SB Nation - Early Doucet

Grading The Offense: Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers

Andrew602 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:49:19 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP

Arizona Cardinals running back Tim Hightower (34) fumbles the ball for the 5th time this season.

You can call it ugly, puzzling, embarrassing, or down right aweful - the Arizona Cardinals offense did everything they could to not win the game on Monday night. They gift wrapped 18 early Christmas presents for their division rival(7 turnovers + 11 penalties), only scored 9 points, and are now looking more like the 4th seed in the NFC playoff picture. This one is still fairly fresh in memory so in honor of the short week, we'll keep it brief.

Kurt Warner: As great as Kurt had been the previous 4 weeks(four 120+ QB rating games in a row), he managed to step on the Monday night stage and show just how much an injury effects a 38-year old quarterback. The hip pointer that Kurt Warner suffered the week before obviously bothered him for much of the game and getting Kurt at 100% should be priority #1 for the Cardinals.

Running backs: Bottom line - this unit had their worst performance of the season. Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells, and LaRod Stephens-Howling each had fumbles at crucial times throughout the game. As a result, the 49ers were given short field position and the defense rarely got a break. The running backs did muster 85 yards at 4.7 yards per carry against a good defense, but the fumbling issues are becoming tiresome.

Wide Receivers: Did any wide receivers even show up? Early Doucet had a team-high 41 yards on the night, which was a pleasant surprise, but the other three big receivers didn't have an impact against a defense without Nate Clements. To be fair, Larry Fitzgerald did miss a portion of the game with a knee injury and it looked like he had a big catch down at the 1-yard line early in the game, but the receivers are a huge part of the offense and need to be incorporated in every game.

Offensive Line: What offensive line? They were out-classed and man-handled by the 49ers defensive line. The 49ers defense had 4 sacks, 5 tackles for a loss, and 5 QB hits. The bizarre part is the Cardinals offensive line played the game of their lives only a week prior to a very good Minnesota Vikings defensive line.

My offensive grade: F-

If the scale went to a Z I'd give them that because this was one of the worst offensive performances we've seen them play in the last 3 years. To add salt to the wounds, it was on a national stage and was against a pesky division rival. What grade do you give the Cardinals offense and why?

Poll

How would you grade the Cardinals offensive effort on Monday?

Grading the Offense: Cardinals vs Rams

Andrew602 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:15:58 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

Larry Fitzgerald's performance on Sunday sums up his season at this point - good amount of catches, not a lot of yards, but most importantly, a touchdown.

Browse more photos »

To say the Cardinals offense put up a dominant effort against the 1-9 Rams would be a stretch. They did however, show sings of brilliancy in the first half. When Matt Leinart took over for the injured Kurt Warner, the offense faltered in the second half and failed to register any points. What we already know is Ken Whisenhunt essentially went conservative for Leinart, making his primary job to manage the game. What Leinart did is exactly that, going 10-14 on the day for 74 yards and no turnovers.

Quarterbacks: Both quarterbacks split time equally and you could call it a tale of two games. In the first two quarters, Kurt Warner slung 15 passes for 203 yards and led the Cardinals to 21 points. His footwork in the pocket and timing made the game look like it was going to be a route until a blow to the head forced him out of the game. Matt Leinart took over before the half and wasn't able to increase the Cardinals lead. The most important pass of the day came on a 3rd down late in the fourth quarter. Leinart was almost sacked before buying time and throwing the 1st down pass to Early Doucet. Leinart will likely get more practice time with the 1st team offense should Warner not be able to play against the Titans next week.

Running backs: For the third game in a row, Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower were able to put together dominant rushing performances, eclipsing 180 yards two of the times. They put their nickname "wear and tear" to use, as Hightower wore out the Rams offense with a 50 yard run, and Beanie came in the game to continue ripping the defense. The running game especially benefited Warner, because after they were able to break off chunks of yardage, Warner was able to find the receivers.

