Week 7 of the NFL season kicks off tonight as the Arizona Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. Ian Eagle, Trent Green and sideline reporter Mark Malone will have all the action from University of Phoenix Stadium beginning at 8 PM Eastern. For a preview of the game, Trent Green filed this report:
Much Ado About Measurables
Seems the first thing everyone talks about with Russell Wilson is his height. While I do think there has to be a certain height that coaches or scouts are looking for just because the linemen are so tall, I don’t think anything can be 100 percent definitive. I don’t think you can judge a wide receiver or a defensive back strictly on his 40 time and you can’t judge an offensive lineman solely on his strength. With a quarterback, obviously you’d like to have a taller quarterback just for the vision it allows down the field, but you have to evaluate EVERY aspect of a player.
Guys like Russell Wilson and Drew Brees, guys that are six-feet tall and shorter, there’s obviously a place for them in the game and a place for them to have great success in the game, it’s just that they’re at a distinct disadvantage because of their height — on average. Now, if the quarterback in question has a high release point, mobility, a good understanding of the offense, a good football mind – any of those factors will offset the height part of the equation.
Progress in the Desert
Things are looking up for an Arizona team that lost 11 of its last 12 games in 2012 for several reasons. First off, 28 of the 53 players on the Cardinals’ roster are new to the team this year, including quarterback Carson Palmer. Palmer brings some stability to the quarterback position – something they haven’t seen in Arizona the last several years. And of course, bringing in Bruce Arians and an entirely new staff of coordinators has changed the culture and changed the attitude. The combination of new players and new coaches has given everyone a fresh start.
Best in the West?
The NFC West race is shaping up to be one of the better races for the second year running. In 2012, San Francisco eked out the title courtesy of a tie, with their 11-4-1 record besting Seattle’s 11-5 mark. This season, it’s looking like more of the same with all four teams at .500 or better. Right now, I give the Seahawks the upper hand. I just haven’t seen the same consistency out of the 49ers, and in spite of those 3-3 records, I don’t think Arizona and St. Louis are in it for the long haul this year.
– Trent Green
Former NFL quarterback Trent Green is the analyst for Thursday Night Football on WestwoodOne. Tonight, he’ll be alongside Ian Eagle for the call as the Seattle Seahawks visit the Arizona Cardinals. Coverage begins at 8 PM Eastern on WestwoodOne.
