The first practice of the 2009 Arizona Cardinals training camp is now in the past, welcome to football season. The team, practicing in helmets, shirts and shorts, worked for about 90 minutes in front of one of the largest crowds ever to attend day one of training camp. The buzz from last year's success could be heard every time a popular player stepped on the field or made an eye-opening catch. The good news for the most part is that there really wasn't much news. Larry Fitzgerald made a nice one handed catch and no one got hurt, so all in all, so far so good. Some observations from practice #1 after the jump:
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Stephen Spach and his surgically repaired ACL held up nicely during his first practice. He wasn't limited and was running with the first team offense during 7-on-7 drills. He even participated in the blocking sessions against the defensive lineman without any problems. He's not expected to practice this afternoon but that's a case of the team being cautious as opposed to there actually being a problem.
- Fullback Justin Green was running with the first team during some of the 11-on-11 sessions which is pretty surprising considering most think he's third on the depth chart. Dan Kreider was shaken up for a portion of practice though so that could have been the reason why.
- During punt return drills Steve Breaston proved why he's the returning starter and favorite to keep the job. His sure hands were on display as he didn't drop a single attempt while his competition, Michael Ray Garvin (2 drops) and Ed Gant (one drop) can't boast the same results.
The team is expected to practice in full pads this afternoon so it should be a more spirited session. We'll see who is the first guy knocked to the ground.