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Time for todays links, and again we have actual news to report! Some good stuff on the TEs today.
Also, Paul Goldschmidt owns Tim Lincecum.
Nothing Mundane For Housler
Second-year tight end embraces chance to step forward
'Results' sought by Arizona Cardinals TEs
Cardinals tight ends caught more than twice as many passes in 2011 (65) as they did in any of the previous four seasons, yet the season ended with the feeling that the position could have produced much more. Injuries played a part. Of the four tight ends, only Jeff King played in every game. Numerous blown opportunities included quarterbacks failing to complete relatively easy throws, or not ever seeing those open tight ends. The tight ends dropped a fair share, too.
Word From the Birds Blog | Splitting time for the quarterbacks
Guess the quarterback: 16-for-25, 247 yards, one touchdown. Cards win in overtime. It was Kevin Kolb, against Dallas, in the middle of the Cardinals’ rebound stretch last season. It easily could have been John Skelton. This isn’t to point out Kolb was better last season, or to downplay what Skelton accomplished. It is to point out, however, that once the defense found its groove, the Cardinals were winning in similar fashion when Kolb was QB — like they did against the Cowboys — as when Skelton was QB and the team was finding ways to win close games late. This isn’t intended to rile up the Skelton-versus-Kolb crowd. Actually, it’s the opposite. As noted a few places, Kevin Kolb took first team reps Wednesday. Skelton led the first team Tuesday.
Arizona Cardinals: Greg Toler's rehab on schedule
A couple of weeks ago, cornerback Greg Toler said he hoped coaches wouldn't hold him back too much when voluntary practices began. Toler is coming off ACL repair and estimated he was 85 percent. He wanted to do more than ran and cut in individual drills: he wanted to guard receivers. He's getting his wish -- sort of. Toler was impressive in the first week of OTAs last week and his work load increased just a little on Tuesday, the first day of the second week.
Arizona Cardinals, QB Kevin Kolb not worried about concussions
Quarterback Kevin Kolb told reporters Tuesday that he's not worried about suffering another concussion, even though he's had two over the last two seasons. Kolb said the concussions were "a freak deal." Coach Ken Whisenhunt said much the same thing. Kolb is wearing a different kind of helmet now, one that is designed to better protect the back of his head.
Arizona Cardinals sign Gino Crump, release Korey Lindsey
The Arizona Cardinals have signed rookie free agent wide receiver Gino Crump and have released cornerback Korey Lindsey.
Quentin Groves: Arizona is the right fit for me - ArizonaSports.com
Quentin Groves is fitting right in with his new teammates. "The guys have welcomed me with open arms," he said following OTAs Wednesday, just his second day on the field with the Cardinals.
Cardinals assistant Russ Grimm 'proud' of his son - ArizonaSports.com
Russ Grimm is a lot of things. Super Bowl champion. Hall of Famer. Cardinals assistant head coach. But most importantly, he's a father, a proud father. Grimm took a brief timeout from OTAs to travel back east to watch his son, Dylan, help Loyola University win it's first-ever NCAA men's lacrosse national championship.
Word From the Birds Blog | Cards sign receiver, cut Lindsey
The Cardinals made a roster move Tuesday, releasing cornerback Korey Lindsey (who had been acquired off waivers at the end of the preseason last year) to make room for undrafted rookie receiver Gino Crump, who played at the University of Arizona. Crump took part in the Buffalo Bills’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
Who's afraid of a quarterback competition? - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Pete Carroll and Ken Whisenhunt aren't into fake quarterback competitions this offseason. They want legitimate ones. And with nearly two months left til training camp, there's plenty of time to stage one without sacrificing preparation for the regular season. Both coaches are making their incumbent starters share repetitions during ongoing organized team activities. Both know a quarterback competition isn't very legitimate if one candidate is getting most or all of the reps.
Weighing in on Williams
Defensive lineman Dan Williams has fought to recover from a broken arm suffered last season and has gotten into better shape during the offseason. Coach Whisenhunt and Williams talk about his progress.
