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Time for some links as we get closer to the weekend, including more updates on Kolb's toe in what looks like it is going to be the Skleton vs. Feely bowl right now. Exciting!
Also, interesting comments from Wolfley in the Big Red Rage link. When he was talking about the improvement of Patrick Peterson this season, he said that at some point they will have to take him off of punt returns because he will be so good at corner that he will be too valuable for the team to risk him getting hurt out there.
Arizona Cardinals News:
Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb likely out vs. St. Louis Rams, John Skelton expected to start
Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb said on Thursday his injured right foot felt better, but he missed practice for the second consecutive day. Kolb is still limping and it appears unlikely he will play Sunday against the Rams. John Skelton is expected to start and play for the first time this season. Kolb suffered a few injuries to the same area of the foot. In addition to turf toe, he has a mid-foot sprain in other ligaments and a bone bruise.
Peterson A Punt Return Prodigy
Rookie's natural gifts turn him into special teams threat
Word From the Birds Blog - Peterson means no offense — yet
Maybe it’s about the No. 21. But after the last defensive back to wear 21 long-term — Antrel Rolle — got his chances to play a little offense because of his skills when the ball was in his hands, the Cardinals’ current version of 21 certainly looks like a candidate to do the same. Rookie cornerback Patrick Peterson definitely can be a difference-maker when he is carrying the ball, as his two 80-plus-yard punt returns for touchdowns have proven already this season.
Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson making huge mark in punt returns
With a bright afternoon sun providing the backdrop, the punted football floated toward Cardinals returner Patrick Peterson last Sunday at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium. Peterson did not drift over to make the catch. He learned a long time ago from his father, Patrick Sr., that a returner positions himself under the ball as soon as he can, because there are decisions to be made.
Cardinals hope to ''protect the nest'' despite struggles
When Calais Campbell heard whispers that the Cardinals' lengthy sellout streak at University of Phoenix Stadium could be in jeopardy, he didn't want to hear it. "Oh, no. Can't be. Can't be," the defensive end said. "The fans have always showed up and supported us since I've been here. I've heard in years past it wasn't so pretty. But this is my fourth year and in my time here, we've always had a full house." It turns out the Cardinals had to sell only a couple thousand tickets to assure the team of its 59th consecutive sellout and prevent a local television blackout for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams. With both clubs a disappointing 1-6, there were concerns the sellout streak, which includes preseason games, could come to an end.
Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson aided by teammates in punt return
On April 28, 2011, Cardinals special teams coach Kevin Spencer became much better at his job. That's when the Cardinals used the fifth overall draft pick to take cornerback Patrick Peterson, also an accomplished punt returner. Peterson already has tied a franchise record by returning two punts for touchdowns in a season. One more return for a score and he'll be tied with Vai Sikahema and Ollie Matson for most in franchise history.
QB controversy brewing with Cardinals? - ArizonaSports.com
Kevin Kolb has struggled so far as the starting quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals. The team has a 1-6 record and Kolb's 77.8 quarterback rating ranks 24th in the league. And to top it off, Kolb suffered a turf toe injury early in last Sunday's loss to Baltimore and has yet to practice this week. There's no official word, but Kolb is not expected to play on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. That could open the door for second-year quarterback John Skelton to take over the reins of the offense, and any time a backup steps in for an injured starting quarterback on a struggling football team, the rumor mill starts turning.
Should Andrew Luck be the choice IF the Cardinals get top pick? - ArizonaSports.com
With the Arizona Cardinals at 1-6 and losers of six straight, you almost have to mention the possibility that the team that could end up with the No. 1 overall pick come next April. Under the assumption Andrew Luck puts his name in the draft, he'll be the favorite to be taken with that selection. Hell, he was last year before the 2011 draft even started. Tyler Bassett wants to go Lee Corso and say -- not so fast. Adam Green thinks the Cards should not turn their back such good, ummm, luck. Instead of disagreeing while sitting in their (neighboring) cubicles they decided to do it through email. Tyler's up first.
Ken Whisenhunt: John Skelton is a ready replacement for Kevin Kolb - ArizonaSports.com
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb may be battling a turf toe injury, but head coach Ken Whisenhunt has confidence in backup John Skelton should he need to start on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.
Skelton looking forward to gaining more experience - ArizonaSports.com
It sounds like Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback John Skelton is getting the start on Sunday. "Anytime you get NFL experience, it's always valuable in the end," Skelton said. "The four games I got last year, all they can do is prepare me for this year and it's my first start of the year, but I have four already under my belt." If you're not careful, you could miss it. Skelton isn't planning on getting some experience behind the scenes this year. He's planning on starting. This weekend. As in Sunday. But he says it's his job.
Skelton Has Sense Of Urgency
Notebook: Beanie upgraded to limited; Dray's extra role
Cardinals in clear on blackouts threat - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The Arizona Cardinals have sold enough tickets to their game against St. Louis in Week 8 to avoid a local television blackout, the team announced. There have been no blackouts for the Cardinals since University of Phoenix Stadium opened for the 2006 season. The streak appeared to be in some jeopardy after the Cardinals fell to 1-6, particularly with the 1-6 Rams visiting.
