11-10-11: Arizona Cardinals Bird Droppings - Kolb = Warner?

Time for some links, including an interesting quote from Reid about how it takes time for a QB in a new system like Kolb to learn the new offense, and how Kurt Warner struggled at first but when he figured it out he put together a few years that should get him into the Hall of Fame.

Also, more on the Penn State story.

Arizona Cardinals News:

Trading Places
Cards-Eagles meeting puts those swapped in spotlight

Chasing Plays That Were Missed
Notebook: Skelton seeks improvement; No timetable on Rhodes

Kolb is improving but may run out of time to play vs. Eagles - ArizonaSports.com
Kevin Kolb wants to play every week, but this Sunday's game may carry a little more importance. The Cardinals are traveling to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles, the team that traded the QB to Arizona before the season began. "It's a big game for me, it's a big game for us, and I want to be out there at all costs," Kolb said.

Reid still selling Kolb? Warner comparison - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid made an interesting comparison Wednesday when asked about Kevin Kolb's rough transition as the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback. "Things take time, so you come in and you learn," Reid told reporters covering the Cardinals. "You had one of the all-time great ones there with Kurt Warner and that was up and down initially, and then he came in and got it all figured out and it was lights out. That’s how those things work." Reid coached Kolb for four seasons before trading him to the Cardinals for a 2012 second-round pick and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Kolb has a 1-6 starting record with Arizona to go with a turf-toe injury that could keep him from playing against the Eagles in Week 10.

NFC West: Injury situations that matter - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Arizona: Kevin Kolb's turf-toe injury will either push John Skelton into the lineup or force Kolb to play at less than full strength. The Cardinals appear likely to go with Skelton against Philadelphia unless Kolb can practice at some point during the week. That is because Kolb is new to the Cardinals' offense and wasn't able to practice last week. "It's not like he can just pick it up and go," coach Ken Whisenhunt told reporters. Kolb did not practice Wednesday. Rookie fullback Anthony Sherman continues to miss practice with an ankle injury. Running back Beanie Wells (knee) was limited. The entire starting offensive backfield is hurting, in other words, and that's a significant concern. Tight end Todd Heap's role could increase in his second game back from a hamstring injury.

Arizona Cardinals mid-season report card - ArizonaSports.com
We're halfway through the 2011 season and the Arizona Cardinals find themselves with a 2-6 record. Some things have gone right for the team but, honestly, more has gone wrong. What does it add up to? Let's hand out a report card.

John Skelton preparing for another start - ArizonaSports.com
As Kevin Kolb recovers from dealing with a turf toe injury, backup quarterback John Skelton is preparing to start Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Skelton is coming off a home victory against the St. Louis Rams, but going on the road in Philadelphia will present a much greater challenge.

Revisiting the Arizona Cardinals-Philadelphia Eagles' Kevin Kolb trade
Picking a winner in the trade that sent quarterback Kevin Kolb from the Eagles to the Cardinals is difficult halfway through the season. But there is no debate that both teams have yet to receive what they expected. Kolb has struggled learning and executing a new offense, and a foot injury could force him to miss another game this Sunday when the Cardinals play the Eagles. In exchange for Kolb, the Cardinals sent a 2012 second-round draft pick and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the Eagles. Rodgers-Cromartie isn't starting, and he's played poorly as the team's nickel cornerback. That trade, made July 28, seems as if it happened more than four months ago, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

Kevin Kolb of Arizona Cardinals wants to play vs. Philadelphia Eagles 'at all cost' - ESPN
Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb cherishes the thought of returning to Philadelphia to lead the Cardinals against his former team on Sunday. But a right turf toe injury could stand in his way, regardless of how much Kolb wants to play. He acknowledges this is no ordinary game to him, and that means his pain tolerance will be higher than usual. Kolb says he wants to play against the Eagles, "at all cost."

Penn State scandal: Arizona Cardinals' Levi Brown, John McNulty unhappy with alma mater
The child-sex scandal involving a former Penn State assistant coach has a Cardinals assistant and a player disappointed in their alma mater.

Andy Reid: Kolb needs more time just like Kurt Warner - ArizonaSports.com
Mentioning Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb in the same sentence as former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner is an unlikely comparison within the state of Arizona these days but Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid managed to give it a shot. According to Mike Sando of ESPN.com, Andy Reid said that Kolb just needs more time, much like Warner did when he first arrived to Arizona in 2005.

Cardinals look forward to playing old friend in Philly - ArizonaSports.com
When Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald lines up against the Philadelphia Eagles this week he might see a familiar face across from him, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. "It will be fun to compete, he's one of the best athletes I ever went against and it will be fun to see him," Fitzgerald said.

