The Key to The Chiefs Defense: Meet The Predator

Chiefs fans have been buzzing recently, speculating about the new 3-4 defense that Chiefs Head Coach Todd Haley and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast have brought to Kansas City for the coming season. 

In this new defense, the focus will be on two positions; the weakside linebacker and a position new to Chiefs fans, known as the Predator.

In Arizona last season, Karlos Dansby excelled as the weakside linebacker, a role focused on getting up the field and making plays on the ballcarrier. For the Chiefs, this role will belong to Derrick Johnson who should flourish playing next to Zach Thomas.

The most important position in this defense, the Predator, is the root of all of the confusion over whether or not the formation should be considered a 3-4 or a 4-3.  Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach Bill Davis actually calls it the “4-3 Under.”

And while it can be debated as to what to call the Chiefs’ defense, one thing is certain, the Predator is the key to the success of this defense.  Easily defined, the Predator is a speed rushing defensive end who starts out in a two-point stance, and resembles the look of a fourth linebacker in a 3-4 set.  

The Predator will occasionally be asked to drop back into coverage, typically opposite a back or tight end.  The main responsibility, however, is to come off the edge and apply pressure to the quarterback. 

In Arizona last season, Bertrand Berry and Travis LaBoy each assumed the role of the Predator in the Cardinals’ defense. Between them, they combined for 53 tackles and nine sacks.  The Chiefs will be looking for similar production out of their Predator.

Both Berry and LaBoy played the position at 260 lbs, each with adequate burst off the edge to get up the field after the quarterback. For the Chiefs, the top two candidates for the job are Mike Vrabel and Tamba Hali. 

Vrabel, a 13-year veteran, played in a similar position at times in New England.  While he may lack the ideal speed to assume the role on a full-time basis, his experience will go a long way in getting players like Hali acclimated to the role.

Hali, who played defensive end in a true 4-3 set at 275 lbs last season, is in the process of dropping 15 to 20 lbs to transition to the Predator position.  In fact, Hali has already lined up at the Predator position earlier this week at OTAs.   

Considering Hali excelled at rushing the passer from a two-point stance while at Penn State, his transition to Predator in this defense shouldn’t be anywhere near as difficult as a lot of people think. 

Assuming he is able to drop the weight and get back down between the 250 and 260 lbs, Hali should be ready, willing, and able to supply the Chiefs with a pass rush they haven’t seen since trading Jared Allen to Minnesota after the 2007 season. 

For Hali, this season presents a unique opportunity he has yet to enjoy in previous Chiefs defenses.  He has a chance to take full advantage of the speed and edge rushing skills that made him a star for the Nittany Lions and a first-round pick in 2006. 

If he excels in his new role, Hali should not only enjoy his best season as a Chief, but the defense will be substantially better than a year ago.  

If Hali can’t get the job done, however, not only will the Chiefs’ defense struggle to stop opponents again in 2009, Hali will be looking for a new employer in 2010. 

From Josh McDaniels To Mike Nolan: The Denver Broncos’ 2009 Coaches

One is an assistant turned head coach, the other a head coach demoted to assistant.

Josh McDaniels and Mike Nolan have many differences, but are similar as well.

McDaniels is the unsung, young, bright-eyed head coach that has taken control from the beginning of his campaign.

McDaniels spent the past eight seasons with the New England Patriots, and the previous three as the team’s offensive coordinator/quarterback coach. He led the Patriots to their NFL-best offense in 2007, scoring 589 points on 75 touchdowns with over 6,500 yards.

With Denver, he has grabbed the reigns and told owner Pat Bowlen to hold on.

McDaniels, only 33 years old, hired Brian Xanders as GM, and fired many of the ’08 Broncos’ horrible defensive players, including Dre’ Bly and Dwayne Robertson. In all, only Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, Elvis Dumervil, and Marcus Thomas are still on the team looking to play in 2009.

Mike Nolan has been brought in to reshape a Broncos defense that was 30th overall, 30th in points, and 29th in total yards allowed. For Nolan, at least one thing is for sure; there is no where to go but up.

Broncos fans should be excited for the coming of Nolan, an ex-49ers head coach, as their defensive coordinator. At least this year, Denver fans will know who the coordinator is, as he will be their fourth in as many years.

