Filling Antonio Smith's shoes on the football field is one challenge for Calais Campbell. One he's certainly ready to handle. But it's the other task that will challenge him even more.
Smith, you see, was the resident court jester for the Arizona Cardinals, and his departure as a free agent to the Houston Texans leaves a void on the defensive line as well as with the snappy one-liners.
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| Only 22, Calais Campbell has already tasted an NFC title. (US Presswire) |
The Cardinals will be happy if he simply fills his football role and believe he can. As free agency approached, the Cardinals were resigned to losing Smith. That's because they were confident Campbell could fill his role.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt praised Campbell right before free agency opened.
"That's why you draft those guys," Whisenhunt said. "So they're ready to step in and play. We like Calais."
Campbell is just one of several players around the league now thrust into the role of replacing a departed free agent -- or cut player -- before the 2009 season opens.
Campbell said he's more than ready, even if he has to fend off other challengers for the job. He'll get first crack. It is a little bittersweet for him, however. Smith was the veteran who watched out for him. As a rookie out of Miami, Campbell leaned on Smith for advice. Smith helped him with his pass-rush moves and other tricks needed to get to the quarterback.
"He was my mentor so it's hard to see him go," Campbell said. "I'm happy for him because he's getting rewarded financially and this is a business. At the same time, it gives me a chance to show what I can do."
Campbell had 28 tackles, but no sacks last season. He played both tackle and end, but prefers to play end. That's where the money is. That's where the sacks add up.
"It's my natural position," he said. "It's what I've always played."
Campbell also covered kicks last year at 282 pounds. That says a lot about his athletic ability.
"I just loved going down looking for somebody to hit," Campbell said.
The Cardinals hope he's a hit. Maybe even a Pro Bowl player someday. That's nothing to laugh at -- even if he is replacing the Cardinals class clown.
Here are other interesting replacement situations heading into 2009:
Titans defensive tackle spot
Leaving: Albert Haynesworth
Taking over: Jason Jones or Jovan Haye
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| Tampa import Jovan Haye gets a chance to fill a major Titans gap. (Getty Images) |
Rate the replacements: Good. It's tough to play without Haynesworth, but the Titans did it for two games last season, three in 2007 and five in 2006. It can be done.
Cowboys No. 1 receiver
Leaving: Terrell Owens
Taking over: Roy Williams
The skinny: The Cowboys are losing a problem in their locker room, but they are also losing their best receiver. Owens averaged 15.2 yards per catch. That will be tough to replace. They like Williams a lot -- don't they have to because of the price they paid to get him? -- but he didn't do much last season. He has tools and has been productive before, but there are questions about whether he can fill the role.
Rate the replacement: So-so. He might be better in the locker room, but is Williams better on the field?
Eagles strong safety spot
Leaving: Brian Dawkins
Taking over: Sean Jones or Quintin Demps
The skinny: Dawkins was a good player for a long time, but his play tailed off the past couple of seasons. It especially showed up in pass coverage. Jones is a quality player who is younger. He missed time last season with injuries, but when he's on the field he's as good as Dawkins was last season. Demps was a solid special-teams player last season who has more athleticism that did Dawkins.
Rate the replacement: Just fine. Either Jones or Demps will play well in their defense.
Ravens inside linebacker spot
Leaving: Bart Scott
Taking over: Tavares Gooden
The skinny: The Ravens hated losing Scott to the Jets, but they love some of their young linebackers. Gooden was a third-round pick in 2008 and should get the first crack at taking over next to Ray Lewis. But they have some other good players such as Antwan Barnes, Jameel McClain and Prescott Burgess. Is there a linebacker factory in Owings Mills?
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| Martin Rucker steps into large, controversial shoes. (Getty Images) |
Browns tight end
Leaving: Kellen Winslow
Taking over: Martin Rucker
The skinny: The new Browns staff likely didn't want to deal with all the issues Winslow brings, which, to me, aren't that bad. So they traded him away for draft picks. I don't like the move. They must think highly of Rucker, who was a rookie last year. Rucker does have pass-catching ability but is unproven.
Rate the replacement: Questionable. Anytime you replace a star with an unproven player, it's risky. That's especially true with a young star like Winslow.
Bengals right tackle position
Leaving: Stacy Andrews
Taking over: Anthony Collins or Andrew Whitworth
The skinny: Collins started six games last season as a rookie at left tackle. Whitworth has been the team's starting left guard the past two seasons but also spent time at left tackle. The coaches have to make a decision on which player to move. Collins was a fourth-round pick last year who got time when the Bengals line was crippled by injuries. He has the skills to be a good right tackle, but Whitworth looks more like the right tackle because of his huge size.
Rate the replacements: Just fine. I like Andrews a lot, but Collins has the skills to be a good starter for a long time and Whitworth is a mauler.
Steelers No. 3 receiver
Leaving: Nate Washington
Taking over: Limas Sweed
The Skinny: Washington, who signed with Tennessee, made himself into a nice No. 3, his speed a big part of the Steelers' offense. But they couldn't pay him to stay, especially with Sweed ready to play. Sweed dropped some passes as a rookie, but at least he was open on those plays. That's half the battle. I think once he works on those hands, he'll be a good player. Martin Nance will also vie for time.
Rate the replacement: Just fine. Don't judge Sweed on what he did last season. He'll be much better in 2009.
Steelers starting corner spot
Leaving: Bryant McFadden
Taking over: Deshea Townsend or William Gay
The skinny: Losing McFadden is a tough one because he was a young, improving player. Townsend has been a starter in the past, but I think the Steelers prefer him as a nickel corner. Gay has potential, and he's improved the past couple of years, but is he ready? The Steelers might be forced to draft a corner early now.
Rate the replacement: Not so good. Townsend shouldn't be asked to start this late in his career and Gay is raw. They need to get a corner early in the draft.
