Anyone notice that the picture for this article is one of Brian St. Pierre? That is because he will start this weekend for the Panthers against the Ravens. Quick question: Did anyone here ever think that Pierre would start a game before Matt Leinart this season?
On Keith (… OK, and McNabb)
The Cardinals didn’t think Brandon Keith was going to end up on IR after he got hurt. The man played through what turned out to be a torn hamstring. But it will be interesting to see how the line does going forward. Keith has had a bumpy first year as starter — coach Ken Whisenhunt acknowledged as much — and I’d guess, even though Whisenhunt said newcomer D’Anthony Batiste will get an RT looksee, that Jeremy Bridges will be the starter. I know there have been plenty of people wanting Bridges to get a shot and/or Keith to be benched. Well, you get your wish. I’m not sure it changes things significantly. And Whiz made it clear Keith is this team’s right tackle for the future.
Running backs still sitting
The Cardinals’ injury list was a little longer than normal, topped by the two banged-up running backs — LaRod Stephens-Howling (hamstring) and Jason Wright (concussion) — sitting out. Stephens-Howling dealt with a hamstring issue last season. He said he hoped to play Sunday but certainly wasn’t sounding sure of it. Wright, meanwhile, said he didn’t pass his first neurological exam Tuesday but will take one again tomorrow. Wright said he has had some minor concussions before but "this is new."
KTAR.com - The 2010 Cardinals are a lot like the 2006 version
They say the more things change the more they stay the same. The Arizona Cardinals better hope the old adage doesn't hold true for them. The last time the Cardinals lost four games in a row the year was 2006. That team, led by Dennis Green, won their first game and proceeded to lose eight in a row after that. While only a few of the players that were on that team are still are on the 2010 incarnation of the Cardinals, the two teams have a lot of similarities.
Cardinals report (11.15): Hope turns into frustration
Following Sunday’s 36-18 loss to Seattle, the hope associated with the Cardinals’ 2010 campaign has quickly turned to disappointment. Due to the lackluster competition in the NFC West, optimism lingered into the second half of the season, but it appears very unlikely that Arizona will rebound from a 3-6 start and contend for a third consecutive division title.
Bridges Thinks He's Right Choice
Jeremy Bridges has done this before.
Haley's Lasting Trick
Todd Haley’s lasting impression on the Arizona Cardinals could be his constant yelling on the practice field, or the infamous verbal battle he had with Anquan Boldin at the end of the NFC Championship game, or the close relationship he formed with quarterback Kurt Warner. But long-term, it’s probably the phrase "One-trick pony."
azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - Third and long
Running back Beanie Wells said the week off has left his right knee feeling better than it has since he underwent surgery in early September. Wells didn't play last week because of swelling, which was caused by an adverse reaction to an injection earlier this month.
Rookies getting first taste of a losing streak
Losing in the NFL isn’t easy. It never has been and never will be. But it’s easier than losing in the college ranks. Coming from two prominent college programs, rookie linebackers Daryl Washington and O’Brien Schofield know this better than anyone.
Wells believes he's finally healthy
This was supposed to be Beanie Wells' breakout season. Breakdown is more like it. A knee injury in the final preseason contest has caused him to miss three games and have just one carry (for minus-2 yards) in another. Wells said Wednesday that he's healthy for the first time since he was hurt and ready to finally show what he can do, and do consistently. The big running back was listed as limited in practice but said he went through a full workout and expects to play Sunday at Kansas City.
For Wilson, it's a matter of pride
Adrian Wilson has a solution for those who believe he has lost a step. "Maybe I should just turn in my papers," he said. "Retire so nobody will have to worry about me any more." Relax. Wilson has no intention of walking away from the game he loves. But for a guy who has dedicated his very soul to the Cardinals, it’s understandable if the recent criticism cuts a little deeper than it would for most players.
Arizona Cardinals' Ken Whisenhunt, Kansas City Chiefs' Todd Haley intersect again
Ten years ago, Ken Whisenhunt and Todd Haley were assistant coaches with the Jets, sharing a small office, dreaming out loud about one day being head coaches at the same time. At least, that will be the movie version.
NFC West: Injury situations that matter - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Arizona: The Cardinals have started the same five offensive linemen for every game this season. That changes Sunday when veteran Jeremy Bridges replaces right tackle Brandon Keith, who suffered a season-ending hamstring injury against Seattle. Bridges has generally risen to the challenge when needed, previously at left tackle. He has 43 career starts and is more experienced than Keith, which could help in a difficult environment such as Arrowhead Stadium. Arizona expects to get running back Beanie Wells on the field this week after Wells rested his surgically repaired knee last week. On defense, a shoulder injury continues to limit Darnell Dockett. The Cardinals missed him badly against Seattle and it's unclear whether he'll play Sunday.
Cardinals Underground Podcast (KC Preview)
Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban, and Ron Wolfley take a look at the upcoming match-up with Kansas City and more!
Video Gallery
Anderson, Whisenhunt on O-line and injuries
Panthers' Brian St. Pierre will start at QB against Ravens - NFL - SI.com
Brian St. Pierre has thrown five passes in eight NFL seasons. He wasn't in a training camp this summer and as recent as last week was a stay-at-home dad. On Sunday, he'll start for the Carolina Panthers.
Chris Bosh's season-high 35 lift Miami Heat past Phoenix Suns
Suns coach Alvin Gentry would not mind having Miami coach Erik Spoelstra's problem. With a 6-4 team entering Wednesday night's game against Phoenix, Spoelstra was trying to figure out how to make Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh click. With a 6-4 team entering Wednesday, Gentry was trying to figure out his team's identity and how to survive each game with a small lineup that has a minimal margin of error.
Martin Hanzal, Ilya Bryzgalov lead Phoenix Coyotes to win over Calgary Flames
Martin Hanzal had a goal and an assist, Ilya Bryzgalov made 39 saves Wednesday night and the Phoenix Coyotes beat the reeling Calgary Flames 3-1 for their fourth straight win.
Madden 11 Roster Update #13 Details | pastapadre.com
The post NFL week 11 roster update for Madden 11 is set to arrive as usual on Friday. This update will be most notable for the boost given to Michael Vick after his amazing performance on Monday Night Football and his continued success throughout the season.
(Amazingly, Greg Toler is the only Cardinal who had his rating go down)
Ken Whisenhunt’s Magic Wearing Off With Cardinals, Fans - Desert Dirt - SB Nation Arizona
Arizona Cardinal head coach Ken Whisenhunt has a last name made for the media and fans. You can play with it to make cute, punny phrases with the word ‘whiz,' and he has been called fun things like "the Whis-ard of AZ." And to be perfectly honest, he has been magical, much like a wizard.
ProFootballWeekly.com - Cardinals' defense really down in the dumps
The natives are getting increasingly restless in the desert, with the heat that has been on the Cardinals' punchless offense all season catching up to a defense in a major meltdown mode that daily team observers have had a hard time comprehending. "Something's missing," one team insider said. "There just hasn't been much passion or fire at all."
Panthers to start Brian St. Pierre on Sunday | ProFootballTalk
John Fox announced the decision to a somewhat stunned Panthers press corps. "This is not a joke," Darin Gantt of the Rock Hill Herald wrote on Twitter. "This move is impossible to justify. Fox offered "it is what it is." Seen a lot of crazy stuff here over the years. Nothing quite like this.
Competitive juices flowing for Haley, Whisenhunt
In the midst of a four-game losing streak, the Cardinals travel to Kansas City this week, reuniting coach Ken Whisenhunt with his former offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Similar to when Whisenhunt arrived in Arizona, Haley has engineered a quick turnaround for the Chiefs. Haley, in just his second season as head coach, has guided Kansas City to the top of the AFC West standings with a 5-4 record.
Arizona at Kansas City: How Can Whisenhunt's Cardinals Better Haley's Chiefs? | Bleacher Report
Every week is a big week in the NFL. Somehow, this one feels bigger than most, however.
