Arizona Cardinals

By all accounts, Arizona Cardinals rookie safety Tyrann Mathieu has turned things around in his life. He has been clean for several months and has been integrated into the life and family of Patrick Peterson. Now he is officially a member of the Arizona Cardinals, as he signed a four-year rookie contract on Thursday. The Cardinals got a discount initially on the money they pay Mathieu up front, a way to protect them in case he goes back to bad habits, but Mathieu will get all that money he is entitled to (all $662,500 of guaranteed money) as long as he avoids drug problems, regardless of whether or not he remains on the Cardinals roster. However, the way Mathieu talks, he feels very strongly about not letting people down and intends to not repeat the past. As quoted in a Darren Urban blog post, Mathieu now feels obligated to the Cardinals family. "I knew it was a long shot and it would be a process, but to finally sit down and sign my name on the dotted line means a lot to me," he said about getting the deal done. If there are doubters still about the kid, know that his perspective has changed. "I'm part of a family now, so I'm obligated to the community and the entire Arizona Cardinals organization," Mathieu said. "The Bidwill family, Steve Keim, the coaching staff, I'm obligated to everybody now. It's my responsibility." Something to live for is always the best motivation for changing your life. To view the organization as a family says a lot. It means that there is love and responsibility. There will be support for him and there is internal motivation for him to not let people down. As he has since being drafted, he is at least saying the right things. Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) passes the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The Arizona Cardinals cut veteran QB Brian Hoyer on May 13th after deliberating whether he or second-year quarterback Ryan Lindley were the lesser of evils. Apparently the Cardinals brass believes that Lindley has more of an upside going toward the future. Now, I believe that Hoyer has more talent and smarts than Lindley, but he doesn’t have the size or the arm strength to push the ball down field the way Bruce Arians wants his quarterbacks to. The smart thing to do for the Cardinals offensive system was to let go of Hoyer and keep the young, strong-armed QB that fits the playbook. Let’s keep in mind though, that they were each set for the third spot on the depth chart, so what does it matter if the guy perfectly fits in the offensive scheme if, barring catastrophic injuries to the other QBs, he’ll never see the field anyway? Either of them would’ve just been destined to hold the clipboard the entire season. Hoyer is a great game manager and is a perfect option for the third spot on the chart. If somehow the top 2 quarterbacks really did get hurt at the same time, he could come in and do exactly what Kevin Kolb did until he was injured last season, manage the game. He would’ve been the better option for the Cards to keep. Lindley is good in his own respect, but I don’t think he can manage a situation as well as Hoyer. On top of that, he doesn’t have the experience to handle that sort of thing, and that showed last season when he came into the game to replace John Skelton and could hardly even complete a pass. Granted, the offensive line was in shambles, but by the time Lindley had taken the reins of the offense, the line was vastly improved from the beginning of the season. Even with the offensive line that was better than what Kolb had to deal with, Lindley went 9/20 for only 64 yards in that game. That’s just a 3.2 yard average. In the words of the great Charles Barkley, that’s just terrible. Oh, and his passer rating for the year was 46.7, which isn’t too good. Nobody will tell you that either Lindley or Hoyer are starting-quarterback caliber. However, one is a “serviceable” backup whilst the other is a fully capable backup/game-manager. Being able to step up in the case of an injury and control the chaos as much as possible is exactly what Hoyer is good at. He can do whatever you ask him to on short notice and has great spacial awareness for somebody who doesn’t warrant the starting grade. With the Browns needing a quarterback, it would be realistic to expect Hoyer to see the field a bit there. Everything the new regime has done thus far has been great, up until now. Cutting Hoyer and keeping Lindley was a bad move. Let’s just hope it doesn’t come back to haunt the Cards.