Mike Nolan has 11 years of defensive coordinator experience and was the 49ers head coach for the past four seasons. In all, Noan is very experienced. With 22 years in the NFL, he can possibly lend some advice to McDaniels.

As of now, Nolan is almost old enough to be McDaniels’ dad, but he must work together well with his new boss. So far, the two have agreed that Denver must have a complete overhaul, switching over to the 3-4 defense.

While only a few months from preseason, Denver still has many question marks on the defensive end, including how well the new alignment will work.

Dumervil should be moving to outside linebacker from defensive end, and newly acquired players from trades, free agency, and the draft all have to step in to start this year.

While it must have been hard for Bowlen to fire Shanahan after a disappointing 2008 season, the changes should prove prosperous with McDaniels’ brain and Nolan’s defensive brawn.

Plus, with almost no one in Denver even knowing McDaniels’ name until his hiring, at the very least Nolan provides a recognizable face on the sidelines. Not to mention that Nolan is the best dressed coach in the NFL, wearing a suit every game.

One major aspect of both coaches is that they are winners and highly competitive.

For the Broncos and Bowlen, it is hoped that McDaniels and Nolan can not only get along but prosper as coaches for the Mile High city’s orange and blue warriors.

Minnesota Vikings 2009-2010 Season: Expect The Unexpected

We can only make our best educated guess how an NFL team will do during any season. You have to factor in break-out seasons, injuries, and basically factor the un-factorable.

The Minnesota Vikings are no different, as their history has taught them. They’ve been counted out at times and showed up the past nine weeks of the season to sneak into the playoffs. And yet when favored, they seem to trip at Week 16 just in time to fall on their face in Week 17, almost as though God is torturing the team and its fans.

What should we expect in the 2009-2010? That’s easy. The unexpected.

In 1998, everyone thought that Randy Moss would be a distraction and that the Minnesota Vikings were simply trying to find a playoff birth rather than a bid to be the NFC champions. Lo and behold, the Vikings would become the third NFL team since the season expanded to sixteen games to go 15-1. Even fewer expected backup quarterback Randall Cunningham to come in, lead the team, and become Pro Bowler himself.

In 2007, the Vikings grabbed an injury-plagued running back out of Oklahoma, Adrian Peterson, to be the future behind slated starting running back Chester Taylor. No one could have foreseen his unexpected boom when slated in on Chester’s down plays. Soon enough, Adrian Peterson broke the single game rushing record of 295 yards set by Jamal Lewis with 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers.

Who expected that?

In the 2009 draft, Minnesota selected Percy Harvin. From the Vikings’ drafting history, they are known for making conservative picks, grabbing a lineman or offensive player that is significantly overrated. Harvin was recognized as a high pick regardless of his character issues.

If Brett Favre were to sign with the Vikings, it wouldn’t be so much unexpected as it would just make results with the Vikings unexpected. Favre’s 22-touchdown, 22-interception 2008 season proved he still the power behind the ball, but lacked the accuracy that once made him a phenom

But what difference is there between that and Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels?

 

What you CAN Factor

In 2009, the Vikings start the season with five of their opening eight games on the road. Fortunately, the first three are against teams that finished well below .500 in 200: the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and St. Louis Rams.

With that in mind, Minnesota will want to try and be above .500 by Week Five, which is completely feasible. Peterson could have his best game of the season in one of those opening games against teams that had such horrid run defenses in 2008: Cleveland (28th), Detroit (32nd), St. Louis (29th), and Green Bay (26th). Although the Packers made significant improvements in the offseason with the likes of B.J. Raji.

But in those opening eight weeks before their bye week, the Vikings also face the best defense in the league in the Super Bowl champion Steelers in Pittsburgh and arguably the second-best defense against Baltimore at the dome.These games, however, should be a fantastic classic game of low-scoring offenses and grind-it-out football that the “Black and Blue” division grew famous for.

The schedule works in reverse for the second half of the year as the Vikings play at home five of the remaining eight with their three road games in Carolina, Arizona, and Chicago (which may prove to decide the NFC North). The schedule in the second half will work to Minnesota’s advantage if it can keep winning at home and be successful against weaker teams away from home earlier in the season.

