7-18-11: Bird Droppings - Final Week Of The Lockout?

Today, some stuff on how the Cardinals might be one of the most improved teams in the NFL, if Breaston should come back, and what the Cards need to do once the lockout ends. And of course, some little updates on the lockout that is nearing its end.

What do the Arizona Cardinals need to do after the lockout?
With an end to the NFL lockout possibly in sight, Republic columnist Dan Bickley speaks with 12 Sports' Kevin Hunt about the needs and prospects for the Arizona Cardinals.

Re-up or Reject: Steve Breaston - ArizonaSports.com
For a few seasons it seemed as though the Arizona Cardinals' strength was in its receiving corps. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston formed one of the league's better trios, as they each had 1,000 yard seasons the year the Cardinals made it to the Super Bowl. But now, Fitzgerald has one year left on his contract, Boldin is in Baltimore and Breaston is an unrestricted free agent. When free agency opens the Cardinals will have to make a decision on the former Michigan Wolverine.

Cardinals really are just a QB away - ArizonaSports.com
There are many out there who think the Cardinals, with so much as just competent QB play, would have won the NFC West for the third straight time last season. While the Cardinals have not officially addressed that need yet, the team may find itself right back atop the division when they do. ESPN's Adam Schefter, when asked in a chat about who he thinks will enter the ranks of contender this season, said he feels the Cardinals, like fellow perennial bottom dweller Detroit Lions, are primed for a turnaround.

Sando: Cardinals likely to land Kevin Kolb - ArizonaSports.com
As the NFL lockout nears an end, so will the Arizona Cardinals quarterback controversy. Arizona's desire to improve at the quarterback is no secret. Kevin Kolb has been the most talked about player for the Cardinals and ESPN.com's NFC West blogger Mike Sando believes Kolb will be playing in Glendale this fall.

Carson Palmer serious about retiring unles he is traded - ArizonaSports.com
One candidate in the Arizona Cardinals quarterback search is "dead serious" about retiring unless he is traded. Want-away Cincinnati Bengals quarterback is serious about retiring unless he is traded, according to teammate Chad Ochocinco.

No team has as much to gain or lose as the Arizona Cardinals - ArizonaSports.com
No team has much to gain as the Arizona Cardinals. No team has as much to lose as the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona Sports News:

Daniel Hudson does it all in Arizona Diamondbacks victory over Los Angeles Dodgers
It came down to who was taking the biggest gamble. On one side, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly: He called for two intentional walks in the seventh inning, hoping -- and at the same time doubting -- that his counterpart, Kirk Gibson, would let his pitcher hit. Then there's Gibson: He granted Mattingly's wish without a second's hesitation. He sent Daniel Hudson, who clubbed his first home run of the season earlier in the game, to the plate to face reliever Blake Hawksworth. On this roll of the dice, Gibson was the big winner. Hudson's bases-loaded single through the left side of the infield drove in two runs, and the Diamondbacks nabbed a 4-1 win Sunday in front of 27,683 at Chase Field, winning for the second time in the three-game series.

NFL News:

Lockout -- NFL, NFLPA want 'global' settlement, sources say - ESPN
The sides in the NFL's labor dispute are amenable to rolling the remaining issues that are most problematic -- the settlement of the Brady vs. NFL antitrust and the television lockout insurance damages cases -- into a global settlement, sources said.

Goodell will do "whatever is necessary" to get a deal done | ProFootballTalk
There has been plenty of talk over the past several months regarding the things that folks are willing to do in order to restore labor peace. At times, the words have seemed more hollow than a chocolate Christmas tree ornament. As the process arrives at the ending point, here’s hoping that folks mean what they say, when they say they want to get a deal done.

Biggest remaining issue: Players pursuit of lost benefit money | ProFootballTalk
We’ve detailed the latest wish list from the players that they want addressed before a labor deal can be reached. It appears that one issue could be trickier than the others to settle. Albert Breer of NFL.com writes the players’ pursuit of $320 million for lost benefits last year has emerged as the biggest stumbling block.

NFL.com news: NFL, teams face challenge of setting rosters in short order
As we get closer to the players and owners reaching a new collective bargaining agreement, the NFL should know that tons of work awaits the folks at its headquarters.

Starting gig reportedly Tebow’s "job to lose" | ProFootballTalk
Broncos coach John Fox has a quarterback depth chart in mind, but he’s not sharing it yet. Kyle Orton figures to be on the trading block, but there is a chance he’ll stick in Denver to compete for the starting job. Even if that happens, Steve Wyche of NFL.com says Orton is likely the underdog to win the gig.

Vrabel: NFLPA* would have problem with a fine for James Harrison | ProFootballTalk
New Ohio State linebackers coach Mike Vrabel, who has been very involved with the lockout, spoke to our friend Tom Curran on WEEI about the issue, saying the NFLPA* would have "an issue" with Harrison being fined.