Las Vegas, and more specifically Bovada, is starting to roll out their 2013 NFL win totals, and our very own Arizona Cardinals came in at a paltry, to some fans, 5.5 wins on the season. To make matters worse, the juice is on the under, laying at -150 while the over is at +120. My good friend and fellow Cardinals fan KC Brackley responded the way Las Vegas is expecting many NFL fans, and more specifically Cardinals fans, to respond: @sethcoxfb They won 5 last year with a crap offense. They can win another one with Palmer — KC Brackley (@KCBrackley) May 22, 2013 KC and Cardinals fans aren't necessarily wrong with their line of thinking. If you take 2012 Carson Palmer, and replace the cavalcade of quarterback failures from the 2012 Cardinals with him, you may see a jump in wins for the team. The problem with this line of thinking is simply this: This is not the 2012 Arizona Cardinals. This rendition of the Cardinals has so many variables to it that most prognosticators aren't very high with their expectations for the Cardinals in 2013, and I tend to agree with them. You see, it isn't that the Cardinals have a worse roster, or are a worse team, it's that they are trying to grasp new concepts on offense AND defense, a very good defense mind you. One of the common misconceptions is that the Cardinals defense will stay at the same level as 2012 if not improve, and that's simply not the given that most are making it out to be. As we all know Bruce Arians brought his own defensive coordinator to the desert with him, and with that comes a new defensive scheme, one that has the defensive line licking their chops, but has me worried about how well the linebackers will handle their new found responsibility. Why am I so worried about a defense that was on the upswing in 2012? This was the typical front seven we saw in Arizona in 2012. It's really a 5-2 front, with the two outside linebackers standing up over the outside man on their side and two inside linebackers but we know it better as a 3-4 defense. In this typical front you'll see the goal of the defensive line is simple, maintain leverage in two gaps keep Daryl Washington and Paris Lenon clean so they can see the ball and get the ball. That means Dockett, or the LDE has a responsibility to occupy both the right tackle and/or the right guard on this specific play, the NT wants to likely occupy only the center, but could look to occupy either guard as well depending on the direction of the run, and the RDE, Calais Campbell, is looking to occupy the left guard and left tackle combo. Both outside linebackers have outside contain and the duty to pinch down on the outside and not let the tight ends get a clean release, this was a double tight end set so the Cardinals also brought down Adrian Wilson as a "fifth linebacker". On this run play we'll see all of the defensive line occupy their blocks, but because of the congestion the linebackers aren't clean, except for Wilson who stops Peterson for a two yard gain. Lenon was actually quite free on this play but his slow reaction time and poor read on his keys left him flat footed and unable to get up into and through the line to make a play. The defense is set up for the linebackers in the middle to make nearly all the plays, it's not a bad thing, that's just the way the defense is, and it's worked for the Steelers for years. Again, a look at what the defense was: As the play develops, we see what this defense afforded Daryl Washington: The guard couldn't get to Washington in time to make a play and Washington got into the backfield without a problem. Also notice again that Paris Lenon is free, but is behind the play and is unable to get into the action, thus why the Cardinals have brought in three different options to replace him, because let's face it, Lenon struggled mightily. In the 2012 defense you'll see the LDE head up on the tackle, and he has the responsibility of the gap on both s

