With the key match-ups for this week dissected and discussed this week (if you missed them, check out parts one and two), here's your Cardinals-related news from around the net:

• First and foremost, the Cardinals have been granted a 24 hour extension in order to sell about 1,000 tickets to avoid a local blackout. Not only would a 'non-sellout' mean that the game would not be broadcast on channel 5 (KPHO), but it would also break the current 22 game sellout streak. Tickets are avaliable from Ticketmaster (via phone, 480-784-4444 or via their website), University of Phoenix Stadium box office, the Cardinals training facility box office in Tempe and at all participating Ticketmaster locations.
  
• As for an injury update for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins, Gabe Watson and Alan Branch both practiced on a limited basis yesterday and Coach Whisenhunt stated that their availability for the game is still in the air. Much of it will depend on how both guys felt today after putting some work on their injured legs. Tuman didn't practice at all and he's all but out for the game.
  
• The NFL reviewed the game tape from Sunday's game and have changed the ruling on Gerald Hayes' sack. He's been stripped of the stat and Chike Okeafor has been given credit for the sack. For what it's worth that gives Chike six straight games with a sack and with another one against the Dolphins he'll tie a franchise record for most consecutive games with a sack.
  
• Darren Urban has an story on the resurgence of Bertrand Berry and how he's adjusting to his new role in the defense. Berry's been through a lot in the past several years, including three season ending injuries that led to him taking a big pay cut in the off season, but after his first sack of the season Berry said that he felt like was "back home again." 
• There are also multiple stories about how Warner's adjusting his game to the coaches' gameplans this year and how the goal is to have a balanced offense. Last year the offense passed 63% of the time but the plan is to make the play calls much closer to 50/50. Warner has always preferred to throw early and often and then throw some more and he's admittedly having a hard time getting in a rythm but he's getting more comfortable. 
• The added depth on defense has been a big 'talking point' this off season and through one game, the depth showed up in a big way. The next logical step is to wonder if they can do it again and the defense will play a big role if the Cardinals make it two in a row, this Sunday. A 2-0 start would be the first time this franchise has opened the season with two wins since 1991.

In case you didn't know it's football season so there's Cardinals related news everywhere:

• ESPN rolls out their power rankings for week 1 and as you might expect, the Cardinals get no love. It's hard to imagine that an 8-8 team that addressed many of their weaknesses in the offseason would still be ranked 21st, but the Cardinals won't get any respect until they go out and take it.
  
• Travis LaBoy's hometown paper has a 'feel-good' story about the new Cardinal and his prospects for a break out season. Much has been made of the 'sack-belt' that be had made and they do a good job of explaining the background and purpose behind the gaudy belt.
  
• ESPN kicks Cardinal country one more time by ranking them as the worst fan base in the NFL. Citing poor management and countless losing seasons they put us at the bottom of a pathetic group.
  
• There's also tons of Cardinals QB talk out there right now. There's anything from Leinart's angry to Leinart's staying positive and everything in between.
  
• Kent Somers has an good story about Boldin's desire to win outweighing his desire for a new contract. It sounds like he's softened his stance and is focusing his attention on what happens on the field instead of the nonsense in the front office.
  

Any other news out there catch your eye?

The regular season is just four days from getting underway around the league and seven days away from seeing the Cardinals take the field against the Niners, but until then here's your Cardinals-related news from around the net:

• Kent Somers has an great Q&A session with the Cardinals offensive and defensive coordinators. Todd Haley and Clancy Pendergast talk about the biggest improvements, biggest concerns and biggest possible surprises on thier respespective sides of the ball.  
• Somers takes a quick look at each position and hints that this team could be poised for a breakout season this year after letting a handful of winnable games slip through their grasp last year. Before you think that Somers is just pumping-sunshine though he also takes a look at some problem areas that could keep this team from reaching their ultimate goal of an NFC West crown.
• Darren Urban wraps up a busy weekend and looks forward to the regular season. He also takes a quick look at the center position and the injury status of several key players.
• Scout.com wraps up the entire Cardinals preseason with a special emphasis on the finale against the Broncos.

