Archive for July, 2009

Arizona Cardinals news and notes from day one of camp. All Cards players needed to report by 5pm.  No word yet if anyone missed the deadline.  However receiver Anquan Boldin had to turn around on the way up the hill to help a couple of stranded players in Phoenix due to car trouble, linebacker Ali Highsmith and receiver Early Doucet. Sounds like defensive lineman Darnell Dockett arrived on time.  He sent a message on his Twitter page about 45 minutes ago saying he was in the car with safety Antrel Rolle. Dockett just tweeted that he is currently doing a [...]

Finally!  The time has come for the Arizona Cardinals to report to training camp in Flagstaff today.  This is a day many fans, including yours truly, have been waiting for since the heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on February 1st – 178 days ago.  The first practice is two days away on Friday the 31st.  The first preseason game will be against those same Steelers on ESPN on Thursday August 13th, in Pittsburgh.  The first home game will be Saturday August 22nd against the San Diego Chargers.

An NFL great died today.  A true man and a true warrior of the NFL. Jim Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator and former Arizona Cardinals defensive line and defensive secondary coach, who just days ago took a leave of absence from the Eagles because of his cancer of the spine, passed away at the age of 68 today. Although he was diagnosed six months ago and just ook a leave of absence, it is still a shock to see one of the great coaches of my time pass away.  I remember Johnson when he was with the Cardinals.  I had [...]

Larry Fitzgerald and Friends:  Morton’s Celebrity Waiter Night Hosted by Morton’s The Steakhouse in Scottsdale to Benefit The Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund We know that Arizona Cardinals’ superstar Larry Fitzgerald can leap high in the air for clutch touchdowns to help get his team into the Super Bowl, but can he serve 166 steaks to hungry guests in one night? — Probably not without the help of his friends. Morton’s The Steakhouse is pleased to announce the Larry Fitzgerald and Friends: Morton’s Celebrity Waiter Night, an exclusive fund raising event that will take place at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Scottsdale [...]

The 2009 Arizona Cardinals open their training camp on Wednesday when they report to Flagstaff. First practice is this Friday the 31st. Word is crowds are expected to be huge, which is no surprise given the Cards rise to the top echelon of teams, coming off their Super Bowl appearance. Are you taking the trek to Flagstaff?  Let me know.

by Scott Allen AZScott The Arizona Cardinals linebacker crew in 2008 provided some exhilarating surprises in my opinion.  This was a unit that jelled together quickly to provide some exciting moments that provided promise for a future that continues this season. Who’s gone from 2008: Monty Beisel Who’s new in 2009: Reggie Walker, Chase Bullock What to expect in 2009: Gerald Hayes, Chike Okeafor, and Clark Haggans are the stars of this unit. Hayes, without an interception during the regular season, had one huge one during the 2008 postseason.  Haggans, who saw his season end early due to injury, re-signed [...]

by Scott Allen AZScott The Arizona Cardinals defensive line in 2008 was a force to be reckoned with.  There are a couple of changes on that line for the upcoming 2009 season, however I view it was a positive, something that couldn’t always be said when a good player such as Antonio Smith, left the Cardinals in the past. Who’s gone from 2008: Antonio Smith Who’s new in 2009: Keilen Dykes, Jason Banks, Rodney Leisle What to expect in 2009: The only major departure from this squad is Smith, who bolted for the  Houston Texans.  This unit continues to grow and I [...]

Scott Allen AZScott The Arizona Cardinals defensive secondary in 2008 was certainly a better one than in seasons past.  One might argue they were the stars of the post-season, especially against the Carolina Panthers in the divisional playoff game. Who’s gone from the 2008 unit: Eric Green, Rod Hood. Green and Hood both had their moments while members of the Cardinals secondary, with Hood maybe having a few more moments, however both produced inconsistent results that ultimately led the Cardinals to go in a different direction. Who’s new to the 2009 unit: Bryant McFadden, Greg Toler If you can’t lose [...]

You could definitely say that the 2008 Arizona Cardinals Special Teams was just that – special.  From the blocked punt by Sean Morey in overtime to defeat the Dallas Cowboys to Neil Rackers going 25-28 last season in field goals, including the playoffs, the Cards special unit was a huge factor in getting them to the Super Bowl. Who’s gone from the 2008 Special Teams: Monty Beisel.  The recipient of the Morey blocked punt has returned to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he started his career.  He will be playing for former Cards coach Todd Haley. Who’s new to the [...]

Over the next 10 days I will preview the 2009 Arizona Cardinals position by position as they prepare to head up the hill to Flagstaff for training camp in 11 days, with the first practice now only 13 days away.  Today, I will take a look at the Arizona Cardinals running backs. In 2008 this position was definitely an achilles heal for the Cardinals.  The Cardinals had early season spark from Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower, then Edge became a forgotten man while Hightower had a couple of games where he showed his true potential in the NFL.  Unfortunately the [...]