Wide receivers: Nobody had an outstanding performance and a lot of that can fall on the vanilla play-calling in the second half. Anquan Boldin had his 2nd consecutive 100 yard receiving game, also catching a touchdown. Larry Fitzgerald quietly put together another solid game, and now is first in the league with 9 receiving touchdowns. Both running backs each had 2 catches while Early Doucet and Ben Patrick both caught passes of 20 yards or more.

Offensive line: Aside from the two sacks allowed, the Cardinals offensive line has gradually improved in the last month and greatly since the first game of the season. They also blocked for 183 rushing yards, the largest amount of the year, and gave Warner and Leinart plenty of time in the pocket. If you don't count Dan Kreider as part of the offensive line, then the Cardinals line only accounted for 1 penalty, which was a false start on Levi Brown.

My Offensive Grade: B

If I graded one half at a time I'd give them an A in the first half and a D in the second half. Matt Leinart wasn't great but the play-calling didn't help and Leinart didn't turn the ball over. How do you think the offense did and what was your grade?

Poll

How would you grade the Cardinals offensive effort on Sunday?

A

23 votes

B

115 votes

C

49 votes

D

0 votes

F

2 votes

189 votes | Poll has closed

The Saturday Sim: Cardinals-Rams

Andrew602 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:23:04 -0000

Doh!

View full size photo »

We're at another Saturday Sim, in a simulation between the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams, and let me tell you, pay attention to this one. It was a very close game and the Cardinals had their way of disappointing here. I couldn't post last week guys because I didn't have time. It takes some time out of your Friday night to watch a fake football game ; ). Anyways, before I break down the simulation, for those of you who aren't familiar with this, I simulate a game between the Cardinals and their opponent for that given week on the popular game known as Madden. I set it for All Madden difficulty, 8 minute quarters, with a 15 second run off. Then I post the results here. Let's see how the game went.

First Quarter

-The Rams receive the ball and begin running. On the second run of the game, Adrian Wilson forces a fumble and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie scoops it up to return it 42 yards for the touchdown. Cardinals lead 7-0.

- The Rams run more but eventually punt to the Cardinals. The Cards offense struggles to start the quarter and face several three and outs. The Rams march down the field with Steven Jackson leading the way. The Cardinals can't stop the run. At the 1 yard line, Samkon Gado runs in the touchdown to tie the game at 7. Key holding penalties on Mike Gandy and Levi Brown end several drives for the Cardinals. Game tied 7-7.

Second Quarter

- The Rams start the second quarter by bringing a lot of pressure, and the Cardinals are forced to punt. On the Rams next drive, they keep the running game going, but are stopped and settle for a 56 yard field goal. Rams lead 10-7.

- The Cardinals are stopped on their next drive because of another holding call, which is hurting them at this point. The Rams get the ball back and are setting up the pass by running. The Cardinals sniff out several runs and the Rams settle for another field goal. 13-7 Rams lead.

- The Cardinals get the ball back with under 2 minutes remaining in the half. They run the hurry up, and Anquan Boldin catches a big sideline pass that takes them down to the 6 yard line. Early Doucet and Jason Wright drop two passes in the end zone and the Cardinals settle for a field goal. Rams lead 13-10 at end of half.

Third Quarter

-The Cardinals get the ball at the half and immediately start passing a lot. Steve Breaston is getting a lot of looks on the drive but Anquan catches a big 36 yard pass that takes the Cardinals into the red zone. Beanie Wells carries a defender 5 yards on his back, something I've never seen before in Madden!! Reggie Wells gets called for the hold which pushes them back and the Cardinals settle for a field goal. Game tied 13-13.

- The Cardinals stop the Rams next few drives by stacking the box to stopping Steven Jackson. Clark Haggans is having a good day, registering 7 tackles all on Jackson. The Cardinals stall on the final drive of the quarter and punt to the Rams.

Fourth Quarter

- The fourth quarter is the same, as the Cardinals continue to stop the run. When the Rams are forced to pass, Adrian Wilson picks off Marc Bulger. The Cardinals can't take advantage of the turnover, and Ben Graham booms a punt to the Rams 4 yard line. The Rams get away from their goal line, but Bulger throws another pick, this time to Karlos Dansby. In the red zone, Beanie Wells second effort pays off and he runs the ball in 5 yards. Cardinals lead 20-13.

