From: erk@cbnewsk.cb.att.com (eric.r.kierstead)
Subject: 1992 CARDINALS REPORT CARD (long)
Organization: AT&T
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1992 18:36:31 GMT


Well, now that another sad, bleak, disappointing, losing season
has ended ;-(   its time to take inventory of the '92 version of the
Cardinals...

OFFENSE:

Quarterbacks:  Chris Chandler was really a pleasant surprise.  Though
checkered with some inconsistency (most notably the last 2 games), he
responded to his starting role and proved to be a very capable field
general.  Look for him to start again next year.  Rosenbach, the darling
of the '90 season, is in trouble.  In the wake of his long string of
serious injuries, he seems totally shell-shocked and gun-shy.  With
the Cards using their #1 pick last year on QB Sacca,  Rosey should 
worry about a demotion to 3rd stringer next year (or the waiver wire).

******** '92 GRADE: B **************


Running Backs:  Where was the running game the first 8 games??? Sitting
out in a salary dispute, thats where.  Johnny Johnson, for all intents
and purposes, *is* the ground game of the Cards.  Ivory Lee Brown should
lose weight--his '92 version (265 lbs) was too slow for the NFL.  Centers
is a good 3rd down receiver, but not an every play guy.  Johnny Bailey
is a Meggett-type,  but can't be taken seriously as an RB either.  Overall,
when Johnson is playing, they have a great mix--the Big Fullback (Brown),
the solid runner (Johnson), and the quick receiver types (Centers, Bailey).
Don't look for many changes here in '93.

********* '92 GRADE: C (Due to anemic rushing the the first 8 games) ******


Receivers:  Perhaps the brightest spot on offense.  No doubt one of the
best WR crews in the NFL.  Randall Hill is the deep threat,  with Proehl
and Indiana Jones being solid, steady short/medium receivers.  

********* '92 GRADE: A- ********************


Offensive Line: Perhaps the bleakest spot on the entire team (not counting
the owner :-) .  This crew needs help.  Cunningham was a welcome addition,
but they need to draft (or trade) for some more of those young guys. 
The run blocking was bad in most games, as was evidenced in the first 8
games when they didn't have Johnson, who creates his own holes.
The pass blocking wasn't much better.

********** '92 GRADE: D ********************


DEFENSE:

D-Line: Well, after Shurmer installed the new, "big nickel" defense,
the D-Line was arguably the strongest spot on the team.  The front
four of Swann, M. Jones, Rucker, and Bankston (who collectively avg.
over 300 lbs each and are ALL under 24 years old) are going to be
a force in the future.  IN the last ten games of the season, they
averaged giving up only 85 yds rushing per game.  They need to give
a stronger pass rush though.

********* '92 GRADE: B- ********************


Linebackers:  Looked good until Harvey and Nunn went down with knee
injuries.  When healthy, Nunn, Harvey, Hill and Stowe are a pretty
respectable group--lets pray for a healthy Harvey & Nunn next year!

********* '92 GRADE: B- ********************


Secondary:  Inconsistency is the first word that comes to  mind. 
Massey had a very good year.  Aeneas Williams showed flashes of
brilliance, then other times made rookie mistakes.  Timmy McDonald
was awesome as usual.  Zordich is too slow and small for the NFL--
he'll likely be archived next year.  Duerson may be gone too.
Look for some new faces next year back here.

********* '92 GRADE: C+ ********************


KICKING:

Camarillo was outstanding as usual.  Year in & year out, he has
the best punting average of the non-dome kickers.

Davis, on the other hand, was miserable.  His field goal average
was under 50%, which is inexcusable in these days of 75% accuracy.
He is capable of greatness, which is probably why he wasn't dumped
mid_season.  Look for him to get plenty of competition in Summer
Camp next year.

********* '92 GRADE: C+ *********************


COACHING:  Bugel is one of the worst head coaches in the NFL.  His
only salvation from merciless abuse is that he is in a low profile market
(Phoenix) with a perennially losing team (ESPN has fun with him though!).
Joe is a classic case of a position coach who Peter-principaled when
promoted to head coach.  The sad thing is that he is a real nice person
who is well liked by just about everyone (especially opposing teams). Look
for his head to be on the chopping block.  Hopefully Fritz Shurmer and
Jerry Rhome will be spared--they have really done fine jobs throughout
the year.

********* '92 GRADE: D *************************


OWNER:  GRADE: F- . 'Nuff said.


See ya next year!

Cards in '93 -

Eric K.

Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro