Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals fans have been used to big safeties with notable physiques. While Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes are no longer with the team, one of the players that the team added to replace them is also known for his muscles. This time is it safety Yeremiah Bell, whose biceps are massive (check out the photo on Darren Urban's blog post on Bell). Of course, this is nothing new. Players like David Boston, Marcell Shipp, Michael Pittman and others have also cannon upper arms. The funny part about Bell? The rest of his build doesn't exactly match. He has skinny legs. "When I was in Miami (with the Dolphins), the guys always used to get on me, saying I looked like a linebacker up top and a receiver down low," Bell said, chuckling. "I told them it was good, because I'm from Kentucky. I asked them if they had ever seen a thoroughbred horse. A thoroughbred horse has little bitty legs and is big up top. I am a thoroughbred from Kentucky. That's how I explain it to them." At 35, he has been very durable and he has been to a Pro Bowl. Does it make a difference if he has huge arms? Only if it means making more tackles or picking off more passes. 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.

How much more can be said about how much of a risk it was for the Arizona Cardinals to draft him in the third round? All of his off-the-field problems have been well documented. There is also a lot to be found about his potential and how much impact he could be on the field despite being undersized and perhaps a step slow for his size. That is what caught the eyes of Arizona general manager Steve Keim. He was quoted in a recent NFL.com story by Albert Breer saying that the potential for his impact on the field far outweighs the possibility for a return to the problems he has had. "I don't know if I'd go out on a limb and say he could become the best corner in the draft," Keim said. "What I would go out on a limb and say is, he could be the best playmaker in the draft. He just has such unique skill, with instincts and getting his hands on the ball. He's so opportunistic on the field." Clearly the team doesn't think he will be the best corner. They are having him play safety. But that is already known. Something else that was said in the article is something that has not been talked about much. Yes, the Arizona Cardinals with Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald are a good fit, but the head coach seems to be just the guy to work with him. He has worked with guys with troubles, namely Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes. Said one AFC coach, "Anyone who's dealt with Ben knows he can be aloof, he's different, but Bruce had an unbelievable relationship with him. ... If anyone can handle this, it's Bruce, and he's surrounded himself with coaches who know what he's about." Assuming Mathieu's head is in the right place these days and that the NFL money and lifestyle don't cause him issues, I can't think of a better situation for him. He has his friend, other very professional teammates, some former teammates, a relatively quiet big city to live in and a coach that is known for connecting with players. All that's left is some plays on the football field. 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 wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) stands on the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports We all know that Larry Fitzgerald’s 2012 season doesn’t reflect his talent, and we all know that Fitzgerald is mad about how 2012 turned out. Now, he’s finally admitting how bad the season was for him. According to NFL.com, Fitzgerald said, “It was the most frustrating season, or time, I’ve ever had.” Fitzgerald caught 71 passes for 798 yards and four touchdowns, which was his lowest touchdown total ever and his lowest receiving yards total since his rookie year. None of it was Fitzgerald’s fault, either. Arizona’s quarterbacks combined to throw 21 interceptions and post an appalling 63.1 passer rating, as Ryan Lindley and John Skelton struggled mightily. Arizona went 5-11 in 2012, but it is poised for success in 2013. Carson Palmer signed with the Cardinals, and things have been going well with him and Fitzgerald. The last time Fitzgerald had a solid, experienced quarterback (Kurt Warner), he dominated. In the 2008 NFL playoffs, Fitzgerald caught 30 passes and hauled in four touchdown receptions from Warner. Palmer and Fitzgerald have the potential to do the same thing, which definitely wouldn’t lead to frustration from Fitzgerald. Expect Fitzgerald to bounce back in a major way in 2013, and don’t expect him to be frustrated with how the 2013 season plays out.

