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Who wins the starting RB job in Arizona? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter tdmills
- Start date
This is very strange. It must mean that mendys injury isn't so bad. Why trade Rb depth away if your starter is badly hurt and about to miss extensive time?
Unless they have so much confidence in Taylor and Ellington that they feel they can do that...
To me it means that mendys injury is not serious.
Unless they have so much confidence in Taylor and Ellington that they feel they can do that...
To me it means that mendys injury is not serious.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Could also have lined a street FA up, but not announced it yet.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I thought McGahee looked the best out of McGahee, Benson and Turner last year. Could be forgetting someone but those seem to be the names that get tossed around most often.
Biabreakable
Footballguy
Reading is fundamental.
I will just remember to not bother trying to help you out in the future.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Good news for Mendenhall owners. He's looked lively so far this pre-season.
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LaCanfora also reported this off season Andy Reid was going to be the next HC of the Cardinals so I can't believe everything he says but this does make sense. I've been feeling Williams would like out of Arizona and his relationship with Arians is strained. Could never know for sure of course, just trying to read between the lines. I've got a few reasons I feel this way but mainly Arian's had taken to publicly questioning his toughness and/or implied his last injury was mental. Openly talked about cutting him because he was to hurt to practice. Meanwhile he inferred that Williams making the team would be a joint decision(read the GM-Keim) and when Williams returned to practice this week a big deal was made of the Keim, the guy who was in the building when they picked Williams, giving him a pep talk before practice and Williams later saying he trusts anything Keim says. So just reading between the lines it sure appears to me that Williams has a lot more support from the GM than coaching staff and it's quite possible Keim is trying to make the most of this situation, both for Williams and the team.
As a Williams owner I don't take this as bad news in the least. I'm just happy to see Williams back on the field and would guess the Cardinals feel able to pass a physical. Physically I understand some people who label him damaged goods.Entirely possible. But he's so cheap right now and so very young that if you believe he is actually talented,which I do, I think he makes a sweet bargain basement buy low right now. The only positive in Arizona is the comp for playing time if Mendy misses time. Improved OL just took a step back, epically difficult conference schedule and Arian's does not throw to his backs. I think only Oakland is a worse situation right now so chances are he can find greener grass. My feelings with Williams are in line with some of his recent comments, get healthy and his talent will speak for itself.
As for Arizona Mendenhall looked really sharp last night.Granted he had Cooper in the game for all of his runs but one thing I always liked about Mendenhall in this AZ situation was he's played most of his career with less than ideal run blocking and managed to be at least above average most of the time, even great at times. But if he's out it sure looks like the team has convinced themselves of Alphonso Smith's reliability and skill set. He was the back that got the work when Mendenhall went down and my guess is the current #2 RB. So even if Williams is out of the picture I think we'll see Smith get the first crack at backing up Mendy, over the rookies.
As a Williams owner I don't take this as bad news in the least. I'm just happy to see Williams back on the field and would guess the Cardinals feel able to pass a physical. Physically I understand some people who label him damaged goods.Entirely possible. But he's so cheap right now and so very young that if you believe he is actually talented,which I do, I think he makes a sweet bargain basement buy low right now. The only positive in Arizona is the comp for playing time if Mendy misses time. Improved OL just took a step back, epically difficult conference schedule and Arian's does not throw to his backs. I think only Oakland is a worse situation right now so chances are he can find greener grass. My feelings with Williams are in line with some of his recent comments, get healthy and his talent will speak for itself.
As for Arizona Mendenhall looked really sharp last night.Granted he had Cooper in the game for all of his runs but one thing I always liked about Mendenhall in this AZ situation was he's played most of his career with less than ideal run blocking and managed to be at least above average most of the time, even great at times. But if he's out it sure looks like the team has convinced themselves of Alphonso Smith's reliability and skill set. He was the back that got the work when Mendenhall went down and my guess is the current #2 RB. So even if Williams is out of the picture I think we'll see Smith get the first crack at backing up Mendy, over the rookies.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
I agree, but is he healthy? I have to assume if he was, someone would have signed him. He was pretty productive last year.
biju
Footballguy
I've wondered that myself.
If someone bites I wonder if his knee suddenly feels a whole lot better and he's able to get out there and prove he still belongs in this league.
D'OHtis
Footballguy
There's no head coach in the NFL that wanted Williams to come back and succeed more than Bruce Arians (a Virginia Tech alum)
Williams has to be on the field to compete. Plan and simple. And he wasn't most all of camp. He's collected quite a bit of money for a guy that's collected 58 carries at 2.8 ypc for 2 years. Williams looked brutal last year & after 2 years getting nothing from him, the scholarship being a high pick is over. If Williams could have stayed on the field for any duration this camp, he'd [at worst] be likely looking at a timeshare.