Zoom: Episode 7 Preview
Cardinals DL Nick Eason took up boxing in the offseason and has shed over 40lbs in the past few months.
Arizona Sports News:
Arizona Diamonbacks avoid sweep by San Francisco Giants
Paul Goldschmidt grinned sheepishly Wednesday afternoon when the topic of his semi-ownership of San Francisco Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum was broached. It's sort of Goldschmidt's default reaction to compliments. But Goldschmidt helped the Diamondbacks do more than just smile Wednesday night. He helped them breathe a sigh of relief. Behind another Goldschmidt home run off Lincecum, the Diamondbacks and Ian Kennedy escaped AT&T Park with a 4-1, sweep-avoiding victory. Goldschmidt's sixth-inning home run snapped a 1-1 tie, and Kennedy needed a career-high 122 pitches in working 7 2/3 innings
Phoenix Suns stay with No. 13 pick after NBA draft lottery
The Phoenix Suns didn't change positions in the NBA draft lottery, keeping the No. 13 pick in the June 28 draft. The Suns had a 2.2 percent chance to move from the 13th spot to one of the top three picks. The Suns had the second-best record of 14 non-playoff lottery participants. Vice President of Player Programs Mark West represented the team in New York. The Suns had a 96 percent chance to remain at No. 13. The New Orleans Hornets, recently sold by the NBA to Saints owner Tom Benson, won the NBA's draft lottery and the No. 1 pick overall.
NFL News:
Digging Deeper: What To Expect From Rookie QBs In 2012 - SBNation.com
Four quarterbacks were picked in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and all four could end up starting at some point this season. What are the expectations for all the first round quarterbacks heading into their rookie year?
Still On: 2013 Pro Bowl Will Be Played In Hawaii - SBNation.com
The Pro Bowl will live on. The league announced that the 2013 game will be played in Hawaii.
Carroll giving exonerated LB another look - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Rick Reilly's piece on the recently exonerated Brian Banks notes that the Seattle Seahawks plan to run Banks through a workout June 7. @seehawk80 and others had asked about the possibility, knowing Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had offered Banks a scholarship to USC years ago. That opportunity and many others disappeared for Banks when false testimony sent him to prison on a rape conviction.
Brian Banks Hoping For Shot At NFL After Conviction Is Overturned - SBNation.com
Brian Banks, falsely accused of rape, has been freed after 10 years. The former top high school prospect is getting a chance to work out with some NFL teams.
Vikings' Asher Allen Retires At Age 24 - SBNation.com
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen has decided to retire from the NFL after playing just three seasons. Head coach Leslie Frazier announced the news during OTAs on Wednesday.
Kordell Stewart Is Officially Off The Market - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Kordell Stewart was last in the NFL seven years ago as a backup for the Chicago Bears. I'm not sure if you knew that, or cared, but I came across the information while reading about Stewart's apparently "official" retirement from the NFL.
Mangold turns down trip to cheer on his sister during Jets’ camp | ProFootballTalk
Nick Mangold’s sister, Holley Mangold, is a weightlifter who will compete at the London Olympics this summer. Nick won’t be there to see her, but not because the Jets won’t let him leave during training camp.
Warren Sapp will remain on NFL Network | ProFootballTalk
Despite reports that he was on the outs, Warren Sapp will remain on NFL Network.
Jim Harbaugh says 49ers never pursued Peyton Manning | ProFootballTalk
Those with longish memories might recall that there was a period back in March when the 49ers were part of the hunt for Peyton Manning’s services.
(Liar)
Jerry Jones: I decide when the windows close in Dallas | ProFootballTalk
There’s been a lot of talk in Dallas this offseason about how much longer this core group of players and coaches will be competitive. Owner Jerry Jones has said the team needs to win this year because there may not be many more opportunities, but quarterback Tony Romo has said the window isn’t closing.