Arizona Cardinals

Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason (20) bats away a pass intended for Oakland Raiders tight end Brandon Myers (83) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports The Arizona Cardinals made a lot of offseason improvements, and all were important. But which free agent acquisition will make the biggest impact in Arizona? To answer that question, we went around the round table and surveyed some of our writers in a new weekly feature at Raising Zona. Here are some answers to the big question. Edgar Valenzuela Villezcas “Antoine Cason will without a doubt have the biggest impact. With Patrick Peterson confirming his status as a shutdown corner expect defenses to try and attack Cason often. Expect Cason to double his interception total to four and pass his career-high of 73 tackles alongside one of the best corners in the league.” Brenton Johnson Brenton wrote an article about this, and it will go up later today. For now, we’ll take an excerpt from his article. “It is my belief that with the trust Arians will have early on (the 2013) in Mendenhall, that Mendenhall will be the (featured) back this season.  He is a three-down back who is a very good blocker in the passing game and has the power to run in between the tackles and the breakaway speed to be able to break long runs. Provided that Mendenhall can stay healthy, which is a very big if, look for him to have a 1,000-plus yard season and make a huge impact for the Cardinal offense.” Philip Hoffman “This is a loaded question. Antoine Cason, Rashard Mendenhall and Yeremiah Bell are all runner-ups in my opinion. Carson Palmer would be the obvious answer, but since the Cardinals ascertained his rights via trade I will not include him in the free agent category. So, that leaves me to conclude that, of all the free agent acquisitions, Karlos Dansby will leave the biggest impact on the 2013 season. In all his post-signing interviews, he genuinely sounds like he has some regret inside for leaving the Cardinals. Dansby will be inspired to play alongside some of his former teammates and in front of fans that have a lasting image etched in their memory of him running a touchdown back for the Cardinals’ last playoff victory. With Daryl Washington suspended four games, possibly longer, Dansby will provide a veteran force that will clog up the middle of the field. He had a career high in tackles last year and could have a couple of prime years of juice left in him. Furthermore, he will provide veteran leadership and example to rookie Kevin Minter and fifth-year linebacker Jasper Brinkley. With the Cardinals potentially playing some 4-3 defense this year Dansby will be needed every game.” Adam Cooper “The free agent pickup that will make the biggest impact this season for the Arizona Cardinals is going to be Antoine Cason. He brings the element of a shutdown corner to the second receiver. Along with Patrick Peterson on the opponent’s top receiver, Cason will be a major threat to any quarterback that faces the Cards defense. He has excellent recovery speed, so even if he does get beat off the line of scrimmage, he’ll catch up and immediately search for the mid-flight pass. Cason has the special ability to keep an eye in the backfield whilst staying locked on his assignment. That is why he will have the biggest impact for the Cards this season.”   Hiram Carroll III Two names come to mind; Carson Palmer and Karlos Dansby. I believe they both will make significant impacts to the team for the same reason; Steve Keim wanted both badly. Its hard not to acknowledge his excitement over both signings but the ability to sign both to contracts that do not hurt the team is huge. Palmer, who ranked 16th in passer rating in 2012 and second in passer rating in 2005, is a good quarterback who has never had offensive-minded coaches, so I believe for him to work

The Cardinals head coach sat down and answered a few questions for ESPN.