 

What you CAN’T Factor

The one tangible that can’t be measured right now isn’t on the roster…yet…or perhaps ever…in Brett Favre. His ability and leadership can command this offense similarly to how Gus Frerotte commanded it for much of 2008 (except with Favre, just think more touchdowns).

The play with Favre would put Bernard Berrian on tap to easily break the 1,000-receiving-yard mark on the season with roughly 10 touchdowns. Peterson should see less guys in the box. And as a result and his running game should prove even more deadly.

Most of all, with Favre, you can expect the Vikings to have the ability to rally late in games, a trait they’ve been missing since Randy Moss was jettisoned to Oakland and Culpepper to Miami.

Although it’s arguable until he proves himself, Percy Harvin could prove to be the guy that puts the offense in true perspective. We can’t jump and assume he’ll come out striking like Randy Moss did in ’98, but we can assume his impact will be disrespected until proven.

 

Key Obstacles

The NFC North ain’t what she was in 2008. Detroit has fangs, Chicago’s got Cutler, and the Packers have a reorganized defense that scares the bejesus out of a running back coach. With that said, the Vikings biggest obstacle in 2009 is the NFC North.

Detroit doesn’t appear to be a big name, but the way they fought back on Minnesota and nearly caught a win against them (12-10 and 20-16 Vikings wins) only makes me more nervous that Minnesota did little to nothing to counteract Detroit’s major changes this offseason.

Chicago is not much more than it was in 2008—besides Cutler. With Cutler, the Bears will have a great passer with an improved offensive line, but without receivers to really pass to, the acquisition of Cutler almost seems futile.

Okay, everyone in Minnesota knows it. Although Jared Allen pretty much killed Aaron Rodgers in Week 10 last year, Minnesota escaped that game with luck that Mason Crosby missed that final kick. One doesn’t leave a game hanging on chance.

On that note, Minnesota really needs to bring their “A” game to Green Bay if they don’t want to get caught in a season sweep. With Rodgers proving to the NFC North that he was the quarterback to look out for, Minnesota should focus their attention on their secondary and make sure that they don’t get burned deep.

One last note is that Minnesota’s lack of depth may prove to be their undoing come the back half of the season. John Sullivan is slated to start at center, but with just rookie free-agent signees behind him, only Artis Hicks or Ryan Cook could back him up. The same could be said for Tyrell Johnson. Although he proved his ability in ’09, there is little depth behind him if he goes down.

 

Bottom Line…

Long story short, the Vikings can expect a 12-4 season if they beat the teams that they should, only completing Brad Childress’ ongoing pattern of improving by two games each season since being signed on as the Minnesota Vikings head coach in 2006. Peterson should have near 2,000 yards barring any carries he and Taylor have to share with the kid, Percy Harvin.

The Vikings should expect a run deep into the playoffs (divisional or better). With Favre, I will openly admit that this team—with its balance—should be in Miami next February with. Then again, if we “expect” them to be playoff team, they may turn out to be 4-12.

And if you think the schedule “doesn’t figure” into what to expect from Minnesota, then I request you know this. In the past two seasons beyond Week 10, the Vikings have only lost five of 16 games. Ever since number 28 arrived. Coincidence?

2009 Expectations? No One Really Knows When it Comes to the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns exceeded its expectations in 2007 by winning 10 games and falling just short of the playoffs. Then, they failed miserably to meet high expectations in 2008, finishing 4-12.

Realistically, the Browns have been a 7-8 win team the past two years, but it hasn’t shown up in their record. If things go well for them in 2009, they could win 8-9 games and contend for a playoff spot. If they don’t, the Browns are looking at 4-6 wins.

Browns fans have certainly seen each side of the spectrum in recent years.

1. Get the players to believe
If the Browns hope to contend this season, the first thing new coach Eric Mangini must do is rebuild the fractured psyche of his team coming off a dreadful season.

Several players are coming off disappointing seasons, and must be able to shrug it off and start fresh this year with a new focus.

If Mangini is unable to get his message through to his players, the Browns will continue to dwell in the AFC North basement.

2. Improve the running game
Forget the quarterback controversy and all the hype surrounding it.

Lets make this clear: the Browns have to get better production from their running backs if they have chance of competing in the AFC North against the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals.

Starter Jamal Lewis averaged 3.6 yards per carry, and it usually seemed like less than that.

