9/6 Arizona Cardinals news: Mathieu punt returns, Fitz ready for Rams

Cardinals:

Mathieu on alert for punt returns - NFC West Blog - ESPN
It's a blessing to have two phenomenal playmakers able to be return men in Peterson and Mathieu.

The Roles Of The Secondary
With 10 defensive backs available, Bowles will have options when game-planning.

Relaxed Larry Fitzgerald Prepped For Rams
Notebook: Dockett knows importance of defensive line; Arians aids Fitz's Pitt journey.

Cardinals Blogs | OK — Honey Badger sticking around
Despite Tyrann Mathieu's desire to drop his nickname, seems he's come full circle hearing fans use it.

ESPN analyst: Arizona Cardinals will compete for a playoff spot ArizonaSports.com
While I personally am keeping my expectations low, even national pundits are claiming the Cardinals can make the playoffs.

The 'standard is the standard' despite shuffling along Arizona Cardinals' offensive line ArizonaSports.com
Despite the injury to Cooper the team is expecting the same level of play from Fanaika.

Arizona Cardinals-St. Louis Rams Week 1 Injury Report ArizonaSports.com
A look at the injury reports for both teams.

Dumpster Dan is a fulcrum ArizonaSports.com
Dan Williams has struggled with injuries over the past seasons, but now he's feeling healthy and is prepared to be a cog in stopping the run.

Arizona Cardinals coach nearly cut player on field, in front of entire team ArizonaSports.com
A strong anecdote showing the resolve of Bruce Arians this offseason.

Franz's 2013 NFL Power Poll: Week 1 ArizonaSports.com
Because you can never look at too many power rankings. They are just so accurate.

Rob Housler misses practice again - NFC West Blog - ESPN
While there is still hope for Housler to play against the Rams, the chances continue to shrink.

Edge rush still concerns Cards - NFC West Blog - ESPN
It's not just fans focusing on the Rams ability to pass rush.

'Captain' Dockett motivated for 10th NFL season - Yahoo! Sports
If he didn't have enough motivation following a poor season, Dockett is now being expected to lead the team.

Roster Analysis: St. Louis Rams - Yahoo! Sports
Know your enemy.

Roster Analysis: Arizona Cardinals - Yahoo! Sports
But know your home team more.

NFL:

Ravens vs. Broncos 2013 final score: Peyton Manning breaks records in Broncos' victory, 49-27 - SBNation.com
The Denver Broncos took advantage of a Baltimore collapse, sprinting to a 49-27 victory.

2013 Advanced NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: 49ers, Seahawks and Broncos top the rankings at start of regular season - SBNation.com
The 2013 NFL regular season is upon us! On this, the greatest day of the year, we go around and see what the perception is of all 32 NFL teams.

Breaking Madden: Meet CLARENCE BEEFTANK, the Jaguars' five-foot, 400-pound quarterback - SBNation.com
The Jacksonville Jaguars' tenuous quarterback situation is about to enter its second miserable year. Let's fire up Madden 25 and replace Blaine Gabbert with 400 pounds of lightning-quick, tackle-breaking muscle, and see whether he can lead the Jags t

It's not a symposium: What Marc Trestman can do about the Bears' offensive woes - SBNation.com
To be a Bears fan is to know nothing about a successful, modern NFL offense. New coach Marc Trestman is being counted on to change that.

Bears coaches claim team no longer fake injuries - SBNation.com
The Chicago Bears will no longer fake injuries under their new coaching staff.

Tom Brady addresses Johnny Manziel controversy, sort of - SBNation.com
Tom Brady used the word "turd" while answering a meandering question about Johnny Manziel's "showboating." He did not call Johnny Manziel a "turd," technically.

The leap: Which NFL players will make a leap in year two? - SBNation.com
The SB Nation NFL preview is out and you can read it here. But wait. There's more! SB Nation's NFL bloggers identified a player on their team who is poised to take a leap in year two. Read on for the results.

Eagles' Riley Cooper, Cary Williams involved in fight at practice - SBNation.com
Cary Williams reportedly threw punches at Riley Cooper during Thursday morning's Eagles practice session at the NovaCare Complex.

Sunday Sunday Sunday: Packers, 49ers set for playoff rematch - SBNation.com
The last time these two teams met, in the Divisional round of the playoffs last season, the Packers were left dumbfounded by Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers speedy new offense. Did Dom Capers learn anything about the read option in the offseason?

NFL Watchability Index, Week 1: Which games are worth your valuable viewing time? - SBNation.com
Our long national nightmare is over. Football is finally back, and we're here to take you through every game of the first week to determine which ones are worth watching.

Ravens sign John Harbaugh to multi-year extension - SBNation.com
The Ravens have signed John Harbaugh to a contract extension that will make him one of the highest paid coaches in the NFL.

NFL rules state read-option QBs can be hit 'like runners' - SBNation.com
In a video released to media Thursday, NFL Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino explained that read-option quarterbacks could be hit like runners even when they don't have the ball.

NFL Week 1 injury report: Giants and Seahawks could miss critical players - SBNation.com
The New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks could miss critical players in this weekend's opening games.

Anthony Spencer injury: Cowboys DE could miss Week 1 after setback - SBNation.com
Anthony Spencer has suffered a setback in his recovery from knee surgery, putting his Week 1 status in doubt.

NFL news roundup: Eagles fight in practice; Mark Sanchez isn't going anywhere - SBNation.com
The league kicks off tonight, but off-field issues filled the headlines on Thursday.