While I don't think anyone was surprised by Cody Brown getting released in regards to his performance, or lack thereof, some of us (yours truly) weren't expecting it as our OLB's now number three. I had read, from Darren Urban and others, that the team would be searching the waiver wire to find a fourth guy. Out of curiosity, to see what may be out there I was just reviewing some of the bigger names cuts around the rest of the league, and just found out New England has released OLB Derrick Burgess.

I'll admit to not having watched him as closely as I did a few years ago (back in 2005 he led the league in sacks with 16) but he would seem to be a good addition to a very depleted position for us. Curious to know what the rest of ROTB thinks about the possibility of him being added to the squad?

Just got done reading the comment from Beanie over at fanhouse about how he hates the 49'ers. While I think we all echo that thought, I will concede that having them competitive again may be the best thing for us. I didn't get the line about our mediocre overall success (four playoffs wins and a Super Bowl appearance is mediocre? To who, Vince Lombardi?). However, if this rivalry continues to develop I think it would allow us, and our accomplishments, to be viewed more accurately. Not to mention the national exposure that comes with a having a high-profile feud with (grinding teeth) one of the most accomplished franchises in the league.

Really looking forward to seeing the grudge matches between us this year, and as the years go by watching this turn into something similar to the Steelers/Browns, Bears/Packers, etc.

The one common denominator of any great team is having their best players being the team leaders and their hardest workers. In their prime it could easily been seen with guys like Rice, Lott, and Montana in San Fran, or with Mean Joe, Lambert, etc., in Pitt.  I don't know if it's from being AW's teammate for awhile now, or if it's the winning attitude the Whiz brings, but whatever the cause 9-0 is quickly becoming that kind of player/leader as well. His most recent tweet calling out Kerry Rhodes to ensure his commitment is where it should be is another example of how serious he's taking the upcoming season. We may see results from him that even his most ardent fans haven't predicted.

Keep up the great work DD, looking forward to seeing the results. As a final note, while I'm not one to trumpet new deals before they're due I'll alter my stance on that and pose the following question to the front office or anyone else who wants to chime in. For as motivated as he already is, imagine what a contract extension would do for his mind-set going into camp...

I previously read that 9-0 was benching 405 for six sets of five earlier in the off-season, which is an amazing feat of strength in it's own right. However, that pales in comparison to the 475-pound power clean alluded to in this recent article posted by Darren Urban:

http://blog.azcardinals.com/2010/06/04/dock-and-the-sheik/

I don't know anything about his new lifting partner, but Branch and Iwebema may want to be extra prepared for training camp this year if Muhtadi plays football half as well as he lifts. I've got to agree with Lott, if Dockett doesn't have the highest power clean in the league I'd like to know who does.

I'm sure most here have read this but if not, check out the article by Jim Trotter, one of the few sportswriters who seems to actually research a story before he writes it.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/jim_trotter/05/20/cardinals/index.html

I like the quotes from Beanie and Levi Brown, and I fully expect them to have All-Pro seasons in 2010. This is just one more thing our critics consistently overlook when they make it sound like the weight of the offense will solely be on Leinart's shoulders.  

According to multiple sources, Houston Texans OLB Brian Cushing has been suspended for the first four games of the upcoming season for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs (PED's). To be honest, I was very surprised he made it this far without getting caught. I'm waiting to hear when Matthews receives the same suspension.

Huge blow to Houston to start their season without him, let's see how well he plays when he gets back. Anyone else thinking it won't be anything like his All-Pro rookie season?

There is an article that was recently posted over at the official Cardinals website about Paris Lenon and what he brings to the team, background, personality, etc. Pretty good read if you haven't had a chance to look at it yet. What jumped out at me about the article was a quote from Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis, who stated "the plan is to find an inside linebacker high in the draft and watch him grow and wait until he eventually beats out Paris."

That statement, in itself, isn't a surprise because it's obvious that Dansby left some big shoes to fill and bringing Lenon aboard isn't regarded as a long-term solution. What surprised me is that our coaching staff would tip it's hand like that, because they're usually very tight-lipped about their draft plans.

Anyways, to those of you who have been looking for some inside information about potential picks at #26 for your mock drafts, how's that as a source for you?

According to NFL.com, Northwestern QB Mike Kafka had a "sensational" throwing session at their pro day, only missing one throw the entire workout. Far more interesting than that, for those of us here at ROTB, was the mention that amongst the personnel on-hand for the workout was Arizona Cardinal QB coach Chris Miller.

Could this be some early insight as to who might be our 3rd-string QB for 2010, or do most of you see us going a different direction?

When you look at the majority of the mock drafts, Alabama ILB Rolando McClain is slated to be picked long before the Cardinals choose at #26. However, while it was apparently widely-known amongst the front offices in the NFL, it is just now being reported that he has suffered from Crohn's Disease since he was in the ninth grade. If this is a condition you've never heard about, it's a chronic inflammation of the lower intestine that typically requires daily medication. Jacksonville Jaguar QB David Garrard suffers from the same condition. If McClain slips in the draft because of it, would you see this as a steal or would you be more inclined to avoid him as well?

Apparently our ex-Cardinals are keeping Darren Urban very busy today, as it's now being reported that ILB Karlos Dansby has signed a 5-year, $43 million ($22 million of it guaranteed) dollar deal with the Miami Dolphins. Sad to see him (and the others) go, but obviously all of this has been talked about and debated for a long time now. Time to say hello to Detroit ILB Larry Foote, who should be a decent replacement for Karlos.