Backup Jerome Harrison was seldom used in the offense last season, and even when he did touch the ball his impact was limited.

Cleveland consistently found itself in second or third and long situations because they were unable to run effectively on first down. Lewis also appears to be fading at this point of his career, which could end up being a major setback for the team.

However, some of it falls on play-calling. The Browns were very pass-happy at times in 2008, making a second down run call very predictable. For any running game to work, the team must make a commitment to the run.

But if Lewis can’t improve his yard-per-carry average or backup Jerome Harrison can’t make an impact, the Browns will struggle again.

3. Defensive front seven, please stand up
Just as important as being able to run the ball to take pressure off the quarterback, the Browns have to get better at stopping the opposition from running right at them and must pressure the quarterback during passing situations.

General Manager George Kokinis acquired former Jets linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, as well as defensive lineman Kenyon Coleman to add a boost to their front seven, but how big of an impact they’ll have is still a mystery.

Outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley has been unable to assert himself as a consistent playmaker, leaving nose tackle Shaun Rogers and linebacker D’Qwell Jackson as the only two above-average defensive playmakers on the roster.

A lot of people are quick to point fingers at the secondary when things aren’t going well, but the fact is the defensive backs will only be as good as the linemen and linebackers allow them to be.

4. Finally choose a quarterback
Mangini must finally decide on a starting quarterback and stick with his decision.

Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn have each shown promise, but each has flaws.

Anderson flopped last season after throwing 29 touchdowns and earning a selection to the Pro Bowl in ‘07, and Quinn’s broken finger in his throwing hand stunted his progression after two quality performances in the first two starts of his career.

Mangini needs to bring some stability to the position, but the question remains: Could he start Anderson and risk possibly alienating his fan base, which favors Quinn?

5. Get the most out of what you’ve got
The main thing Mangini must accomplish, just like any coach, is maximize the potential of the players on his roster.

The play of wide receiver Braylon Edwards basically sums up the Browns over the past two years—a Pro Bowl appearance (10 wins) in 2007, and 16 drops (four wins) in 2008.

After deciding not to trade Edwards to the New York Giants during the offseason, Mangini needs to get him back on track to a reliable pass catcher.

Young cornerbacks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald each had good and bad moments during their first two seasons in the league, but has proven to be solid a starter in the league.

Like Braylon Edwards on offense, Mangini must maximize the ability of Wimbley, who had 11 sacks as a rookie, but just nine in the last two seasons combined.

While Wimbley’s sack total declined in 2007, he was still able to get consistent pressure. But in 2008, even that ability appeared to decline.

6. Evaluating talent
Although we won’t know how the 2009 draft turns out for the Browns until a few years down the road, it’s vital that they’ve made solid draft choices that will help the team for years to come.

It’s obvious, but if any fewer than two of their top four picks don’t turn into solid starters, it will set the franchise back.

But even more than starters, the Browns desperately need depth. It’s amazing that a team consistently picking in the top 10-15 in the draft still is searching for decent backups at multiple positions.

The Browns are very thin at corner, safety, running back, wide receiver and outside linebacker right now.

Also, making the wrong choice on who should start at quarterback could be detrimental to the team’s future. But a long-term decision must be made. Rotating between the two is no longer an option.

Whatever decision Mangini makes better be the right one. His job depends on it.

My Look at the Miami Dolphins: 11 Figures of Fandom

There are various reasons that sports fans begin to “follow” a certain team. They might like a certain player they have, they might like their offense or defensive schemes, they might like their coaching staff, or they just might like the colors.

When trying to figure out what made me a fan of the Dolphins over the years, I tried to pinpoint a specific roster that made me a fan. But then, there were certain players that I loved that were nowhere to be found on that roster.

So I decided to make a list of eleven Dolphins figures that made me a fan over the years. This list is certainly not the most traditional list, nor is it loaded with all of the Dolphins Hall-of-Famers.

What this list is a compilation of different players and coaches that made me a Dolphins fan over the years. I searched for reasons within my soul and this is what I came up with.

Here’s the list–in no particular order.

Cincinnatti Bengals News and Notes

Andre Smith continues to find himself in the headlines and it isn’t because of a recent photo shoot with GQ. Yet again it has to do with the representation of the Bengals’ future right tackle.