Most of the Cardinal news around the net is focused on Q, but we'll try and dance around that wildfire and see what else they're talking about:

• Tim Hightower gets some national love as Yahoo Fantasy takes a look at his value for potential fantasy owners. It's premature for even the biggest Cardinal-homer to consider him a legitimate fantasy option, but if you've already got Edge, he's a decent handcuff option.
  
• The official site takes a look at Early Doucet and the uphill battle that he's facing this season. His injured hamstring has kept him out the past two weeks and basically removed his name from the competition for third receiver, but he's still fighting to make an impact in some capacity this season. He has returned to practice this season and should see his first action of the preseason this Saturday.
  
• Not only has Whiz not decided on a starting quarterback but he told media yesterday that he may wait until the opener to name his guy. He hinted that he might wait until the last minute to name his starter so that the Niners have to prepare for both quarterbacks. I can't say that I'm particulary thrilled about that plan but I understand the strategy. As for playing time on Saturday, Leinart  will start and Warner will come in some time in the second quarter (basically reversed roles from the Chiefs game).
  
• The battle at right guard seems to be tightening as Elton Brown could get some reps with the first team this Saturday. Deuce Lutui's inconsistency continues to aggravate the coaching staff and his starting job now hangs in the balance.
  
• High ankle sprains are starting to plague the Cardinals and Antrel Rolle and Ben Patrick are both sidelined for at least this week and possibly next week. Considering that Rolle's only played two series at safety so far this preseason, it leaves another question mark heading into the regular season. Hopefully they can both make it back by the final preseason game but at this point, that's no guarantee.

We're awaiting the official news that the Cardinals have signed former 49er, Brandon Moore. ESPN is reporting it as a done deal but it doesn't mention who was released so it can't be an official signing until someone is let go. Until we get some more details, here's what the rest of the world is talking about in regards to the Cards:

• USA Today does another story on Matt Leinart and his new found maturity. They're not really breaking any new ground but if your in the mood for another 'feel-good' story, check it out. They also go out on a big limb and say that Leinart will be the starter in week one (yea that's dripping with sarcasm).
• Special teams is a big question mark heading into 2008, especially with Neil Rackers and Dirk Johnson. Rackers' goal is to be consistent this year and with a new holder (that he likes) and a return to health, he's hoping for a much better year in 2008. Considering that you could say that Rackers single-handling cost the Cardinals a game or two last year and consequently kept them out of the playoffs, he needs to have a much better year (here's a more detailed story I did earlier in the offseason on Rackers).
  
• Scout.com looks back at the Saints game and say that many of the questions that they had going into the game were answered. They quickly cover the QB battle (or lack thereof), the 3rd receiver, the pass and run defense and JJ Arrington's future among other things. 
• Much has been made about Coach Whisenhunt plucking former Steelers players from the waiver wire but it seems to be having the effect that he was hoping. Veteran players are starting to become 'on the field coaches' and guys like Clark Haggans routinely stick around after practice to help out youngsters like Chris Harrington. Some consider the idea of a 'winning mentality' overrated but it sure seems like it starting to seep into the Cardinals locker room.
  
• Injuries are starting to pile up in camp and the list now includes Antrel Rolle (ankle sprain), Early Doucet (hamstring), DRC (ankle sprain), Roderick Hood (foot), Al Johnson (knee), Dionte Johnson (foot), Carlton Medder (elbow), Monty Beisel (back) and Gabe Watson (knee). The injuries to Rolle, DRC and Hood aren't considered serious and they haven't been ruled out of Saturday's game. Doucet on the other hand is doubtful for the game and the hope now is that he'll be able to return to full practice by early next week.

Also if you signed up for spot in ROTB's fantasy football league, remember to check your email for your log in information. If you're interested in spot in the league but haven't signed up yet, email me or leave a comment in this thread and I'll contact you because the deadline to get in is approaching fast.

Its seems that with the preseason creeping up on us everyone else is cleaning out their offseason notebook so there are a ton of Cardinals related stories out there. With thoughts of an actual game so close, I'm having a hard time doing much more than day-dreaming so here's what everyone else is talking about:

• Kent Somers lays out the depth chart according to today's walk through but there aren't any major surprises. The only positions of note are the second string wide receivers (with Boldin and Doucet out) Jerheme Urban and Jamaica Rector. The makeshift second unit offensive line will consist of (from right to left) Elliot Vallejo, Brandon Keith, Pat Ross, Elton Brown and Kelly Butler. If you're counting, only Brown and Butler have taken a snap in the NFL and less than a week ago Ross and Butler didn't even have a job.
  
