p>"I think it's a huge concern," senior <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123168/carrick-felix">Carrick Felix</a> said of letting teams hang around. "We always want to be ready... Everyday is going to be a constant grind. Every game is going to be a battle. I just think we need to be aware that we can't start off slow. We can't let another team hit us first." </p>
<p>"Teams like to come in here and they try to slow us down. They don't really want to come in and they really have a lot of confidence as far as running with us. They try to slow us down and try to throw different defenses at us," freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145028/jahii-carson">Jahii Carson</a> said. "I think that we just have to keep focusing and come in, and like Carrick said, punch them in the face first." </p>
<p>Coach Herb Sendek mirrored his players' sentiments. </p>
<p>"If we shoot the ball better at any number of intersections during the game, it has a completely different feel. I don't care who you're playing. If you add up our last two games from three, 5-29, and what we have shot at the free throw line, you better be really good on defense. Really good on defense. And you better be converting a high percentage on your two-point shots."</p>
<p>The Devils simply could not find their shooting stroke all game long. They were forced to rely on their defense to shut the Big Green down, as they went just 26-57 from the field, including 2-14 from beyond the arc. Foul shooting was an issue again as well, as the Devils shot 7-13 from the charity stripe. </p>
<p>"I think we have some pretty good shooters that, for whatever reason, haven't shot their best," Sendek said. </p>
<p>It was the play of Carrick Felix that really gave the Devils a boost. His energy and versatility helped them to finally find some separation from Dartmouth. In the end, Felix finished with a career-high in rebounds with 14 and a career-high in blocks with 5. He also recorded 13 points, 2 assists and 4 steals. </p>
<p>Freshman guard Jahii Carson also had a nice game, scoring 18 points, dishing out 6 assists and raking in 4 steals of his own. </p>
<p>The Devils are now preparing to take on Texas Tech next Saturday on the road. They will return home in two weeks to host the Coppin State Eagles. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaab/2012/12/15/3771134/arizona-state-beats-dartmouth-but-fails-to-close-the-door-until-lateTyler Nickel2012-12-15T16:02:33-07:002012-12-15T16:02:33-07:00Felix shines in ASU's 61-42 win over Dartmouth
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<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Carrick Felix had a career-high 14 rebounds as the Sun Devils went to work on Dartmouth.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaab/2012/12/15/3771190/asu-vs-dartmouth-sun-devils-lead-the-whole-way-in-61-42-winTyler NickelPete Holby2012-12-15T10:26:45-07:002012-12-15T10:26:45-07:00Picks against the spread, Sunday early games
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<p>The early games on Sunday in week 15 are plentiful in betting opportunities. </p> <p>Another week, another set of lines for Sunday's NFL games. You may be accustomed to me doing the late games on Sunday, which features a lot more teams from the AFC/NFC West, but this week, I will be giving you my picks against the spread for the early games. </p>
<p>Without further adieu... As always, the lines come courtesy of Bovada. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>- no line</b></p>
<p>There is not currently a line in this game, likely due to the uncertainty surrounding <span>Jay Cutler</span>. However, he is expected to play. The Bears are on a historic slide right now, so they may be favored, but it won't be by much. Take the Packers no matter the spread (as long as it is not above 3 in Green Bay's favor). </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> +1 vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a></b></p>
<p>The Falcons may have the best record in the league, but they have failed to show us that they can actually be in contention for a Super Bowl run. With that said, Matt Ryan plays like a completely different QB when in the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome. This should be a hard fought, close game, but I am taking the Falcons -1. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> +4 vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a></b></p>
<p>The Saints are not likely to make the playoffs this year, but that does not mean that they are not going to play hard at home under the direction of <span>Drew Brees</span>. All of the 'Bountygate' suspensions were recently vacated, so that is definitely some weight off their shoulders. I like the Saints to win this one, but not by much. They still have one of the worst defenses in the league. Take the Bucs and the points. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> +3 vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a></b></p>
<p>The Rams have been playing well of late, whereas the Vikings have hit a snag with <span>Christian Ponder</span> as their QB. Steven Jackson is still effective at his age, not fumbling even once this season. Combine that with an emerging group of receivers and the possible return of <span>Danny Amendola</span> and you have the recipe for a Rams victory. Take St. Louis minus the points. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> - no line</b></p>
<p>This game does not have a line because we don't know if <span>Robert Griffin III</span> is going to play. Even if he doesn't, <span>Kirk Cousins</span> has proven to be a nice substitution. That said, the Browns are actually on a nice pace as of late and are on a three game winning streak. I like the Redskins in this game if RG3 plays, but if it's Cousins, take the Browns with anything under 3 points. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> +7 1/2 vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a></b></p>
<p>The Jaguars are still without <span>Maurice Jones-Drew</span> and are still losing, but <span>Chad Henne</span> has proven to be a better option than the young <strike>bust </strike><span>Blaine Gabbert</span>. With the game being played in Miami in front of the tens of fans watching, how will Henne respond against his old team? I think the Dolphins take this one... handily. Take them minus the points. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> -3 vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> </b></p>
<p>This is the early game we all want to see. If the Ravens win, they can show that they are legit contenders despite all of the injuries. If the Broncos win (which I think they will), that is all the proof we need that <span>Peyton Manning</span> is officially back and his offense is ready to win a title. I absolutely love the Broncos in this game, as I think the defense including DPOY candidate, <span>Von Miller</span> will harass <span>Joe Flacco</span> and company all day. Take the Broncos. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> +10 vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a></b></p>
<p>Division games are usually closer than they should be (unless you are the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> losing by 58 points to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>). <span>Andrew Luck</span> has definitely proven to be special and the Colts are on the precipice of making the playoffs just one year after selecting first overall. Amazing what a franchise QB can do for you. Can the rookie handle <span>J.J. Watt</span> and the electric Texans defense, though? I don't think so, but I think they keep this game closer than 10 points. Take the Colts and the ten. </p>
<p>Enjoy the games! </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/15/3770192/nfl-week-15-picks-against-the-spread-broncos-falcons-worth-layingTyler Nickel2012-12-12T09:00:45-07:002012-12-12T09:00:45-07:00Will the Cards keep their big players in 2013?
