SB Nation User Blog: CardsFan08

Arizona Cardinals Game Maker: Week 13 Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals

CardsFan08 — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:13:11 -0000

What a week for the Arizona Cardinals, toppling Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football 30-17 in front of the red sea! Many have stated the obvious, everyone in a Cardinals uniform showed up to play 60 minutes of football, and because of this it was difficult to find the one play that stands out and sums up the week 13 performance, but rest assured we did find one, it's a magnificent pass from QB Kurt Warner (13) to WR Anquan Boldin (81).

Week 13 Game Maker: @ 7:51 2nd Quarter - Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (81) scored his second touchdown of the night on a spectacular catch and run putting the Cardinals up 14-7.

Full breakdown of the play after the jump!

Image 1 - The line up: Shotgun formation 3 WR (Left to Right: Boldin, Breaston, Fitzgerald), 1 TE (Patrick), 1 RB (Hightower). The Vikings defense is playing a nickel package with 4 DL and 2 LB, 3 CB, 2 safeties. One over the top of Fitz and one at the 30 yard line over Boldin and Patrick.

Image 2 - Notice on the left hash a LB blitz is coming down right as Cardinals Center Sendlien snaps the ball.

Image 3 - TE Patrick lines up looking like he is going to help double team Jared Allen...

Image 4 - But instead Patrick chips him and moves up field unprotected drawing the attention of the safety...

Image 5 - RB Hightower sees the blitz and runs forward to pick it up. The Vikings safety see TE Patrick open and drops down leaving a wide open area at the 30 yard line...

Image 6 - Hightower picks up the blitz perfectly. Patrick is wide open and is acting as the perfect distraction. Boldin continues fight with CB Cedric Griffin (23) up the left sideline.

Image 7 - Precious time ticking away and Warner can feel the pressure coming from the two one on one match up that Hightower and Bridges are fighting to maintain...

Image 8 - Warner sees Boldin is winning the fight up the sideline and fires a rocket pass, just as Bridges loses his man...

Image 9 - Off camera Warner takes one heck of a shot into the ground. The ball is in flight looking impossible for Boldin to catch...

Image 10 - Then Boldin cuts back and makes a jump back and inside of Griffin...

Image 10a - Griffin tries to slow as he realizes he over ran Boldin...

Image 11 - Boldin makes a spectacular catch and Griffin tries to pop it out of his hands...

Image 11a - Side view of the catch.

Image 12 - But Boldin continues his run and palms the ball in his right hand as Griffin pulls on his left arm...

Image 12a - Side view.

Image 13 - But Boldin breaks free and picks up speed toward the endzone..

Image 14 - Griffin was at a stop trying to make the tackle and tries to run to catch up. Boldin starts looking down the field...

Image 15 - Boldin crosses the 20 and secures the ball...

Image 16 - SS Tyrell Johnson runs an angle to cut Boldin off...

Image 17 - So Boldin slows...

Image 18 - Then makes a cut...

Image 19 - Boldin cuts inside Johnson as CB Asher Allen (21) and LB Henderson (56) catch up...

Image 20 - At the nine yard line Johnson goes down and Boldin sees that he needs to turn on the speed...

Image 21 - Boldin pulls the ball in tight and makes his way for the endzone...

Image 22 - He tries to angle outside to pick up every yard he can before being brought down...

Image 23 - LB Henderson is right on top of him, and Boldin is at the three yard line...

Image 24 - Boldin can feel Henderson coming down right on top of him so he stretches the ball out toward the goal line...

Image 25 - At the two!

Image 26 - Boldin dives with the ball out...

Image 27 - Crosses the goal line...

Image 28 - And maintains control! Touchdown Cardinals!

Congratulations to Anquan Boldin with his 2nd touchdown of the night! You just can not stop a healthy 81!

What other plays stood out as the game maker? MLB Karlos Dansby's INT?

Former Arizona Cardinal Lance Long a starter in Kansas City?

