Arizona Cardinals

May 14, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) and defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin (95) huddle with teammates during organized team activities at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports With 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. The Cardinals upgraded multiple positions on the offense side with the selection of Jonathan Cooper and the acquisition of Carson Palmer, and they also will play a more aggressive scheme on defense that will allow Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell to make plays. Even with all the positive moves in the offseason the Cardinals are not expected to win many games, so which games can the Cardinals use as a measuring stick as they try to build on the 2013 NFL season? Here is a list of Arizona’s three hardest games.

What were we all talking about a year ago? Well, since there isn't a ton of other news, we can do that. Back in May 2012, the team was in the middle of OTAs. However, while Kevin Kolb and John Skelton were splitting the first team snaps, running back Beanie Wells was sitting out. Here is what a pair of articles said from that day: Kolb and Skelton were on even ground: "I think the knee-jerk reaction would be to say that it is Kevin's job to lose. But then you have to look at what John Skelton did last year in winning those games when he was in there. So I think you have to give John a lot of credit for winning those games. I certainly have a lot of respect for Kevin and what he's done in this league and we made the commitment to bring him in to our football team. So it's going to start out as even as it possibly can, and we're going to let the best player take it from there. We did that many years ago when we had Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart, and it worked out pretty good for us. So hopefully we'll have that same kind of magic." We have tried to erase the memories, but 2012 magic did not happen. Correction. There was magic for the first four weeks. After that, crap. It turned out that Whisenhunt was true to his word that the contract wouldn't matter, but Skelton had a terrible year. This year, there is no "competition" for the starter's job. Not everyone on the site thinks this is great. Airwave: I want an open competition anyways. Jesse Reynolds: I want to believe him but I think it's Kolbs to lose in reality As for Beanie,it was starting off the offseason with knee problems. It would be unwise of the Cardinals to force both Williams and Wells to come back at this juncture. Yes, OTAs do help, but health is far more important. If they can both be ready by the time training camp rolls around, that will benefit them more anyhow.

Making a case for Patrick Peterson as a top five cornerback, Larry Fitzgerald moving on from a frustrating 2012 season, checking in on the mood in the Cardinals new-look locker room and more in today's links. Cardinals: Is Patrick Peterson a Top 5 Cornerback?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 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. Larry Fitzgerald's 2012 Season Was His 'Most Frustrating'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. How Are Things Going With the Team?With a whole new group of players stepping onto the practice field for the Arizona Cardinals, it would be perfectly realistic to expect some bumps in the relationships and development of some players. However, that doesn't appear to be the case for the Cardinals. Carson Palmer Player ProfileArizona's offensive line was atrocious in 2012, but the Cardinals' biggest need was quarterback. 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. NFL: NFLPA Rookie Premiere 2013 - SBNation.comRookies talk about the NFLPA Rookie Premiere and their excitement for the upcoming season, review their college careers and participate in humorous activities. San Diego Chargers sign OLB/DE Dwight Freeney - Bolts From The BlueTom Telesco got his man today as the Chargers agreed to terms with the veteran pass rusher. Jets considering veteran QB after David Garrard retirement - SBNation.comThe Jets may be looking for another veteran QB after David Garrard retired. It's a pretty bare market. NFL news: Dwight Freeney signs, NFL bringing rugby to the U.S.? - SBNation.comAfter weeks on the free agent market, Dwight Freeney has a new team. Meanwhile, the NFL is helping to lay the foundation for a professional rugby league in the United States. That and more in the daily roundup.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jasper Brinkley (54) during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports At 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. Washington was suspended four games for drug use, and his suspension could be extended due to recent allegations. With Paris Lenon departing in free agency, the Cardinals decided to add a complement to Washington when they signed Brinkley. Instead, they ended up receiving a player who has an extremely good chance of starting in Week 1. Brinkley registered 99 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2012 with the Vikings, so he knows how to make a difference. Brinkley played in a 4-3 with the Vikings, but he should have no problem making the switch to a 3-4 defense in Arizona. Brinkley will likely start the season next to Dansby as one of the Cardinals’ two middle linebackers, but he could stay there for a longer period of time. Washington, who was on the second-team defense Tuesday, likely won’t start right away. However, when he does come back, he would be a great fit next to Brinkley. Brinkley isn’t good against the pass, and he hasn’t intercepted a single pass over the course of his three-year career. Washington, on the other hand, knows how to play good pass defense. In other words, Brinkley’s poor pass coverage wouldn’t matter. The Cardinals would benefit from using Alex Okafor and Sam Acho as outside linebackers and using them on a lot of blitzes. Both are better fits as defensive ends, but pass-rushing as outside linebackers would enable them to penetrate the line and hurry the quarterback. With Washington and Brinkley patrolling the middle of the field and five defenders pursuing the quarterback, the Cardinals would be able to keep the ball away from the middle of the field. Dansby has intercepted 11 passes over the course of his career, and he intercepted three passes in two separate years with the Cardinals. With Dansby and Brinkley (who combined for 233 tackles in 2012), the Cardinals should be set for Week 1. Brinkley managed 6.2 tackles and 0.2 forced fumbles per game despite playing in a 4-3, where it’s easier to stuff a running back at the defensive line before a linebacker has a chance to make a play. Despite having Washington, the Cardinals ranked 28th against the run in 2012. Brinkley is a great run defender who has a chance to make a huge impact for very little money. Brinkley is due $1.05 million in 2013 and $3.5 million over two years, which is great value for an impactful starter. Expect Brinkley to be plugged in next to Dansby right away, and expect him to excel in a favorable situation. Arizona is very lucky to have obtained Brinkley. Kevin Minter is a good player, but Brinkley is definitely a better option to start in Week 1. Brinkley is a player who can come in and help Arizona’s poor run defense immediately, and because of the help he will provide and because of the cheap contract he signed, this signing deserves an A.

