Revenge of the Birds: All Posts by Tyler NickelAn Arizona Cardinals community -- the best one there ishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51297/rotb_fav.png2020-01-12T16:00:00-07:00https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/authors/tyler-nickel/rss2020-01-12T16:00:00-07:002020-01-12T16:00:00-07:00Packers vs. Seahawks Divisional Playoffs: Game time, TV broadcast, streaming, odds, & more
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<img alt="Seattle Seahawks v Green Bay Packers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wfonJ1FNN3A_83EPnzYwqJp8NkE=/0x0:2734x1823/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66088731/489552474.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="CwoxLi">The final game of the divisional weekend is upon us and hopefully it is as exciting as it's predecessor was.</p>
<p id="7eJp32">The <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> and <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> put on a show in the afternoon game.</p>
<p id="DFivKV">Let's see how the final game of the weekend, watching one of the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> hated rivals plays out.</p>
<p id="RdYNob">Here is everything you need to know.</p>
<p id="qjSha9"><strong>Who: </strong>#5 <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> (12-5) at #2 <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> (13-3)</p>
<p id="au8ebl"><strong>Where:</strong> Lambeau Field -- Green Bay, Wisconsin</p>
<p id="ZexA1v"><strong>When:</strong> January 12, 2020 - 4:40 p.m. Arizona Time</p>
<p id="MwtzmO"><strong>TV:</strong> Fox (Local Channel 10) Announcers: Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), Erin Andrews (reporter), <span>Chris Myers</span> (reporter)</p>
<p id="nfobAQ"><strong>Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://www.foxsportsgo.com/"><strong>FOX Sports Go</strong></a>, <a href="https://fave.co/2HJw7R8" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>fuboTV</strong></a></p>
<p id="fow61p"><strong>Radio: </strong>Westwood One Sports - Kevin Harlan & James Lofton</p>
<p id="FTotUA"><strong>Satellite Radio:</strong> Sirius 83, XM 225</p>
<p id="W8WPaR"><strong>Odds:</strong> Packers -5<br><strong>Over/Under:</strong> 47</p>
<p id="8fdVYT">The final game of the weekend is the Packers and the Seahawks for the right to go to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game">NFC Championship</a> Game against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>.</p>
<p id="1uBZSh">It will be interesting to see if the Packers offense, which has been predicated on the running game.</p>
<p id="IDOUQ1">Meanwhile, the Seahawks have been finding a way week after week to win games. </p>
<p id="TxANN3">Who you got?</p>
<p id="gbelh5"></p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2020/1/12/21062808/packers-vs-seahawks-divisional-playoffs-game-time-tv-broadcast-streaming-oddsTyler Nickel2020-01-12T12:30:00-07:002020-01-12T12:30:00-07:00Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs: Game time, TV schedule, odds, streaming, radio and more
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<img alt="Houston Texans v Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4Zuc4hC7mS9YhgmsEMY_L02uygg=/0x0:4200x2800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66088232/1175602081.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="XFSU44">The first day of the divisional round gave us an easy win and a huge upset.</p>
<p id="H7LLqB">Now, we get the second set of games with whoever will be hosting the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game">AFC Championship</a> Game playing first.</p>
<p id="SO5AaR">Here is everything you need to know about the afternoon game.</p>
<p id="qjSha9"><strong>Who: </strong>#5 <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> (11-6) at #2 <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> (12-4)</p>
<p id="au8ebl"><strong>Where:</strong> Arrowhead Stadium -- Kansas City, Missouri</p>
<p id="ZexA1v"><strong>When:</strong> January 12, 2020 - 1:05 p.m. Arizona Time</p>
<p id="MwtzmO"><strong>TV:</strong> CBS (Local Channel 5) Announcers: Jim Nantz (play-by-play), <span>Tony Romo</span> (analyst), Tracy Wolfson (reporter), <span>Jay Feely</span> (reporter)</p>
<p id="nfobAQ"><strong>Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://fave.co/2PDeeKl" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Fubo</strong></a> | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgamepass.nfl.com%2Fpackages&xcust=xid:fr1570731444861gfd%7Cxid:fr1571341458156hha%7Cxid:fr1571485672307bdf%7Cxid:fr1571846644250cfe%7Cxid:fr1573254024264ebh%7Cxid:fr1574434073858dfj%7Cxid:fr1575083527388ddg%7Cxid:fr1576290816616fbi%7Cxid:fr1576852785680idb%7Cxid:fr1578106350128aeb%7Cxid:fr1578584446512abe%7Cxid:fr1578689031439iac" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>NFL.com GamePass</strong></a></p>