• Somers also talks about how Larry Fitzgerald can improve his game. That almost sounds like blasphemy for a guy with two Pro Bowls, multiple 1,000 yards seasons and 34 touchdowns in four seasons until you consider the fact that he's still only 24 years old (he'll turn 25 at the end of this month). It's hard to believe that a guy with so much on his resume is still not old enough to rent a car.
  
• The East Valley Tribune says that if you liked Calvin Pace last year, just wait until you see Chike Okeafor this year. Even an average season for Okeafor would be an upgrade over Pace's 6.5 sacks from last season and there are some who think that Okeafor should reach double digit sacks in the 3-4.
• Lyle Sendlein was an undrafted rookie this time last year but he could be preparing to open the season as the starting center this year, depending on how Al Johnson bounces back from knee surgery. His limited playing time as a rookie could have him in a position for a breakout season if he's given the chance, says the Tribune.
  
• Just in case you haven't gotten enough talk about the potential QB controversy/battle/competition, Scout breaks it down again. I, for one, am just ready to see it play out on the field instead of reading about it. 
• We haven't covered the special teams unit very much, although with the questions surrounding Neil Rackers and Dirk Johnson, we probably should in the near future. The official site gives you a preview of how the two are working together to improve one of the weakest units on the team.
  
• The wide receiver position might be the deepest unit on the team, especially considering that the top four spots are seemingly set in stone. Coach Whisenhunt is still calling it a free-for-all competition with as many as six players vying for the final three or four rosters spots and it'll likely take all of the preseason to sort it all out.

That's it folks. Tomorrow is gameday meaning that the oh-so-long offseason is nearing an end and we'll finally be able to relax on a Sunday afternoon and watch the greatest game on earth. All that being said, I've only got one question for you: Are you ready for some football?

Just think Cardinals fans, this time next week we'll be gearing up for an actual game instead of over analyzing a practice. The NFL off season is far too long but it's almost over. One week from today the New Orleans Saints come to town and we finally get to see how the rookies and new additions look in Cardinals uniforms. For now though here's what people are saying about the Arizona Cardinals.

• Everyone wants to talk to and/or about Adrian Wilson so if you're looking for
  some A-dub info, you're in luck. The Cards official site covers Wilson's comeback and what will drive him to return to greatness this year. The East Valley Tribune is ready to see A-dub to get back to the physical, hard hitting style we've seen for the past handful of seasons. And last but certainly not least AZ Central says that Wilson is out to prove he's the best safety in the league. I understand the fever pitch that A-dub is generating right now considering that the defense is shaping up very nicely and the table could be set for him to have a career year.
• Consistency is often a precursor to success and the Cardinals are banking on a consistent coaching staff, something rare in the desert, to bring a winning culture to a franchise that desperately needs it. For the first time in quite a while, the Cardinals coaching staff returns intact, right down in position coaches and assistants. To put that in perspective, AZ Central points out that former head coach Dennis Green made seven coaching changes in three years. The East Valley Tribune says that Whisenhunt is confident that not only are the players more comfortable with the consistency but the coaching staff knows each other and the players strengths and weaknesses better now.
  
• With a year under his belt, Whisenhunt obviously feels comfortable enough now to call out players who are not playing up to their potential. Two of the guys that he's been focused on so far during camp are Deuce Lutui and Alan Branch. Lutui is a returning starter at guard but Whiz isn't happy with his lack of consistency, especially considering his veteran status. While he hasn' t lost his job yet, Whiz is quick to point out that Elton Brown is having a great camp and is capable of starting. Branch is also under fire at the moment although, at times Whiz can see the player that they traded up to draft just one year ago. He described him as a 'flickering light' but that when the light is on, he's a really good player. It was thought that Branch would push for the starting nose tackle job with Gabe Watson not healthy, but instead Branch is taking reps behind veteran Bryan Robinson. Hopefully this is just a case of two young guys who are on the verge of becoming consistent, reliable starters.
  
