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I've never been afraid to expose my dorkdum so I'm not going to stop now.

I have a rule: I never, ever add a movie to my Top 10 All-Time List until a mandatory waiting period of two years. That way when I walk out of, let's say "Inception", I ignore the instant reaction to label it one of THE BEST MOVIES I'VE EVER SEEN. Because when I think about it…really think about it….it doesn't make the cut. Let it breathe. Don't rush to judge.

I know. I'm a dork.

What does any of this have to do with new Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton?

This is a big hire for Ken Whisenhunt. The expectation level was set high with the tease of Dick LeBeau and hint of Keith Butler. Fans may be disappointed the Cardinals fell short of those lofty goals but I'm not. In Horton they got a guy who was born and raised in the LeBeau system. A Steeler guy. And if LeBeau was a pipe dream and Butler a stone wall, Horton makes for an attractive alternative.

There is also no disputing that Horton is Whisenhunt's third defensive coordinator in four years. In that regard, Whisenhunt has to get this one right. After all, you can only play that scapegoat card so many times. You won't find me disagreeing with this.

Where I do disagree is when you take it one step further. Ken Whisenhunt has to get this one right….or else….What?

I've spoken to some fans, many fans, who are actually attaching the future of Ken Whisenhunt to this hire. Absolutely absurd. If you want to paint yourself in that corner brush away.

Hiring Horton is step one in the process. Declaring what should be done if it doesn't work out is step 25. It's like walking out of "Inception" and deciding it's the best movie of all-time. Let it breathe. Don't rush to judge.

The unit as a whole is desperate for a pass rush, a younger group of linebackers and help at the cornerback position. Horton may be the best defensive coordinator since, well, Dick LeBeau but if the talent doesn't get better what difference will it make?

Bringing in LeBeau himself guarantees nothing but winning the press conference.

We see this rush to judge all the time. Green Bay wins one Super Bowl and immediately people want to debate whether they're a potential dynasty. Jay Cutler, and I'm guilty as charged on this one, tears up his knee if the NFC title game but before the game is even over, we're passing judgment on whether he wussed out or not. So before you decide that this move has to work out for Ken Whisenhunt….OR ELSE…..relax. See how it plays out. See if Horton coaches ‘em up. See if they take out the spackle and patch the holes. Or, go see a movie.

I hear "The Social Network" is the best movie you'll see all year.

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    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    Number 1...
    Whiz's fate shouldnt be decided from the 2011-2012 year. It should be visited after the end of the 2012-2013 season. I think that his contract ends that year anyway. Who knows... Maybe he wont even want to work here after that. #2: He needs help from the owners to allow him to sign talent (even if it's expensive). Horton isnt as attractive as LeBeau or Butler but it isnt a step back either. Both coaches will need help from the Bidwells in order to make the Cards a contending team for the SB. Just look at all the playoff teams from this year. Will we be able to match up?
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    Question to all
    After seeing all the playoff teams from this year, will the Cardinals be able to match up or be able to contend with any of them using all of the players on their current roster? FYI- My answer is HECK NO! My opinion is that they have bits and pieces in SOME positions but lack talent in MOST other positions. They let a majority of them go last year. Can any of you see the Bidwells spending money to bring in talent this year? My answer is no. FYI- That is yet to be seen...
  • Abuse
    PaczkiTodd wrote...
    Have Patience AZ Cardinal Fans
    If there's anybody in the NFL who can direct the AZ Cards to the LeBeau blitzing style 3-4 defense it's Ray Horton. He's was drafted by LeBeau, played for LeBeau and coach under LeBeau. If the AZ Cardinal's Defensive Players listen to him and believe in his system/techniques we'll begin to see better takling/gap control & reductions in allowing big plays (run & pass) which was my own biggest concern last season. This will take time as its a complex defensive style. Have patience AZ Cardinal Fans.
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    Okay I'll be patient
    But everyone thinks we struggled last year because of Davis. Righfully so... But I believe most of it was the players. Maybe mainly because they didnt believe in Davis' philosophy. I think that we have aging players that need to be replaced (Strong Safety & Linebacker). And we lack talent some spots (Cornerback & Linebacker). LeBeau's D requires hard, agressive, up-tempo players. And Horton will teach that! But still, we players who have aged and players who are not talented, who's return should be seriously evaluated.
  • Abuse
    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    I butchered my last sentence...
    What I meant to say is: we have players who have aged and we have players who are not talented. Those player's return should be seriously evaluated I.E: ADub, Porter, Haggans, Toler, Hayes, Lutui and the whole offensive line, Hall, DA, Doucet and any other player who didnt play up to standards.
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