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<p>A complete rebuild is necessary in Arizona and that may require ridding of some of the franchise's most vaunted pieces. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> coach Ken Whisenhunt is not the only person currently on the team in danger of losing his job. Anytime your team loses nine games in a row, has losing streaks of at least six games for three seasons straight and loses games by 58 points, changes become necessary. </p>
<p>With that, don't expect Whisenhunt to be the only guy that is looking for work this offseason. The offensive coordinator's, including Mike Miller, will likely be rid of. Running back coaches, quarterback coach John McNulty and, hopefully, offensive line coach Russ Grimm may all be gone. </p>
<p>Then there are players as well. <span>Beanie Wells</span> has been looked at as a bust by many for a long time due to his injury history, but this may finally be the point where the Cardinals grow tired of waiting for him to bloom. Even <span>Ryan Williams</span>, who has been out for basically two full seasons with injuries, could be shipped off. </p>
<p>The quarterback position is completely unsafe. <span>Kevin Kolb</span> will need to restructure his contract to remain on the team. <span>John Skelton</span> will probably be gone. <span>Ryan Lindley</span> may get another year, but given his late draft status, it would not be shocking to see the Cards part with him. </p>
<p>Then you have some of the old school Cardinals, the guys that were on the team during the Super Bowl run. Given <span>Darnell Dockett's</span> recent outburst, does the team trade him to a contender in need of a talented, yet disgruntled defensive tackle? How about <span>Adrian Wilson</span>? He has obviously slowed down at his age and has lost reps to <span>Rashad Johnson</span> and <span>James Sanders</span> at safety this year. Is one of the all-time great Cardinals still wearing red next season? </p>
<p>As much as we don't even want to consider the possibility, is there a chance <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> gets traded as well? This team may or may not be a couple pieces away from making the playoffs once again, but do they choose to pay Fitz an exorbitant amount of money to keep him on board? They could gain many valuable draft picks in order to fill some large, gaping holes on the rest of their team. </p>
<p>We know that all of these scenarios have run through the front office's mind. One thing that we have learned over the past few years in the NFL is that no one is irreplaceable and there comes a point where a team simply has to go into rebuilding mode. </p>
<p>The Cardinals appear ready to enter that phase. The question is, will they do it with some of the team's most storied players? </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2012/12/12/3755662/the-arizona-cardinals-may-look-much-different-in-2013-without-theirTyler Nickel2012-12-10T09:01:09-07:002012-12-10T09:01:09-07:00Skelton shows his true colors in loss to Seahawks
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<p>Mine, and pretty much everyone else's hopes for John Skelton have gone out the window after Sunday's performance against the Seattle Seahawks. </p> <p>While the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>' 58-0 loss was about as atrocious as it gets, none of it would have been possible without the absolutely deplorable play of Cards quarterback <span>John Skelton</span>. </p>
<p>After relishing the opportunity to have finally regained his starting job earlier in the week, Skelton took the field against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> on Sunday and laid the biggest egg you will ever see. His 11/22 for 74 yards, 4 interceptions and a sack that led to a fumble saw him right back to the bench in favor of rookie <span>Ryan Lindley</span>. Although Lindley was hardly an upgrade, it just went to show how little Skelton has actually improved since coming into the league. </p>
<p>In fact, it could be argued that he has actually been worse. </p>
<p>Taking a look at the numbers, Skelton will come nowhere close to reaching the same plateau that he hit last season. In 8 games in 2011, Skelton passed for almost 2,000 yards, a 54.9% completion rate and 11 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions. This year, his six games played have yielded about half the yardage, a lower completion rate (albeit by just .2%) and a worse touchdown to interception ratio. </p>
<p>To me, Skelton is always going to be a guy that overthrows his receivers, throws more interceptions than touchdowns and loses games due to silly mental errors. Sure, he can come in and maybe win your team a game or two, but he seemingly does not take his job seriously enough to ever become a starting caliber quarterback in the league. He has not taken the time to perfect his craft since being given the chance to play in the NFL. </p>
<p>Skelton reminds me quite a bit of <span>Rex Grossman</span>. Grossman had his chance to shine plenty of times while he was with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>, but could never show any sort of consistency during his tenure in Chicago. He consistently threw more interceptions than he did touchdowns and, eventually, the team got tired of watching him struggle. That is why he is currently the third string quarterback for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a> behind two rookies. </p>
<p>Will Skelton end up like Rex Grossman? It's hard to say. Like Grossman, his original team just might give up on him soon. But one thing has become inherently clear. Skelton is never going to be a starting force in the National Football League. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2012/12/10/3749800/john-skelton-proves-to-football-fans-that-he-will-be-a-career-backupTyler Nickel2012-12-09T10:30:26-07:002012-12-09T10:30:26-07:00QB play, defensive line rotation things to watch
