Arizona Cardinals

Apparently, the Cardinals have let it be known that they are seeking an offensive tackle, and are are willing to trade. First thoughts of trading might be Bryant Johnson or Marcel Shipp. I say no way on either. Someone will get hurt and we need those guys. But Cardinals are willing to trade as high as a 3rd round pick. It may sound crazy to give up a first day pick for a back-up position, but if it's the right guy, I think it's worth it. I don't know if we can expect much from Oliver Ross, and the team may have the same concerns. Will he be back? I think he'll return much later than thought.

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As mentioned earlier, JJ Arrington kind of impressed me Saturday. He returned kicks very well. And he showed toughness on his runs, not backing down. I think that is what it is going to take for him to start being successful.

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Leinart will probably play against his former back-up this weekend. The kid that played behind him at USC is the back-up to Tom Brady. I expect extensive playing time for Matt this Saturday.

First - let's talk about the stadium. That has been the big story all week. Well - I hate to be the only one to complain - but I actually did not like the experience. It took an hour to get from the freeway to the parking lot. Then, it was extremely difficult to find the elevators and escalators. There was no sign that explained where to go. Then the concession lines were ridiculous, and you couldn't cross them just to walk through. Now finally, my seat faces the biggest video board - yet they cut the video board in half and do not use all of it. Plus - they did not have the downs, qtr, ball on and score up there. Very frustrating. Now - with all that being said, I understand it was the opeming day, and a ton of bugs must be worked out. Also - the seats were very comfortable, it waws much cooler inside than outside. The field looked great. The food was better. And all the workers were very pleasant and helpful. I like the stadium, but I hope they can fix a few things.

Now about the game. I will quickly cover the best and worst.
I thouhgt played well:
Bryant Johnson - stud of the game
Kurt Warner - did very well
Larry Fitzgerald - did good
Offense as a whole - clicked well (sans running game)
There were no penalties until the end! Imagine that - no false starts!
Even though stats weren't there - JJ Arrington
Troy Walters - do we finally have a punt returner?
Gerald Hayes
Antonio Smith
Bertrand Berry
Antrel Rolle

Disappointing -
John Navarre
Anquan Boldin (only due to high expectations)
The run game - except Diamond Ferri - impressive

No injuries to speak of - I hope this means a good season.

We know about Oliver Ross RT - probably 10 weeks, definately not good
Rolandu Cantu - OL 10 weeks - but a backup / practice squad guy - not too significant, but it does does take away depth
Kenny King - hand again. I can't beleive it - this guy ahs missed 3 years in a row now. Not a good feeling for him I'm sure. Although he has collected a paycheck for 3 years sitting on the couch. Word is, his agent wants to file a grievence because the Cardinals made him practice with a soft cast on, thereby causing his 3rd injurey. I know - it confuses me too. But, as I understand football contracts - he was hurt with a football injuery, so he will be paid all year on IR. THis is the last year of his contract, so he will be gone anyways.

Karlos Dansby - OLB - word is coach is really getting down on him. I think Green is trying to mess with his head to get him back early. The way I see it - it's just pre-season, Dansby knows how to play, it is giving Calvin Pace more time to learn a new position. Dansby only has a broken thumb - if it was regular season , I would be all over Dansby, but right now - let it heal the right way.

Matt Leinart - My prediction, when the kid really does sign - he will get hurt and miss significant more time. Not good.

GOOD NOTES

Word is Antrell Rolle is performing very well at camp. Making plays every day.
Edgerrin James is really talking it up and helping the o-line.
Calvin Pace is doing good -
The D-line as a whole is performing
Shipp is working on special teams and perfing to a high level, also looking very good at RB
John Navarre is looking good, just working on realeasing the ball sooner

Bad Notes

Fred Wakefield is not performing that well as replacement to Oliver Ross at RT
Duece Lutui is struggling, but that is expected for a rookie
The offense is struggling getting plays in on time, but performing well for a first week

Just about every game, I have an extra ticket. For many games, I have 2-3 extra tickets. Contact me here if you are interested. (Upper deck, row 4)
Kyle

Pulling out the Sports Illustrated Fantasy Football preview, it is amazing to see so many Cardinals at the top of the selections in just about all positions. The following are all in the top ten of their respected positions. Now lets hope this translates to wins on the field!

Runningbacks - Edgerrin James (#6)
Wide Recievers - Both Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald (3 & 6)
QB - Kurt Warner (#4)
Kicker - Neil Rackers (#2)

Not on the top ten for Tight End, and Defense - but our defense could be a sleeper pick I think.