<p id="fow61p"><strong>Radio:</strong> <a href="http://www.kcchiefsradio.com/affiliate-team/"><strong>Chiefs Radio Network affiliates</strong></a> and <a href="http://KCChiefsRadio.com"><strong>KCChiefsRadio.com</strong><strong>.</strong></a></p>
<p id="iC9mqW"><a href="http://houstontexans.com/"><strong>HoustonTexans.com</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.houstontexans.com/audio/radio-networks"><strong>Texans Radio Network affiliates</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="W8WPaR"><strong>Odds:</strong> Chiefs -9.5<br><strong>Over/Under:</strong> 51.5</p>
<p id="Q8nsh1">After the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> slept walk through their division matchup, you have to assume that the Chiefs come out rocking with the opportunity to host the AFC Championship Game.</p>
<p id="Fz03LF">Meanwhile, the Texans barely snuck out a win at home over the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> last week.</p>
<p id="4DPp5T">It seems like the smart money is on the Chiefs.</p>
<p id="mFoOKC">But, it is the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoffs">NFL playoffs</a>.</p>
<p id="DqU7xH">Who do you got?</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2020/1/12/21062227/houston-texans-at-kansas-city-chiefs-game-time-tv-schedule-odds-streaming-radio-moreTyler Nickel2020-01-11T17:45:00-07:002020-01-11T17:45:00-07:00Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens:Game time, TV schedule, odds, streaming, radio and more
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v Tennessee Titans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NUWpT2MUhqG3gvz2cvGvaiV3s98=/0x0:2953x1969/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66086342/1052148966.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="xt5pbL">The top team in the AFC takes on the giant slayers.</p>
<p id="lKzVBC">What do the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> have left and are they destined for greatness? Or, was last week simply the peak for the Titans?</p>
<p id="PFm8Ah">They take on the best the AFC has to offer this season, here is everything you need to know.</p>
<p id="qjSha9"><strong>Who: </strong>#6 Tennessee Titans (10-7) at #1 <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> (14-2)</p>
<p id="au8ebl"><strong>Where:</strong> M&T Bank Stadium — Baltimore, Maryland</p>
<p id="ZexA1v"><strong>When:</strong> January 11, 2020 - 6:15 p.m. Arizona Time</p>
<p id="zaNaxw"><strong>TV:</strong> CBS (Local Channel 5) Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (analyst), Evan Washburn (reporter)</p>
<p id="nfobAQ"><strong>Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://fave.co/2PDeeKl" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Fubo</strong></a> | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgamepass.nfl.com%2Fpackages&xcust=xid:fr1570731444861gfd%7Cxid:fr1571341458156hha%7Cxid:fr1571485672307bdf%7Cxid:fr1571846644250cfe%7Cxid:fr1573254024264ebh%7Cxid:fr1574434073858dfj%7Cxid:fr1575083527388ddg%7Cxid:fr1576290816616fbi%7Cxid:fr1576852785680idb%7Cxid:fr1578106350128aeb%7Cxid:fr1578584446512abe%7Cxid:fr1578689031439iac" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>NFL.com GamePass</strong></a></p>
<p id="fow61p"><strong>National Radio:</strong> Titans feed on Sirius 82 (streaming 830), Ravens feed on Sirius 83 (streaming 802)</p>
<p id="W8WPaR"><strong>Odds:</strong> Ravens -9.5<br><strong>Over/Under:</strong> 47</p>
<p id="WQ3hBD">This will be a bloody battle. The Titans have <span>Derrick Henry</span> who they will lean on, while the Ravens rushing attack is one of the best the NFL has ever seen.</p>
<p id="zmSgOV">Who do you got?</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2020/1/11/21060596/tennessee-titans-at-baltimore-ravens-game-time-tv-schedule-odds-streaming-radio-moreTyler Nickel2020-01-11T13:00:00-07:002020-01-11T13:00:00-07:00Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers: Game time, TV schedule, odds, streaming, radio and more
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<img alt="San Francisco 49ers v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aTE51PJp7liRf6obGZqaBJX6r4Q=/0x333:3456x2637/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66085615/1035353362.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Gasxpq">Week two of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoffs">NFL Playoffs</a> and it is time for the Divisional Round.</p>
<p id="t5C7bk">The NFC kicks things off with a matchup of the top seed and an unlikely round one winner.</p>
<p id="liVWIV">Here is everything you need to know.</p>
<p id="qjSha9"><strong>Who:</strong> #6 <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> (11-6) at #1 <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> (13-3)</p>
