
You'd think a second-year offensive lineman who had started all 16 regular-season games and both playoff games for a team that's just one game away from the Super Bowl would be hearing nothing but praise right about now. But for Arizona right tackle Levi Brown, the most common question he gets is some version of, "How much do you think the Cardinals regret drafting you?"
Brown, you see, was selected fifth overall in the 2007 NFL draft. And hardly a day goes by when someone doesn't remind him that the Cardinals could have chosen Adrian Peterson (who was taken seventh by the Vikings) instead.
When reporters started asking Brown about Peterson on Thursday, he told them he'd just as soon talk about Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Eagles, thank you very much.
"If we want to talk about this game against Philadelphia, that's fine," he said. "Otherwise, we're not talking."
Brown isn't the only one sick of the questions. Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm says it's stupid to expect an offensive tackle to have the instant impact that a running back like Peterson can have:
I've got to agree with Grimm here. It's not like Brown has been a bust, and second-guessing draft picks two years later is rather tiresome. Maybe if Brown earns a Super Bowl ring, he'll stop hearing so much about Peterson."Few people understand how difficult this position is to learn," Grimm said. "Very few of them can come in and play their rookie year. They're usually not strong enough and they can't pick up the system fast enough or the different looks, the different-type rushers and the open formations. It usually takes a few years."
"Levi's a good player and he's going to turn out to be a great player. I'm certain of it."


















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-17-2009 @ 1:41PM
A.J. said...
This is like comparing apples and oranges. The fact is, Levi Brown was needed for the Cardinals more than Peterson was at the point where the Cards drafted him. Of course, no one could have predicted the impact Peterson would have had on the league in his rookie season. A lot of teams - no doubt, including the Cardinals - were a bit hesitant to spend a high pick on him because of his injury history as well.
Reply
1-18-2009 @ 8:30AM
mrodr281 said...
who the hell is Peterson?
Reply
1-18-2009 @ 9:15AM
Thatsabsurd said...
If Grimm says it is so
IT IS SO
Reply
1-18-2009 @ 10:07AM
Kathy said...
AP's a good back but look who's in the NFC championship game? The O-line makes a team successful, or not, and having one of the best ever in Russ Grimm coaching them is why the Cards are a win away from the SB.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 7:04PM
Cricket said...
You are stupid if u dont know peterson!
Reply