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Time for todays links, featuring a note on a member of the Cardinals who was in the latest group of players unveiled in NFL Networks Top 100 players list, and some other stuff.
Word From the Birds Blog | Peterson 55th on top 100 list
So it turns out it was Patrick Peterson on NFL Network’s top 100 list of current players tonight, landing at No. 55 (as guessed the other day.) He admitted he was only on the list because of his punt returns, but hoped that was a short-term thing.
Toler Works On Comeback
Cornerback returns from season missed with first on-field play
Arizona Cardinals' Dan Williams puts focus on fitness
When Cardinals nose tackle Dan Williams reported out of shape following the NFL lockout last season, he could have claimed he was big-boned. The proof is in his left arm. During surgery to repair a fracture he suffered during the season's 10th game, doctors inserted metal plates normally designed for legs because his bones are so large. Two forearm-long scars show that Williams has healed, and that scar tissue is emblematic of a tough year that Williams is determined not to repeat. To prepare for his third season, Williams dedicated the past six weeks to working with strength and conditioning coach John Lott and team athletic trainers so he could start voluntary practices in shape.
Word From the Birds Blog | Fan Fest info for June 13? Here you go
Many have been asking about Fan Fest, which we already knew would take place during the middle day of minicamp on June 13 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Here is some of the key planning info:
Cards Ryan Williams cleared for limited activity - ArizonaSports.com
Another running back joined Cardinals practice Wednesday.
Word From the Birds Blog | A little less Fitz
I guess this is what happens when you are at the top of your game — or maybe why you are at the top of your game — but wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald admitted that, yes, he indeed is overweight. Wait, what? "A couple of pounds" is what he said he needed to lose, although it’s tough to tell. He’s a far cry from the guy whose body was overhauled when strength and conditioning coach John Lott first arrived.
Floyd and Fitzgerald are already in sync for Cardinals - ArizonaSports.com
Larry Fitzgerald said he could not deny nor confirm allegations that rookie wideout Michael Floyd is staying with him these days. "He's taken care of, from what I hear," was all the Pro Bowler would say about how he may be helping Floyd off the field, but things are certainly different on it. Floyd, you may recall, is the guy Fitzgerald wanted the Cardinals to draft, even with the team having possibly greater needs at other positions.
Mailbag: Handing out NFC West hardware - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Richard from Tucson, Ariz., thinks the NFL's push for players to wear knee and thigh pads beginning in 2013 stems in part from injuries such as the one Kevin Kolb suffered last season.
NFL Future Power Rankings: West won? - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The San Francisco 49ers' NFC West rivals might as well start working on their divisional concession speeches. That is because the 49ers, after one good season, suddenly tower over the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams by just about every meaningful on-field franchise marker.
Top 100 of 2012: Patrick Peterson
With two interceptions and four punt return touchdowns in his rookie season, Cardinals playmaker Patrick Peterson comes in at No. 55 on the "Top 100 Players of 2012" list.
Arizona Sports News:
Arizona Diamondbacks bats come alive in win over Los Angeles Dodgers
The Diamondbacks wore out such a path around the bases on Wednesday night that it was as if they were trying to take out all their frustrations from the previous night - or perhaps the previous month. They scored in each of the first five innings, everyone in the lineup either scoring a run or driving one in, the stampede home becoming so frantic that at one point even third base coach Matt Williams looked like he was considering crossing the plate himself. Their 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field doesn't erase the losses in the first two games of this series. It doesn't change the fact that they're still roughly a country mile back in the National League West. But, maybe, just maybe, it's a start.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Hudson nearing return to mound
Daniel Hudson appears to be close to returning to the rotation. Before Tuesday night's game against the Dodgers, the Diamondbacks right-hander reported no shoulder discomfort from Monday's rehabilitation start for Triple-A Reno. Hudson threw five innings, allowing five hits and two runs. In 71 pitches, he struck out two and walked one. The Diamondbacks have not announced anything, but there's a good chance Hudson will start Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Phoenix Coyotes players are 'very proud' of run to Western finals
It won't happen immediately, but once the disappointment fades, the bumps and bruises heal and their perspective shifts to next season's preparation, the Coyotes will recognize just how much their accomplishments trumped their shortcomings.
Phoenix Coyotes bitter taste from series loss shouldn't overshadow bigger playoff picture
It was a Shane Doan we never saw before. Bitter. Frustrated. Unhinged. "I bit my tongue this whole series," he said. "This whole series." The Coyotes' magical season came to an end Tuesday at Jobing.com Arena, and it was hard for the captain to bow out gracefully. Don't be too hard on him. The inconsistency in officiating that has defined the NHL postseason needs to be addressed, and it might just take someone as highly regarded as Doan to get the commissioner's attention.
Phoenix Mercury edge Tulsa Shock
Candice Dupree scored 31 points and had a key offensive rebound that led to Samantha Prahalis' go-ahead free throws with 22.2 seconds left, and the Phoenix Mercury held off the Tulsa Shock for an 89-87 victory on Tuesday.
NFL News:
The Roger Goodell Dictatorship Will End In Disaster - SBNation.com
An independent arbitrator upheld the salary cap penalties Roger Goodell handed down to the Cowboys and Redskins earlier this year, underscoring his limitless power in the NFL. There's only one way this can end.
NFLPA Collusion Complaint Claims NFL Had 'Secret' 2010 Salary Cap - SBNation.com
The 2010 NFL season is generating more headlines this week than the looming 2012 season. A day after the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins saw their appeal of cap penalties for contracts handed out in 2010 dismissed, the NFLPA filed a collusion claim against the league for actions taken as a result of the no-cap year in 2010. The player's union is claiming that the NFL imposed a "secret" $123 million salary cap for teams during the 2010 season.
NFL Rule Changes To Trade Deadline, IR Make Sense - SBNation.com
NFL owners enacted several rule changes including an extension of the trade deadline as well as a new wrinkle in the rules regarding the Injured Reserve.
Roger Goodell Expects Saints Bounty Proof To Become Public - SBNation.com
The NFL and its commissioner Roger Goodell have come under a lot of scrutiny in the wake of the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal. In particular, there are plenty of analysts who have taken issue with the league's doling out of penalties and suspensions without having released the evidence against the team. NFL Communications has released a transcript of Goodell speaking at a media briefing during the 2012 Spring League Meeting on Tuesday. As part of this press conference, Goodell touched on the Saints situation and stated he expects the evidence to be released at some point.
Romo says Cowboys’ window isn’t closing | ProFootballTalk
Earlier this month, Cowboys tight end Jason Witten acknowledged that, as it relates to his own ability to win a Super Bowl with the team as he lands on the wrong side of 30, the window is closing. Quarterback Tony Romo, who is two years older than Witten, begs to differ.
Johnny Knox may miss all of 2012 season | ProFootballTalk
Bears receiver Johnny Knox suffered a serious and disturbing back injury in December 2011. As he continues to recover, Knox concedes that he may miss all of the 2012 season.