CardsFan08 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:34:23 -0000

I just read that due to Dwayne Bowe's four game suspension, Lance Long and Chris Chambers are going to be the starters at wide receiver this week for the Kansas City Chiefs. It seems that Lance taking the job over in Kansas City with Haley was a great move for his career. Now let's see what he can do with it. He had 74 yards against the Jaguars two weeks ago, but quickly came back to Earth last week versus the Raiders. But that was with Bowe still active.

I think this is awesome for Lance. I hope he does well. Did the Cardinals do the right thing with cutting Long?

Arizona Cardinals Game Maker: Week 9 Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears

CardsFan08 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:47:53 -0000

In week 9 the Arizona Cardinals continued a very impressive road streak by defeating the Chicago Bears 41-21. In the first half of the game we saw one of the best performances from all three units (Offense, Defense, and Special Teams) playing consistent and aggressive football.

This weeks game maker is a result of all three units working extremely well. The offense had just delivered it's fourth TD in four series with a strike from QB Kurt Warner to TE Anthony Becht giving Becht his first TD of the season. The defense then stopped an urgent drive by the Bears who were trying to reclaim some momentum just before the half but were stopped in field goal range with less than a minute left in the first half.

Leading to this weeks Game Maker...

Week 9 Game Maker: @ 0:40 2nd Quarter - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (29) field goal block and FS Antrel Rolle's (21) catch and run setting up the offense to move into field goal position and increase the Cardinals lead to 31-7 at the half.

Full break down of the play after the jump!

Image 1 - The line up: A weak side overload with CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (DRC) (29) left unblocked with a straight shot to the kicker. CB Bryant McFadden (25) is lined up on the right side. Antrel Rolle is back in the end zone in case the kick is short. Linebackers Ali Highsmith (95) and Bertrand Berry (92) line up in case of the fake.

Image 2 - DRC turns on the speed as Gould comes in for the kick...

Image 3 - DRC leaps just as Gould plants and swings for the kick...

Image 4 - The kick is blocked! You can see the ball bouncing up off of DRC's white glove.

Image 5 - The sound of the ball being deflected is enough for everyone to know that something unexpected happened. Every Cardinal head is watching the ball to see where it is going...

Image 6 - The ball looks like it will travel some distance but fall wide right initialy. DRC lands on his back and looks for the ball...

Image 7 - The Bears lineman are watching the ball sail through the air and both parties stand to watch and see where it's going to go...

Image 8 - Suddenly they realize that it's going to be short and the Cardinals have one more trick up their sleeve. The Bears start rushing for the endzone...

Image 9 - Because they saw Antrel Rolle standing with the ball falling straight to him...

Image 10 - Rolle makes the catch, surveys the field and starts the take the ball out of the endzone...

Image 11 - He starts toward the left side...

Image 12 - But quickly cuts back to the right...

Image 13 - Due to the number of defenders on the left and blockers starting to set up on the right...

Image 14 - Bears LS Manelly (65) is the first down the field closely followed by G Omiyale (68)...

Image 15 - Rolle stops and cuts inside Manelly...

Image 16 - Causing Manelly's momentum to make him miss the tackle...

Image 17 - Ominyale charges Rolle, but Rolle uses a shoulder shake...

Image 18 - It's enough to sell Ominyale to go outside...

Image 19 - So Rolle cuts inside causing Ominyale to miss and then sees the crease created by his blockers up field...

Image 20 - Rolle heads for the crease as a Bear defender sees the gap and tries to beat him to it...

Image 21 - NT Gabe Watson (98) sees Rolle's route and moves forward to make a play saving block...

Image 22 - Rolle continues his fancy footwork and uses his vision and speed to run between two defenders...

Image 23 - Manelly is relentless and continues after Rolle, but Rolle's getting good blocking now and is continuing to make progress up the field...

Image 24 - Rolle turns on the speed...

Image 25 - In the open field and cruising the sideline as the 16 yard line...

