Eric Sorenson
It can be argued no player, at any level, saw more in their NFL career than Kurt Warner.
The former Cardinal quarterback great turned NFL Network analyst, who one day may end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, saw the highest of highs and the lowest of lows during his 11-year NFL career. He can relate to the public bashing Cardinals’ left tackle Levi Brown got after being beaten for three sacks in Sunday’s disappointing loss to the Rams.
“I’m sure Levi will be the first one to tell you he didn’t do well enough [Sunday] and he has to get better.”
He said critics need to consider all the circumstances involving Brown, who missed the entire 2012 season after tearing a triceps tendon in his right arm last August.
“I think, always the hardest thing is to continually flip-flop him from one side to the other,” Warner explained to Pros2Preps.com in a phone interview Monday morning. “Those are the hardest things…for a tackle to find his roots and get comfortable somewhere. He’s moved back and forth so much in his career that never helps.”
Brown, who is known for being a capable run blocker, has struggled in the past with quick, strong edge rushers like Robert Quinn who sacked Carson Palmer three times at his expense.
Warner knows the task won’t get any easier as the season unfolds and it’s up to Brown to step up his game.
“Bottom line is when you get in those situations, especially when you’re playing left tackle in the National Football League you are going to face a good pass rusher nearly every single week,” he explained. “You have to be able to count on that guy to be able to block that. I’m sure Levi will be the first one to tell you he didn’t do well enough [Sunday] and he has to get better.”
Head coach Bruce Arians expressed Monday, after watching the film, many of Brown’s issues were due to poor technique which is coachable and correctable.
Warner echoed those sentiments.
“It comes down to technique,” he said. “Keeping your shoulders as parallel to the line of scrimmage as possible, not opening them up to the sideline where you give defensive players an edge. It all comes with footwork and hands and being able to stay in balance…technique wins out 90% of the time.”
Cardinal quarterbacks were sacked 58 times last season. They allowed four against St. Louis.