<p id="au8ebl"><strong>Where:</strong> Levi’s Stadium - Santa Clara, CA</p>
<p id="ZexA1v"><strong>When:</strong> January 11, 2020 - 2:35 p.m. Arizona Time</p>
<p id="2X0zyl"><strong>TV:</strong> NBC (Local Channel 12) </p>
<p id="tMBTBA"><strong>Streaming:</strong> <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/">NBC Sports</a></p>
<p id="kNN0vh"><strong>Announcers:</strong> Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Michele Tafoya (reporter)</p>
<p id="fow61p"><strong>National Radio:</strong> Sirius Channel 82 or XM Channel 226 or Channel 88</p>
<p id="W8WPaR"><strong>Odds:</strong> San Francisco 49ers (-7)<br><strong>Over/Under:</strong> 44</p>
<p id="UrQAO3">The 49ers and Vikings should be a good old fashioned, physical battle. The 49ers rely on a great rushing attack and stout defense.</p>
<p id="ZwXbdg">The Vikings rely on a great defense and running game.</p>
<p id="AU1NrM">The question for each team will be, which quarterback can stay away from the big mistake that will hurt their team?</p>
<p id="vaUZ6Y">Who are you picking?</p>
<p id="ADygbz"></p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2020/1/11/21060575/minnesota-vikings-at-san-francisco-49ers-game-time-tv-schedule-odds-streaming-radio-moreTyler Nickel2019-12-27T10:01:20-07:002019-12-27T10:01:20-07:00Chandler Jones named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
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<img alt="NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vXuv3ozxn31Vr4ozWzOV2SUw074=/0x485:2833x2374/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65976449/usa_today_13829811.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Chandler Jones continues his monster season with his second NFC Defensive Player of the Week award in 2019. </p> <p id="RDpSOr">From the team: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="liy3Ng">Tempe, AZ – <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> linebacker <span><strong>Chandler Jones</strong></span> has been named the “NFC Defensive Player of the Week” for his performance in last Sunday’s 27-13 victory over the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>.</p>
<p id="YTnkr2"> </p>
<p id="aNZQOI">This is <span>Jones</span>’ fourth career “Defensive Player of the Week” selection and second this season after winning the award following Arizona’s Week 7 win at the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>. It is his third overall “Defensive Player of the Week” selection with the Cardinals in addition to being named “AFC Defensive Player of the Week” in 2014 with the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. </p>
<p id="jbvAZH"> </p>
<p id="1BAW6w"><span>Jones</span> becomes just the second Cardinals player (<span>Antrel Rolle</span> in 2007) to be named “Defensive Player of the Week” twice in a season since the award was created in 1984.</p>
<p id="ektfpl"> </p>
<p id="ni9803"><span>Jones</span> tied his career-high that he set earlier this season with four sacks to go along with six tackles, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a career-high six quarterback hits in Sunday’s win. He became just the third player in NFL history with 4+ sacks in multiple games in a single season (Reggie White--2 in 1986; Karl Mecklenburg--2 in 1985) and the only player in team history to have multiple games of 4+ sacks in their career. <span>Jones</span> performance marked just the eighth time in the last 27 seasons that a player had 4+ sacks and 2+ forced fumbles in a game.</p>
<p id="VQoC6V"> </p>
<p id="icyIjJ">He leads the NFL with a career-high 19 sacks and 8 forced fumbles this season, breaking his own franchise record for sacks in a season (17 in 2017). Jones joins <span>Robert Mathis</span> (19.5 sacks & 10 forced fumbles in 2013) as the only players with 19+ sacks and 8+ forced fumbles in a single season in NFL history.</p>
<p id="n2UorO"> </p>
<p id="ePPjqm">Jones’ selection is the fourth time that a Cardinal has been selected as a “Player of the Week” in 2019. It is the second consecutive week the Cardinals have won “Player of the Week.” Cornerback Patrick Peterson was named “Defensive Player of the Week” after Arizona’s Week 15 win over Cleveland. It is also the first time the Cardinals have had consecutive “Defensive Player of the Week” selections since 2015 (Week 15-16).</p>
<p id="9Duehe"> </p>
<p id="oMnzzD">Earlier this season the Cardinals had consecutive “Players of the Week” when quarterback <span>Kyler Murray</span> was named the “Offensive Player of the Week” following the Cardinals Week 6 win over Atlanta and Jones was selected “Defensive Player of the Week” after Arizona’s Week 7 win at the Giants. In addition, kicker <span>Zane Gonzalez</span> was also selected as the “Special Teams Player of the Month” for October.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="UnDoSn">Next stop, Defensive Player of the Year. </p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2019/12/27/21039262/chandler-jones-named-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-week-nfl-awardTyler Nickel2019-12-19T10:00:00-07:002019-12-19T10:00:00-07:00A reason for optimism in the Arizona Cardinals secondary