Image 26 - DT Idonije (71) tries to force Rolle out of bounds...

Image 27 - But CB McFadden (25) makes the block and Rolle highsteps Idonije's out stretched arms staying inbounds...

Image 28 - TE Desmond Clark takes an angle to push Rolle out...

Image 29 - But Rolle cuts inside where he sees MLB Karlos Dansby (58) ready to lead block. He runs behind Highsmith and Calais Campbell making a great block and continues upfield...

Image 30 - Only the Bears Kicker is left and Rolle has Karlos Dansby and Highsmith for blockers...

Image 31 - Dansby sees Gould trying to make the tackle and heads for him to make a block. Rolle is staring him down...

Image 32 - DRC comes from the top and Rolle starts to turn inside while running, rather than just staying outside and running up the sideline...

Image 33 - Gould runs outside, side stepping Dansby's block and he's now one on one with Rolle...

Image 34 - Rolle cuts inside but due to Dansby not blocking Gould, Gould is able to get the shoe string tackle and trip up Rolle...

Image 35 - The Cardinals were one block away from an additional touchdown...

Image 36 - Rolle was brought down at the 49 yard line. The Special Teams unit is psyched for just getting their third blocked FG of the year and returning the ball this far with 22 seconds left on the clock allowing the offense one more shot to put more points on the board in the first half!

Image 37 - Well done Rolle!

Due to the excellent field position Antrel Rolle was able to pick up Kurt Warner was able to lead the Cardinals down to field goal range to tack on three more points before the half.

Was there a different play you picked as the game maker? Ware's INT in the 4th quarter? Warner to Breaston for the fifth TD of the day taking the score to 41-21?

Arizona Cardinals Game Maker: Week 7 Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants

CardsFan08 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:13:56 -0000

In week 7 the Arizona Cardinals toppled the previously 5-1 New York Giants with a final score of 24-17. Looking to capitalize on the momentum coming from the road win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6, the Cardinals seemed to beat all odds being the 18th ranked offense and besting the Giants defense which is still ranked number one in the league. To add to the drama the game was on the road, on the East Coast, and in a prime time match up.

All of the ingredients that would have made a Cardinals fan cringe if it weren't for the paradigm shift that many are witnessing as the Cardinals defense is becoming very consistent, the offense continues to work well in the passing game, but most importantly was the running game which made a rare appearance and worked better than it has all year. This new balance brought a new element to the Cardinals and brought a lot of smiles to fans faces.

Leading to this weeks Game Maker... RB Beanie Wells' (26) 13 yard 2nd quarter, two stiff arm TD run.

Week 7 Game Maker: @ 4:25 2nd Quarter - RB Beanie Wells runs 13 yards to score the first Cardinals points of the night and his first career regular season TD.

Full break down of the play after the jump!

Image 1 - The line up: 2 WR (Fitzgerald, Breaston), 1TE (Becht), 1 FB (Kreider), 1 RB (Wells). The Giants defense is playing 4 DL and 1 LB (Clark (55)) on the line, 3 CB, 2 LBs in the middle of the field and one safety.

Image 1a - TE Becht (84) is lined up to the left of LT Gandy, directly across from him is LB Clark (55). The Giants CB on the left side is Thomas (24). Giants DE Justin Tuck (91) is lined up to the right of RT Levi Brown (75).

Image 2 - After the snap the line gets good blocks, and a gap is opened between LT Gandy and TE Becht and Giants LB Antonio Pierce (58) looks to shoot through. FB Kreider (35) acts as a lead blocker and heads directly for Pierce to make the block.

Image 3 - RB Wells (26) takes the hand off from QB Warner (13) as Giants LB Tuck starts to turn the corner on RT Brown and close the gap with the ball carrier. CB Thomas sees the hand off and rushes towards Wells...

Image 3a - Notice Tuck closing the distance between he and the ball carrier and also a one on one match up between Wells and Thomas on the left side.