- Here's where the game goes down hill with less then two minutes left. The Cardinals stop the Rams who punt back to the Cards. The Cardinals try to run the clock out, but go nowhere. Beanie Wells fumbles, but recovers the ball himself. Wright gets a carry, who doesn't get the first down, but a face mask on the Rams gives the Cardinals the first down. Game over right? No. Wells gets the ball again and fumbles again!! The Rams recover with 46 seconds left. Jackson catches a wide open pass and takes it to the Cards 10 yard line. The Cardinals force a 4th and inches, and the Rams pass the ball!! Samkon Gado is wide open and runs it in for the touchdown!! Game tied 20-20.

- The Cardinals get the ball back with 26 second left. Warner finds Breaston for 20 yards, then Anthony Becht wide open over the middle another 23 yards. The Cardinals call timeout at the rams 28 yard line. The Cardinals go for the win but Rackers hits off the upright!! Overtime. Game tied 20-20.

Overtime

- The Cardinals get the ball and march down into Rams territory. And just like before, Beanie Wells fumbles the ball away! Ken Whisenhunt is screaming on the sideline and why shouldn't he be? Put in Tim Hightower! The Rams get into Cards territory, but are stopped. The Rams go for the win which would be a 59 yard field goal. It has the distance, but hits the upright!! Cards ball.

- The Cardinals don't run this time, throwing to Larry Fitzgerald for 2 key first downs. In Rams territory, they are stopped and go for a long field goal. What a surprise, wide right!!! The Rams get the ball and get back into Cards territory. Going for the stop, in Cardinal-fashion, Mike Karney is wide open and streaks down the field for a 40 yard touchdown with Antrel Rolle chasing him. Rams win the game 26-20. Wow.

The Stats

	Cardinals	Rams
Total	308	290
Pass	265	207
Rush	53	83
Turnovers	2	3
Third Down	4-12(33%)	3-10(30%)
TOP	23:18	17:44

	comp/att	Yards	TD	INT	Rate
Warner	24/34(70%)	261	0	0	92.9
Bulger	14/22(63%)	207	2	2	86.7

	Att	Yards	Avg	TD/Fumble
Wells	18	50	2.7	1/3
Jackson	26	85	3.2	0/1

	Rec	Yards	Avg	TD
Fitzgerald	4	49	12.2	0
Boldin	4	65	16.2	0
Breaston	4	58	14.5	0
McMichael	5	43	8.6	0
Jackson	2	53	26.5	0
Karney	1	40	40.0	1

Final Thought -

It had to be the craziest game I've ever watched on Madden and if this happens in real life, I'll likely end up in the hospital. The Cardinals made the comeback in the second half and had the game locked up. Beanie Wells 3 fumbles killed the game, along with Neil Rackers inability to kick a game-winner. The Cardinals also finished with 8 penalties for 85 yards. I doubt this will happen on Sunday but it's interesting that Madden made it a very close game. What are your thoughts on the sim?

Anquan Boldin Becomes Franchise Reception Leader, Questionable for Next Week

Andrew602 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:59:49 -0000

More photos » by Chris Puffe - AP

about 1 month ago: In this photo released by Chris Puffe, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is helped off the field after being injured against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 34-21. (AP Photo/Chris Puffe)

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If there was ever a positive note in yesterday's collapse against the Panthers, it would be the new record that wide receiver Anquan Boldin now holds. With his 3 catches for 23 yards, Boldin became the Arizona Cardinals franchise leader in receptions. The three catches gives Boldin his 537th reception, passing Larry Centers(535) for the most all time in the Cardinals record books. Its a feat that not my players can say they've done. Anquan has started to build a legacy here in Arizona whether you like him or not. He's got 6900 yards, and can likely move into 3rd all time if he can gain 106 more yards this year, passing Pat Tilley(7,005). The record however, may already be in jeopardy as there's another receiver working his way up the charts. Larry Fitzgerald is currently 6th all time with 473 receptions, 5th in yards(6484), and 3rd in touchdowns(51).