Bruce Arians talks about his time in Indianapolis and his new team's new quarterback, Carson Palmer, in today's links. Writers around the net take a look at the Cardinals upcoming OTA battles as well as the team's tough schedule in 2013. Cardinals: Cardinals' Cooper to have 'big impact' during rookie season ArizonaSports.comDespite being the first guard selected in the top 10 of the NFL Draft since 1997, in the eyes of many Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper was thought to be a rather safe pick. But safe might not be the only word used to describe Cooper during his first season in the Valley. Carson Palmer 'still has it,' Cardinals' Bruce Arians says - NFL.comArizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians talked up Carson Palmer's ability to sling the ball deep, which is an advantage in the Cardinals' new offense. Arizona Cardinals: What to Watch for at OTAs | Bleacher Report The first week of voluntary organized team activities has come and gone at Arizona Cardinals camp, and already there have been players to impress head coach Bruce Arians. Sunday Conversation: Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians - ESPNESPN's Merril Hoge sat down recently with new Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians for a discussion covering Carson Palmer, Tyrann Mathieu, calling plays and taking over for Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano on an interim basis last season. Arizona Cardinals: Can They Contend in 2013?Some people believe that Arizona Cardinals are on the verge of contending with their new roster. Others believe that nothing will be better for the Cardinals. Ranking Arizona's 3 Hardest Games of 2013With OTA’s underway and training camp just around the corner, it’s time to look forward to the 2013 NFL season and the many challenges that will be presented for the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona Cardinals are OK at Tight End, Despite What Some ThinkSome people aren't too high on the Arizona Cardinals' tight ends, but they are better off at the position than people think. Will Alex Okafor Improve the Defensive Line?Alex Okafor has the potential to be a star. So, it’s safe to say that the Cardinals made a great value pick when they took the sack machine in the fourth round. 2013 NFL Free Agency: Jasper Brinkley Player ProfileAt the end of the 2012 season, middle linebacker didn't appear to be a glaring need. However, the Cardinals still decided to add depth early in the free agency period by locking up middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley. And for that, they are extremely happy. NFL: Greg Schiano says Mike Glennon can win the starting job for the Buccaneers - Bucs NationThe quarterback controversy continues! This time, Greg Schiano fuels the Mike Glennon/Josh Freeman quarterback controversy, while simultaneously reinforcing that Josh Freeman is the starter. Oh yes, good fun. NFL news roundup: Chargers sign Dwight Freeney, Willie Colon thinks Mike Goodson will be released - SBNation.comIt was a slower day on Saturday, but one of the big-name free-agents remaining on the market was signed, and we found out that the NFL is bringing rugby to the United States. Read on for what else you might have missed.

December 24, 2011; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (34) carries the ball for a 52 yard gain against the St. Louis Rams during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is a former first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2008 NFL draft, and he’s a good player. Listed at 5′ 10″ and 230 pounds, the former Illinois star is an extremely powerful back with surprising foot quickness, as he posted a surprising 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in 2008 as well as posting a phenomenal 26 reps on the 225-pound bench press.  Mendenhall has a tremendously powerful body with very strong legs that has the ability to drive the pile when needed and has the home run ability.  Mendenhall has the speed (the threat) to break long runs. Coming out of Nile West High School in the state of Illinois, Mendenhall was a five star recruit and was regarded as the premier recruit coming out of high school in the state of Illinois.  He was also one of the top four running backs coming out of high school nationally. In his junior season Mendenhall posted phenomenal numbers, as he accumulated 1,832 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging over 11 yards per carry (YPC). During his senior season Mendenhall did not quite match his incredible performance as a junior.  However, with 1,453 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging more than 9.0 YPC, it was more than enough for him to be regarded as one of the premier backs in the country. Mendenhall verbally committed to the University of Illinois after his junior year, spurning scholarship offers from several other schools. Mendenhall was set on staying in his home state so he could play with his older brother with the Fighting Illini. After redshirting his first year in 2004, Mendenhall was the third string running back the following year. As a red shirt freshman (in 2005) he played in 10 games gaining 218 yards on 48 carries and managing 13 receptions and 82 yards and scoring twice.  During his sophomore campaign (2006) he was second on the depth chart behind Pierre Thomas and second on the team with 640 yards rushing and averaging 8.2 yards per carry. His 8.2 yards per carry was tops in the big 10. In 2007, with his first opportunity to become a starter, Mendenhall became Big Ten player of the year, setting school records with 1681 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Mendenhall also set a school record with 1,999 all-purpose yards.  After Mendenhall’s tremendous junior campaign he opted to go pro (in 2008), and he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round. During his first two seasons with the Steelers, Mendenhall gained at least 1,000 yards or more in offensive coordinator Bruce Arians’ (now head coach of the Cardinals) offensive system.  Unfortunately, in the latter part of the 2011 season, Mendenhall tore his ACL, cutting his season short.  Prior to tearing his ACL in 2011, Mendenhall was having a solid season and almost eclipsing the century mark with 928 yards. After a quick recovery, which took approximately nine months, Mendenhall made it back for the 2012 season.  However, once he was back in the fold, Mendenhall did not have the type of production that he had prior to the injury, only producing 182 yards on 51 carries.  Most people believe it was perhaps Mendenhall coming back a bit too soon from his injury and not being at full strength. After the 2012 season, Mendenhall opted to become a free agent.  After a prior visit with the Denver Broncos, during the recent free agency period (2013), Mendenhall chose to follow Arians (formerly with the Steelers) and sign with the Arizona Cardinals. ANALYSIS Mendenhall is a big and powerful back with surprising foot quickness.  Arians, mentioning after the Mendenhall signing said “for a guy that is 230 pounds he has the foot quickness of a 180-pound player.”  It is my belief

