Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals second year offensive lineman Nate Potter was on the radio the other afternoon. He was a guest on XTRA 910 and spoke with Mike Jurecki. They discussed, among other things, how he has progressed in the offeseason, the new coaching staff and his part in getting the running game going in 2013. Listen to the full interview using the embedded player to stream it or by using this direct link Potter explained how it is different as a returning player than a rookie. Things are just more familiar. "I wouldn't say 100 percent more comfortable, but it's a whole different world for a guy coming back," he explained. "You've got all that newness out of it, you know all the guys. You've been with the guys for a while and the game, I wouldn't say slows down, but you pick it up faster, so that's nice." Picking things up faster is one thing that will be nice for Potter. He played in eight games last season, starting the final six games. He had mixed results, but he did much better than the guy he replaced, D'Anthony Batiste. The one thing that was most been said about Potter was how he needed to get bigger and stronger. He has done that in the offseason, going from 300-305 pounds, where he played last season, to weighing now about 315 pounds. "It''s good weight and I've been trying to get stronger and stronger and it will help me in the long run," he explained, giving a shout out to John Lott the team's strength and conditioning coach. Potter currently is working with first unit of offensive lineman. He is working as the number one left tackle, as Levi Brown is working out on the side. He tore his triceps in the preseason last year and is working to be ready to go in the fall for training camp. When that happens, Potter is expected to be the main backup on the line. He is able to play tackle on either side and he is expected to learn how to play guard. However, he has not yet been asked to play guard. He is willing to do it. "I'm willing to do anything I have to do to contribute to this team," he said. "If that means playing guard, I'll love it." He also explained what is different about playing guard. "It's a little more compact," he said. "You've got to get used to that. "Guys are right up on you. Once you adjust to that, it'll come pretty quick because as an offensive line, everyone is learning every position just for that reason. Guys should be able to play guard or tackle because you never know in this game if guys can get hurt in any play. Just the space issue is the biggest thing at guard, but you can get over that." Potter is impressed with Carson Palmer at quarterback. He called Palmer "a phenomenal leader" who has "a heck of an arm." However, he was not asked about all the sacks that the unit gave up a year ago. He was asked about the running game and the backs the team now has. "We've got some great guys back there [at running back]," he said. "There's a great emphasis on us and them to get the running game going. "A lot of it has to do with the O-line and getting our footwork and our technique down, and getting that mindset that we're gong to get those guys holes, and they're going to hit it downhill." What type of blocking scheme will the team be using? "There will definitely be times when Coop (first round pick Jonathan Cooper) will get out there and show his athleticism," described Potter when asked if there was going to be a focus on a zone blocking scheme taht woudl allow Cooper to get out and move around. "But the good thing about this offense is that it's well rounded, so we've got some power game, some zone game, and we're going to be able to use it all." Potter is benefiting from an increased number of coaches, especially for the offensive line. That has allowed the players to get more reps, as the coaching staff has been splitting up the players 45 on one field and 45 on the other, running simultaneous practices. "It's great, especially with us young guys, to have the ext

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals tackle Bobby Massie (70) against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Last year, you would have been laughed out of town for calling Bobby Massie one of the Cardinals’ 10 best players. Now, it’s realistic. Our staff took a vote, and Massie checked in as our 10th-best Cardinals player. Massie was eaten alive during the first eight weeks of the season, but he ranked third among all tackles from Week 9 to Week 17 (via Pro Football Focus). He is likely to start again on Arizona’s revamped offensive line, which would help the team a lot. Massie is only entering his second year, but he’s going to be great again in 2013. With more experience and with Levi Brown and Jonathan Cooper eating up good defensive lineman, the 316-pound Massie should have an easier job. Expect Levi Brown to take over at left tackle, and expect Massie to play right tackle. The massive offensive tackles ran a respectable 5.23 40-yard dash and recorded 22 reps on the 225-pound bench press, so he has decent strength and respectable speed. Massie gained experience in college and has now started 16 NFL games, which should help him entering 2013. It would be shocking if Massie regressed, as he has the tools and the experience to succeed with Arizona. In his last nine games, Massie allowed a mere 14 quarterback pressures (compared to 47 in his first seven games). Arizona Sports’ article about Massie states that people believe Massie can become one of the league’s best tackles, which is definitely possible. Due to his success to end the 2012 season, a lot of our writers included him in their top 10. This ranking is well-deserved due to the way Massie ended the season. He is poised for a great 2013 season, and he is poised to become one of the NFL’s best tackles. While Levi Brown and Jonathan Cooper are more talented, Massie will be a solid piece on an offensive line in need of a capable starter. Expect Massie to build on his 2012 season and continue to perform in his second year with the team. And, next year, expect Massie to be even higher than 10th.