Alphonso Taylor and Stephan Taylor have been on the field every day in camp -- and have shown no worse than Williams has.
I was told before last night's preseason game that Williams may have trouble making these 1st round of cuts....... (who knows if Mendenhall getting dinged changes that).
If you watched last night's game, you saw Williams only saw action in the 4th quarter (with Ellington, who has ST value and is signed for longer and cheaper) and well behind Alphonso Taylor & S.Taylor.
FWIW Williams was gift wrapped the backup job when camp started (and running as the clear #2 back). If you can't stay on the field to be evaluated, you're not going to cut it. I don't expect Williams to make the cut. (Maybe the Cards will find someone to throw them a late round pick)
Williams has to be on the field to compete. Plan and simple. And he wasn't most all of camp. He's collected quite a bit of money for a guy that's collected 58 carries at 2.8 ypc for 2 years. Williams looked brutal last year & after 2 years getting nothing from him, the scholarship being a high pick is over. If Williams could have stayed on the field for any duration this camp, he'd [at worst] be likely looking at a timeshare.
Alphonso Taylor and Stephan Taylor have been on the field every day in camp -- and have shown no worse than Williams has.
I was told before last night's preseason game that Williams may have trouble making these 1st round of cuts....... (who knows if Mendenhall getting dinged changes that).If you watched last night's game, you saw Williams only saw action in the 4th quarter (with Ellington, who has ST value and is signed for longer and cheaper) and well behind Alphonso Taylor & S.Taylor.
FWIW Williams was gift wrapped the backup job when camp started (and running as the clear #2 back). If you can't stay on the field to be evaluated, you're not going to cut it.
I don't expect Williams to make the cut. (Maybe the Cards will find someone to throw them a late round pick)
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EBF
Footballguy
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The High Priest
Footballguy
Why arnt we talking about A Smith. He has looked good in my opinion and had a great opportunity to steal a starting job.
I have never thought Williams was any good. I was like why do people like this guy and so on.
Maybe the game is just too fast for him so we don't see the qualities so many liked in him when the Cards drafted him.
I don't know, but I doubt there's many takers. On film, there's like nothing favorable.
158 yards total for his two years in the league is ridiculously low.
I'd rather that Ogboyanna however ya spell it guy that filled in in cleveland once upon a time if I were desperate for a cheap active player. He can't cost too much in trade.
I love Stump Mitchell and always have. If I'm the GM there and we're solely talking end of roster types-I'd be like Stump who do you want us to try and get?
Re-McGahee. Bad knees have to stay active. He must be still in great shape if he's going to play this year. Bad knees swell up and all if a player tries to just turn it on all of a sudden. I would imagine he or Turner would be signed after this cutdown or week 1(I forget where the point is) so the team isn't obligated to pay them a whole season.
There's no risk here, so again-just ask Stump
Maybe the game is just too fast for him so we don't see the qualities so many liked in him when the Cards drafted him.
I don't know, but I doubt there's many takers. On film, there's like nothing favorable.
158 yards total for his two years in the league is ridiculously low.
I'd rather that Ogboyanna however ya spell it guy that filled in in cleveland once upon a time if I were desperate for a cheap active player. He can't cost too much in trade.
I love Stump Mitchell and always have. If I'm the GM there and we're solely talking end of roster types-I'd be like Stump who do you want us to try and get?
Re-McGahee. Bad knees have to stay active. He must be still in great shape if he's going to play this year. Bad knees swell up and all if a player tries to just turn it on all of a sudden. I would imagine he or Turner would be signed after this cutdown or week 1(I forget where the point is) so the team isn't obligated to pay them a whole season.
There's no risk here, so again-just ask Stump
D'OHtis
Footballguy
Right now, he is next in line. He's been ahead of S.Taylor in camp & games. (Though Taylor has seen 1st team snaps -- just much less of them). I'm just not sure 1) He'll hold off Taylor all year and 2) He'll get a full load.
He has taken full advantage of Ryan Williams's absence because he was on the outside looking in for the 53 man roster when camp began.
Said it before, you're better off chasing other things than the Cards RB situation IMO. And that was before the loss of Jon Cooper. This is not a great run blocking team. And the RB talent here isn't much to write home about. And looking at 6 divisional games against 3 of the better defenses in football.
Donny Loved Bowling
Footballguy
DoubleG
Footballguy
Ummm...there are several starting RBs that have missed a preseason game or two or left games early due to...something. Me thinks some are simply reading with "injury prone" confirmation bias.
jurb26
Footballguy
Are both guys injured? Or is the Internet making that up? Did Cooper not break his leg?Train wreck approaching....