Franchise Stats	G	Rec	Yards	TD
Anquan Boldin	87	537	6900	41
Larry Centers	120	535	4539	19
Roy Green	153	522	8496	66
Frank Sanders	123	493	6579	24
Jackie Smith	198	480	7918	40
Larry Fitzgerald	83	473	6484	51

This brings us to the next point which is what Boldin should do next week in Chicago. He's already played the last two games despite straining his ankle, and re-injured the same ankle yesterday. There's no denying that Anquan is a warrior and that he'll want to play, but is it the best move for the team? Last year, Steve Breaston filled in for Boldin and had noticably better games then when he was playing at the 3rd string spot. The insertion of Breaston also made another difference - the Cardinals were undefeated. Starting against the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys, Breaston led the team in receiving both times, catching a combined 15 catches for 179 yards and 1 TD. With Boldin playing these last 2 weeks on an injured ankle, there has clearly been a drop off in his numbers. He only has 6 catches and has not scored since week 3 against the Colts, which is his only touchdown of the year. Should Boldin not play, Breaston would easily jump into his spot. The problem that exists is beyond Breaston. Jerheme Urban can't catch a pass if his life depended on it and Early Doucet has been non-existent through this point in the season. What do you think the Cardinals should do? Start or sit Boldin?

Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Giants: Injury Report

Hawkwind — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:42:52 -0000

More photos » by Paul Connors - AP

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin suffered a high ankle sprain last week against the Seahawks but will he suit up against the New York Giants? (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

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With Wednesday's being the big practice day of the NFL week and the first release of an injury report it's always interesting to see who's name pops up on the list. For the Arizona Cardinals the injury situation is pretty clear. Anquan Boldin has a high ankle sprain and didn't practice at all, although he and Ken Whisenhunt said that they were encouraged by his progress. Boldin told reporters after practice that he thought he'd be a 'game time decision' which doesn't sound promising considering that he normally overly optimistic early in the week. Stephen Spach is the only other player who missed practice entirely but with the return of Ben Patrick, Spach's absence is less of an issue. Steven Breaston (knee) and Beanie Wells (hip) were both limited in practice but neither of them are in jeopardy of missing the game.

For the Giants the injury situation is a much bleaker picture. Michael Boley, Chris Canty and Aaron Ross are all starters who missed practice and are not expected to suit up on Sunday. With this trio being out coupled with the loss of Kenny Phillips earlier in the year, the Giants defense is missing four starters. The Giants had several other players who were limited, including starters Eli Manning, Antonio Pierce, Kareem McKenzie, but none of them are in jeopardy of missing the game.

The big question for the Cardinals will be what to do if Boldin can't play. Will Early Doucet see his first significant action of the season? Will the game plan change to a more conservative approach? Will Breaston still return punts if he's the #2 wide out?

Week 3: Friday Injury Report

shake n bake — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:28:38 -0000

Dwight Freeney returned to practice and Clint Session stayed on the practice field for a second day, but Kelvin Hayden and Gary Brackett remained on the sidelines. Joe Addai and Marlin Jackson got days off.

Out: Bob Sanders, Anthony Gonzalez

Questionable (no practice): Gary Brackett, Kelvin Hayden

Questionable (some practice): Clint Session, Dwight Freeney

Colts.com link

Oesher relays Caldwell's comments on the questionable players.

“Gary’s still being worked on constantly,” ... adding that Brackett’s injury could be best described as a strain. “He’s getting better. It’s kind of a day-to-day thing.”

Hayden “is still nursing” his hamstring injury, but added “he’s at a stage right now where he’s better I think than expected.”

Freeney, listed late in the week with a back injury, returned to practice Friday. “He had a little bit of an issue, but he’s fine,

Session has made “some progress.” “He did some limited things (Thursday), so we feel good about that,”

On the Cards side they are quite different of the Colts in how they use the report. While the Colts haven't meet an injury they didn't feel deserved at least questionable. The Cards list players with full participation across the board on their report and are big fans of the probable label.