So the Arizona Cardinals offense hasn't been Super Bowl worthy. No one expected that, right? Right?! But let's look on the bright side, the Cardinals defense is also looking to get better. Cardinals: Sam Acho Reprises Role As Alex Okafor AdvisorFormer Texas DL teammates working together as Cardinals linebacker. Arizona Cardinals: Who Will Step Up on the Defensive Line?Horton's 2012 defense allowed linebackers like Daryl Washington to shine, but pushed aside Cardinal gems, Darnell Dockett and David Carter. Who Should Start at Middle Linebacker For the Arizona Cardinals?Despite losing Daryl Washington, Dansby, Brinkley and Minter all seem prepared to step up and lead the Cardinals defense. Arizona Cardinals' Ryan Williams says he was playing scaredProfessional athletes don’t give in to their fear. They ignore it, rationalize it or pretend it doesn’t exist. Playing scared is a sign of weakness, and the weak get devoured, particularly in the NFL. Arizona Cardinals: Breaking Down Why Carson Palmer is Being Judged UnjustlyA quarterback lives and dies on his play, but the blame doesn't rest on his shoulders alone. Cardinal fans know the offensive line, running backs, wide receivers and defense all affect the QB play. 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: Roman Harper contract: Saints S reportedly signs extension - SBNation.comNew Orleans is keeping the veteran safety around for a few more seasons, according to reports. Eagles work on transitioning to 3-4 defensive scheme - SBNation.comPhiladelphia, under new defensive coordinator Bill Davis, is working towards becoming a more dynamic defense by switching to a 3-4 scheme this offseason. Mike Goodson will join Jets practice next week, according to report - SBNation.comAfter pleading not guilty to drug and weapons charges, Goodson will reportedly take the practice field with the Jets next week. Anthony McCoy tears achilles, will likely miss 2013 season - Field GullsSeahawks tight end Anthony McCoy, carted off the field with what was called an ankle injury at OTAs earlier this week, has a torn achilles tendon and will now miss six to nine months. He had surgery on Thursday. Bears will retire Mike Ditka's No. 89 on Dec. 9 - SBNation.comMike Ditka will become the 14th Chicago Bear to have his number retired, as the team looks to make amends with their legendary coach and five-time Pro Bowl tight end. Brian Urlacher Wanted To Be A Dallas Cowboy - Blogging The BoysBrian Urlacher recently retired, but he's making it crystal clear that Dallas would've been a good fit for him. Richard Seymour rumors: 'Nothing serious' with Falcons right now, according to report - SBNation.comThe Falcons may eventually make a run at Richard Seymour, but right now there is nothing serious going on between the two sides. Ron Jaworski believes Chip Kelly's offense won't work in the NFL - SBNation.comWill Chip Kelly's offense succeed in the NFL? Ron Jaworski doesn't think so. Rob Gronkowski injury: Patriots unsure how bad TE's back is - SBNation.comRob Gronkowski's forearm looks like it will be fine after four surgeries, but now the Patriots are worried about his nagging back. Former NFL GM says Urlacher is not a Hall of Famer - Windy City GridironAccording to one former NFL executive, Brian Urlacher is far from a slam dunk for Canton. 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.

COMMENTARY | Andy Dalton has remained healthy through his first two season with the Cincinnati Bengals, but the team has added quality depth in the form of Josh Johnson and John Skelton as insurance.

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 Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu, who just signed his rookie contract, is reportedly going to face multiple drug tests from the NFL each month.  He could face as many as 10 tests.  As far as I’m concerned, this is a non-issue, as long as he stays clean. (more…)