Arizona Cardinals: Ten Changes We'd All Like to See In The Desert | Bleacher Report
Some losses are just hard to take. This is one of them. I've been dreaded this article. I really have. I wrote a similar one a few weeks back after a frustrating loss, and it's time for some more changes, in my opinion. Some major changes.
Fitz on the Big Red Rage
For those looking for something to do, Larry Fitzgerald will be Adrian Wilson’s guest tonight on the Big Red Rage at Majerle’s Sports Grill in Chandler. The show will be taped live at 6 p.m. (and can be watched on live streaming video here) and, with Fitz on board, you probably want to get there early to get a seat. If you can’t be there/watch, it will air on Sports 620 KTAR following the Phoenix Suns’ game.
Arizona Cardinals' Jeremy Bridges finds comfort zone as starter
Jeremy Bridges left work on Monday with his usual job as a Cardinals backup offensive lineman. He returned Wednesday morning, after a day off, with the starting right tackle job. Bridges, in his eighth NFL season, isn't exactly in a panic over replacing Brandon Keith, who is out for the season after suffering a torn hamstring last Sunday.
Cardinals must hold Chiefs below 72 points - NFC West Blog - ESPN
One of my Facebook friends, Joe, recently asked whether the Cardinals had set any records after allowing 351 points over their last 11 games, counting playoffs last season.
Chat wrap: Tackling tough questions - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Robert (Glasgow, Scotland): The Cardinals are 30th in overall defense, but second in red zone defense. Where do you see the real problem? In the play calling or the secondary? With all the talent they have on defense, they have never been able to ever get it right.
McNabb’s option bonus doesn’t come due until Week One of 2011 season | ProFootballTalk
Though the Redskins have the ability to trade or cut quarterback Donovan McNabb before he earns a $10 million option bonus in 2011, the precise deadline for exercising the option bonus was not previously known. It now is.
Hoops with Whiz and Haley
Sometimes, when Ken Whisenhunt and Todd Haley were working with the Jets back in 2000, they would go play one-on-one basketball. Sometimes — or more often than sometimes — the loser would be ticked off enough that he’d take the car back by himself and make the winner walk back to the office. They battled. And they worked together, back then and again with the Cardinals.
Mike Sando's MVP Watch - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The strongest argument against Michael Vick as a legitimate MVP candidate -- that he hasn't played enough this season -- should start working in his favor.
Redskins have out clause in Donovan McNabb's new contract - NFL - SI.com
Nothing is straightforward about Donovan McNabb these days. It turns out the $40 million he is supposed to be guaranteed in his new contract could turn out to be a mere $3.5 million.
Eagles face big dilemma with Vick | ProFootballTalk
Monday night’s memorable performance from Eagles quarterback Mike Vick has sparked plenty of discussion and debate regarding Vick’s short-term and long-term football future. Chris Mortensen of ESPN believes that Vick will be an Eagle in 2011, either with a long-term contract or the one-year franchise tag. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Vick camp already is bracing for the possibility of the franchise tag. In the end, don’t be shocked if that’s precisely what the Eagles do.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne absent from practice - NFL - SI.com
Quarterback Tyler Thigpen took practice snaps running the Miami Dolphins' offense for the first time this season Tuesday, while Chad Henne sat out the team's only workout in preparation for Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears.
Matt Schaub of Houston Texans hospitalized with bursa sac injury in knee - ESPN
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has been hospitalized with a bursa sac injury in one of his knees and missed Wednesday's practice. Coach Gary Kubiak would not specify which knee Schaub hurt, but said the injury will not require surgery. Kubiak expects Schaub to return to practice on Thursday and be ready when the Texans (4-5) play at the New York Jets (7-2) on Sunday.
Matthew Stafford of Detroit Lions not planning surgery on shoulder - ESPN
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been injured so much in his two-year career that he welcomes the slightest bit of good news. Stafford said Wednesday he will not have surgery on his right throwing shoulder. He said Dr. James Andrews, well known for performing orthopedic surgery on high-profile athletes, concurred with the team's evaluation that surgery isn't necessary at this time and he will focus instead on rehabilitation.