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<figcaption>Norm Hall</figcaption>
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<p>Arizona's offensive line has been better in pass protection as of late, but can they hold up against a talented Seahawks pass rush? How will John Skelton perform?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> are standing on their last leg and if they want any shot at ending the season on a decent note, it will have to start today. CenturyLink Field is never a great venue for opposing road teams, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> feed off of the loud crowd and seem to play at another level at home. Still, it will be up to <span>John Skelton</span> to lead his team past those obstacles and grab the Cards a much needed victory, breaking their current eight game losing streak. </p>
<p>Speaking of Skelton, he is quite obviously the biggest key to how the Cardinals will fare. After being benched halfway through the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> game three weeks ago in favor of rookie <span>Ryan Lindley</span>, Skelton has been named the starting quarterback once again. I am sure coach Ken Whisenhunt has him on a short leash, so if he cannot drive the offense down the field for some points, then he may choose to go back to Lindley once again. </p>
<p>If Skelton is to excel, it will take a concerted effort from his offensive line. Since <span>Nate Potter</span> and <span>Bobby Massie</span> became the starting rookie tackle duo, the pass protection has been much better. With that, however, has been a downgrade (if that is even possible) in the run game. The Cardinals have struggled to get truly anything going on the ground with <span>Beanie Wells</span>, <span>LaRod Stephens-Howling</span> and <span>William Powell</span>. Look for them to emphasize that aspect of the game against Seattle's talented pass rush today. </p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Brandon Browner</a> is suspended, <span>Marcus Trufant</span> is out and <span>Richard Sherman</span> may be playing his last game of the regular season today, as he is facing suspension as well. With that, his mind may be a bit focused on other things. The Cardinals need to take advantage of the Seahawks' secondary and get the ball to star receiver <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>. Fitz has had a total of 5 receptions in the past three games. This is clearly unacceptable for a superstar of his caliber and the team needs to do a better job of getting him the ball. </p>
<p>The last thing Cardinals fans should keep an eye on is the defensive line rotation. It has not been announced if <span>Calais Campbell</span> will pay yet, as he was listed as questionable on the final injury report. On top of that, <span>Darnell Dockett</span> is expected to see less snaps today after his incident with <span>Kerry Rhodes</span> last weekend. Expect <span>David Carter</span>, <span>Nick Eason</span> and <span>Vonnie Holliday</span> to see more time on the field. </p>
<p>Enjoy the game! </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2012/12/9/3747000/cardinals-vs-seahawks-what-to-watch-for-keys-to-the-gameTyler Nickel2012-12-08T11:39:30-07:002012-12-08T11:39:30-07:00Kolb should be the Cards' starter when healthy
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<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr</figcaption>
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<p>Kevin Kolb has been out since going down with a rib injury in week six, but if he is ready to go at any point during these last four games, he should be the starting quarterback. </p> <p><span>Kevin Kolb</span> has been sidelined with a rib injury since week six against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, but it appears that his health is improving and he could return at any time now. </p>
<p>While Kolb likely will not play against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> this Sunday, there is always the possibility he plays in any (or all) of the next three games after that. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> know that he gives them the best chance to win as opposed to <span>John Skelton</span> or <span>Ryan Lindley</span>. And given the awful losing streak of eight games that the team is currently on, they know that they need to win some of these final games in order for both players and coaches to keep their jobs. </p>
<p>Skelton has been anointed as the starting quarterback for the team's upcoming game by coach Ken Whisenhunt, but he did leave the door open for Kolb to retake the throne upon his return. And if he is healthy enough to do so, I believe he should be thrust back into the starting job. Technically, it was his up until his injury, even if it was Skelton that lost it in the first place after hurting his ankle in week one. </p>
<p>The main reason I believe this is not only because Kolb is the best option the team has, but because the team truly does not know what they have in Kolb yet. Do they want to pay him the $9,000,000 salary and $2,000,000 roster bonus he would be owed in 2013? If he is going to provide them only 8 games per season, then probably not. It will also likely require a huge paycut taken by Kolb for the Cardinals to think about keeping him around. </p>
<p>Basically, Arizona needs to see that they can rely on Kolb to be "the guy" here in Glendale. So far he has not been able to prove that he can be. And if he can't prove that this year, he may not be on the roster next season. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2012/12/8/3743934/if-kolb-is-healthy-he-should-be-the-starter-for-the-cardinals-onceTyler Nickel