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports We all knew the Seattle Seahawks acquired a dynamic playmaker when they traded for Percy Harvin, but it seems his role could expand even more in 2013. The latest out of Seahawks’ camp is that Harvin could see significant time at running back this season. Obviously, the Minnesota Vikings utilized him in the running game, but he certainly wasn’t a big part of their ground game. Are more carries a good thing for Percy Harvin? I really don’t think so. Minnesota used him pretty minimally in the running game last year, and there were still questions about him being overused. This guy does a little bit of everything, but it also takes a huge toll on his body. Harvin got banged up during several games in 2012, even to the point of having to come out for extended periods of time. Seattle already has Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, who combined for nearly 2,000 yards in 2012. If anything, they need to become more dynamic through the air. There’s a solid ground game in place, that Harvin can add to on occasion, but he’s really not needed in the backfield. The Seahawks should save his energy for kick returns, and numerous receptions throughout every game. It’s great for a change of pace to run him on a reverse or to line him up in the backfield, but it shouldn’t be a focus. Running backs get a lot more contact than wide receivers, and Harvin doesn’t need anymore of that. Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter

When the Cardinals' veteran defensive backs met for the first time last month, all that was missing were the new backpacks, cool lunch boxes and sharpened No. 2 pencils. Otherwise, it felt like the first day of school, because seven of the 11 were new to the team.

Robert Mayer-USA Today Sports The Arizona Cardinals are still feeling the ripple effect of plummeting through the final three quarters of the 2012 regular season; at the very least when it comes to the odds Vegas is giving. Despite last year’s 4-0 start the Cards are regularly receiving a season win total line of five, according to RJ Bell of Pregame.com. Super Bowl and division odds aside, Arizona’s a very enticing team to me due largely to their years-late attention paid to the offensive line and quarterback position this offseason. The additions of Carson Palmer along with top-10 rookie interior lineman Jonathan Cooper seriously address the issue holding this team back the most in recent years. Every team in the NFL is valued at a higher season win total save for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are also generally set at five, and Arizona is superior on both sides of the ball. Daryl Washington‘s suspension for the first four games gave me pause in my optimism for this squad improving dramatically, but the recent signing of former Card Karlos Dansby will soften the blow. The trade for slot corner Javier Arenas was another late-offseason move of brilliance. I want nothing to do with Arizona’s Super Bowl title odds of 200-to-1 or division title odds of +3300, but I’m actually pretty surprised that St. Louis Rams have so much respect on them at +800. The NFC West very much has the feel of a two-horse race between Super Bowl contenders San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks — making longshot picks in this division unsavory — I don’t see that much separation between St. Louis and Arizona. Both fit the mold of respectable defensive squads with improving offensive lines and question-mark quarterbacks, and both have the look of 6-to-9 win teams in my opinion. Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Apr. 2, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (left) with quarterback quarterback Carson Palmer during a press conference to announce his signing with the team at the Cardinals practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports The Arizona Cardinals haven’t been progressing as well as coach Bruce Arians had hoped, but Carson Palmer has no problem with Arians expressing his feelings about some of the offensive struggles. According to NFL.com, Palmer said that ‘he loves’ Arians. Palmer talked about how respected Arians is, and he also mentioned the remarkable success Arians has experienced during his time with the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers. The article talks about how Arians has been described as a stickler, but Palmer seems fine with Arians. We can’t be sure that Palmer and Arians are completely getting along, but this is still a good sign for Cardinals fans. Expect Palmer to thrive in Arians’ system, which involves spreading the field and throwing the deep ball. With guys like Larry Fitzgerald, Ryan Swope, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd, it would be hard for Palmer to fail. With he and Arians getting along, it will be even harder. Expect there to be bumps in the relationship between these two, but expect Palmer to benefit from Arians long-term. Chemistry is key for all sports, and good chemistry is being shown here with Palmer and Arians.

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy dominated in 2012 as he posted career highs across the board. However, the three-year player is determined to take his game to the next level once again when he steps on the field during the 2013 NFL season. Hardy posted 41 total tackles, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two defended passes in 15 games last season. There is no question the known trash talker backed up his words with his outstanding play last year. With that being said, Hardy wants to take it a step further next season. “I’m just trying to get more,” Hardy said, according to CharlotteObserver.com. “I talk a lot of trash, so I’m just making sure I step my game up this year from what it was and try not to make as many mistakes.” One way Hardy is trying to step his game up is by showing up at OTAs with a leaner body. The 24-year-old is 15 pounds lighter than he was last year, which means he is going for more speed around the corners opposed to pure power. If he wants to be among the top sack leaders in the league, he will have to utilize both abilities. The good news for fans in Carolina is that the only thing that matters to Hardy is he wants to win. Winning more games than last year would be nice, the NFC South would be even better, but a Super Bowl is what is on his mind. He knows that if the Panthers want to reach their ultimate goal, he will have to get to the opposing quarterback on a consistent basis.