Is Patrick Peterson a top five cornerback? Unless I am being flagrantly fooled by that famous so called “Eye Test” you not only have to put Patrick Peterson in the top 5 but you might have to consider him for the #1 spot. Yes, spit that Hot Pocket out and grab a seat. You have a few things to consider when you ask this type of question, like stats, confidence, defensive scheme, and skill set. It becomes even more relevant when you know the Arizona Cardinals are trying to get him signed to a new contract sooner rather than later. In 2011, when Patrick Peterson was drafted, he came into a league that had become more passing oriented. Multiple receiver sets, less running and more teams were creating mismatches in coverage pulling more linebackers out and more nickel backs in. Some of the names at the time being thrown out there for best cornerback were Darrelle Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha, Charles Woodson, Asante Samuel and Champ Bailey. Things have changed since then, and Peterson is one of the reasons as well as Richard Sherman. Sherman also was drafted in 2011, while New York Giants cornerback Stevie Brown in 2010 and Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward in 2012. I have compiled my list of the top five and they are: 5. Nnamdi Asomugha 4. Asante Samuel 3. Darrelle Revis 2. Richard Sherman 1. Patrick Peterson Before you click on the next article let me explain. As stated there was a method to the madness and I believe you would agree or at least disagree respectfully. Patrick Peterson enters 2013 as #1 mainly because some of the names mentioned when he came into the league aren’t the same and some not around anymore, at least until Charles Woodson signs or not. Nnamdi cracked the list in part because the 49ers defense took a stab at the skills he has shown in years past. Their scheme should help him get the type of one on one matchups he used to excel in unlike his last 2yrs in Philly. Asante Samuel was still as effective in 2012 for Atlanta as he was in Philly. Going to another team that uses his zone prowess well, he showed he hasn’t  lost much of a step but not anything mentally. Darrelle Revis falls to #3. Call me crazy but I am not denying his skills which prior to tearing his ACL last year he had the best and used them every down. However that remains to be seen and with the unique contract he has set up (no guaranteed dollars) with Tampa after being traded by the Jets not only shows the respect he has earned but also extreme caution on the Bucs part. That leaves two very good and very different styled corner backs left Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson. Both cornerbacks are big Peterson 6’2’’ Sherman comes in at 6’3’’. When you’re a tall corner you get hit with the, “Can he play safety?” question. However both of them are great cover corners and their height gives them an advantage over other cornerbacks who typically range around the 5’11 area and taller receivers. Separated by only one interception Patrick Peterson having 7, and Sherman 8. Sherman also forced more fumbles (4) with Peterson having none. Yet Peterson gives the Cardinals something that Sherman can’t, a game changer. His ability to return punts is a crucial element to Petersons skill set. His ability to watch the field and catch the ball at the last second allowed him to be the only rookie selected to the 2011 All-Pro First Team as a punt returner. Running back four punts over 80yds for touchdowns is an NFL record. He is also the youngest on this list by almost 3yrs. I believe that his being used in punt returns and offense took from his concentration on defense at times. It is hard enough to keep up with the best wide receiver on each team every game but to also have your focus on avoiding tacklers can be draining, especially for cornerbacks. Typically they are used more often on offense than say a wide receiver is used for coverage situations on defense. This is why I believe Josh Cribbs was being considered, at one point. As for the confi

Arizona Cardinals safety Rashad Johnon took a while to develop as a player. Selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft, it didn't look like he would amount to more than a special teams guy. He certainly was not the playmaker he was at Alabama. However, after getting some solid playing time in 2011 when Kerry Rhodes broke his feet, he showed that he could be effective, although not particularly flashy. In 2012, he made more plays and had an impact. There were two interceptions, a fumble recovery and fake punt run. Now that he has re-signed and both Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes, Johnson has a chance to establish himself as a bona fide starter. Fox Sports Arizona ran a piece on the Cardinals safeties and Johnson shared how he prepared himself. "My attitude was: Don't just accept the role that they give you; train for the role that you want to be in, and eventually you'll get into it," said Johnson. "The step I took last year was approaching every game like I was the starter by taking the time in the film room, even though I knew I was going to start out only playing third down and special teams." This year, though, to the fans and the media, Johnson has big shoes to fill. That doesn't mean he has to try to be Wilson or Rhodes. "I can't go in and say I'm going to be Adrian Wilson," he said. "I'm going to be Rashad Johnson -- a guy who plays smart and understands the game and knows when to take his chances."I don't have to hold up the legacy that he or Kerry left. There are 10 other guys on the field, and we're going to rally to the ball and play together. If we're winning games, my legacy doesn't matter." This would explain in part why he accepted what most would consider a very modest contract (three years, $4.8 million) for someone who likely will start. What type of year are you expecting from Johnson? 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.