New Cardinals coach Bruce Arians discusses his experiences in Indianapolis and his first practices with Arizona.

If there was any positive from the 2012 season it was that of the Defense. Under Ray Hortons supervision the team that suffered sub-par defensive production to start 2011, was a dominant force from the end of 2011 to the end of 2012. But with a regime change, Ray Horton was let go, and many began to speculate that the defense we knew, was no more. I know there are those of you who doubt we will be productive on Defense, and I value your opinion, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Whilst we may not have signed this large named players, Sean Smith to be one, the team has added valuable depth, enough so to create safety nets. The front 3 are kept intact, but the backers were shaken up a bit and the secondary was basically replaced. Does increased depth, mean better production? In my book it does, but that differs for others. Unfortunately, I lack the ability to get these "Advanced" stats because most sites require a fee... Of which I lack the funds to pay for... Thus, you guys get my opinions on these changes, and no stats to back it up as of now. You can expect a post before the Preseason of stats to backup my opinions, however. D-Line: (2012) Calais Campbell Dan Williams Darnell Dockett Vonnie Holliday David Carter Nick Eason Ronald Talley Ricky Lumpkin Ronald Talley Additions: Everrette Thompson, Padric Scott, Matt Shaugnessy & Frostee Rucker Notes: The top three guys remain the same, but we replaced aging vets with younger guys. While neither Shaugnessy and Rucker having played in a 3-4 scheme, they provide depth that they can come fill in when Dockett and Campbell need breathers. The Cardinals are still looking at other options, most noted former Saints DT, Sedrick Ellis. Thompson is a long shot to make the roste, but Padric Scott could sneak in there somehow. Linebackers: (2012) Sam Acho Daryl Washington Paris Lenon O'Brien Schofield Zach Nash Stewart Bradley Reggie Walker Quentin Groves Additions: Lorenzo Alexander (OLB), Daniel Giordano (OLB), Kenny Demens (ILB), Kevin Minter (ILB), Jasper Brinkely (ILB), Karlos Dansby (ILB), Korey Jones (ILB), Alex Okafor (OLB) Notes: Paris Lenon was the starter for three years in Arizona, following the departure of Karlos Dansby. His play fell considerably in 2012, but due to Ray Hortons love for him, he remained the starter opposite of Daryl Washington. Bradley was given a massive contract and didn't even play up to it, sitting behind Lenon, and ultimately Reggie Walker in 2012. Quentin Groves was an amazing tale in Arizona. An outcast in Oakland, he came to the desert seeking rebirth and found it. It was unlikely that he would remain in Arizona, following Ray Hortons departure for the Cleveland Browns. We replaced him with Lorenzo Alexander, a stop gap and an upgrade over the continuously injured O'Brien Schofield, until 4th round selection Alex Okafor is ready to go. Jasper Brinkley, Karlos Dansby, and Kevin Minter, are all immediate upgrades over Paris Lenon, and the duo of Dansby and Brinkley is dangerous until Daryl Washington can return. Defensive Backs: (2012) Patrick Peterson (Starter) Adrian Wilson (Starter) Kerry Rhodes (Starter) William Gay (Starter) James Sanders Rashad Johnson Jamell Flemming Greg Toler Michael Adams Justin Bethel Additions: Javon Harris (S), Tyrann Mathieu (S), Yeremiah Bell (S), Jonathon Amaya (S), Curtis Taylor (S), Tony Jefferson (S), Jerraud Powers (CB), Javier Arenas (CB), Antoine Cason (CB), Bryan McCann (CB) Notes: The loss of Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes were significant, but the loss of Wilson isn't fixable. Johnson was already filling in for Wilson much of the latter half of the season, following A-Dub's demotion. We knew the end was coming and questioned whether a release was inevitable. Bell is a downgrade from Rhodes by far, and possibly only a first half starter, until Tony Jefferson, Tyrann Mathieu, or even Javon

