After all of the questions about how the Cardinals would look in their first preseason game, everything went well with a 24-18 win. Now here are some links regarding that game.
Also, why doesn't SBN actually have any pictures up from that game yet?
Arizona Cardinals News:Cards get answers in preseason opener
Ever since the lockout ended, Cardinals coaches have viewed playing the first preseason game with all the anticipation of changing a dirty diaper. You have to do it; just get it over with as quick as possible. They can take comfort in that Thursday night's game, a 24-18 victory over the Oakland Raiders, wasn't as bad as it could have been.
Encouraged To Begin With
Cards beat Raiders, 24-18, as Kolb has productive start
Arizona Cardinals vs. Oakland Raiders - Recap - August 11, 2011 - ESPN
Kevin Kolb learned quite quickly how easy life can be with Larry Fitzgerald as a teammate. Kolb found his new favorite target twice in his Arizona debut but was unable to get his offense on the scoreboard in two drives before the Cardinals rallied to beat the Oakland Raiders 24-18 in their exhibition opener Thursday night.
Receivers Do The Job
Notebook: Kolb satisfied with wideouts; defense learning Horton system
Word From the Birds Blog - Raiders aftermath
A successful first step. That was the general theme coming from the Cards Thursday night after beating the Raiders. It’s hard to look at it any other way. I will say this, the game looked to me a lot like any other preseason game. In other words, it wasn’t overly sloppy, it didn’t reflect to the naked eye (or typical fan) the lost offseason or lack of practice time. We’ll see if that holds true once games start for real.
Whisenhunt: Kevin Kolb smooth, in control - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A few thoughts on Kevin Kolb's exhibition debut Thursday night with the Arizona Cardinals:
Three things revisited: Cardinals-Raiders - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Looking back upon the three things discussed here heading into the Arizona Cardinals' preseason opener Thursday night:
azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - Evaluating game 1 of preseason
Ninety players were crammed into the small visitors locker room at O.co Coliseum in Oakland Thursday night, but the Cardinals mood did not reflect the surroundings.
First look at Cardinals D has me scared of the secondary - ArizonaSports.com
While many were anxiously awaiting a meaningless preseason football game just so they could get their first glimpse of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb, I was one of the few that was not. Sure, I wanted to see Kolb and the offense, but really, my focus in the first preseason game was going to be on the defense. I've heard Ray Horton talk numerous times since February and I liked what he said each time. Going into Thursday's game with the Oakland Raiders my expectations for Horton's defense were low.
Inside the Box: Cardinals offense starts off right - ArizonaSports.com
After every Arizona Cardinals game we'll examine the box score and provide you with instant analysis. So it's time to go Inside the Box for August 11, 2011: Cardinals 24, Raiders 18
Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver situation not dire, Ken Whisenhunt says
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt knows there is a perception that his team needs to acquire a No. 2 receiver to replace Steve Breaston, now with Kansas City. But he doesn't see it as the gaping hole in the lineup that others do.
Word From the Birds Blog - No Komar for Raiders
The Cardinals will be basically healthy for the game tonight. Three players will be out, including WR Max Komar, who tweaked his groin and will sit. Also out, of course, are safety Adrian Wilson (biceps) and cornerback Michael Adams (knee). I expect QB Kevin Kolb to go 15 or 20 plays, and No. 2 QB John Skelton will get to play some with the first-string offensive line.
Cardinals may be comfortable with Roberts and Doucet, but is Fitzgerald? - ArizonaSports.com
Three years ago the Arizona Cardinals featured a trio of 1,000 yard receivers, as Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston helped Kurt Warner torch opposing secondaries on the way to Super Bowl XLIII. Only Fitzgerald remains, though, and while the Cardinals appear to be content with their group of receivers, one of the in-house candidates emerging as the No. 2 wideout may not sit well with the Pro-Bowler.
NFL.com news: Cardinals camp report: Revamped roster gives reason for hope
Pat Kirwan recently visited Cardinals camp in Flagstaff, Ariz. Here's what he saw.
Chat wrap: Four new questions answered - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Oz from Fort Lauderdale wants to reassess the "ceiling" for Kevin Kolb as the Arizona Cardinals progress through the exhibition season. While he sees Kolb in the Matt Schaub/Matt Cassel mode, he also sees some similarities to Aaron Rodgers. "I'm just worried sometimes he is too much of a gunslinger."
Cardinals say they aren’t desperate for a receiver | ProFootballTalk
The Cardinals spoke with Braylon Edwards in free agency and have been tied in trade talks to Lee Evans. Coach Ken Whisenhunt insists, however, his team doesn’t need another wideout.
Whisenhunt calls Kolb’s first game a success | ProFootballTalk
New Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb played in two series in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Raiders, and he didn’t lead the Cardinals to any points. But Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said he liked what he saw.
Kurt Warner's popularity has not dwindled
It is hard to ride quietly into the sunset when a cavalry of CEOs and television executives are in hot pursuit. We knew Kurt Warner's popularity would endure, post-retirement, but the degree of interest in the former quarterback 2 1/2 years removed from his Super Bowl appearance with the Cardinals is mind-boggling.