After one week of OTAs, there is plenty of stuff to read. Cardinals: Word From the Birds Blog | Bell is a thoroughbred I asked them if they had ever seen a thoroughbred horse. A thoroughbred horse has little bitty legs and is big up top. Motivating On The Next LevelCoaches from college find getting through to pros not much different 12 Ways To Know You're a Cardinals FanA guide to the Birdgang Rookies no longer have to wait for their turnRookies no longer have to wait for their turn,Times are changing. For a variety of factors, rookies are far more likely to start games than they were five years ago, and Cardinals fans can expect to witness the trend this fall. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald worn, weary and hoping QB carousel overFitzgerald is tired of looking into cameras, speaking into tape recorders and saying all the right things: The offense is this close to a turnaround, the new quarterback is a dramatic upgrade, the new coach has infused so much enthusiasm into the organization. Covering Larry Fitzgerald 1 on 1. Well, sort of. | InsidersI texted him a few questions and he responded, but not until later Tuesday evening. By the time I saw them, it was too late to update the column. But here are the questions and his responses: Cards, Glendale 'still far apart' in camp negotiationsJust more than two months before training camp, Cardinals still not close in negotiations with Glendale. Cardinals' new-look safety corps has much to proveRelease of veteran safeties Wilson, Rhodes has left Johnson, Bell, Mathieu with much to prove. Cardinals’ GM: Mathieu could be the best playmaker in the draft | ProFootballTalkWas Tyrann Mathieu too big a risk for the Cardinals in the third round of the NFL draft? If Mathieu is as talented as Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim thinks, then the real risk would have been passing on an opportunity to add him in the third round. NFL: NFL news roundup: RG3 throwing, Rob Gronkowski may need more surgery and more - SBNation.comRobert Griffin III has been throwing since April, Rob Gronkowski may need back surgery, David Garrard could try his hand at coaching and more. Here's what you may have missed on Friday. The Blueprint: Geno Smith's plan for the NFL - SBNation.comThe Jets' rookie is adjusting to life on and off the field in the NFL. Bruce Irvin suspended 4 games for PED violation - Field GullsSeahawks 2nd year DE Bruce Irvin has been suspended four games for violation of the NFL's performance enhancing drugs policy. Eagles TE Zach Ertz sheds light on 'Taco Tuesday' flap - SBNation.comTaco Tuesday wasn't even the most surprising thing the rookie discovered in the Eagles cafeteria. WHEEL ROUTES: Taco Tuesdays, Titus Young and concussions - SBNation.comThis week in Wheel Routes Robert Wheel looks at how the Browns are screwed, Titus Young's mental illness, bad concussion doctors and more. Saints rookies Kenny Stills, Kenny Vaccaro are confusing people - SBNation.comPeople are having a hard time telling Saints rookies Kenny Stills and Kenny Vaccaro apart. Jets offer David Garrard coaching internship - SBNation.comDavid Garrard retired recently because of a nagging left knee injury, but the Jets are giving him an opportunity to stay with the organization and serve as a coaching intern during training camp. Jets' Mike Goodson arrested for drug possession, weapons charges, according to report - SBNation.comMike Goodson was reportedly taken into police custody on Thursday night after being found with marijuana and a loaded handgun. Donte Stallworth injury: Wide receiver cleared for football activities - SBNation.comThe burns suffered by Donte Stallworth in a scary hot balloon accident over the summer won't keep him off the field this season, as he's been medically cleared to play football. TBS orders pilot for 'Cheeseheads,' a show that finally pays attention to Packers fans - SBNation.com'Cheeseheads' will shine a light on the passionate, colorful fans o