Out: Kenny Iwebema

Questionable: Matt Ware (limited all week), Ali Highsmith (out Wed/Thurs, limited Fri), Levi Brown (limited all week), Rashad Johnson (new on report, limited Friday. Practice injury?), Steve Breaston (out Wed, limited Thurs/Fri), Chike Okeafor (out Wed, limited Thurs/Fri).

Probable (none missed practice time): Sean Morey, Kurt Warner, Antrel Rolle, Bryant McFadden, Brian St. Pierre, Reggie Wells, Anquan Boldin, Will Davis, Early Doucet

AzCardinals.com link

Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Forecasts: Week 2

CardsFan08 — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:08:47 -0000

The Week 1 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Player of the week: Tim Hightower, RB.

Tim surprised many by being able to step up for career high receptions and receiving yards (12 receptions for 121 yards) when the offense sputtered due to pressure on Kurt Warner and of course the often talked about "funk" that the Arizona offense is currently in.

As you can see in the table below it's projected that the "funk" comes to an end this week when the Cardinals visit the Jaguars who last week gave up 301 yards and 1 TD through the air to QB Peyton Manning and 162 yards and 1 TD to WR Reggie Wayne, which is especially good news for fantasy owners who were disappointed by some of their high round draft picks putting up single digit numbers last week.

As per the settings of the Revenge of the Birds Fantasy Football Leagues on ESPN.com, this is the Fantasy Football Forecast for our Arizona Cardinals and Injury Report:

Player	Playing Status	Prev Wk Pts	Projected Pts	Own %
Kurt Warner, QB		11	18	100
Larry Fitztgerald, WR		13	16	100
Anquan Bodlin, WR	Questionable	1	14	100
Steve Breaston, WR	Questionable	0	4	89.7 (-3.4)
Jerheme Urban, WR		7	1	0.3
Early Doucet, WR	Questionable	0	0	0.1
Tim Hightower, RB		13	7	91.7(+3.2)
Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB		2	9	94.7(-2.8)
Cardinals D/ST		6	2	4.6(-0.8)
Neil Rackers		12	3	88.5(+2)...
Matt Leinart		0	0	1.3(-0.6)

Fantasy player news and analysis after the jump.

Fantasy Player News

Cardinals D/ST - After only giving up 203 yards of offense against the 49ers the Cardinals Defense is looking very impressive. It's early so we need to see how good of a starter they are, but based off of lasts weeks display they seem like a good start versus a run first offense, but remain a good bye week replacement until they begin generating INT's or running back TD's on special teams. The Cardinals Defense is available in 95.4% of leagues and should be watched in case the time is right or there is a good match up.

Jerheme Urban - While the Cardinals no. 2/3 receivers are in a state of flux due to injury Urban could be a good pick up on the waiver wire to fill a no. 3 slot in your line up as displayed in last weeks performance netting seven points. After the number of yards the Jaguars gave up through the air last week, Urban may be in for a 5-10 point week as Warner spreads the ball around just as Peyton did last week. Urban is available in 99.7% of leagues.

Hightower or Wells? - Wondering who to start this week? Well the safe answer is Hightower, especially after last weeks performance. He is the starter and he's playing with confidence to maintain his starting position. Though through Wells' limited showing it's apparent he's on the verge of breaking out a big run for TD and showing his worth as a number one draft pick. Wells may not break off his big play this week against a stout Jag's run defense, but my prediction is that he will become very fantasy relevant very soon.

Matt Leinart - The essential handcuff for Warner owners.

Projected Week 2 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Player of the week: Kurt Warner (This will be the week he gets his rhythm back)

Who do you think will be the Cardinals Fantasy Football Player of the Week?