GregR
Footballguy
Appreciate sharing views on how good (or not) the team's running game will be. But discussion about the team's situation shouldn't stop because of it. For 16 team leagues or leagues with deep rosters/more starters, every player who has an opportunity for touches has value. Even the backups who are next man up for that opportunity can have value, so the discussion is still useful to people here.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
If Mendenhall stays healthy he's a lock for 200 touches, and 250-300 wouldn't surprise me at all. He's a lot better than the other guys on the roster, and the Cards aren't going to run enough for volume of carries to force him off the field very often.
If the knee thing really is just a minor sprain his ADP could be suppressed for no good reason too. Could be nice value as a RB3.
If the knee thing really is just a minor sprain his ADP could be suppressed for no good reason too. Could be nice value as a RB3.
kutta
Footballguy
From Rotoworld. I disagree with their take at the end, but it's good to hear it is just a sprain.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports Rashard Mendenhall's right knee injury is a "minor sprain," and he is expected back for Week 1.
It's good news, but the fact Mendenhall admitted to feeling "looseness" in the joint following Saturday night's injury is a reminder that his knee may lack long-term stability. The Cardinals' placement of Ryan Williams on the trade block does indicate they have faith in Mendenhall's health. In a pass-first offense behind one of the league's poorest lines -- and one that just lost LG Jonathan Cooper likely for the season -- we couldn't recommend against drafting Mendenhall more strongly. He's not going to help your fantasy team.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports Rashard Mendenhall's right knee injury is a "minor sprain," and he is expected back for Week 1.
It's good news, but the fact Mendenhall admitted to feeling "looseness" in the joint following Saturday night's injury is a reminder that his knee may lack long-term stability. The Cardinals' placement of Ryan Williams on the trade block does indicate they have faith in Mendenhall's health. In a pass-first offense behind one of the league's poorest lines -- and one that just lost LG Jonathan Cooper likely for the season -- we couldn't recommend against drafting Mendenhall more strongly. He's not going to help your fantasy team.
Chaka
Footballguy
cstu
Footballguy
32 Counter Pass
Footballguy
I just question how much value any Card RB holds at this point. The Oline play was very poor vs the Bolts this past weekend, and the unit takes a big hit with loss of Cooper. The Cards face 3 brutal in division defenses and factor in that Arians has never used the RB much as a receiver, makes Mendy, or anyone else, a dubious proposition.
biju
Footballguy
For the people who may target Mendenhall, what do you put as a percentage chance he starts/finishes these number of games?
13-16?
9-12?
8 or fewer?
For me, this would be 30%, 50%, 20% respectively. I'd like to hear other people's thoughts on this although I'm asking people to predict injury.
13-16?
9-12?
8 or fewer?
For me, this would be 30%, 50%, 20% respectively. I'd like to hear other people's thoughts on this although I'm asking people to predict injury.
Cleat Spike
Footballguy
Interesting....Ryan Williams will get the start this Thursday against the Broncos and will get the majority of the carries. One last audition. He can't ask for anything more at this point. It's going to be vs. Bronco backups, but it's still a good gauge to see if there is ANYTHING at all worth rostering late here.
Mendy's out already (4th preseason game and a bit gimpy as it is). Keep Taylor and Ellington out or give them minimal carries to save them for in-season use (seems like AZ is going to need it). See if Williams can handle a full load one last time before they make their final cuts. If he looks bad or comes up sore after the game, you move on. If he looks pretty good, you either keep or hope you get a trade partner. What a mess, but he could finally be healthy and look good Thursday, who knows? Definitely a steer clear RB situation, but we all know how sometimes an NFL team (and fantasy team) gets so depleted late in the season....guys like this can help out late.
Lot of drafts this week, so this Thur. game may be a good one to tune into for a potential VERY late round RB6/flier. Mendenhal likely won't stay healthy and then you have 2 average rookies and a good journeymen RB mixed in with Williams (if he doesn't get moved or cut).
Mendy's out already (4th preseason game and a bit gimpy as it is). Keep Taylor and Ellington out or give them minimal carries to save them for in-season use (seems like AZ is going to need it). See if Williams can handle a full load one last time before they make their final cuts. If he looks bad or comes up sore after the game, you move on. If he looks pretty good, you either keep or hope you get a trade partner. What a mess, but he could finally be healthy and look good Thursday, who knows? Definitely a steer clear RB situation, but we all know how sometimes an NFL team (and fantasy team) gets so depleted late in the season....guys like this can help out late.
Lot of drafts this week, so this Thur. game may be a good one to tune into for a potential VERY late round RB6/flier. Mendenhal likely won't stay healthy and then you have 2 average rookies and a good journeymen RB mixed in with Williams (if he doesn't get moved or cut).
biju
Footballguy
I imagine this isn't a roster saving game for Ryan Williams as much as a "let's see if we can drum up any trade interest". If he isn't traded ahead of cuts to 53, he will be outright released. At that point I have to assume he'll get a few looks but won't be on a roster for week 1 as teams wait to get him a non-guaranteed contract for the year.
