Arizona Cardinals: Cardinals Chatter

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

Versatile Arizona Cardinals linebacker Lorenzo Alexander has played all over field.

"Lorenzo Alexander has tackled so many different positions since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent seven years ago, don’t be surprised if he borrows a headset from Bruce Arians and tries his hand at calling a few plays this season.He’s done nearly everything else.Alexander began his career with the Washington Redskins as a defensive tackle in 2007, but before he knew it, he was moved to defensive end. Then it was a switch to the other side of the ball, where he spent time in the trenches as an offensive lineman.But that wasn’t the end of it. He was so versatile the team tried using him as a tight end and even as a fullback in goal-line situations. He was also a stalwart on special teams and showed great prowess as a linebacker, both at the inside and outside positions.“Against the Giants in ’07, I played five positions in one game,” Alexander, 30, said. “I was nicknamed ‘The One-Man Gang’ because I can do a little bit of everything. That’s kind of been my niche.“It’s not something I necessarily wanted to do, because when you come into the league you want to be a starter. But hey, in order to play in this league, that’s what I had to do.”The Cardinals signed him to a three-year, $9.5 million free-agent contract to just do two things: compete for starting time at outside linebacker as a pass rusher and star on special teams in a limited role.Bob McManaman, azcentral.com."

Arizona Cardinals defense heeds Coach’s words.

"Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has mentioned a couple of times since the start of training camp how he’d like to see his defense get its hands on a few more balls, whether it be deflections, pass breakups or turnovers.His message appears to be getting through.The defense has been much more active, especially during Thursday’s practice, which was relocated to the team’s facility in Tempe because of a soccer match at University of Phoenix Stadium.A number of defenders, including Yeremiah Bell, Rashad Johnson and Daryl Washington disrupted passes downfield.No one though had a better day than Tyrann Mathieu, who picked off two passes, including one in the end zone on a ball thrown by Drew Stanton.Craig Grialou, Arizona Sports."

Cardinals cheerleader also Iraq vet.

"For one Arizona Cardinals cheerleader, hearing the national anthem and seeing the American flag before games have a special meaning.It wasn’t easy for Megan Welter to go from Iraq veteran to NFL cheerleader, but the journey, she said, was worth it.“Our country has given us so many freedoms,” Welter told ABC15. “To be a part of fighting for that and maintaining that means a lot. It gives me goosebumps.”After graduating in 2007, Welter put her dance career on hold to “to take a job that was going to be meaningful, so I decided to join the Army.”Welter finished basic training and enrolled in Officer Training school. She ended up doing a 16-month tour in Iraq.Fox Sports."