(Matt Kartozian/USA Today Sports) The Arizona Cardinals knew addressing the quarterback position was their top priority this offseason as it was nothing but a disaster during the 2012 season and there’s no question they made the right move by parting ways with Kevin Kolb. However, only time will tell when it comes to whether or not acquiring Carson Palmer was the right move, but if you ask Bruce Arians–he loves what he sees in his quarterback so far. Arians recently discussed in an interview how much he praised Palmer for the way he’s looked so far with the Cardinals this offseason. If there’s anything to take away from the 2012 season from Palmer’s perspective, it would be last year with the Oakland Raiders did not go the way he was hoping it would as his numbers may have looked impressive on paper, but most of them came during garbage time when the team was trailing in the second half. Now, Palmer receives the opportunity to play alongside one of the best wide receivers in football in Larry Fitzgerald. Palmer claims he still has what it takes to be an effective quarterback at the pro level and with Fitzgerald–there’s really no excuse for him not to perform well in 2013. As much as he doesn’t want to hear it, this season could be Palmer’s final chance to prove himself as a starter considering there aren’t many teams that would be willing to give him a shot–so let’s hope what Arians is saying so far turns out to be true next year. “Like” Dan Parzych on Facebook Be sure to follow Dan on Twitter @DanParzych

Who will win the 7th round of Caption This!? Round #6 Picture: Caption This! #6 Winner: Iowacardinalshawkeye Caption: ? Skelton: Oh, that was ugly. I can’t look.Lindley: Oh god, I think Kevins head just fell off… Coach is calling for the backup.Skelton: Not it! by Iowacardinalshawkeye on May 13, 2013 | 10:50 AM reply rec (6) actions Runner-up: (As there was a three-way tie for 2nd Place, only the names of the runner-ups will be listed for this week) 2nd Place: YungHotRodd602, Spikedriver, and FrankieInAz Congratulations to all of them! The (updated) Table of Winners: Name Number of Votes Received Number of Weeks Won EzioExManAZ 13 1 Cuuuuuthiiiiim 13 1 Alex Mann 10 1 Sect113rw10 9 1 Shad H 8 1 Iowacardinalshawkeye 6 1 RedBirds 11 0 Mrhocken 10 0 CardinalLaw 8 0 FrankieInAz 6 0 Falltea 6 0 RebelCards 6 0 AndyStandsUp 6 0 Spikedriver 5 0 YungHotRodd602 5 0 D4 5 0 Cardzfan 5 0 Jess Root 5 0 Azusa_PacifiCardinal 5 0 Hevchv 4 0 Ras_card 4 0 PhantomPower311 4 0 NATIVEWOOD 4 0 Tito_45 3 0 LocoCoyote 3 0 Tawakol 3 0 AlaskanCard 2 0 J Steezy 2 0 Jay Bizzell 2 0 Silver 1 0 Randy Fields 1 0 Cmcinaz 1 0 Jesse Reynolds 1 0 Jesse Leman 1 0 RedC 1 0 Redking90 1 0 TryAndCatchVD 1 0 Roleyanderson 1 0 Thrashcan5 1 0 FitzFan25 1 0 AllAmerican13 1 0 Richard.gonzales.372 1 0 Gvalen2896 1 0 Scott.rune 1 0 Noyguado 1 0 Runfirst 1 0 Horboy80 1 0 (The table goes in order of weeks won, and then votes received) The rules to Caption This!: Write a caption for the featured picture. It can be what the player(s) are thinking, saying, or just your caption for the scene. If you view the post, vote for someone else's caption. You can do this by selecting actions>rec underneath the person's comment. The more votes we get, the more competitive the game will be. Your name will be added to the list with the total number of votes and weeks you've won. And finally, here is this week's picture: Left: Michael Crabtree, WR (San Francisco); Right: Patrick Peterson, CB (Arizona) I urge all of you to read every comment/caption that is posted. We want to make sure that the best caption wins, and not just the one that is posted first. We will be keeping this contest at the top of the site all week, so that it is easier to check back with. If you'd like to view last week's Caption This!, click here. Good luck captioning!