Brown says Paterno's legacy will be tarnished - ArizonaSports.com
The horrible saga unfolding in State College, Pennsylvania has far-reaching ramifications, most of which have yet to occur. But in a major development on Wednesday, legendary head coach Joe Paterno announced that he will step down from the post that he's held since 1966 at the end of the season. Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Levi Brown is one of 28 former Nittany Lions currently in the NFL, and he spoke about the scandal at his alma mater and his former coach's legacy.

Midseason report: NFC West MVPs - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson Peterson is the first player in NFL history with three punt returns for touchdowns in the first eight games of his career. His fourth-quarter return touchdown against Carolina and overtime return touchdown against St. Louis were directly responsible for the Cardinals only victories of the season. On defense, Peterson is still getting acclimated to Arizona's scheme and those pesky NFL rules. Penalties have dogged him. He does have two interceptions, however, and continues to develop.

Word From the Birds Blog - Dealing with Vick’s quicks
The Cardinals have faced Michael Vick twice in his career, and both times it was before his reincarnation as a better, more studious passer. Both times it was during his stint with the Atlanta Falcons, a time before he was sent to prison for dog fighting and during the time he admittedly didn’t work very hard at his craft. Certainly, Vick still was an amazing athlete — like now playing for the Eagles — and his running ability makes him so dangerous.

azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - Familiar refrain from Rodgers-Cromartie
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's quotes after the Eagles loss Monday night to the Bears sounded familiar. Rodgers-Cromartie was beaten a handful of times in critical situations and told reporters afterward: "Can I play better? Yeah. Shoot, I’m a way better corner than what I’m playing. It just so happens it’s not going that way." We heard a similar refrain from Rodgers-Cromartie in 2010, the worst of his three seasons with the Cardinals. DRC is playing the slot with the Eagles, a new position for him, and he's catching heat from fans and reporters for his breakdowns.

The PFF Mid Season All Pro Team | ProFootballFocus.com
Returners: Joe McKnight (NYJ) and Patrick Peterson (Ari) Are we cheating here or doing the sensible thing? You’d be foolish to ignore the impact McKnight is having a kick returner, and Peterson is having as a punt returner. Watch the touchdowns they’ve combined for and tell me they don’t deserve it.

Rodgers-Cromartie likes Skelton, doesn’t like playing the slot | ProFootballTalk
Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie just suffered his worst game during his increasingly poor season in Philadelphia. The way he sees it, there really wasn’t any need for him to get traded to the Eagles anyway. He thought the Cardinals already had their quarterback.

Cards Daily - Kolb Aims to Face Former Team
QB Kevin Kolb works toward being ready to face his former team when the Cardinals head to Philadelphia on Sunday.

Cardinals Underground - PHI Preview
Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban, and Damien Anderson talk about the thrilling win against the Rams, Kevin Kolb's return to Philadelphia, and the match-up with the Eagles.

Arizona Sports News:

Arizona Wildcats basketball struggles, defeats Duquesne
The setup of the 2K Sports Classic benefitting Coaches vs. Cancer did not require Arizona to win Wednesday night to get to the rest of the event next week in New York. That appeared like a good thing for the Wildcats, a self-described work in progress that was hard-pressed to find the progress in a 67-59 win until it ran away from Duquesne late to stir the 13,289 fans at McKale Center.

NFL News:

NFL Coaches Hot Seat: Tony Sparano Gets One Win But Remains Atop Hot Seat List - SBNation.com
Tony Sparano has been on top of our weekly look at the NFL coaches hot seat all season and that doesn't change this week despite he and the Dolphins picking up win No. 1.

Sifting through Top 50 players in NFL - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The NFC West placed four players on Matt Williamson's midseason top 50 list for the NFL. That included two in the top 10. Two additional NFC West players showed up on a list of 10 up-and-comers. Nine more appeared on an 18-man list underneath the up-and-comers ("others of note").

Bucs Claim Albert Haynesworth Off Waivers - SBNation.com
The Patriots released veteran defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth this week and he was scooped up off the waiver wire by the Buccaneers.

Andrew Luck Sweepstakes: Indianapolis Colts Take Firm Control - SBNation.com
After nine weeks of the 2011 NFL season, the race for the number one pick is narrowing down as teams look to add franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. We break down all the contenders.

Ryan Clark, Ray Lewis Combine For $60,000 In Fines From Ravens-Steelers Game - SBNation.com
Several players were fined from Sunday's Ravens-Steelers game including Ray Lewis, Ryan Clark and James Harrison.