Thanks to a fellow ROTBer on Jess Roots Yeremiah Bell post, I can now make a hypothetical article. His request was that we make a hypothetical post in which we replace our Cardinals passing stats, with that of Carson Palmer had he played in Arizona last season.. So let us begin... (Again this is all hypothetical) Week 1: Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals 20-16 Cardinals Week 1 Passing Stats: 20/36, 215 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 32/46, 297 Yards, 1 TD Had Carson Palmer posted these numbers with Arizona in Week 1, the last second possible game winning drive by the Seattle Seahawks most likely would not have occurred. John Skeltons pick came as he was attempting to retake the lead after the Cardinals feel down 16-13. We still would have won. (1-0) Week 2: Arizona Cardinals @ New England Patriots 20-18 Cardinals Week 2 Passing Stats: 15/27, 242 Yards, 1 TD Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 24/48, 373, 1 TD, 1 INT Both Palmer and Brady would have battled it out here. Brady had 316 yards 1 TD and 1 INT, and those extra 57 yards that Palmer threw over Brady would be the difference. After all, Kolb did throw for 242 yards. (2-0) Week 3: Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals 27-6 Cardinals Week 3 Passing Stats: 17/24, 222, 2 TD's Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 24/34, 209, 3 TD's, 1 INT Cardinals continue to win, Palmer throwing one more TD, to go with Sanders Pick 6, thus making the blowout one score more, 34-6. (3-0) Week 4: Miami Dolphins @ Arizona Cardinals 24-21 Cardinals Week 4 Passing Stats: 29/48, 324 Yards, 3 TD's, 2 INT's Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 19/34, 202 Cardinals take their first loss of the season as Carson Palmer cannot get past the Dolphins secondary. (3-1) Week 5: Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams 17-3 Cardinals Week 5 Passing Stats: 28/50, 289 Yards Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 23/33, 353, 1 TD, 1 INT Palmers game wouldn't have made much of a difference, It would have closed the gap however and made it a 17-10 loss. (3-2) Week 6: Buffalo Bills @ Arizona Cardinals 19-16 Cardinals Week 6 Passing Stats: 16/36, 173 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 26/46, 298 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT The second INT of the game came from John Skelton in OT to give the Bills their game winning FG, by eliminating that, it remains a tied game but the bonus yardage is enough for another TD, Cardinals stop their skid. (4-2) Week 7: Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings 21-14 Cardinals Week 7 Passing Stats: 25/36, 262 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 14/28, 209 Yards, 2 TD's 1 INT Cardinals tie the game 21-21, and force OT late in the game. The Cardinals D has since shut down the Vikings offense and gives the Cardinals another W. (5-2) Week 8: San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals 24-3 Cardinals Week 8 Passing Stats: 32/52, 290 Yards, 1 INT Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 39/61, 414 Yards, 4 TD's, 3 INT's It's a horrendous game, but Carson Palmer out tosses Alex Smith, and the Cardinals continue to be the surprise team in the NFL, Cardinals win, 31-14. (6-2) Week 9: Arizona Cardinals @ Green Bay Packers 31-17 Cardinals Week 9 Passing Stats: 23/46, 306 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 29/45, 368 Yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT Palmer doesn't do much but close the gap, making it 24-31 and his late game drive is halted, dropping the Cardinals another loss, heading into the Bye Week. (6-3) Week 11: Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons 23-19 Cardinals Week 11 Passing Stats: 11/27, 70 Yards Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 22/40, 312 Yards, 2 TD's, 2 INT's Thank goodness for Palmer. We won't have to cry after this. Palmer supports the Defense big day by tossing a pair of TD's, to go with the Hyphens one, and Jay Feely's hat-trick. Cardinals win 36-23. (7-3) Week 12: St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals 31-17 Cardinals Week 12 Passing Stats: 31/52, 312 Yards, 4 INT's Carson Palmer Weekly Stats: 19/34, 146, 1 TD, 1 INT We can eliminate the two pick six's from Lindl