May 14, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) looks on during organized team activities at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports. Arizona’s offensive line was atrocious in 2012, but the Cardinals’ biggest need was quarterback. The Cardinals’ quarterbacks threw 21 interceptions and 11 touchdowns, and the group combined to post a paltry 63.1 passer rating. The quarterback situation was a dire need, and Arizona addressed it by trading with the Raiders for Palmer. Palmer, who ranked second in passer rating in 2005 (he posted a spectacular 101.1 passer rating that year), has the potential to be great in Arizona. Chad Johnson was in his prime when Palmer put up his best numbers. Johnson ranked third in receiving yards in 2005, and that was largely due to Palmer. Palmer wasn’t as productive with the Raiders because Oakland didn’t have a great receiving corps, but he still managed to post the league’s 16th-best passer rating. Palmer likes to take risks, and Larry Fitzgerald can bail him out for taking those risks. Fitzgerald isn’t fast, but he knows how to go up and get a ball. Even though Palmer had terrible receivers who couldn’t bail him out for taking risks, he threw 14 interceptions, which isn’t a ton. With Fitzgerald as a big-play threat, Ryan Swope and Andre Roberts as threats to use their speed to get open and Jonathan Cooper and Levi Brown anchoring a talented offensive line, Palmer’s stats should be much better in 2013. In 2011, Palmer averaged a remarkable 8.39 yards per passing attempt, and in 2012 Palmer exceeded 4,000 passing yards and threw 1.6 touchdowns per game. Palmer has displayed flashes of greatness, and while he has thrown an abundance of interceptions, he has thrown a solid amount of touchdowns as well. A lot of people say that Palmer isn’t a long-term solution at quarterback, but he definitely could bring the Cardinals back to the playoffs. Palmer took the Bengals to the playoffs twice, which wasn’t easy at all considering the talent (or lack thereof) around him. His 86.2 career passer rating suggests that he is a top 15 quarterback, which is definitely enough for the Cardinals. Arizona’s defense ranked 12th in the league in 2012, and the offense is stacked with weapons. Due to Palmer’s potential and his supporting cast, if Palmer can perform like he did in 2005, the Cardinals will succeed. This was a huge pickup for the Cardinals, and it’s one that likely saved their season. With Alex Smith gone, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith were the other main options. Fitzpatrick hasn’t been able to hold up for a whole season, and the draft class was exceptionally weak at quarterback. Then, Palmer, a talented veteran, became available, and the Cardinals pounced on the opportunity to take him. This was a great addition for the Cardinals. No one else was available, and Palmer is a stellar quarterback with the potential to play like a top 10 quarterback consistently. Arizona could look for its next great quarterback in the 2014 NFL draft, but Palmer is more than capable of keeping the starting quarterback job for an extended period of time. Palmer is 33 years old, but Kurt Warner took the Cardinals to the Super Bowl in his second-to-last year, and he took the Cardinals to the Divisional round in his final year. Palmer is a good fit in Arizona, and he is a guy who can restore hope among Cardinals fans quickly with stellar play. Because of this, the Cardinals nailed it with this trade, and they deserve an A for it.