49ers QB: Flag football on the way - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Do not count the San Francisco 49ers' Troy Smith among those campaigning for increased protection from officials for offensive players.
Panthers fever: Pike vs. St. Pierre | ProFootballTalk
It’s come to this for the Carolina Panthers: Tony Pike and Brian St. Pierre split first team reps at practice on Wednesday, according to CarolinaGrowl.com.
Daniel Snyder's plan to destroy the Washington Redskins is forging full speed ahead - ESPN
Single Worst Sequence of the Season -- So Far: OK, this is only the Arizona Cardinals -- though they are but two years removed from the Super Bowl. Arizona trailing Seattle 23-10 late in the third quarter, the Blue Men Group showed big-blitz. Derek Anderson audibled to a max-protect -- eight blockers, only two receivers. Seattle rushed six against eight blockers, almost instant sack, recovered the fumble, and a moment later the lead is 26-10. Aaron Curry of Seattle got the almost-instant sack -- he was double-teamed by Stephen Spach and Tim Hightower of Arizona, and easily shoved both out of the way. Now it's the next Arizona offensive snap. Seattle defensive end Chris Clemons blows through for an almost-instant sack on first down, and the Cardinals end up punting. Clemons was double-teamed by Hightower and tackle Levi Brown (the fifth overall pick in the 2007 draft), and easily shoved both out of the way. Okay, it's only Arizona. But Arizona Cardinals, you are guilty of the single worst sequence of the season -- so far.
(Sad, very very sad)
C.J. Spiller apologizes for hurling slur at Ricky Sapp | ProFootballTalk
Earlier today, Bills running back C.J. Spiller dropped the three-letter "F" bomb in the direction of Eagles defensive end Ricky Sapp. The two rookies were teammates at Clemson. Spiller has now tried to cram the toothpaste back into the tube. He has deleted the message in question, and he has expressed remorse for his words.
NFL.com news: Big Ben's return hasn't boosted Steelers as expected
Maybe we had it all wrong about the Pittsburgh Steelers. At one point, they looked to be in the best position of any team in the NFL. They roared to 3-1 while their starting quarterback was serving a suspension. It only made sense to assume they would get dramatically better from there, right? Not quite.
Running up the score is not governed by unwritten rule in NFL - Don Banks - SI.com
Issue raised after several NFL teams topped 40 in recent weeks
Jets offer to host 8-year-old fan who was tackled at Browns game - NFL - SI.com
The New York Jets have offered to host an 8-year-old fan and his family for a home game after he was allegedly tackled by a drunken Browns fan following Sunday's game in Cleveland.
NFL.com news: Texans QB Schaub returns to practice after brief hospitalization
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, who was hospitalized Tuesday night with a bursa sac injury in his right knee, returned to practice Thursday.
NFL.com news: Bullish on Bears: Chicago quietly emerging as NFC beast
There's a renewed belief at Halas Hall, and it's really not about the offense's augmentations of the last two years (Jay Cutler in 2009, Mike Martz this year). It's about the Bears winning the way they did in 2006, the way they usually have, and that's not the prettiest brand of football out there, which might be why Chicago has quietly slid under the radar and snuck right up to 6-3.
Kobe Bryant is featured with a gun in a commercial for the new "Call of Duty" video game, and it sends exactly the wrong message - ESPN
If Kobe Bryant truly felt the 'Call of Duty,' he'd have stayed as far away as possible from brandishing an assault weapon in that new 'Black Ops' commercial. How do we know? We asked someone in a mortuary.
(Someone is overreacting to a Video Game...)
The Bottom 100: The Worst Players In NFL History (Part 1)
The NFL Network recently compiled a list of the 100 best players in NFL history, as selected by a blue-ribbon panel. This is not that list. Part 1 is below. Part 2 is here.
The Bottom 100: The Worst Players In NFL History (Part 2)
You've seen Part 1. Read on for the rest of the worst.
(Former Cardinal Rusty Lisch is #1)