Image 4 - Wells comes up to speed bouncing out to the left side, sees Thomas closing on him and begins a cut...

Image 5 - Wells continues cutting out to the left side...

Image 6 - Thomas (24) closes to make the tackle, but Wells prepares his left hand for the stiff arm...

Image 7 - Wells shows his strength and pushes Thomas back with a powerful stiff arm while Tuck (91) continues to close the distance behind him...

Image 8 -Wells gets a full extension of his arm and sees that he's clear to the goal line from here. Giants LB Clark (55) is just getting away from TE Becht...

Image 9 - Powerful stiff arm throws Thomas to the ground...

Image 10 - The stiff arm slows Wells for just a moment, Giants defenders Tuck and Clark close the distance between them...

Image 11 - Wells then kicks into the next gear and continues running toward the goal line...

Image 12 - Giants CB Thomas falls backwards into LB Clark after the stiff arm...

Image 13 - Thomas recovers quickly and tries to match speed with Wells...

Image 14 - Wells starts coming into full stride...

Image 15 - Ten yards to the goal line...

Image 16 - Nine yards...

Image 17 - Wells sees that there is one last man to beat Giants Safety C.C. Brown (41) ...

Image 18 - Wells runs toward the goal line... (Brown just entering screen)

Image 19 - Brown closes quickly and catches Wells at the four yard line. Wells puts out his 2nd stiff arm and continues working toward the goal line...

Image 20 - Notice from this angle that Brown is trying to strip the ball.

Image 20a - From this angle it looks like Wells gloves on the ball, but it is actually Brown trying to strip it...

Image 21 - You can notice the ball slip down a little but Wells keeps it secured and steps over the goal line...

Image 22 - Wells continues pressing the stiff arm as he lands for the touch down...

Image 22a - Side view of the punishment.

Image 23 - Touchdown Cardinals!

Image 24 - Wells secures the ball all the way to the ground.

Image 25 - Congratulations Beanie Wells from all of us here at Revenge of the Birds!

Is there a different play that you would pick as the game maker moment? Antrel Rolle's INT to seal the game? Jason Wright's TD for game winning points? Wilson's INT or fumble recovery's?

Arizona Cardinals Game Maker: Week 5 Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals

CardsFan08 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:25:59 -0000

In week 5 the Arizona Cardinals offense scored 21 unanswered points in the first half of the game, but was unable to score in the second half. After giving up 21 points to the Houston Texans the Cardinals needed a big play if they were going to pull off a win at home, at a cruical moment for their psyche and that of their fans.

Cardinals DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (29) scored the game winning points with a late interception putting the Cardinals up 28-21 with 2:20 left on the clock.

Week 5 Gamemaker: @ 2:26 4th Quarter - Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (29) intercepts a pass intended for Texans WR Kevin Walters (83) and returns it for a touchdown while the game was tied at 21.

Full breakdown of the play after the jump!

Image 1 - The Texans line up: 3 WRs (Johnson, Walters, Anderson), 1 TE (Daniels), 1 RB (Slaton). The Arizona Cardinals defensive backs are lined up deep off of the WRs. Brown, Okeafor, and Ware are in the center of the field, with FS Rolle and MLB Karlos Dansby playing 10-15 yards deep.

Image 2 - After the snap Slaton runs forward drawing the attention of Adrian Wilson (24) and Okeafor (56) watching for play action. Daniels sets up as an additional blocker against Dockett (90) to give QB Schaub extra time in the pocket.

Image 3 - With just a three man rush from Arizona, Houston plays it safe and keeps Daniels to help protect against Dockett, and Slaton right behind him incase Dockett gets through. Wilson is obviously playing the pass and keeping his eyes on Schaub in case he tries to scramble out of the pocket.

Image 4 - As the offensive line holds the defensive line at bay Wilson slips back into coverage to aid DRC.

Image 5 - Schaub finds his target...

Image 6 - Plants his foot...