Priority Sports, who Smith hired to represent him a couple weeks before the draft, released a statement today regarding their former client.

“We were asked to come in at the last minute to provide credibility to his draft status and we succeeded in that task. Soon after the draft, Andre Smith became a tremendous distraction to our company.

“What we have subsequently determined is that Andre Smith does not match the culture of Priority Sports and the character of the clients we take so much pride in representing.”

The report per Profootballtalk.com is available here.

Andre Smith fired Alvin Keels and hired Priority Sports’ Rick Smith to bungee his free-falling draft stock before the draft and they accomplished that task. Now that he’s been drafted, Andre fired Smith to return to Keels who will likely be able to negotiate a better deal.

The bottom line? Andre Smith played Priority Sports and they are whining about it by slandering his name. Sports agents are the slimiest part of the sports industry so it’s nice to see a player use them the way agents use players.

Kudos to Andre. Now that Alvin Keels is your agent, you should probably use

the GlennGary Glen Ross method of ABC while discussing your impending hold out with Katie and Troy Blackburn.

Moving on.

Carson Palmer had a radio interview recently and said nothing that we haven’t already heard a thousand times. He’s optimistic about the team this season and is thrilled about his wide receiving corp.

“It’s definitely a new look for the Bengals receiver corps but I couldn’t be happier with the guys we’ve got,” Palmer said.

The interesting part, or at least interesting to the national media and fans who generally ignore anything Bengals-related unless it pertains to Chad Ocho Cinco, is Carson’s little nugget on the only non-OTA-attending wide out:

“I haven’t talked to anybody that has talked to him (Ocho Cinco). He wasn’t here last year so I’m expecting him not to be here at all this year….T.J.’s gone and Chad’s pretty much gone, he hasn’t been here,” Palmer said.

Stop the press. I suppose these comments could be construed as a suggestion that Chad won’t be back in town. But you have to bear in mind, Palmer was trying to cover both the departure of TJ and the absence of Chad in one answer.

If Carson is trying to send a message to Chad about not being in camp, he is probably causing more harm than good, considering Ocho Cinco’s comments last season when Carson chimed in on the situation.

“I wish he would stay out of my business,” Ocho Cinco said.

My take is the longer Chad stays out in LA the better. This team’s vocal leader has shown it’s willing to move on without him and the longer he’s out of the picture the more reps will be given to players who genuinely want to be with the Bengals.

The last bit of news is more of a rumor. But this rumor has 77 career sacks so it’s worth a thought.

The Cowboys are apparently shopping veteran outside linebacker Greg Ellis. The Bengals have been labeled as one of the potential trade partners.

Ellis played under Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer while he was in Dallas and is likely familiar with his scheme and coaching style. Ellis is 33 years old and would carry quite a cap hit if the Bengals chose to trade for him, $5 million to be exact.

If the Bengals are considering a trade, they shouldn’t. Despite being a more proven pass rusher than any player on the Bengals roster, Ellis is aging and his playing time has diminished over the last few seasons. He would likely only play a rotational role and for just a couple seasons more. Role players don’t get paid $5 million a year.

It would be dumb to trade anything for Ellis because it’s clear he will be leaving Dallas without a trade. They drafted Anthony Spencer in the first round in 2007 and drafted two more pass rushers this April. The Cowboys also had a team meeting of the veteran players this week and their most tenured player, Ellis, wasn’t invited.

So, if the Bengals really did want Ellis they should wait for the Cowboys to realize no one will trade for a 33-year old role player and wait for the pink slip with a Dallas star on it to be delivered to Ellis’ mailbox. Then the Bengals could acquire their third ex-Cowboy of this offseason for a much lower price and there will be much rejoicing.

 

http://onemancrimewave.blogspot.com/

Five Questions for Newest 49er, Dre’ Bly

Although the biggest free agent fish have long been caught, there are still some pretty productive players swimming in the pond.

The 49ers threw out some bait that said “we need a star cornerback.”

Dre Bly bit.

Bly, a two-time Pro Bowler, said it was a “humbling experience” when he was released back in February. The move by the Broncos was a salary cap decision as part of the Josh McDaniels defensive makeover, so one has to think that Bly can still be a productive player.

