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Larry Fitzgerald: Desert Storm

Larry Fitzgerald: Desert Storm

Anquan Boldin's 100+ catch rookie season did more than set the league on fire, it also served notice that rookie receivers can contribute in a big way despite an historical trend that would suggest otherwise. Furthermore, there is evidence that Boldin's big season is a landmark that signals the beginning of a new trend that will result in more big contributions from rookie wide receivers in the coming years.

Every few years, the NFL adjusts rules to open up offenses. This new emphasis on calling penalties for extra contact will be huge this season. - John Clayton: ESPN

The change senior ESPN writer John Clayton is referring to is a new NFL-wide crackdown on contact after the first 5-yards from scrimmage between receivers and defensive backs. After reviewing the tapes of the 2003 playoffs, NFL brass determined that defensive backs were permitted far too much leniancy in clutching and grabbing receivers during their route running (formally known as the Chuck Rule). This season, NFL officials have been officially mandated to call the 5-yard Chuck Rule with a significantly lower tolerance. So who stands to benefit? If you're looking for the best candidate to pull a Boldin in 2004, look no further than Anquan Boldin's new teammate and starting companion.

I believe rookie receivers will have more impact in their first seasons. True, most first-round receivers are underclassmen who have trouble adjusting to NFL route-running and getting off the line of scrimmage in their rookie seasons. But these rookies should have more of a chance to get off the line of scrimmage without having a defender in their faces as long as teams play more zone and less man. Because these are big, powerful receivers who are faster than the cornerbacks covering them, they should be able to run their routes better and make more catches early. - John Clayton: ESPN

At 6'3, 220-lbs and blessed with good speed, Fitzgerald has the rarest blend of physical prowess that has drawn frequent comparisons to Randy Moss. Can he really be that good? New Cardinals head coach Dennis Green sure thinks so;

He's that massive combination of everything you want to have," Green said. "The next thing is the intangibles. He loves the game. He has great passion for the game. He plays with a high level of intensity. He plays hard. He plays smart. He plays very, very physical. I think he is ideally suited from our offense." - AP

Dennis Green knows how to build potent offenses and proved that during his tenure with the Vikings. If second year quarterback Josh McCown can mature quickly, the Cardinals offense could put up some significant numbers.

every day Larry makes a catch nobody else in the NFL can make." - Dennis Green

Green's been saying a lot of things to the press lately. He has recently compared Josh McCown to Brett Favre, and has verbally stated that he expects the Cardinals to be a playoff team this year. While separating motivational coachspeak from reality is required here, what is clear is that Dennis Green is doing and saying everything he can to change the psyche of a franchise that has been stuck in losing rut for years. And if Larry Fitzgerald is as good as advertised, Green will be well on his way to making that a reality.

Catching On [Boston.com] Fitzgerald, Green reunited on Cardinals [Kansas.com] Photo: [AP]

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