Here is what you may have missed in the last 24 hours. Cardinals: Word From the Birds Blog | Noticing ArenasIn a passing league where you hoard cornerbacks, Arenas can play inside and has experience on the outside if needed. As it stands right now, I think he’ll make a strong push to be here. Word From the Birds Blog | Mathieu contract out of the wayThere was some early concern about how the Cardinals would structure the contract of Tyrann Mathieu, given Mathieu’s issues. But it didn’t seem to make a big difference. Sam Acho Reprises Role As Alex Okafor AdvisorFormer Texas teammates working together as Cardinals linebackers Arizona Cardinals' main risk protection in Tyrann Mathieu deal - ESPNTyrann Mathieu's new contract with the Arizona Cardinals is making headlines for the financial particulars. Closer look: Defensive starter projections - NFC West Blog - ESPNArizona released veteran safeties Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes primarily to shed their contracts. Had getting younger been the priority, Arizona wouldn't have signed 35-year-old Yeremiah Bell as a replacement. azcentral.com video: Karlos Dansby: It's "motivation" when people say he's too oldBruce Cooper previews azcentral sports Tonight, Sundays at 10:35 p.m. on Channel 12. Arizona Cardinals offseason workouts 2013 - azcentral.com photosArizona Cardinals offseason workouts 2013 Cardinals' Daryn Colledge adjusting to life on the right side ArizonaSports.com"It's a big move for me physically, not mentally," he said. "It's just about switching the plays, but physically I've got to kind of undo some technical stuff. NFL: NFL OTA news: Trent Richardson hurt, Chris Ivory gets his shot - SBNation.comNFL news is heating up with OTAs getting started. Check out more on Trent Richardson's injury, the Jets' running back battle, and Johnny Jolly's return to the Green Bay Packers. NFL news roundup: Anonymous player attacks Mark Sanchez, Jared Allen doesn't want pay cut and more - SBNation.comAs OTAs rage on, an anonymous player has attacked Mark Sanchez, Jared Allen doesn't want to take a pay cut, RG3 is eyeing a Week 1 return, Tyrann Mathieu signed his rookie contract and more. Here's what you may have missed on Thursday. RGIII injury: Redskins QB says he would feel comfortable starting Week 1 - SBNation.comGriffin says that team doctors are in control of the timetable for his return, but that he would be okay with starting the regular season even if it meant that he didn't get any reps in the offseason. Report: Jared Allen Not Interested In Pay Cut - Daily NorsemanIf you were holding your breath hoping that one of the NFL's best pass rushers would be taking a pay cut for 2013. . .well, you should probably stop. You're going to pass out. Falcons in talks with Richard Seymour, per report - SBNation.comThe Falcons are still looking for help on the defensive line, an area that's been a concern in recent years. Is Richard Seymour coming to help? Scott Chandler injury: Bills TE expects to be ready for training camp - SBNation.comLess than half a year after tearing his ACL, Bills tight end Scott Chandler is running routes and catching passes. Michael Crabtree injury: How 49ers will respond to loss of WR - SBNation.comThe San Francisco 49ers will likely look to players currently on the roster to replace the injured Michael Crabtree, so we examined each option and what he brings to the table. Trent Richardson injury: Browns RB held out of OTAs with pulled muscle - SBNation.comThe team is being cautious with their star player on offense. Will he be ready in time for training camp? Redskins injuries: Pierre Garcon, Josh Wilson had offseason surgeries - SBNation.comPlenty of injury news around Washington on Thursday. Will the two starters be ready in time for training camp? Sean Payton surpasses Bill Belichick as highest paid U.S. coach - SBNation.comBill Belichick might be the best coach in the NFL, but he's no longer the highest paid, according to Fo

Dec 23, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander (84) is tackled by New York Jets safety Yeremiah Bell (37) during the first half at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports Yeremiah Neavius Bell, born March 3, 1978 in Winchester, Kentucky, is a recent free agent safety signed by the Arizona Cardinals to compete for a starting job. The 35-year old, listed at 6′o” and 205 pounds, is a recent free agent acquisition and a former Pro Bowl (in 2009) safety, drafted in the sixth round by the Miami Dolphins in the 2003 NFL Draft. Considering where he initially came from early on in his career his story is pretty remarkable. Bell went to George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, where he primarily played safety and wide receiver. He also played baseball and basketball, but his best sport was football. However, Bell was not highly recruited out of high school and after not getting a full scholarship, he began working in a local steel mill in central Kentucky. After a couple of years working at the steel mill, Bell decided to enroll at nearby Eastern Kentucky, where he decided to walk-on and try out for the Colonels’ football team. Bell did make the team but he came very close to quitting the team during two-a-day practices during his freshman year. Thank goodness for Bell’s decision to remain on the team, because he ended up excelling in the defensive backfield. During his three years with the Colonels, Bell was a finalist for the 2001 Buck Buchanan Award as the Division 1-AA Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named a 2001 All-American, two time All-Ohio Valley conference safety (2000, 01) and was the OVC defensive player of the year (2001). Unfortunately, before Bell’s senior year he injured his knee in a pick-up basketball game, ending his college career. Even after his season-ending injury, Bell was still drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 2003 NFL Draft. In his rookie season he was relegated to the practice squad. In 2004, Bell played in 13 games and recorded 10 tackles in primarily a special teams role, and towards the end of the year he broke his leg. Over the next couple of years as he slowly moved up the depth chart, and he finally made the starting lineup in 2006. In his first season, Bell registered 62 tackles, two sacks and 11 passes defended. At one point during the season Jason Taylor once said about Bell “the guy just makes plays, no matter if it’s special teams, defense or whatever. He always makes plays for us.” In the 2007 season opener, Bell tore his Achilles tendon and was lost for the year. In 2008, Bell became an unrestricted free agent and after not getting much interest on the market, the Dolphins resigned him to a one-year deal. After returning from his Achilles tendon injury in 2008, Bell truly started making his mark in the NFL and blossomed, as he became a force to be reckoned with, as he finished the season with 120 tackles, one sack and three forced turnovers. Bell ended up being Miami’s leading tackler in 2008 and 2009, as he had 114 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three interceptions in 2009. After the season he was given the ultimate prize of becoming a Pro Bowler. Again in 2010 he had another solid year with 101 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. However, after the another solid season in 2011 the Dolphins decided to release him. Last year, Bell was signed to a one-year deal with the New York Jets where he also had another very productive season with over 100 tackles. After only one year in New York, he again became an unrestricted free agent and decided to sign with the Cardinals and join his former secondary coach with the Miami Dolphins Todd Bowles . Bowles was hired this year by head coach Bruce Arians to be his new defensive coordinator. ANALYSIS I compare Bell on defense with new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, very similar to the way I view running back Rashard Mendenhall on offense wi