The signing was prompted by Walt Harris when he suffered a possibly season-ending torn ACL. With Tarell Brown still being a bit of a project and Shawnte Spencer being an average player thus far, the Niners needed a stud to take care of the great NFC West receivers.

If I had the opportunity to sit down with the newest 49er, these would be some of the questions I’d ask:

1) First of all welcome to San Francisco, the 49er Faithful believe in you! Now, it took you a little over three months to find a new home. With Haynesworth being signed just hours into free agency, what can you tell the Niner fans who have a bit of skepticism due to the apparent lack of interest in free agency?

2) We gathered that you spoke with your former teammate Isaac Bruce about coming to the 49ers. Do you feel that history can repeat itself, seeing as how you two won a Super Bowl together?

3) You’ve always seemed to have a knack for being a great tackler and forcing fumbles. With Nate Clements being on the other side of the field and having that same kind of mentality, do you feel like you two could be one of the toughest tandems in the league?

4) It was reported that you signed a one-year, $845,000 contract with the Broncos. With you signing a multi-million dollar deal just two years ago with Denver, what made you decide to come to this organization under those terms?

5) When you catch that game winning interception and run it back for a score, can you run up to Warner and say, “Thanks Kurt, I’m much o-Bly-ged!?”

Atlanta Falcons: Meet the Coaching Staff

The new coaching regime in Atlanta, which took over in 2008, knows football. Need proof? Just look at the Falcons’ turnaround from a 4-12 season in 2007 to finish with an 11-5 record last season.

Here’s a look at a few of the many coaches that make the Atlanta Falcons work, including head coach Mike Smith, defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, assistant coach and secondary coach Emmitt Thomas and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave.

Looking at a Possible Cardinals 3-4

When the Arizona Cardinals hired Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt to replace Dennis Green as head coach, they hoped that he would bring elements of the Steelers’ culture out west with him. Part of that cultural adjustment meant a transition from a 4-3 defensive front to a 3-4 scheme.

With the off-season switch to Bill Davis as defensive coordinator, 2009 presents a strong opportunity to take the next step in the development of Arizona’s 3-4. Davis will not go into the transition empty handed; he inherits a roster filled with play-makers and accomplished veterans. 

Let’s take a look at the 3-4 and some of the players that will be key to its success in Arizona.

 

DEFENSIVE LINE

The transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4 means that instead of four down linemen, there are now only three—a defensive tackle and two defensive ends. The 3-4 places greater responsibility for gap control on these three linemen, as they are now expected to handle all five offensive linemen and plug up the running lanes between them. 

Defensive linemen in the 3-4 tend to be bigger, space-filler types, while some of the smaller, speed-oriented ends from the 4-3 shift to outside linebacker.

In order for the Cardinals to make a successful transition in 2009, they need strong performances at defensive tackle. Fortunately, tackle is an area of strength in Arizona, beginning with Darnell Dockett. 

Dockett, the anchor of the d-line, made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and recorded 49 tackles and four sacks last season. In addition to a strong season from Dockett, the Cards will be counting on contributions from Bryan Robinson and Gabe Watson, as well as former second-round selection Alan Branch, who is in danger of being labeled a bust.

Defensive ends Chike Okeafor and Bertrand Berry have gotten looks at outside linebacker in the past and seem to be strong candidates to make the move permanently in the 3-4.

Okeafor finished second on the team in sacks and fifth on the team in tackles last season, while Berry led the club in sacks. Both have battled injuries, and Berry has lost a step to age, but given the opportunity to rush frequently from the edge in the 3-4, don’t be surprised if either player registers a monster year.

 

LINEBACKERS

The 3-4 transition means the opposite for linebackers. They pick up a second middle linebacker, making four total. The 3-4 places a premium on speedy inside linebackers who are versatile enough to help the d-line fill the running lanes while still being able to make plays beyond the line of scrimmage. The outside linebackers tend to be strong rushers who can also get to running backs once they get outside of the tackles.

Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes, first and third on the team in tackles a year ago, should be able to make the plays and lead a strong core on the inside. Dansby should also contribute to the pass rush, as he has averaged nearly five sacks a season over the course of his career.

The team drafted Cody Brown, a defensive end out of Connecticut, this year with the idea of grooming him as an outside linebacker for their new 3-4 system. Brown joins Berry and Okeafor on the outside providing the pass rush.