Arizona Cardinals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Injury Report and Game Coverage

Hawkwind — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:56:16 -0000

More photos » by Matt York - AP

3 months ago: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) makes catch as San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Browse more photos »

After a somewhat grim injury report yesterday that included nine players on the list, including four who didn't participate in practice at all, the Arizona Cardinals had better news yesterday after practice. While there were still nine players listed, there were only three who couldn't participate at all and several players moved from 'limited' to full participation, including Sean Morey, Early Doucet and Brian St. Pierre. Steve Breaston practiced on a limited basis after not participating on Wednesday and Anquan Boldin was limited again for the second consecutive day. Reggie Wells is still listed on the report although he's fully participated in every practice. Kenny Iwebema, Matt Ware and Chike Okeafor still haven't practiced this week and the status of Okeafor is now worth watching. He has some form of shoulder injury and if he is unable to play that would push Bertrand Berry into the starting role and Will Davis would become the primary backup at both OLB spots.

The return of Early Doucet to full participation is key considering the still unsure status of Boldin and Breaston. At this point I think it's fair to say that Breaston will be a game time decision again this week but either way he won't return punts or kickoffs. I would also imagine that Boldin will play but the question remains, how much he'll play and how effective he'll be when he's out there. Either way, you'd have to think that the return of Doucet is one of the primary reasons that led to Lance Long getting his walking papers and if he's close to 100%, he should be an upgrade.

The Jaguars status hasn't changed very much with Zach Miller and Brian Witherspoon still being held out of practice although there were two new names on the report. Quentin Groves (DE/OLB) and Daryl Smith (LB) were both limited in practice but both are expected to play.

Cards will be able to keep their cool - To the Cardinals cope with the heat and humidity in Jacksonville, some Cardinals will have a cooling system in their shoulder pads. Players can hook a hose to their shoulder pads on the sideline, and cool air blows through an insert in the pads. The Cardinals tried the system out in practice last week, and it drew positive reviews from the players. "Our guys liked it," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "A lot of our guys are like me, they are superstitious about certain stuff. Even though it may be one-tenth of an ounce, in their minds it probably weighs 10 pounds and slows them down." Similar systems have been around for several years, and a handful of college and pro teams have used them. This will be the Cardinals' first experience with the system, however. "I wish they had one for my hat, so that when I get really steamed it could cool me down," Whisenhunt said.
Cardinals game blacked out in Jacksonville - The Jaguars aren't expected to have a sell-out this season - Sunday's game will be blacked out in the Jacksonville market - but that doesn't mean they haven't been trying to sell tickets.
Challenging The Cards' Defense - The talk was about Frank Gore and slowing Frank Gore and what Frank Gore could do to hurt the Cardinals, so the Cards’ defense used that as motivation in the season opener. The 49ers running back ended up with just 30 yards on 22 carries. "I think (the defense) likes challenges," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "They seem to respond to challenges." There will be another one Sunday against Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who will likely be the key to Jacksonville’s offensive success. But the Cardinals can see that these individual challenges may not be the best motivation, because it can lead to letdowns.
Challenging The Cards' Defense - The talk was about Frank Gore and slowing Frank Gore and what Frank Gore could do to hurt the Cardinals, so the Cards’ defense used that as motivation in the season opener. The 49ers running back ended up with just 30 yards on 22 carries. "I think (the defense) likes challenges," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "They seem to respond to challenges." There will be another one Sunday against Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who will likely be the key to Jacksonville’s offensive success. But the Cardinals can see that these individual challenges may not be the best motivation, because it can lead to letdowns.
Arizona RB Tim Hightower vs. Jackonsville LB Justin Durant - In only the third meeting between these two teams, both the Cardinals and Jaguars are coming off Week 1 losses. This matchup features a pair of Division I-AA players from Virginia. Hightower, who was not invited to the combine prior to the 2008 draft, established himself during his rookie season as a do-everything player. He was discovered by former Cardinals assistant Maurice Carthon at a campus workout. A good all-around player, he can run , catch, block, and keep defenses from keying on him. Hightower, who had 10 rushing TDs in 2008, caught 12 passes last week for 121 yards. Durant had a team-leading 10 tackles last week against the Colts. He plays fast -- he ran a 4.62 40 at 240 pounds at combine in 2007. He will hit someone on every play. Durant had 17 tackles in a wild-card playoff game against Pittsburgh in 2007. He has the ability to make plays in space, which he will need to do against Hightower and the Cardinals.
The Arizona Cardinals on the East Coast is not Normally Good..... - I know the Cards won last year in Carolina in convincing fashion, but did you know they’ve lost 11 consecutive regular-season games on the East Coast and lost all five of their regular-season East Coast games in 2008 by a combined score of 202-102? The last time the Cardinals won a regular-season game in the east was Nov. 7, 2004, at Miami when they won 24-23. I know the Cards need to win, but they don’t seem to like the eastern time zone. With Kurt Warner looking a little rusty last week and the fact they’re playing in Jacksonville, it might spell trouble for Arizona.
Fantasy Start 'Em/Sit 'Em - Owners beware: Neil Rackers at Jaguars - The Jacksonville defense ranked third in allowing fewest fantasy points to kickers in 2008.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Injury Report