I'm holding him until a good WW option presents itself.
SameSongNDance
Footballguy
Williams got very little action in the 3rd preseason game, something like 2 runs for 10 yards and a catch for 6 (could be wrong). I believe it was on the catch and run, but he made a pretty serious cut pushing off of his surgically repaired right knee and he seemed fine. The sample size is extremely tiny but he didn't look washed up to me. I do however doubt he can ever remain healthy for an elongated period of time.
I've contended all along he'll never be cut as long as he can display he is healthy before the cuts. As a Williams owner nothing would make me happier than being wrong, but I can't see it. Arains has no loyalty for Williams(please stop with the V-Tech connection story) but the GM does and what's more is Williams is easily at worst the second most talented RB on the team. The talent gap between RW and RM vs every other back on the roster is vast, at least IMO. He's also got a dirt cheap contract.
I don't think they would have elevated Williams back to #2 on the depth chart, which they did yesterday, and feature him in a preseason game if they planned to cut him. Drum up trade interest? Quite possibly, but not cut him. Not unless he gets hurt again.
Another thing which suggests to me he's not being featured to be cut. If they cut Williams they would be left with Smith and the two rookies. That's 30 total NFL carries between the group. What I'm getting it is they are going to be RB's 2-4 you would think Arizona would like to get them some much needed work. Also the two rookies, especially Ellington, have got a pretty small amount of pre-season use so a lot to evaluate with them still.
So keeping RB's 2-4 on the bench when they all lack experience to feature a guy you will cut or trade does not make a lot of sense to me. Especially when even if Williams shines he's still going to command very little in a trade. Look at it this way, GB would apparently would not surrender a 7th rounder for SJAX last year and they were a contender in need of a RB.
In the event I'm wrong I'll be very surprised but pleasantly so. If this happens I do agree with your plan completely. I figure if a team picks him up it's after week 1 for the reasons you stated so I'll hold him and see how it shakes out.
cstu
Footballguy
I saw video from training camp before the 'fat pad' problem and he make an awesome cut on a play. Unfortunately the guy can't stay healthy and the fat pad issue something that doesn't go away very easily.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
sounds like williams showed arians enough in game four to unexpectedly position himself to make the final roster cut to 53 saturday (or maybe just attempting to drive up trade value? 
)...
http://espn.go.com/blog/arizona-cardinals/post/_/id/82/arians-ryan-williams-appearing-safe
)...http://espn.go.com/blog/arizona-cardinals/post/_/id/82/arians-ryan-williams-appearing-safe
This is the worst time to trade unless it's like a marquee name.
I don't see much of any update on Mendenhall and still expect him to be ready for week one. Every article said as such when his knee was acting up so maybe that's why there's no rush to put another similar article out. We'll get one, I'm sure, but there's not much recent on Google News(except regurgitated by clearly non-news organizations).
It's possible Williams could be out of football and then signed after a week or two. Whether he gets cut may have to do with how he's reacted and the team's reacted to him being put on the trade block. No coach is going to keep a (newly) sour attitiude around.
On the other side, RBs earn coaches respect all summer even the backups so I imagine the market isn't very good now at all. That'll change as players don't get so many reps in practice or as much playing time and then I figure Ryan will find a new home.
I predict good attitude and he stays, any sourness and he's without a team a couple weeks.
I don't see much of any update on Mendenhall and still expect him to be ready for week one. Every article said as such when his knee was acting up so maybe that's why there's no rush to put another similar article out. We'll get one, I'm sure, but there's not much recent on Google News(except regurgitated by clearly non-news organizations).
It's possible Williams could be out of football and then signed after a week or two. Whether he gets cut may have to do with how he's reacted and the team's reacted to him being put on the trade block. No coach is going to keep a (newly) sour attitiude around.
On the other side, RBs earn coaches respect all summer even the backups so I imagine the market isn't very good now at all. That'll change as players don't get so many reps in practice or as much playing time and then I figure Ryan will find a new home.
I predict good attitude and he stays, any sourness and he's without a team a couple weeks.
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dynastyguy1000
Footballguy
It's Ryan Williams worth a pre-emptive free agent pickup based on what anyone saw yesterday?
cstu
Footballguy
I watched all of his plays in the game and he looked ok but is still tentative. He's still got a burst though. Still playing like he's trying to not get hurt. I still think he gets cut.
I watched every run as well and have a different take completely. Don't think he looked tentative in the least.
And he wont' get cut. I've been saying this for weeks until I'm blue in the face. All he ever had to do was show get healthy before cuts. Mission accomplished. He's no worse than the second best RB on the team and he's cheap. He might get traded, but he won't get cut. I guarantee it.
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