 

SECONDARY

The 3-4 leaves a team with a four-man secondary. The defensive backs are obviously responsible for picking up and shutting down receivers, but with only a three man front, they are frequently used in the pass rush.

The Cardinals secondary is in a transitional period but could potentially be one of the team’s strong suits. 

The starters at cornerback entering 2008, Eric Green and Rod Hood, are gone. In their place are 2008 first-round pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and free-agent acquisition Bryant McFadden. The team also bolstered its secondary through the draft, selecting safety Rashad Johnson in the third round and cornerback Greg Toler in the fourth.

Three of the Cardinals’ top six tacklers in 2008 were safeties. Former first-round pick Antrel Rolle made the successful transition from cornerback last year and finished second on the team with 89 tackles.

Aaron Francisco finished sixth on the team with 56 tackles, and Adrian Wilson finished fourth with 75 en route to his second Pro Bowl appearance. Wilson could be a player who flourishes in the 3-4 as a major factor in the team’s pass rush.

The Cardinals have gotten away from using Wilson as a blitzer the past couple of seasons after he notched eight sacks in 2005 and five more in 2006. Wilson has proven himself a versatile weapon and could play a huge part in the success of the team’s 3-4 transition.

With changes at both coordinator positions, the Cardinals play-calling should certainly look different on both sides of the ball in 2009. However, with an emphasis on a 3-4 transition, the Cardinals defensive adjustments are certainly something to keep an eye on.

Trials and Tribulations: Frank Gore’s Journey To The San Francisco 49ers

When Frank Gore steps onto the field for his fourth NFL season, he continues a destiny that has been shaped with trials and tribulations since he was young.

As a child, Gore was diagnosed with dyslexia and had trouble comprehending the simplest of tasks. On the football field, the talented running back was able to get away from his academic problems and outrun defenders with ease.

“I had trouble remembering things,” Gore said in a Sept. 4, 2007 interview with the New York Daily News. “I’m better learning by somebody showing me something. I got to see and then do it. You can’t be scared to ask for help. I overcame it and got better at everything.”

Gore’s strong will to overcome obstacles came from his tough upbringing in Miami with his mother, Liz Gore, who was seriously ill with a kidney ailment since the 49er running back was in high school. After going on dialysis, Liz Gore began waiting for a kidney transplant.

“She had been on dialysis since I was in the 11th grade and raised three kids as a single woman,” Frank said in an interview with 49ers.com.

As a football player for Coral Gables High School around the time his mother was diagnosed, Gore was one of the most heavily recruited running backs in the entire nation.

Gore set a Dade County record in 2000 when he rushed for 2,953 yards and 34 touchdowns during his senior year. He even set a Dade County single game rushing record when he ran for 377 yards and six touchdowns during a 48-0 shutout victory over the South Miami High Cobras.

Gore showed incredible vision and functional strength throughout his high-school career and was the third-rated prospect in Dade County by The Miami Herald. He was listed as the best tailback on The Florida Times Union Super 75 list and earned “Super Prep All-American.”

“I can run strong when I have to,” Gore said in an interview with Miami-Hurricanes.com. “But I can also be shifty and elusive if I have to.”

As a true freshman with the University of Miami Hurricanes in 2001, Gore totaled 575 yards with five touchdowns on 62 carries—an amazing 9.3-yard average—and was named Sporting News Big East Freshman of the Year.

Gore eventually beat out current Baltimore Raven Willis McGahee in the spring of 2002 for the starting job; however, his glimmering NCAA career was sidetracked when he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and spent most of the season recovering from surgery.

He returned to practice that October, was a standout on the Hurricanes’ scout team at tailback, and was awarded a medical red-shirt by the NCAA.

Upon returning for the 2003 season, Gore ran for 100 yards in each of his first three games before suffering a similar injury, this time to his other knee.

When Gore entered the fall competing for the starting job at tailback he changed his number from No. 32 to No. 3, won the starting running back position, and ran for 945 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Before the knee injuries I ran a 4.4,” Gore said in an interview with Miami-Hurricanes.com on Oct. 8, 2004. “I’ve got the same game speed as before, but can always improve. I’m not back 100 percent, but I’m real close. I’m just working hard in the weight room and at practice.”