Off-season? The NFL has no stinking off-season, so we'll explore some news and notes for the next 20 inches or so: Whoever said a person should never revel in the misery of another never played in the NFL, or the NFC West. Outside the Bay Area, there were no tears this week when news broke that 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in voluntary practice.

May 10, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (32) signals during a drill during rookie minicamp at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports In the NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals wanted playmakers. By drafting Tyrann Mathieu, they got one. Now, Mathieu is officially a member of the Cardinals. According to NFL.com, Mathieu signed a four-year deal worth a bit more than $3 million with a $265,000 signing bonus. Mathieu missed his senior season at LSU, but, as our staff writer Ryan Sakamoto stated, he always has a knack for the football and is very similar to St. Louis Rams’ cornerback Janoris Jenkings. This doesn’t appear to be a lot for the NFL, as a lot of rookies are signing bigger deals. However, this shows that Mathieu is willing to play for the Cardinals and that he isn’t going to hold out because of the money. Mathieu is on the right track, and it’s reasonable to expect him to outplay his contract and earn a bigger one if he can stay away from drugs and stay out of trouble. For the Cardinals, this is great news. Mathieu has the potential to be great, and if he is moved to cornerback, he and Patrick Peterson could make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

The Cardinals announced Thursday they have signed third-round draft pick Tyrann Mathieu, a safety from LSU, to a four-year contract. Mathieu was the 69th overall pick in the NFL draft. Contract terms were not disclosed by the Cardinals.

Former Texas teammates working together as Cardinals linebackers

With the news that Arizona Cardinals rookie Tyrann Mathieu signed his four-year rookie contract, the immediate question is how much guaranteed money he gets, based on his history of of off the field problems, which include multiple failed drug tests. However, based on reports tweeted by both Ian Rapoport and Albert Breer, Mathieu will get the full amount of guaranteed money slated to a player drafted where he was, and the team gets a layer of protection. Rapoport was the first to tweet that Mathieu would get the full amount of guaranteed money that woudl go to someone drafted in the third round, but that much of it will come in yearly roster bonuses instead of all of it coming as an up front signing bonus. Albert Breer then added more details. Instead of getting the full $662,500 he would be slotted to get up front to sign, he instead gets $265,000 as his signing bonuses, and then the remaining $397,500 as roster bonuses as installments of $132,500 at the start of years 2, 3 and 4 of the deal. In total, his contract is reportedly worth $3.052 million over the four years. Last year's 69th pick (Bills WR T.J. Graham) signed a deal with $2.9 million over four seasons. It sounds like both parties came to the table willing to work with one another. Mathieu gets a good chunk of money up front and the team is protected if he goes back to having problems he had while in college. Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.