Time for todays links, with the Cardinals getting back on the practice field today.
Arizona Cardinals: 5 areas to watch in next month
Just in time for the start of voluntary practices, someone turned the furnaces up. It's supposed to be around 108 on Tuesday when the Cardinals hold their first voluntary full-squad workout. Coach Ken Whisenhunt, however, is smart about handling these practices. They are scheduled for 90 minutes, and part of that time includes stretching, etc. He's not trying to replicate Bear Bryant's Junction City, Texas camp. Here are five of the areas I'm especially interested to watch over the next month as the Cardinals hold their organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp.
Word From the Birds Blog | Guessing what Card is up on NFL Net’s 100
For those who have NFL Network (and/or are following this at NFL.com), you know that of their now annual top 100 list of current players (determined by a vote of the current players in the league) has now named players 61-100 with nary a mention of a Cardinal. That’s changing this week. This week’s group of 10 will include a Cardinal (the show will air for the first time Wednesday at 5 p.m. Arizona time, 8 p.m. in the East.) Who it is I don’t know yet. I do know it is a player from the defense, although I would have bet my life savings it wouldn’t have been Larry Fitzgerald anyway — too low. (Fitz was 14th last year.) I know the Card wasn’t on the inaugural top 100 list last year, which would rule out safety Adrian Wilson (who was No. 89 last year.)
Word From the Birds Blog | OTAs start Tuesday
There has been a little bit of on-field work for the veterans the last couple of weeks, but it was very limited. Each position went out on its own to work with position coaches on technique for a short time, and then the offensive skill positions got together for a little while so quarterbacks could throw some routes to the receivers, tight ends and running backs.
On the rise: Rams' Quinn and a few others - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Arizona Cardinals: Second-round choice Ryan Williams is the choice for now, with third-rounder Rob Housler also in the conversation. Both appear positioned to make significant strides. Williams, if healthy, will have additional chances to handle the ball. The Cardinals thought Williams was going to be a breakout player last season. A torn patella tendon ended his season. The team figured Housler would need a year of seasoning after making the transition from Florida Atlantic without the benefit of a regular NFL offseason.
Game On with A-Dub
Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson hosted his first annual Charity Xbox Tournament benefiting Phoenix Children's hospital. Fans at the even had the chance to take on their favorite players in Madden.
Arizona Sports News:
Arizona Diamondbacks lose series opener against Los Angeles Dodgers
Half their lineup is on the disabled list, but it doesn't matter. The Dodgers keep on rolling. Los Angeles won its fifth in a row Monday night, knocking off the Diamondbacks 6-1 in the first of a three-game set at Chase Field. In front of 24,768 fans, the Dodgers improved their Major-League best mark to 29-13, stretching their lead over Arizona in the National League West to 10.5 games. On this night, Los Angeles won with pitching, perhaps because it had no other choice. Because of injuries, the Dodgers filled its lineup mostly with reserves. Six players entered the contest with fewer than 39 season at-bats. Three had fewer than 10.
NFL News:
On the Seahawks' deal for Kellen Winslow - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The Seattle Seahawks have added two tight ends over the past 10 months with Pro Bowls on their resumes. Neither move appeared to be a high priority at the time. Both have the potential to make the team better. Zach Miller, signed in free agency from Oakland as training camps were beginning last summer, has company at the position after Seattle acquired Kellen Winslow from Tampa Bay in a trade Monday night.
RGIII Is As Advertised, Trent Richardson Will Keep Running Angry And More From NFLPA Rookie Premiere - SBNation.com
SB Nation spent the weekend with over 30 of the top draft picks at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles. A few players stood out to us, including Robert Griffin III, who is as advertised.
Peyton Manning Takes The Field At Broncos OTAs - SBNation.com
Peyton Manning hit the field in a Denver Broncos uniform for the team's first OTA practice Monday, and unsurprisingly, there were a lot of fascinated reporters and bloggers. Monday's workout was the the first time members of the media had seen Manning throw since 2011 training camp. According to reports, he apparently looked like the Manning of old, throwing with plenty of zip and accuracy.
Titus Young Not At Lions OTAs After Fight With Teammate - SBNation.com
Detroit Lions wide receiver Titus Young was held out of OTAs on Monday as discipline for a fight last week with safety Louis Delmas during voluntary workouts. There is no word yet on how much time he will miss. Delmas attended and participated in activities Monday.
Dallas Clark Signs With Bucs, According To Report - SBNation.com
Free agent tight end Dallas Clark signed with the Buccaneers, according to a report.
Andre Johnson Has Knee Surgery, Out 3-4 Weeks - SBNation.com
Andre Johnson will miss three to four weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He should be ready for the beginning of training camp in August.
Stephen Ross: Matt Moore will probably be the Dolphins’ starter | ProFootballTalk
Despite drafting quarterback Ryan Tannehill and signing quarterback David Garrard, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross believes the man who ended last season as his team’s starting quarterback will remain the starter this year. Ross told Jeff Darlington of NFL.com that Matt Moore is the favorite to win the starting job during training camp.
Jay Gruden: No reservations about Dalton’s arm strength | ProFootballTalk
Earlier on Monday, Silva shared Greg Cosell of NFL Films’ thoughts about Andy Dalton’s lack of arm strength. Cosell said that he thinks Dalton has some limitations when it comes to arm strength and that he’s heard there are members of the Bengals organization that feel the same way. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden responded to Cosell on Monday, telling Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer that he doesn’t have any doubts about Dalton’s ability to do the job.
Brodie Croyle Retires From NFL At Age 29 - SBNation.com
Brodie Croyle, former Chiefs quarterback, has decided to retire from the NFL at age 29.
Ahman Green Talks About Gay And Lesbian Issues In Sports - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Me and others from SB Nation attended the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles and one of the events over the weekend was a flag football game featuring celebrities and former players. My story on the event will talk about some of the former players in attendance -- Jeff Blake, former Bengals QB, was a blast from the past -- but someone else from the SB Nation network was there and comes away with a story much more impressive.
Mike Shanahan Goes Down After Collision At Redskins Practice - SBNation.com
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was involved in a collision with a player at practice on Monday.
New device could help limit concussions in practice | ProFootballTalk
As all levels of football try to deal with the realities of head injuries, a new device could reduce concussions that happen during practice. The Guardian is a cap that attaches to the outside of the helmet, with extra padding that reduces the intensity of helmet impacts.