Hawkwind — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:13:33 -0000

The Arizona Cardinals injury list has grown considerably since last week and as of today it includes nine players including four who didn't participate in yesterday's practice. Reggie Wells, Chike Okeafor, Matt Ware and Kenny Iwebema joined Sean Morey, Brian St. Pierre, Steve Breaston, Anquan Boldin and Early Doucet on the report with Okeafor, Breaston, Ware and Iwebema sitting out of the entire practice. Everyone else at least participated in some portion of practice. As of today, Iwebema is the only player who is expected to miss Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Boldin admitted that he's still not 100% but did say that he feels much better than last week and did more in practice than he has in three weeks. Ken Whisenhunt said that they will be very cautious with Breaston this week in hopes that some time off will allow him to play on Sunday.

For the Jaguars, Zach Miller (TE) and Brian Witherspoon (CB) both missed practice. Miller, and this isn't the tight end from Oakland, is a rookie tight end who's making the transition from college quarterback. He's buried on the depth chart and most likely wouldn't have an impact even if he played. Witherspoon is listed as a corner but he's basically a return specialist, and a pretty good one. He averaged over eleven yards per punt return last year as a rookie and 24 yards per kick return.

Update (hat tip to Jeff): We should also mention that the Jaguars most significant injury in the past week was to defensive end and pass rush specialist, Reggie Hayward. He broke his leg against the Colts has already been placed on IR. The 30 year old has 39.5 sacks over the course of his career but has struggled to stay healthy over the past several seasons. It's unknown who will fill the void although Quentin Groves, James Wyche or rookie Julius Williams are in the mix or the team could decide to run more 3-4 schemes. Groves, a second round pick in 2008, is officially listed as a linebacker on their depth chart and has been a disappointment so far as a pro. Neither Wyche or Williams have appeared in an NFL game before.

Arizona Cardinals Cut Wide Receiver Lance Long; Signs with Chiefs

Bezekira — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:57:17 -0000

Two weeks ago Lance Long beat the odds as the second year undrafted wide receiver made the Arizona Cardinals opening day roster but his stay lasted only one game as the team cut him yesterday. Long didn't have a catch despite taking quite a few snaps on Sunday but his release may have more to do with the injuries to Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston and Early Doucet than with his actual play on the field. Long was the team's seventh wide receiver but with Boldin, Breaston and Doucet all nursing injuries, Long got a chance to make an impact. Considering that he's now been released, there's a good chance that one, two or even all three receivers could be able to suit up when the Cardinals travel to Jacksonville.

There has been no word on who will take Long's roster spot although early speculation is that it'll be a defensive player. Matt Ware and Kenny Iwebema were both injured against the Niners and at this point it looks like Iwebema will not suit up against the Jaguars. Ware's injury is considered less serious although we'll know more about it after today's practice.

Update: It took former Cardinals OC Todd Haley less than twelve hours to sign Lance Long, which of course means that Long is now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. It is worth mentioning that Long isn't on their active roster, he's on the practice squad.