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<img alt="NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WB1WkQ-ZFCTq2F2vys-5F_wFKZ4=/0x291:4131x3045/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65939632/usa_today_13768543.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After a stellar performance by the defensive backs on Sunday against the Browns, perhaps the Cardinals are not as defeated in the secondary as we once thought.</p> <p id="CCAfjL">The defensive struggles of the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> in 2019 have been well chronicled throughout the season. They rank last or close to last in a number of different metrics and fans are left to wonder if it is defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s scheme, a dearth of talent or a mixture of both. </p>
<p id="4CjncX">But after this past Sunday’s victory against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> for the Cardinals’ 4th victory of the season, perhaps a small shimmer of light can be seen at the end of this very, very dark tunnel. More specifically, the secondary for the Arizona Cardinals played incredibly well. </p>
<p id="ssebW3">Vance Joseph did make a comment after the game of how they knew what the Browns were going to do on every play, but that still left the Cardinals defensive players to execute, which by all accounts, they did. And a lot of that can be contributed to the individual performances by the defensive backs group. </p>
<p id="1FphgF"><span>Patrick Peterson</span> ended up taking home <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2019/12/18/21027995/az-arizona-cardinals-patrick-peterson-named-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-week">NFC Defensive Player of the Week</a> honors for his stellar coverage on <span>Odell Beckham Jr.</span> and his interception off of <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/28/20835194/baker-mayfield-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Baker Mayfield</a> in the end zone for a touchback. Pro Football Focus gave <a href="https://www.azcardinals.com/news/patrick-peterson-given-elite-pff-grade-against-browns">Peterson an elite grade</a> for his performance and it was his highest since 2013.</p>
<p id="ydgagW">Another player that stood out was rookie safety Jalen Thompson. Seth Cox and I were texting during the game and made mention of how he always seemed to be around the ball and was playing very physical compared to his days at Washington State. It seems he is getting more comfortable with the complexities of the NFL as he gets this early career game experience. </p>
<p id="D3R9fm">Of course, I would be remiss to exclude <span>Budda Baker</span> from this list. Baker is second on the team in tackles behind <span>Jordan Hicks</span> and outside of creating turnovers (which is something he used to be really good at), he has been one of the few bright spots on the defense throughout the entire season. For his stellar play, <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2019/12/17/21027303/budda-baker-and-chandler-jones-make-2020-pro-bowl-az-arizona-cardinals">he was awarded his second Pro Bowl roster spot</a>. </p>
<p id="64RCYn">Last but not least, I think it is worth it to mention Byron Murphy. Murphy was thrown into the fire from day one and while he hasn’t produced at the highest level possible (he is among tops in the entire NFL for defensive touchdowns allowed), he has shown flashes of stellar play. It’s also very important to note this: Murphy was drafted to be a slot corner, not an outside corner.<a href="https://twitter.com/Cardschatter/status/1207354866844061696"> Kliff Kingsbury mentioned as much on Wednesday</a> when speaking with the media. Once he is able to move back to his natural position, the hope is that there will be a large uptick in production. </p>
<p id="eH24Jh">So yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel. But there are still a lot of questions that remain with each of these players, too. Can Peterson continue this level of play after one good week this season? Will Baker start creating turnovers the way he did as a rookie? Will the Cardinals re-sign him once his contract is up? Will Murphy have success as a slot corner? Will Robert Alford fully recover from his leg injury to be the second outside corner that this defense desperately needs? Will Jalen Thompson, <span>Deionte Thompson</span> and Kevin <span>Peterson</span> continue to grow in their roles? </p>
<p id="9W4A9i">But in yet another season of overall disappointment, it’s nice to have some glimmer of hope to hold on to. </p>
<p id="BF9Bxj"></p>