• While most fans, myself included, have reduced the #3 WR battle to Steve Breaston and Early Doucet, Coach Whisenhunt still calls it a 'free-for-all.' He says it'll ultimately come down to how they look in actual games. Whether or not that's really believable, it's encouraging that youngsters like Jamaica Rector, Lance Long and Jerheme Urban are doing enough to keep their name in the running.

There's been a lot of NFL news for the middle of July, here's how some of it will effect the Cardinals:

• Brian Urlacher agreed to a contract extension yesterday and basically it gave him a bigger signing bonus and raised his per year salary to 7.5 million. Hopefully Karlos Dansby sees news like this and realizes that his $9 million a year offer was pretty absurd. The club can't negotiate with Dansby until after the season but be sure that every linebacker who signs a contract will be measured against KD.
• The Cardinals were pretty good at shutting down opposing tight ends last year and the recent trade of Jeremy Shockey to the Saints means that they'll face one less really good tight end in 2008. The Giants still have a pretty decent tight end in Kevin Boss but Shockey's a dynamic player whom the Cardinals won't have to deal with unless they meet the Saints in the post season.
  
• The trade of Jason Taylor to the Redskins is complete and even though the Cardinals had to face the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year either way, he's definitely on a better team now. Taylor is replacing the injured Phillip Daniels and is an instant upgrade to an aging defensive line that struggled to put pressure on the quarterback. He'll test Levi Brown in week 3.
  

• Darren Urban, at the Cardinals official site, identifies five players who are poised for a breakout season, including Levi Brown, Antrel Rolle, Steve Breaston, Matt Leinart and Alan Branch. Needless to say, if his list is correct an those five do step up and have career years, this team is playoff bound.
• The official site also took a look at Fitzgerald's off season travels and needless to say with his pocket book he can go just about anywhere he pleases, including Brazil, Peru, New Zealand, Australia and is planning trips to Africa and Morocco. I hope his future plans also include taking this team to the promise land as well.
  
• The Cardinals are keeping an open mind as to which players could make an impact on special teams in the upcoming season. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie blocked several kicks in college and he could be a candidate as well as Leonard Pope Calais Campbell, both of who are 6'8.
  
• While every sports cast that I've seen the past week has centered around Favre's possible return to the NFL, I didn't expect to see Kurt Warner's take on it, but he offers his opinion to STL Today. He adds that he plans to play three more years before seriously considering retirement, but also said that he understands Favre's predicament.
  
• The Cardinals and Karlos Dansby aren't any closer to agreeing to a long term contract and both sides seem to have conceded that a deal won't get done before the July 15th deadline. Dansby wants $9 million a season, while the Cardinals are trying to stick much closer to Lofa Tatupa and Lance Briggs' contracts.

• CBS Sports identifies their 30 players most likely to break out this season and as you'd expect, most of them are second or third year guys. There were two Cardinals made the list and if this is correct, I'd expect big things from the Cardinals in 2008:

5. Antrel Rolle, S, Arizona Cardinals: The scouts all said Rolle didn't have the hips to play corner. So even though he made some big plays last season -- including two picks for scores in one game -- Rolle moves to free safety this season. Look for Rolle to be much more of a fit at safety. He is a playmaker who will complement Adrian Wilson well. 

7. Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals: His second season was cut short in 2008 when he suffered a broken collarbone in the fifth game. That led to Kurt Warner taking over and playing well. But Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is going back to Leinart, which is the right move. Leinart can be the Cardinals' franchise passer and this is the season he proves that to the many skeptics.

• Scout.com takes another look at the contract situations with Boldin, Dockett, Dansby and Wilson. They believe that GM Rod Graves should be more concentrated on Wilson and Dansby that on Q and DD, and I for one couldn't agree more.
  
• The Cardinals official site has an interesting story about the Cardinals 7th round pick, Brandon Keith. He talks about his off the field issues prior to the draft and how he's handled himself since. They also touch on what he needs to improve on and his goals for the upcoming season and beyond.
• If you're still looking for your season tickets, your are in luck. The Cardinals season ticket sales are lagging behind the previous two seasons but they do still expect to continue the current streak of 20 straight sell outs. If you're in the market for single game tickets, they will go on sale on July 26th.