Image 7 - And fires to the right side of the field...

Image 8 - In flight DRC has good position and sees the timing of the throw and moves to make a play for the ball...

Image 9 - DRC's position allows him to catch the ball even with the cast on his right hand.

Image 10 - A great catch! Notice the wide open field in front of DRC...

Image 11a - Side view of DRC catch.

Image 12 - DRC focuses on securing the catch...

Image 13 - Once DRC feels that he has secured the ball he turns on the speed..

Image 13a - Adrian Wilson knows that he's taking it to the house...

Image 14 - He's at the 40...

Image 15 - The 30...

Image 16 - The 20 and high stepping it all the way in...

Image 17 - The 10 ...

Image 18 - Owen Daniels gets close so DRC switches back to running straight...

Image 19 - The two yard line...

Image 20 - Touchdown Cardinals!

DRC made some great plays in Week 5 and consistently tackled well. Let's hope a division rivalry game will spur DRC and the rest of the Cardinals to find the rhythm they had in the first half of the Texans game.

What other play would you consider the game maker for week 5?

Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Forecasts: Week 5

CardsFan08 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:27:49 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

2 months ago: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) picks up yards as Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jordan Senn defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Browse more photos »

The Week 3 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Player of the week: WR Anquan Boldin (81).

The last time the Arizona Cardinals took the field was Sunday Night Football versus the Indianapolis Colts. With all eyes on Arizona offense to continue it's high flying attack, the fantasy star of the night was Boldin with 6 receptions for 83 yards and 1 TD.

With the Arizona Cardinals healthy and rested coming off a bye week they are eager to take the field and prove that the results of the Colts game is a thing of the past. Some key points are the Anquan Boldin is not listed on the injury list, and while Steve Breaston is listed as questionable all sources point to him playing tomorrow.

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	Probable	8	13	99.7(-0.3)
Larry Fitztgerald, WR		7	12	100
Anquan Bodlin, WR		14	5	100
Steve Breaston, WR	Questionable	9	5	72.6(-7.7)
Jerheme Urban, WR		1	3	0.1
Early Doucet, WR		0	0	0
Tim Hightower, RB		2	17	92.1(-.2)
Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB		0	3	65.1(-15.4)
Cardinals D/ST		-18	4	8.7(-2.1)
Neil Rackers		4	18	65.4(-5.2)
Matt Leinart		0	0	0.7(-0.2)

Fantasy player news and analysis after the jump.

Fantasy Player News

Anquan Boldin - Even though fully healthy for the first time this season, ESPN.com is projecting Boldin to only have 52 yards in this weeks game. I think Q is should have a TD as well with those 52 yards. ROTB Projection: 11 points

Tim Hightower - Expected to have a big day against the Texans run defense. ROTB Projection: 15 points

Neil Rackers - With a projected 18 points due to both offenses preferring the pass and having outstanding receivers. This could be a great week for Rackers owners. ROTB Projection: 12 points

Projected Week 3 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Player of the week: RB Tim Hightower

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

2010 Arizona Cardinals Opponents

CardsFan08 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:21:23 -0000

Upon reading Darren Urban's blog post from this morning, I came across a very interesting comment that he made concerning the scheduled opponents for the 2010 season.

The Cards have home games against Tampa, New Orleans, Denver, Oakland and their “matching” NFC East finisher; they have road trips to Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, San Diego and the “matching” NFC North team).

-Darren Urban, Blog.azcardinals.com

I know that we can't count our chickens before they hatch but I do like the look of the scheduled opponents for next year. While there is not any dates set for these games yet, and who knows what state of the Cardinals will be in or any team for that matter, but based off of the current status of the teams listed I think a 10-6 year is doable with the teams listed.

Don't forget that we'd have the 49ers, Seahawks, and Rams twice in 2010 as well. So the NFC East "matching" oppenent will always be tough, the NFC North "matching" opponent can will be difficult in different aspects depending on who it is Green Bay, Bears, or Vikings, but still I look at that schedule and think 10-6 is a possibility. It would require some offseason help to fill in the voids that will be the Offensive Tackles.

