HOT TOPIC
Changing offensive coordinators didn't result in improved production from the
Cardinals offense last week against Oakland. In fact, things looked worse.
The Cardinals rushed for just 50 years. Quarterback Matt Leinart was under
pressure all day, partly because coaches never gave right tackle Oliver Ross any
help in trying to block defensive end Derrick Burgess.
The club still tried to run out of offensive sets that included a fullback and a
tight end, even though the team doesn't have a fullback or a tight end who can
block.
There have to be some radical changes in scheme if the Cardinals are going to
end their six-game losing streak. The club should go to three- and four-receiver
sets and use running back Edgerrin James out of those formations. That might
help give him more space to run.
But teams are stacking their defenses when the Cardinals use their tight ends
and fullback, and it's hindered James instead of helping him.
The absence of receiver Larry Fitzgerald has hurt, too. Fitzgerald is expected
to miss his third consecutive game with a hamstring pull. Without him in the
lineup, teams have been able to concentrate on stopping Anquan Boldin, using
press coverage and a safety over the top.
PLAYER NOTES
--QB Matt Leinart needs better blocking to succeed. He was sacked three times
last week and was hit on numerous other occasions.
--RT Oliver Ross likely will be benched this week. LG Reggie Wells will move to
the right side.
--LG Reggie Wells likely will move to right tackle this week, replacing Oliver
Ross.
--RG Chris Liwienski likely will move to left guard this week. LG Reggie Wells
is moving to right tackle.
--LG Taitui Lutui, a rookie, probably will get his first NFL start Sunday in
Green Bay. Lutui is part of three changes that are likely to be made in the
starting offensive line.
--WR Larry Fitzgerald probably will miss a third consecutive game because of a
pulled hamstring.