Training Camp Practice Opened For The Red Birds

Jun. 11, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals safety Yeremiah Bell during mini camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Friday training camp officially got going as the team hit the practice field for the first of seventeen practices to determine the 53 man roster by end of August.

Getting started was exciting, with the training camp being at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale for the first time, it actually went better than I thought it would.

The atmosphere was comfortable with the air conditioned stadium, and the fans having free ability to move around with the action.

I saw a lot of families in the stands enjoying the event, and asked a few of them where they made the trip from around the Valley. I asked four families and two of the four were from the Glendale area, another from Tempe and the last was from Phoenix.

I would expect to see more fans throughout the Valley to show for the event this weekend, seeing that most during the weekdays can not attend because they, like many will be at work during the event, which is the only downside to having camp in Glendale so far.

As far as the practice goes, I immediately noticed the absence of two players. Of course first round pick Jonathan Cooper because of his contract issue, also the absence of guard Darren Colledge who I found out later was out because of a personal issue and should return this weekend. That set off a question in many of the fans minds as to the line up of the front line, but the team cleared up any speculation as to Colledge not attending.

One performance stood out over all and that was the play of rookie wide receiver Robert Gill, who showcased his speed to the crowd more than once and got behind the defense twice. One of those was for a long touchdown with the corner and the safety behind him and a perfect throw from quarterback Drew Stanton.

After the misfortune of six round pick wide out Ryan Swope on the retired list, Robert Gill has shown so far that he can fit the role Swope was drafted for.

I look forward to better action Saturday and Sunday and I am excited to see the new additions establish themselves over the next few weeks.