<p id="9prJz0"></p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2019/12/19/21028790/a-reason-for-optimism-in-the-arizona-cardinals-secondary-patrick-peterson-budda-bakerTyler Nickel2019-11-01T15:03:30-06:002019-11-01T15:03:30-06:00Arizona Cardinals sign Zach Brown, release Alfred Morris
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<img alt="NFL: Philadelphia Eagles-Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wlpJMiXG0JUGc67whz5t9VSBurY=/0x0:4402x2935/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65609739/usa_today_12869282.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cardinals bolstered their inside linebacker group with the signing of veteran Zach Brown on Friday.</p> <p id="pOO4Lh">The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> announced the signing of inside linebacker <span>Zach Brown</span> and the release of running back <span>Alfred Morris</span> on Friday. From the team: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="pGI1do">The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has signed linebacker <span><strong>Zach Brown</strong></span> and has released running back <span><strong>Alfred Morris</strong></span>.</p>
<p id="iho1h1"> </p>
<p id="RpAvZK"><strong>Brown</strong> (6-1, 250) is an eight-year veteran who has appeared in 100 games (80 starts) in his career with the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> (2019), <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a> (2017-18), <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> (2016), and <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> (2012-15) after entering the league with Tennessee as a second-round (52<sup>nd</sup> overall) selection in the 2012 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> out of North Carolina. The 30-year old Brown has 661 tackles (461 solo), 17.5 sacks, seven interceptions (two returned for TDs), six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.</p>
<p id="Dq0Avh"> </p>
<p id="P4DGdd">In 2016, Brown led the Bills with an AFC-high 149 tackles and earned his first career <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> selection as well as second-team All-Pro honors. The past two seasons with Washington (2017-18), Brown had a team leading 223 tackles. He started six games earlier this season for the Eagles prior to being released on October 14.</p>
<p id="qGKq5b"> </p>
<p id="iShZS9">Brown will wear jersey #51.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Cqi9RO">With <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20837360/david-johnson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">David Johnson</a> starting to return to healthy form, Morris became a casualty to open a spot for a player that could come in and have an impact immediately. <span>Haason Reddick</span> has been unreliable at best as an inside linebacker and <span>Joe Walker</span> is more of a special teams player at this point in his career. Signing Brown to play across from <span>Jordan Hicks</span> makes a lot of sense. </p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2019/11/1/20944332/arizona-cardinals-sign-zach-brown-release-alfred-morris-free-agentTyler Nickel2019-10-15T09:30:00-06:002019-10-15T09:30:00-06:00Growth as a means for maintaining an Arizona Cardinals future
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/21V0bhIybsiCC1yOufx04sUyNF8=/0x0:3995x2663/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65471746/usa_today_13333244.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="GfIfr9">2018 seems like a distant memory. </p>
<p id="HFw1Sm">The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> have now won their last two contests against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> and the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> and better days could still be on the horizon. This is not something any Cardinals fan could have found themselves saying at this time just one year ago. </p>
<p id="iADcBd"><span>Kyler Murray</span> looks like a #1 overall pick. Kliff Kingsbury is showing more than just flashes of being the genius playcaller that he was touted to be. <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>, the future Hall of Fame receiver, is rejuvenated. As is the entire fanbase. </p>
<p id="PUV4bD">It’s truly amazing what a little hope can do for everyone involved with a professional sports team. It is what has kept most of us from jumping ship and becoming <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> fans like everyone else. But as Murray gains more wisdom and Kingsbury begins to take on more duties as a true NFL head coach, hope will no longer be enough to satiate the hunger that everyone has. </p>
<p id="odhvkN">Growth. That is what needs to come next. </p>
<p id="N8YF6u">So far, we have seen plenty of growth. It’s obvious with both Murray and Kingsbury, but it has bled over into other facets of the game as well. </p>
