Time for todays links, including a look at the dream and nightmare scenarios for the Cardinals and the rest of the NFC West from Sando's blog.
Cardinals: Dream/nightmare scenario - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Cardinals in 2012:
Arizona Cardinals DT Nick Eason feeling quicker after shedding some weight
Nick Eason had a message to his Cardinals teammates during the off-season: "Whatever you guys did last year made us 8-8," the veteran defensive tackle told them, "so you got to do something different this year."
Colin Parker, Eddie Elder discuss life at the bottom of the NFL pile
Former Arizona State linebacker Colin Parker and safety Eddie Elder, both now in Cardinals camp, talk about life as undrafted free agents.
PFT Live: Calais Campbell and Ross Tucker | ProFootballTalk
Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell will join Mike Florio to talk about life since signing his new contract a couple of weeks ago. We’ll also find out about how things look on the defensive side of the ball in the desert where Campbell will be counted on as leader.
Arizona Sports News:
Arizona Diamondbacks drop series opener vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Ian Kennedy just can't beat Yovani Gallardo. The Milwaukee Brewers got the best of that pitching matchup in Games 1 and 5 of the National League Division Series last year, and it happened again Friday. Kennedy gave up seven hits and four runs in 5 2/3 innings, Gallardo pitched 7 1/3 strong innings, and the Brewers cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Arizona Diamondbacks agree on new deal with catcher Miguel Montero
With a good catcher as hard as ever to find, the Diamondbacks' Miguel Montero was all but assured of getting a big payday once he reached free agency at the end of the season. The Diamondbacks are about to make sure he doesn't get there. The Diamondbacks and Montero have agreed to terms on a five-year, $60 million deal that, once finalized, will be the largest in franchise history. According to Fox Sports, which first reported the deal Friday afternoon, it could be announced Saturday.
Phoenix Coyotes seeking ownership stability
Ever since the Coyotes were thrust into uncertainty, left to compete without an owner and a competitive payroll for three consecutive seasons, an effort has been made to separate the team from the off-ice drama.
NFL News:
Minneapolis City Council Approves Vikings Stadium Plan - SBNation.com
The plan for the Minnesota Vikings' new stadium in Minneapolis is finally and completely approved. On Friday, the Minneapolis city council approved the $975 million plan by a 7-6 vote.
49ers: Dream/nightmare scenario - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the 49ers in 2012:
Rams: Dream/nightmare scenario - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Rams in 2012:
Seahawks: Dream/nightmare scenarios - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for Seattle in 2012:
Alex Smith, Jon Beason Create Non-Story Over Cam Newton - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Wednesday afternoon, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith chatted with the media following practice and was asked about improving the 49ers passing attack. While acknowledging the passing offense had room for growth, Smith made a pointed remark about the need for more yards on offense:
Wait, America's Team not in the NFC West? - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The San Francisco 49ers are six times as popular as the St. Louis Rams, 4.8 times as popular as the Arizona Cardinals and 2.6 times as popular as the Seattle Seahawks. That was one conclusion drawn from the latest ESPN Sports Poll gauging fans' favorite NFL teams.
Santana Moss: Robert Griffin III has a lot to learn | ProFootballTalk
Santana Moss has caught passes from a lot of different quarterbacks since coming to the Redskins. From John Beck to Jason Campbell to Donovan McNabb, plenty of those quarterbacks have been put forth as the solution to the long-term problem under center in D.C. None of them have actually solved that problem, though, and that’s why the team ponied up a king’s ransom to draft Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick. Expectations are high for the rookie, but Moss doesn’t want the expectations to be unrealistic on him this season.
Finally exonerated, Brian Banks wants shot at NFL | ProFootballTalk
Convicted of rape and kidnapping in 2003, former California high school football star Brian Banks is now a free man after the victim recanted. Banks told NBC’s Today on Friday that he wants a shot at pro football.
CBA seems to undermine Brees’ new franchise-tag argument | ProFootballTalk
A long-term deal that pays quarterback Drew Brees more over the first three years than the Saints would pay by using the franchise tag for three straight seasons makes no business sense for the team. And so the three-year breakeven point is (or at least appears to be) $64.305 million, which is the sum of $16.371 million for 2012 plus $19.645 million for 2012 (i.e., 120 percent of his 2012 salary) plus $28.289 million for 2014 (i.e., 144 percent of his 2013 salary). In other words, if Brees wants more than $21.435 million per year over the next three years, the Saints would be wise to go year-to-year under the franchise tag.
Once again, Tebow isn’t behaving like a backup | ProFootballTalk
Quarterback competitions are unfolding in multiple NFL cities. In New York/New Jersey, the Jets have a starting quarterback. But the backup quarterback seems to be reluctant to accept his role.
HGH Testing In The NFL Delayed Again - SBNation.com
HGH testing for NFL players was delayed again this week when the candidate tasked with conducting a population study withdrew. What happens next?