Man did I miss me some football! - ArizonaSports.com
Sometimes you forget how good something is until it's gone and that is how I feel about football finally being back. This off-season was a complete drag. I was so sick of talking about the lockout and whether or not Kevin Kolb was going to be the Cardinals' quarterback. It really made me lose a little love for the sport. Well, guess what? That love is back in full force after one meaningless Cardinals preseason game. This sport is king for a reason. We all need it in our lives!
NFL Videos: Cardinals vs. Raiders highlights
Kevin Kolb looks solid in his Cardinals debut as Arizona defeats the Raiders 24-18 in Week 1 of preseason action.
Cards beat the Raiders
Video Gallery - azcardinals.com
Arizona Sports News:
Late homers power Arizona Diamondbacks past Houston Astros
The Diamondbacks didn't play especially well this week, didn't easily dispose of a vulnerable Houston Astros team, didn't always look like a first-place club. But judging by the shaving-cream pie that landed in Chris Young's face, the reluctant curtain call Paul Goldschmidt's teammates made him take and the grin Kirk Gibson sported, they didn't seem to mind. Their way was more fun. Goldschmidt's two-run, two-out, two-strike home run in the bottom of the ninth tied the score, and Young's three-run homer in the 10th ended it, completing an 8-5 victory against the Astros in what was another incredible Diamondbacks comeback at Chase Field.
DeWanna Bonner leads Phoenix Mercury past Atlanta Dream
A promise was made in April 2009. Mercury coach Corey Gaines said first-round draft pick DeWanna Bonner would change the game. It's about to be changed. Bonner, a 6-foot-4 forward/guard, is blossoming into the player Gaines had envisioned. She continued her impressive play Thursday night, scoring a career-high 25 points to lead the Mercury to a 109-95 victory over the Atlanta Dream in front of 7,940 at US Airways Center.
NFL News:
What we learned during first preseason games | ProFootballTalk
Five preseason games are in the books. We have 61 left to go until the real fun starts. For those of you that missed the action last night, let’s look back at some takeaways from each game:
Touchbacks galore on the first night of the new kickoff rule | ProFootballTalk
With the kickoff point moving from the 30 back to the 35, the NFL hopes to reduce injuries during kickoff returns by reducing the raw number of kickoff returns. And while it’s too early to make a reliable comparison to pre-2011 stats, the ball seems to be flying deep into the end zone, and beyond.
Camp Confidential: San Francisco 49ers - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The sights and sounds of the typical NFL training camp aren't quite the same with Jim Harbaugh running things for the San Francisco 49ers.
Ex-Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress rips Randy Moss - ESPN
Former Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress said in an interview with NFL.com on Wednesday that he thought the team's locker room was stable enough to withstand the addition of Randy Moss. He admits he was wrong.
Jeremy Maclin of Philadelphia Eagles to have more testing - ESPN
Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin, who hasn't participated in training camp because of an undisclosed illness, will undergo more tests in St. Louis.
Bills GM not ruling out Lee Evans trade - ArizonaSports.com
The Buffalo Bills aren't planning on trading Lee Evans, but that doesn't mean they won't part with their receiver before the season begins.
QB Leinart settles in with Texans - ArizonaSports.com
Matt Leinart knows his time is coming. The 2004 Heisman Trophy winner is back in a reserve role with the Houston Texans behind incumbent quarterback Matt Schaub. During the free-agent frenzy, Leinart had a chance to rejoin his college coach, Pete Carroll, in Seattle and possibly earn a starting role. Instead, he chose to return to the Texans, learn more from Schaub and coach Gary Kubiak, and bide his time. "I did what was best for me, and this is the best fit for me, by far," Leinart said Thursday. "I still want to be a starter, that's my goal. I'm still young. I've still got a lot of ball left."
NFL Game Recaps:
Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles - Recap - August 11, 2011 - ESPN
Just one meaningless game in, Michael Vick already senses something special building in Philadelphia.
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers - Recap - August 11, 2011 - ESPN
Tarvaris Jackson realizes he'll need a whole lot more practice and study before he can run the Seattle Seahawks' offense with even a fraction of the poise and precision Philip Rivers gives to the San Diego Chargers.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots - Recap - August 11, 2011 - ESPN
Ryan Mallett played solidly in his first chance at quarterback for the New England Patriots. He may not get another once the regular season starts.
Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys - Recap - August 11, 2011 - ESPN
Tim Tebow scrambled far to his left, inches from the sideline, saw some resistance and headed back the other way. He was around the middle of the field when he decided to pass, lobbing the ball over a defender to a waiting teammate, who took off toward the end zone. It could've been the latest addition to Tebow's legacy -- if only he hadn't gone a full stride over the line of scrimmage, a lineman hadn't illegally moved down the field and another teammate hadn't clobbered someone in the back. Instead, by the end of it, even one of the officials was chuckling.