<p id="lVD7O2">For example, the Cardinals offensive line gave up zero sacks on Sunday against the Falcons. <strong>Zero.</strong> That is the first time all season that the offensive line kept their young quarterback completely clean. And the last time an Arizona Cardinals offensive line gave up zero sacks? Week 9 of the 2017 season against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>. <span>Drew Stanton</span> was the Cardinals quarterback. </p>
<p id="L9wknV">The red zone kinks are beginning to work themselves out as well. The Cardinals scored a touchdown on 75% of their red zone appearances against the Falcons, a very welcome sight. Their average for the season is only 30%, not including the game against Atlanta. <a href="https://arizonasports.com/story/2116302/steve-keim-without-cardinals-red-zone-woes-team-could-be-pretty-scary/">As GM Steve Keim mentioned to Arizona Sports</a>, if those red zone issues can be figured out, things could become very dangerous for their opponents. </p>
<p id="ilTwyX">Players on an individual level are buying in to Kingsbury’s offensive philosophies. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20837360/david-johnson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">David Johnson</a> is beginning to show us flashes of 2015/16 DJ and <span>Chase Edmonds</span> is having a huge breakout season. <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>, at 427 yards receiving through six games, is set to crush his output of 734 yards in 2018. </p>
<p id="ySWidR">In short, things are all starting to come together. </p>
<p id="TMJnLu">With all of that said, the Cardinals have had a somewhat favorable schedule up to this point. Four of their first six games have been at home. Their only two wins have come against teams with a combined one win between them. As the Cardinals start to see more games against good divisional opponents and get out on the road more, their win-loss column figures to suffer. </p>
<p id="q9taPX">But as long as the growth is not stunted, the wins and losses probably don’t matter too much. This wasn’t a year anyone expected the team to make a playoff push anyhow. If Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsbury, and the rest of the offense continue to show growth, even in their losses, that will be the beacon of light that everyone can keep pointing to. </p>
<p id="AAiJnG">And what does growth lead to? Success. And success is what builds sustainability for many years to come. </p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2019/10/15/20914552/growth-as-a-means-for-maintaining-fandom-arizona-cardinals-kyler-murray-kliff-kingsburyTyler Nickel2019-09-16T10:00:00-06:002019-09-16T10:00:00-06:00Arizona Cardinals player of the game vs. Baltimore Ravens
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<img alt="NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tt51F8T2fV-fESPMEQK6BICc-c8=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65254501/usa_today_13365467.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Who was the best player for the Cardinals in their loss to the Baltimore Ravens?</p> <p id="IqpUf9">The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> were unable to escape Baltimore with their first victory of the young season, but there were plenty of performances by individual players to get excited about. The wide receiver corps as a whole looks like a far cry from the poor performances we saw put on last season. There were also a couple of defensive standouts as well. Let’s take a look at a few names below and vote on who your player of the game was. </p>
<p id="LhMxXZ"><span><strong>Larry Fitzgerald</strong></span><strong>:</strong> The G.O.A.T. was at it again. At 36 years of age, Fitz can still do it all, including finding ways to get open down the field for big chunk plays. Overall, he had 5 catches for 104 yards on 11 targets, including one really slick one handed catch in the first half. </p>
<p id="Y12saR"><span><strong>Christian Kirk</strong></span><strong>: </strong>Fitz’s counterpart was also really good. Kirk, the second year receiver, got a chance to show off his speed on a couple of flare passes to get him out on the perimeter where he is able to do the most damage to the defense. Kliff Kingsbury found better ways to get him open this week as opposed to week one against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>, which was nice to see. </p>
<p id="vMNQ54"><span><strong>Damiere Byrd</strong></span><strong>: </strong>How clutch was Byrd? He had two monstrous catches for first downs, including one on a 4th-and-1 play on a quick slant route. We knew that his speed was going to be a big asset to this air raid offense, but his hands have been incredibly solid as well and it is becoming easier and easier to see why he made the roster out of training camp. </p>