Its a really slow night at my job and Ive pretty much read everything that is going on in the world and the Cardinals (Which isnt really much other than the first week of OTAs). I got on youtube and found a clip of my favorite comedy routine. Its "football vs baseball" by George Carlin and for any of you who havent seen it you need to watch it right now. But it got me to thinking, what is your favorite skit/comedy routine about football or any other sport in general. Please share in the comments and include a link if possible. One more thing, if you think baseball is better than football you probably arent going to like this link. If for some reason the link doesnt work, just youtube "football vs baseball" George Carlin, you will be glad you did. I will paste the link in the comments section Its a really slow night at my job and Ive pretty much read everything that is going on in the world and the Cardinals (Which isnt really much other than the first week of OTAs). I got on youtube and found a clip of my favorite comedy routine. Its "football vs baseball" by George Carlin and for any of you who havent seen it you need to watch it right now. But it got me to thinking, what is your favorite skit/comedy routine about football or any other sport in general. Please share in the comments and include a link if possible. One more thing, if you think baseball is better than football you probably arent going to like this link. If for some reason the link doesnt work, just youtube "football vs baseball" George Carlin, you will be glad you did. I will paste the link in the comments section

Apr. 2, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals 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 It is well-known that the Cardinals have struggled at the quarterback position since the retirement of Kurt Warner after the 2009 season. The organization hopes it found the answer to those problems with the acquisition of Carson Palmer this offseason. Palmer comes in as the most credible quarterback the Cardinals have had since Warner’s retirement. After winning a Heisman trophy at USC, Palmer was the first overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft. After not playing his entire rookie season, Palmer was named the Bengals’ starting quarterback in 2004. Over his next seven seasons, Palmer led the Bengals to the playoffs twice, while breaking Bengals single season records in completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes. After the 2010 season, Palmer threatened to retire if the Bengals did not trade him. After publicly denying his request many times throughout the 2011 offseason, the Bengals traded Palmer to the Oakland Raiders in October 2011 for multiple draft picks. In 25 games with the Raiders Palmer threw for over 6,700 yards and 35 touchdowns while completing 61 percent of his passes. In March of 2013, the Raiders traded Palmer to the Cardinals. Palmer standing at 6’5” and 235 pounds, gives the Cardinals a reliable veteran quarterback with a great arm who can throw the ball down the field with accuracy. Palmer is coming off a solid year with the Raiders in which he threw for over 4,000 yards with 22 touchdown passes to only 14 interceptions. Those numbers seem underwhelming, but the Raiders were a team that did not have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball to begin with, but when you combine that with injuries to players such as Darren McFadden and Jacoby Ford, the Raiders offense was abysmal last season. Palmer’s best seasons as a pro came with the Bengals throwing to guys like Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh. However, he has never had a guy like Larry Fitzgerald to throw to. When you combine that with guys like promising young pro Michael Floyd, and veteran slot receiver Andre Roberts, as well as the downfield vertical passing offense of Bruce Arians, there is potential for Palmer to have a productive season like he has never had before. The key is, can the Cardinals’ revamped (and improved) offensive line keep Palmer upright? If that can happen, there is no reason that Palmer and the rest of the Cardinals’ offense can’t have success. From the prospective of the receivers I just mentioned, there has to be a sense of relief and excitement. The Cardinals have had the worst quarterback situation in the NFL since the end of the 2009 season when Kurt Warner left and have started a total of five quarterbacks in that time. Palmer brings credentials to this team they have not had since Warner. For both the Cardinals and for Palmer, this seems like a match made in heaven, only time, and results can prove that true.

New Era, the official on-field headwear of the National Football League, is teaming up with the NFL to launch the Back to Football Photo Day contest. So what this means is that Cardinals fans will now have the chance to join the ranks of Patrick Peteroson to also become THE face of the Cards. The contest, which is live at www.speakwithyourcap.com or through New Era’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/neweracaps?fref=ts) will require Cards faithfuls to submit photos of themselves showcasing how you personally “speak with your cap.”  Whether you wear your cap sideways, backwards or flexed at the brim, show how you are bringing your own style to the game. 32 fans (1 per team) will ultimately be chosen and win a complimentary trip to New York City for two. The winners will enjoy a four-day VIP experience and will be professionally styled in their favorite team’s looks for a New Era photo shoot that may be used for a year-long advertisement and promotional campaign.