Penn State:

Joe Paterno Fired, Tom Bradley Named Penn State Interim Coach, According To Report - SBNation.com
Penn St. Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno will not coach another game, according to Jim Gardner of ABC's affiliate on the scene of Wednesday night's board of trustees meeting. Tom Bradley will take over as Penn State's interim coach, according to Gardner.

Joe Paterno Fired: Penn State Students Gather On Campus In Protest - SBNation.com
Joe Paterno is out as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Board of Trustees announced on Wednesday evening. The move was immediately met with shock and anger by those gathered in State College following the press conference to announce Paterno had coached his last game. Video of the area showed a large gathering, likely of students, chanting and yelling. Screams of "We Want Joe" could be heard, as well as "[expletive] Sandusky" and "We Are ... Penn State."

Penn State Riot: Student Protest Grows After Joe Paterno Fired - SBNation.com
Penn State students took to the street on Wednesday night after head coach Joe Paterno was fired, effective immediately, by the Board of Trustees. Paterno is a beloved figure in State College, and the news that he was out as head coach triggered a huge gathering in downtown State College. Students took to the streets, and have been rallying in protest -- some screaming "We Want Joe" -- since the move was announced. A few photos from the scene can be found below. The first should give you a sense of what's going on in State College, and involves a "look at me" moment.

VIDEO: Joe Paterno Fired As Penn State Media Paints Itself Blue And White - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Wednesday night, Penn State's Board of Trustees announced the firing of Joe Paterno. This is upsetting news, but not nearly as upsetting as actual tragedies, like perhaps the ones that started this whole thing to begin with. But listening to John Surma, CEO of U.S. Steel and the Board's spokesman, sort through frantic, accusatory questions from the assembled mob, you'd think the firing of a football coach caused intense, lifelong pain for families with young children or something.

VIDEO: CNN Anchor Hasn't Memorized Penn State's Schedule - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
CNN has been surprisingly excellent in their coverage of Joe Paterno's firing and the consequent student reaction. They were the first TV station to have video of the press conference announcement, they have had a more consistent live feed from Happy Valley, and are clearly more comfortable in the arena of live, on-site coverage of developing stories. But they have their limitations.

Penn State Riot: Tear Gas, Pepper Spray Used As Police Move In - SBNation.com
It's starting to get ugly in State College, where a massive amount of students have taken to the streets in protest of Joe Paterno's firing on Wednesday. While the damage thus far has been minimal -- reports indicate a downed lightpost and little more at this point -- the ingredients are there for a volatile situation. Police are keeping a watchful eye, but have begun to actively take measure to get the crowd to disperse.

Joe Paterno Expresses Disappointment, Asks Everyone To Remain Calm - SBNation.com
Joe Paterno released a second statement on Wednesday night, hours after he was fired by the Penn State Board of Trustees. The first statement was short, with Paterno saying he would have to get used to not being the head coach at Penn State. But as the gathering in State College grew and showed signs of spinning out of control, Paterno asked the students to be respectful and thanked those who have been a part of his career.

Penn State Riot Rapidly Escalating - SBNation.com
After previous reports of pepper spray and police in riot gear, the student gatherings at Penn State have taken a turn for the worse. This photo, taken by Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim, shows what students have been up to.

Joe Paterno Fired In The Weirdest Way Possible - SBNation.com
We know Joe Paterno was fired by phone -- a necessary move considering the circumstances and situation in State College this week. But the whole story gets even more weird, according to reports on Wednesday evening. You see, it wasn't as simple as an official ringing up Paterno at his house to inform him of the news. It went a step further.

VIDEOS: Mid-Riot Penn State Students Debating Joe Paterno's Firing - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Outraged-yet-scampering Penn State students, your riot was an embarrassment. You'll realize that once you wake up, of course, but I don't really mean it was an embarrassment because you were caught reveling in your sweatpants in the name of no particular noble cause. That's pretty much all that happens at college.

Jerry Sandusky Victim's Family: Some Penn State Students Making Fun - SBNation.com
While students and other individuals gather on the Penn State campus and others riot, the families of the victims in the Jerry Sandusky investigation continue to deal with the transgressions of the former Penn State coach. Speaking with Sara Ganim of the Patriot-News, an unnamed Penn State junior, the sister to one of the alleged victims, is having a hard time with being on campus. Students have failed to take the situation seriously and are joking about being "Sanduskied."

New Jerry Sandusky Rumor Threatens To Make Penn State Scandal Much Worse - SBNation.com
Former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky has been charged with sexually abusing eight children, with something like a dozen more also claiming they were victimized. That's horrible. Powerful PSU figures appear to have attempted to cover up what they knew. That makes it even worse.