Although Gore was still eligible to play another year at Miami, he decided it was time to take care of his ailing mother and earn a living doing what he loved most. In only 28 games with the Miami Hurricanes, Gore racked up 2,500 yards for a 7.2 yard average and 20 touchdowns.

His two major knee injuries in college and a mediocre 4.65 40-yard dash turned the highly talented breakaway threat from a sure fire first-rounder to a potential second-day pick before the 2005 NFL Draft.

Even before being drafted, Gore was already familiar with the eventual team that would draft him.

“My real team who I like is San Francisco,” Gore stated on Miami-Hurricanes.com. “They’re struggling you know, but they’ll be alright.”

“They just gotta tighten up. We lost a lot of people, Jeff Garcia and Garrison Hearst. It’s tough in the NFL.”

Fate has a funny way of unfolding, as Gore would become one of Hearst’s successors along with Kevan Barlow in San Francisco.

Frank Gore’s resilience and strength that he learned from his mother were finally answered when he became the 65th overall pick in the third round by the very team he followed, the San Francisco 49ers.

As a result of Gore signing his initial contract, Liz Gore was finally able to have surgery and receive a kidney transplant. The procedure took place when her son and the 49ers were in Mexico City playing the Arizona Cardinals.

“It was really tough, that was first time she went into the hospital with me not being around her,” Gore said on 49ers.com. “Not knowing if she was all right or not was the hardest part, but I know my mom is a tough woman.”

Gore played in 14 games as a rookie and led the team in rushing with 608 yards and three rushing touchdowns. The last time a rookie led the 49ers in rushing was 1990 when Dexter Carter tallied 460 yards.

His 608 yards rushing was the highest rookie total in 49ers’ history since Roger Craig had 725 yards in 1983 fresh out of Nebraska. Gore also recorded a career-long 72-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of a game against the Washington Redskins and registered his first 100-yard game with 108 yards against the Houston Texans on the last day of the season.

Gore was elevated to the top of the San Francisco 49ers’ depth chart after an August 19, 2006 trade that sent Barlow to the New York Jets for a fourth-round draft pick. It was a decision 49ers’ brass would not regret.

Gore became one of the top running backs in the NFL in only his first full season as a starter. Gore set a franchise rushing record with 1,695 yards, eclipsing Garrison Hearst’s record of 1,570 yards set in 1998. He also became the first 49er to lead the NFC in rushing yards and set a franchise record with 2,180 combined yards, breaking Hearst’s previous record of 2,105 total yards also set in 1998.

His nine 100-yard games shattered the San Francisco record for most 100-yard games in a season which was held by Heart in 1998 and Roger Craig in 1988 (six).

After Gore’s breakout season, he was named the starting running back in the NFC Pro Bowl, his first selection.

After the All-Pro season, Gore signed a contract extension through 2011 estimated to be worth $28 million over four years on March 28, 2007.

But on Sept. 13, 2007, as the season just started, Liz Gore lost her fight with kidney disease and passed away in Miami at the age of 46.

”I think that Frank feels that his mother would want him to do his job,” then 49ers head coach Mike Nolan said to the San Francisco Chronicle. ”Frank knows that. I think that’s where he’ll put his attention when it comes to Sunday’s game. I’m sure it’s hard for him to get focused with what happened.”

“I’m concerned about Frank for Frank, not in reference to the game. It’s very sad. We’ll keep Frank and his family in our prayers.”

He missed a practice but returned to the team almost immediately. And with a heavy heart, Gore scored two touchdowns the following Sunday in a 17-16 victory over the St. Louis Rams.

After a tumultuous 2007 season that saw San Francisco post a dismal 5-11 record with one of the most terrible offenses in NFL history, the end of the 2008 season saw Gore become the first running back in San Francisco 49ers’ history to rush for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.

Frank Gore’s journey to the NFL has been rough, but he always maintains a positive vibe and uses his extreme passion for the game to succeed despite the many trials and tribulations he had to overcome.

When asked what advice he has for anyone wanting to go for their dreams, Gore said on Miami-Hurricanes.com: “I’d tell them, man just keep working hard and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it.

“Just stay focused and listen to the people who will guide you right. Just listen to them.”

Strong words from an even stronger man

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