Word From the Birds Blog - Cards-Rams is a sellout; Kolb about the same
It’s official: The game Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium when the Rams visit is a sellout, making the Cards 59-for-59 since moving into the building and assuring that the game will be broadcast on local TV. It seemed like it might be a hurdle given the Cards’ struggles, but there wasn’t even an extension needed. (You’d figure the Cards will reach 60 too, since the next home game is against the Dallas Cowboys).
Chat wrap: What if Skelton lit up Rams? - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Ryan from Seattle asks what might happen if John Skelton "lights it up" for the Arizona Cardinals should Kevin Kolb miss the team's game against St. Louis.
Word From the Birds Blog - A bad foot, and sailing throws
There was a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter this morning that Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb is unlikely to play Sunday because of his foot injury and noted Kolb will not practice today. The players aren’t even on the field yet today, I’m not sure exactly who might’ve passed along info about Kolb’s practice plan. Nevertheless, Kolb acknowledged yesterday he wanted to try to play Sunday with limited practice work, but given his injury, "unlikely" has been the vibe all along anyway.
Video: Cardinals' outlook for Sunday vs. Rams
The Arizona Republic's Kent Somers discusses Kevin Kolb's status for Sunday, Patrick Peterson's success and the importance of a win.
Cards Daily - Slowing Down Steven Jackson
Members of the Cardinals' defense talk about facing the Rams great running back when St. Louis comes to town on Sunday.
Big Red Rage - Rhodes and Schofield
OLB O'Brien Schofield joined Paul Calvisi, Ron Wolfley, and Kerry Rhodes to talk about the Cardinals upcoming match-up with the St. Louis Rams.
Arizona Sports News:
Phoenix Coyotes no match for Nashville Predators
Quality chances can be few and far between against teams that pride themselves on stifling defensive play. That tag applies to both the Coyotes and the Nashville Predators, their Thursday night opponent. So it was no surprise that the game unfolded the way it did. The goalie with the hot hand would be the difference-maker. And that was Pekka Rinne. The Coyotes, who had a couple of chances to change the tone of the game in the first period, instead wound up chasing the game, losing 3-0 at Jobing.com Arena in front of a season-low crowd of 6,738.
Phoenix Suns star Steve Nash calls owners, players 'selfish'
It is hard for most Suns fans to muster some dislike for Steve Nash, but the NBA lockout puts all owners and players on the public's bad side. Nash gets it. Fans have his sympathy. He even thinks they are right. However, Nash would like fans to understand that the players' selfishness comes with a point.
Diamondbacks extend contracts for Kirk Gibson, Kevin Towers
Coming off a wildly successful first season together, General Manager Kevin Towers and manager Kirk Gibson were rewarded with new contracts, Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall said Thursday.
Arizona Diamondbacks, Henry Blanco agree to terms
Backup catcher Henry Blanco's time as a free agent was short-lived. The Diamondbacks and Blanco agreed to terms on a one-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2013.
NFL News:
Sam Bradford Injury: Status Still Unknown Entering Friday - SBNation.com
The St. Louis Rams have been without Sam Bradford for the last two weeks as he continues to recover from a high ankle sprain. Bradford's been doing some individual drills in practice and if he can get a little more time with the team in Friday's practice then he has a shot to play on Sunday.
Andre Johnson Injury Update: Gary Kubiak Believes Texans WR Will Be Game-Time Decision - SBNation.com
The Houston Texans wrapped up their Thursday practice and are getting some encouraging news from wide receiver Andre Johnson. According to head coach Gary Kubiak, Johnson felt better on Thursday and will still probably be a game-time decision Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Peyton Manning Says He Wants To Play Again In 2011 - SBNation.com
Peyton Manning spoke to the Indianapolis media for the first in a month on Thursday and confirmed what Colts exec Bill Polian has said: he wants to try to return this year. Manning obviously doesn't know for sure whether that will happen because it's dependent on his recovery process goes from a third neck surgery on Sept. 8.
Peyton Manning Takes Phill Simms Down A Notch - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
If you've ever watched a CBS broadcast where Phil Simms launches into an extended, condescending sermon on football, you probably thought to yourself, "You know, somebody really needs to take that guy down a peg. Who died and made him Football God?" Well, this passage from Peyton Manning is for you. Courtesy of CBS Sports:
Nickelback To Play At Halftime During Lions-Packers Thanksgiving Game - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Nickelback has been selected as the band to play during the halftime show of Thanksgiving's highly-anticipated Packers-Lions game. As SB Nation Detroit puts it:
710ESPN audio: NFC West Week 8 - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The San Francisco 49ers' overall legitimacy was among the subjects covered during my latest weekly conversation with Dave Grosby, Bob Stelton and Dave Wyman on 710ESPN Seattle. They've made available the audio. We also discussed the St. Louis Rams' victory over New Orleans and what it could mean for the future; the Seattle Seahawks' prospects at Dallas; and whether the Arizona Cardinals can beat the Rams with John Skelton at quarterback.