What do you guys think? Too early to think about this? Focus on the present?

Arizona Cardinals Game Breaker: Week 3 Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals

CardsFan08 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:43:37 -0000

In the Week 3 contest between the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals the first quarter was a tale of two defenses fighting hard to keep two both high powered offenses from gaining any momentum. This resulted in three and outs for both teams, deep punts, and only three points scored in the first quarter (Cardinals 3 - Colts 0). The Arizona Cardinals began building momentum driving to within 10 yards of the games first touch down when the Game breaker moment turned the tide for the Arizona Cardinals. RB Tim Hightower (34) ran five yards and when tackled fumbled the ball which was recovered by the Indianapolis Colts. This shift in momentum allowed Peyton Manning and the Colts to drive the ball 90+ yards for a TD (Cardinals 3 - Colts 7). Giving the Colts a lead they would never relinquish.

Week 3 Game Breaker: @ 14:20 2nd Quarter - Arizona RB Tim Hightower (34) is tackled by Indianapolis DB Melvin Bullitt (33) and causes a fumble recovered by the Colts at the 5 yard line.

The full breakdown after the jump. Don't miss it!

Figure 1 - The line up: WR-2 (Fitzgerald and Boldin), TE-2 ( Spach and Becht) , 1-RB (Hightower)

Figure 2 - QB Warner (13) motions TE Spach (83)...

Figure 3 - Spach sets up in the backfield as a blocker. The Colts LB's shift to the new alignment.

Figure 4 - Warner takes the snap and starts peddling back to Hightower for the hand off...

Figure 5 - The guards and tackles of the offensive line engage the defensive line and C Lyle Sendlein (63) and Spach are unengaged and moving to make blocks...

Figure 6 - As the play develops notice the running lane develop and the whole stay open.

Figure 7 - Sendlein moves down field engaging the Colts MLB leaving the OLB to Spach...

Figure 8 - Hightower takes the hand off from Warner with a wide running lane the only defender between TH and the end zone is at the four yard line Colts DB Melvin Bullitt (33). Fitzgerald sees him and is trying to make the block...

Figure 9 - Hightower is one on one with Bullitt. Hightower sets up a cut to try to juke Bullitt, and Fitzgerald won't be able to get the block in time...

Figure 9A - Behind the line view. Notice how the ball position and how loosely TH has it secured.

Figure 10 - Bullitt doesn't fall for the juke leads the hit with his shoulder and helmet right at the ball level...

Figure 11 - After the hit Fitzgerald three Colt defenders see that the ball is loose...

Figure 12 - In the above frame the ball is loose and shows close to Fitzgerald's knee...

Figure 13 - The ball takes a bounce and now it's Fitzgerald and two Colts defenders in a three way leap for the ball...

Figure 14 - In the pile up it quickly looks like the Colts have the ball...

Figure 14A - Fitzgerald probably has his hand on the ball but the Colts have the majority of the possession...

Figure 15 - The pile up continues and the struggles in the pile begin as the Referee comes to see who has posession...

Figure 16 - The Referee begins pulling people off of the pile starting with Boldin and looking for the ball...

Figure 17 - Fitzgerald continues to fight for posession but the Ref signals Colts ball.

Watch the video of the play below...

Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals Week 3 2009 - Tim Hightower Fumble Game Breaker (via SportsBlogFan)

Will Tim Hightower have a similar bounty on his head this week? Any suggestions on an alternate Game breaker from this week? Any suggestions on how we can make this segment better?

Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Forecasts: Week 3

CardsFan08 — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:33:29 -0000

The Week 2 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Player of the week: Cardinals D/ST, 2nd place goes to Warner.