May 14, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs drills during organized team activities at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports Some people believe that Arizona Cardinals are on the verge of contending with their new roster. Others believe that nothing will be better for the Cardinals. New head coach Bruce Arians uses a simple playbook that’s user-friendly ,and when I hear that I think of is Denzel Washington as Coach Boone in the movie Remember the Titans when he says “I run six plays, split veer. It’s like Novocain, just give it time, it always works.” We all know the rest of that story. So, maybe it won’t work out like that. But it’s worth noting that Arians went 9-3 with the young Indianapolis Colts after taking over midseason. New general manager Steve Keim and the front office traded for quarterback Carson Palmer, who can still play and put up good numbers (he was 16th in passer rating in 2012 and averaged 8.39 yards per pass attempt in 2011). If Rashard Mendenhall, another free agent pickup, and Ryan Williams can stay healthy they should make a good one-two punch with Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor settling in. The Cardinals have depth at running back, and it’s realistic to expect one of the players to break out and carry the ground game. With all of them competing for a roster spot, it’s only going to bring out the best in all of them. We all know about the receiving corps, so I won’t waste any time talking about that area besides the addition of Ryan Swope, who could end up being a more athletic Brandon Stokley. Stokley was rated the best slot receiver in the NFL (via Pro Football Focus, subscription required), so if Swope can perform that well, he will help the Cardinals. Swope will join a receiving corps consisting of Andre Roberts and Larry Fitzgerald, who, despite horrific quarterback play, combined for 135 receptions and nine touchdowns in 2012. When it comes to tight end, I know Bruce Arians wants two that can catch and block, so I’m not sure who the staff is going to keep on board. If Swope can work his way into the regular receiver rotation, the Cardinals will likely use just one tight end. As for the offensive line, the Cardinals could sign Max Starks, move Levi Brown to right guard and Daryn Colledge to right guard (unless some can steal his roster spot. Lyle Sendlein would start at center, and Jonathan Cooper would start at left guard. If they can stay healthy that should be a nice line to open holes and keep Carson Palmer clean and up right. Plus, even with an injury, Bobby Massie could step in. Now for the defense. In the box is Darnell Dockett, Dan Williams, Calais Campbell, Sam Acho, Daryl Washington (not going to play the first month), Karlos Dansby, and O’Brien Schofield. As long as Washington doesn’t do any jail time, they should have good depth to keep everyone fresh. Arizona will likely run a 3-4 defense, which will allow Acho and Alex Okafor to start at outside linebacker and Dansby and Jasper Brinkley to start Week 1 at middle linebacker. Alex Okafor is best as a 4-3 defensive end, but I expect defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to utilize his skillset by sending him on blitzes and not forcing him to play in pass coverage much. Acho is a better fit as a 4-3 defensive end, but he should be fine making the transition as well. For the defensive backs, I’m sure Bruce Arians has a group of guys itching to prove their worth to secure playing time and make their mark on the NFL. Don’t be surprised if you see a no-name in the backfield at the beginning of the season, but also don’t be surprised if someone like Antoine Cason steps up and does a great job complementing Patrick Peterson. With Patrick Peterson, who has returned four punts for 80 yards or more during his two-year career, special teams will be fine. It has always bee

The first week of voluntary organized team activities has come and gone at Arizona Cardinals camp, and already there have been players to impress head coach Bruce Arians. He ended OTAs last week with a passionate speech in which he urged his players to