Apr. 2, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians during a press conference to announce the signing of quarterback Carson Palmer (not pictured) at the Cardinals practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports. With a whole new group of players stepping onto the practice field for the Arizona Cardinals, it would be perfectly realistic to expect some bumps in the relationships and development of some players. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case for the Cardinals. Carson Palmer, Rashard Mendenhall, Karlos Dansby, Jasper Brinkley, Jerraud Powers, Kevin Minter, Tyrann Mathieu, Alex Okafor, Yeremiah Bell, Jonathan Cooper and Stepfan Taylor are just a handful of the players Arizona’s front office has picked up over the course of the offseason. The Cardinals have wasted no time getting started and developing chemistry, and things are going well so far. According to Kent Somers of azcentral.com, new (surprise) head coach Bruce Arians said, “We got so much done, especially in situational drills. “Two-minute drills. Red zone session today. A third-down session on Tuesday. The kicking game is leaps and bounds ahead of where I thought it would be. We worked on kicking off after a safety today. We’re so far ahead.” Arians is confident in his team, which is what Cardinals fans want to see. Arians knows what his team needs to do, and he’s making sure the Cardinals are prepared for lots of different situations. Larry Fitzgerald, who wasn’t too happy with how the 2012 season went down, has a new signal-caller to catch passes from in Palmer, and Andre Roberts, who caught 64 passes for 759 yards and hauled in five touchdowns, will also benefit from Palmer. Fitzgerald, who is ‘thrilled’ to have Palmer in the desert, is poised for a breakout year. The two appear to be getting along just fine, and that is always good. Palmer, who ranked 16th in the NFL in passer rating in 2012, will have fun throwing to Fitzgerald, Roberts and Ryan Swope, which will definitely help the team. There are some question marks across the board, but the Cardinals appear to be fine at all positions. Arians has been completely satisfied with the performance of the rookies, notably Jonathan Cooper. The offensive line, which has been improved with the additions of Cooper and Earl Watford, has the potential to be very good. If Max Starks signs with the Cardinals, Arizona could start Bobby Massie, Levi Brown, Cooper and Starks, which would make for a great offensive line. The offensive line was a huge problem in 2012, but general manager Steve Keim addressed it. Even the middle linebacker position appears to be fine, as Keim went out and added some great linebackers. Jasper Brinkley and Karlos Dansby, two underrated players, combined for 233 tackles in 2012, and the two could jump in immediately with the Cardinals likely to run a 3-4 defense. Daryl Washington will eventually work his way into the starting lineup, which will benefit the Cardinals against the pass and against the run. With second-round draft pick Kevin Minter threatening for playing time, the Cardinals are set. When the Cardinals step onto the field in Week 1 against the St. Louis Rams, it will mark a new era in the desert. While Palmer is 33 years old, he has the potential to take the Cardinals far as soon as this year. The Cardinals entered this offseason with a lengthy to-do list, but Keim quietly signed an abundance of underrated players. Cardinals fans couldn’t have hoped for better things to happen this offseason, and the result should be a very successful season and future. As we know from watching the Baltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII and watching the San Francisco Giants win two World Series titles, chemistry is a key asset in sports. When a team brings in impactful players at almost every position (leading to a lot of position battles), chemistry is hard to develop. However, it doesn’t look like

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