<p id="H6jO3b"><span><strong>Corey Peters</strong></span><strong>: </strong>Peters was probably the most dominant Arizona Cardinal defender on Sunday. He had one of the mere two sacks the Cardinals were able to get on <span>Lamar Jackson</span>, but he was also able to frequently get push up the middle to blow up Baltimore running plays. The veteran defensive tackle is as solid as they come, but he appeared to be one of the few front seven players that showed up to play. </p>
<p id="SikDMQ"><span><strong>Kyler Murray</strong></span><strong>: </strong>The rookie sensation continues to impress more and more each week. He threw for 350 yards in the air and looked composed throughout the game. The downside was that he did not throw for a touchdown pass, but he made some great plays (including a couple of scary ones where he threw off his back foot) to help the Cardinals make it a close game in the fourth quarter. Once the offense figures out how they want to handle red zone opportunities, Kyler is only going to become more potent. </p>
<p id="DWiifk"></p>
<p id="eLbXvW">So, who was your player of the game? Let us know in the comments below!</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2019/9/16/20868004/arizona-cardinals-player-of-the-game-vs-baltimore-ravens-nfl-kyler-murray-lamar-jacksonTyler Nickel2019-07-10T10:00:00-06:002019-07-10T10:00:00-06:00What is the backup plan at inside linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals?
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c4i_Wjlh5f9nxRuTRsQyQu0YzCw=/0x0:4873x3249/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64700475/usa_today_11976990.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Should either Haason Reddick or Jordan Hicks get injured or not perform, who would the Cardinals turn to?</p> <p id="3n3zmH">The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> are still a couple of weeks away from training camp and we all know how GM Steve Keim has a knack for adding solid veterans on cheap, short-term deals right before or during camp. The Cardinals, by all accounts, have done a nice job of filling holes all over the roster with quality signings this offseason. </p>
<p id="btjLah">One of the more notable signings has been <span>Jordan Hicks</span>, an inside linebacker who was signed as a free agent from the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>. He is seen as a guy that can control the defense while on the field and be effective in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s scheme. </p>
<p id="umFRoc">Across from Hicks is embattled third year player <span>Haason Reddick</span>. A former first round pick, Reddick has not done much as of yet to solidify his draft status, but reports have come out that he finally feels comfortable in what he is being asked to do on defense. </p>
<p id="z8jNMM">But what happens if something, ya know, happens?</p>
<p id="ABBqOr">Hicks has never been an incredibly durable player through his first four years in the NFL. Over the past two seasons, he has played just 19 games. Can he be counted on to stay healthy and quarterback the defense for a full 16 game season?</p>
<p id="wh0aJu">As for Reddick, health hasn’t been his issue. His biggest issue thus far in his career has been not getting caught up in the fast pace of the game and complex offenses that the opponents run. Granted, Reddick will be on his third defensive coordinator with the third different playbook in as many years, so the hope is that with some time and consistency, he can start resembling the player the Cardinals were hoping to get when they took him 13th overall. </p>
<p id="VVqHF4">But if Hicks gets hurt or if Reddick gets overwhelmed, what is the backup plan in place? <span>Dennis Gardeck</span>, an undrafted free agent from last season, figures to take over for either one, but if that person were to be Hicks, the Cardinals would be left with a lot of inexperience at a crucial position. </p>
<p id="KZPjdA">This is a position that the Cardinals will likely look to address with a key veteran free agent signing during camp. Someone like <span>Josh Bynes</span>, whom the team cut earlier in the offseason, would make some sense to bring back given his familiarity with the team. <span>Manti Te’o</span> is another veteran that is still on the open market and could probably be had for cheap on a one-year contract. Lastly, <span>Gerald Hodges</span> is another guy that is familiar with the team and could be had for another year. </p>
<p id="szUXWQ">It will be interesting to see how the Cardinals decide to address this lack of depth, but I would almost bet that Steve Keim has his eyes on a veteran to bring in relatively soon. </p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2019/7/10/20688031/arizona-cardinals-free-agents-inside-linebacker-training-camp-jordan-hicks-haason-reddickTyler Nickel