Judge on Steelers
TAMPA, Fla. -- They call him a lot of playfully insulting names. Such as: old man, old as dirt, grandpa and any others you would expect for an aging player.
Bryan Robinson gets it all from his younger Arizona Cardinals teammates. At 34, he's the oldest player on a defense that is filled with youth.
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| It's up to Bryan Robinson to dominate the line of scrimmage and clog the middle. (US Presswire) |
"Every year after 30 -- you guys love to remind everybody our age every year after 30. At this stage in your career, you don't know how much time you have left. Kurt Warner will be the first guy to tell you that you don't know. You just try to make the best of it while you are here. I think Ken (Whisenhunt) did a great job in bringing veterans in and putting them in at the right spots. It has helped us out thus far."
A 12-year veteran, Robinson signed with the Cardinals as an unrestricted free agent last spring, far removed from the marquee signings of that time. The Cardinals were his fifth team. He wasn't exactly known as a star.
He still isn't a star, but he has been a pleasant surprise -- a much-needed surprise -- for this Arizona defense. With Robinson able to occupy blockers, it frees up Darnell Dockett, the team's other tackle, to create havoc in the backfield.
At 304 pounds, he isn't as big as most nose tackles, but his wide body enables him to win at the point of attack.
Robinson's battle with Steelers center Justin Hartwig will dictate whether or not the Steelers can get their run game going. If Robinson wins, there will be no running inside.
That's why he's one of my five key Under-the-Radar Arizona Cardinals players.
Here are the four others:
C Lyle Sendlein
If the Cardinals are to have any chance to run the football, Sendlein must have a good day against Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton.
Sendlein is a first-year starter, taking over full time when Al Johnson was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury to start the season. Sendlein has played well in his place.
As one Cardinals player said: "He's had some good games against some big-time players. He's here to stay."
Sendlein wasn't drafted out of Texas, but has made the most of his chance. He isn't a powerful player, but he gets by with smarts and technique.
He will need all of that to handle Hampton.
S Aaron Francisco
He only started four games, but Francisco was the team's sixth-leading tackler with 56.
That speaks volumes about his value.
Francisco plays in a lot of nickel and dime situations and he has a knack for getting to the football. He had an interception against the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, although he did fumble it away.
He's a smart, heady player who will hit you. He's also a good special-teams player.
WR/KR Steve Breaston
Breaston emerged as the team's third receiver in a big way this season. He caught 77 passes in his second season after catching seven as a rookie.
He was forced to start when Anquan Boldin was injured, which has helped him gain Warner's confidence. Although slight in stature, he's tough enough to go over the middle, which you must do in the Arizona offense.
He's also a capable return man, which is where he might make an impact against the Steelers. He's back on kick returns and he's also the team's punt-return man. Breaston didn't have a touchdown on a return this season, but he had two as a rookie, including a punt-return score against the Steelers, so the ability is there.
LT Mike Gandy
When the Cardinals signed him as a free agent two years ago, there was some who questioned the move.
Was he any more than just a stopgap player?
The answer is yes.
Gandy, who has played guard and right tackle in his career, has developed into a capable left tackle. He has improved greatly in pass protection, which is key in this game.
He has to keep James Harrison from getting on Warner. Harrison is a relentless pass rusher who seems to get better after his first sack. Gandy has to keep Harrison in check.
If he does, the Cardinals should have success throwing the football.
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