Expert: Steve Overmyer - 7/24/2000

Question
The Cardinals seem to have a better personell fit for a 3-4 front than for a 4-3, what with Smith sitting out and Rice, should he show up, a natural for the uncovered outside linebacker position. I don`t know why they don`t put Raynoch Thompson and Rutledge in a 4 LB scheme. What do you think? Also, what is the deadline for Smith and Rice to show up in order not to lose a year of eligibility towards free agency? Thanks.

Answer
Scott thanks for asking.  Thats a great point you bring up about the personnel dictating the defensive scheme. So first I'll answer that.  I've asked McGinnis periodicly about what he thinks of the 3-4 and he doesn't like it too much.  He feels that would pit an offensive lineman against another linebacker... not a good defensive matchup for the run.  And as you know defending the rush was a huge problem last season.  One thing I've noticed since McGinnis has been on board has been team speed.  This linebacking corp is probably one of the quickest in the NFC.  But they need to stick with a 4-3 because they have to protect the run.  However, there was more than one occasion when Simeon slid back to backer or blitzed over the center.  McGinnis likes to switch things up, so I wouldnt put it past him to use the 3-4.  But rember he's got some young studs in the draft that can fill the middle pretty good Mao Tosi is a MAN! If his neck is ok he'll be a starter by the 5th week at DT.  Darwin Walker is progressing slower than thought and it's not clear if he'll be interior or rush end.  As for Rutledge, expect a big year outta him but don't expect much from Thompson. He's still a bit slight and really doen't know the defense yet.  Watching him in practice is like watching a chicken with his head cutoff.  In his defense, it takes a full year to really understand the defense so Rutledge will be outstanding this year.  As for Simeon he needs to report before the 10th week of the season for this year to count.  But believe me it will be way before that.  He'll have the deal inked on Sept 1st and ready to go in the first game of the season don't worry about him.  What he told me he's probably gonna do is ink a 1 year deal for 4.25 mil and then take his chances next year.  

Thanks for the question if you have any more give me a holla,  I'm heading back up to camp Friday - Monday so if I don't get back to you between then you'll know why.

Steve