| Who’s next? Every NFL team asked itself
that very question when the New England Patriots did the unthinkable, hoisting the
Lombardi Trophy after shocking the St. Louis Rams and the world Sunday in New Orleans.
The Patriots weren’t supposed to be in the playoffs, or even 8-8, this season with
a band of rejects and castoffs collected from the free-agent scrap heap. Head coach Bill
Belichick and assistant director of player personnel Scott Pioli signed 17 players for
$750,000 or less in the offseason. By comparison, the defending world champion Baltimore
Ravens spent $5 million last season for QB Elvis Grbac, threw millions at OT Leon Searcy,
who never played a down in the regular season, and paid dearly for not addressing a
pressing need, RB depth. The Ravens sputtered at midseason, made the playoffs at 10-6, and
were dismissed by the Steelers in a divisional playoff game in which Grbac tossed three
interceptions. Now, the Ravens are in salary-cap hell, and there are rumblings from within
that Grbac has gnawed himself a very short leash.
By comparison, the Tennessee Titans, thought by most to be a piece or two away from
dethroning the Ravens and completing the championship puzzle, gave their first-round draft
pick to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for disgruntled DE Kevin Carter. Carter, fresh off
a season that was nothing better than dismal at times, was worse than dismal at times in
Tennessee. He registered all of 2.5 sacks as one-half of what was supposed to be the
fearsome DE duo of Carter & Kearse. Rather than adding youth to their offensive line
or depth on defense via the draft, the Titans put all of their chips into Carter’s
basket and ended the season 7-9.
These days, the NFL isn’t forgiving when investments in the open market don’t
perform to meet potential. The Chicago Bears opened their pocketbook, but not to ink a
coveted free agent or franchise quarterback. Then-personnel boss Mark Hatley brought in a
quarter-ton of defensive tackle in Ted Washington and Keith Traylor to keep offensive
linemen off MLB Brian Urlacher. The results were evident — the Bears finished second
against the run — and the sound of grinding teeth could be heard by league brass that
collectively passed on the overweight, aging tackles.
Such hindsight begs the question: Which team can be next year’s version of this
season's Patriots, the 2000 Ravens or the 1999 Rams. After the magic wand that was waved
in Boston, nothing seems impossible. The thought of the Bengals adding an inspirational QB
coach and Akili Smith turning the corner, WR Peter Warrick reaching his potential and RB
Corey Dillon performing up to par with a young and talented defense has fans in Cincinnati
salivating for next season. Speculation that Dallas, in a return to the pro-style offense
and a power running game with RB Emmitt Smith, can compete again in the NFC East is
bringing sunshine to Texas Stadium. Steve Spurrier, mixed with Daniel Snyder —
shaken, not stirred — has Redskins fans on the edge of their seats.
But is there reason to believe any of these teams, or others, can don the glass
slipper? If I can suggest one possibility: How about the Arizona Cardinals?
The Cardinals, much like the Bears in 2000, finished the season strong and have money
to spend and a stockpile of draft choices burning a hole in the deep pockets of president
William "Bill" Bidwill. Bidwill has made no secret of his offseason intention to
spend, spend and spend some more when free agency begins March 1.
His first priority is to clean up in-house matters and re-sign WR David Boston. Boston,
who averaged a league-best 99.9 receiving yards per game, is already working toward next
season with WR coach Jerry Sullivan. Sullivan wants Boston to shed about 10 pounds from
his 236-pound frame by the start of training camp to increase stamina — Sullivan felt
the extra weight, though mostly muscle mass, slowed Boston near the end of the season
— and prolong his career. Boston simply continues to get better, and his work ethic
is a fine example for the young Cardinals.
The offensive line will remain intact for the most part. The Cardinals are prepared to
move rookie phenom Leonard Davis from right guard to tackle, which should increase
security around QB Jake Plummer. Plummer, who attempted 525 passes and threw 14
interceptions last season, still doesn’t have the running game he needs to be his
best. The offense, under Rich Olson, was designed to focus on the run more than game plans
of past coordinators, but second-year RB Thomas Jones continued to be a disappointment,
and Michael Pittman continued to be inconsistent. Don’t be surprised, although head
coach Dave McGinnis isn’t ready to give up on Jones, if the Cardinals add a running
back via the draft in April.
But the Cardinals are most likely to use the No. 12 overall pick on defense. Arizona
ended the season ranked 28th in total defense and could have been in more games
with a better stop unit. Losing CB Aeneas Williams proved costly, but it gave McGinnis and
defensive coordinator Larry Marmie a shot to feature and develop youngsters. DE Kyle
Vanden Bosch was a world-beater before injuring his knee early in the season. While the
Cards expect Vanden Bosch back at full strength by June, his bad luck turned into good
fortune for undrafted rookie DE Fred Wakefield. The rookie from Illinois exhibited a motor
to match that of Vanden Bosch and was regarded by some, including Gil Brandt, as the best
value of the draft. FS Kwamie Lassiter had a breakout season, and SS Pat Tillman was his
normal self. The holes for the Cardinals are at defensive tackle, where they drafted two
players last season. The LB corps is aging and, overall, lacks speed. An upgrade here is a
must, whether it comes in free agency or through the draft.
A possibility is to make a run at Philadelphia LB Jeremiah Trotter, an unrestricted
free agent who is expected to be allowed to flee the Eagles. Trotter is not your average
linebacker, and a hunch tells me the Eagles will regret this one. Such an addition
instantly upgrades the Cardinals’ defense and team speed, but without some girth at
defensive tackle, Trotter could be neutralized.
The bottom line for Bidwill is that his team has more talent, more potential now than
New England had at the end of last season. But as the Rams, Ravens and Patriots have
proved, it comes down to making all the right moves. As quickly as the window of
opportunity opens, it could be only two or three years before the Cardinals return to
looking through the blinds. |
