Arizona Cardinals moves come after damage has been done

The Arizona Cardinals made more moves on Monday in addition to releasing Andre Smith

Monday morning, the Arizona Cardinals released tackle Andre Smith.  Monday afternoon saw a number of other moves that signify the team is not happy with the current state of affairs.

One move was releasing cornerback Bene Benwikere.  Benwikere was signed as a free agent in the off season and had a very good training camp.  It was all downhill from there for him.

After releasing Jamar Taylor last week, now Benwikere goes.  The Cardinals just aren’t getting the job done in the secondary.

They are also hurting, or so they say.  Kicker Phil Dawson was placed on injured reserve and will be replaced by local product Zane Gonzalez at Arizona State.

Dawson, who was out hurt last week in favor of Matt McCrane.  Then they released McCrane.  Dawson was back.  Then Dawson kicked Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers and missed his second field goal attempt after connecting on his first.

It seemed the team checked out after the field goal miss.  It also seems like this was a move the Cardinals were looking to make after signing Gonzalez to the practice squad last week.  So, it begs the question, how injured is Dawson really?

In the end, it doesn’t really matter.  The Cardinals probably put him on IR so he could get treated instead of cutting him outright.  Now Gonzalez gets the chance to show the Cardinals he is the kicker that set records at ASU, not the one that fizzled out early in the season with the Cleveland Browns.

The Cardinals also put their best linebacker Josh Bynes on injured reserve as well.  That one hurts.  Bynes by far is the best defender in the middle for the team.  There has been no announcement for his replacement yet.

It is early in the week.  Don’t be surprised if other moves happen as the week carries on as the team prepares to play the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin this Sunday.