While Kurt Warner played a record setting week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and has had a game ball and his jersey entered into the NFL Hall of Fame for breaking the highest consecutive completion percentage in a regular season game, it was the defense and special teams unit who was the fantasy star of Week 2.

The blocked field goal attempt by DE Calais Campbell (93) and the recovery and return for a touchdown by FS Antrelle Rolle (21) made the highlight reels, but more importantly, fantasy owners appreciated the 6 points from the TD, in addition to the interception by DRC, the two fumble recovery's, and the sacks that the defense generated.

Of course, the talk of the week was how explosive the offense played. The offense did generate some good fantasy numbers, with Kurt Warner (17 points) and Tim Hightower (14 points) being the respective number two and three fantasy earners last week.

In the week 3 battle of the offenses the unit that will be the highest fantasy earners, according to projections, will be the Arizona Cardinals ground game. Tim Hightower has averaged 14 fantasy points in most leagues over the last two weeks, and is projected to average 14 again this week against the Colts run defense which has given up 239 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and two rushing TDs in Week 2 to the Dolphins.

If you have RB Chris "Beanie" Wells (26), I say play him as your flex if you've got him, because I think this is the week he breaks off a big one.

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	Probable	17	10	100
Larry Fitztgerald, WR		9	11	100
Anquan Bodlin, WR	Probable	5	4	100
Steve Breaston, WR	Questionable	8	4	84.1(-5.6)
Jerheme Urban, WR		2	2	0.2(-0.2)
Early Doucet, WR	Probable	0	0	0
Tim Hightower, RB		14	14	93.4(+1.7)
Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB		1	4	90.6(-4.1)
Cardinals D/ST		22	5	7.3(+2.7)
Neil Rackers		6	14	84.7
Matt Leinart		0	0	1.3(-0.6)

Fantasy player news and analysis after the jump.

Fantasy Player News

Larry Fitzgerald - Some owners are wondering where there number one or number two pick is compared to his last year stats. The answer is, he's in a double coverage. But don't let that make you too angry, as Fitz has one touchdown in each of the two games and with Kurt Warner and the offense getting back into sync Larry will have a big game soon, though I think against a smart Colts pass defense this week 11 point projection is a safe. let's call it 50+ yards and 1TD.

Tim Hightower - Hightower has averaged 14 points each week since the season began, and since the Cardinals drafted Beanie Wells with their number one pick, it is widely believed that it is only a matter of time before Wells is named the starter. Hightower owners can breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that one of their top RB's will continue to see many touches for the foreseeable future due mainly to outstanding play as a safety net for Kurt Warner and a productive ground game. Surprisingly Hightower is available in 6.4% of leagues, if he's available in yours pick him up ASAP.

Chris "Beanie" Wells - The number of people owning Wells in their fantasy roster has dropped off by 4.1% due mainly to the realization that he has all of the physical tools to be a NFL starter, but it's going to take time for him to transition to playing at the highest level. His recent fumbles and a few rookie moments in his first two games have some owners seeing that it won't be any time soon that he takes the number one spot from Tim Hightower, but anyone who has seen him play knows that he's a great flex play each week, because he's a constant threat for breaking off the big play. Personally, I think it will be this week versus the Colts.

Neil Rackers - Rackers is projected to have a surprising 14 fantasy points this week. While he did miss one Field Goal attempt last week, Rackers plays exceedingly well at home in the safety of the University of Phoenix dome. Rackers is currently owned in only 84.7% of leagues and is an immediate Kicker number one. Take a look at who your kicker is playing against this week and consider picking up Rackers if he's available in your league.

Projected Week 3 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Football Player of the week: RB Tim Hightower

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

Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (13) has game ball and jersey added NFL Hall of Fame

CardsFan08 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:14:50 -0000

There's a great photo and article on Darren Urban's Word From the Birds Blog talking about Kurt Warner's record setting game and how a game ball and his Jersey were entered into the Career Records section.

A must read: http://blog.azcardinals.com/2009/09/25/warner-makes-the-hall-of-fame/.