Fitzgerald Begging Arizona To Sign Braylon Edwards

"Adam Schein of Fox Sports and Sirius NFL Radio reports that Larry Fitzgerald and Kerry Rhodes have gone to management of the Cardinals to lobby for the team to sign Edwards (ESPN)."

In a lot of ways it makes sense. The Cardinals have brought in Kolb and they might as well give him as many options as possible. That being said, I like Early Doucet and would like to see what he can do as a #2 WR. Edwards is good and they should grab him if the money is right, but I have a feeling he is going to want to get paid like he is a #1 WR and he just drops too many balls for him to get that kind of money.

Then again, the Cardinals are trying to lock Fitzgerald up long term and might want to do anything just to make him happy.

Eagles Fans Cross Your Fingers

There are wild rumors circling today that the Eagles may have a deal in place trading Kolb to the Cardinals once the lockout is over. This has obviously been going on for awhile now, but there have been a fire of rumors since these tweets were made...

Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated reported Thursday that "the name I'm hearing will surprise you." On Friday, Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett added fuel to that fire with a tweet of his own:

"They say we 'Cardinals' gonna get kevin KOLB & we are trading a secret player for him! Hmmm I wonder who? I think I know, but I 100% don't (ESPN)?"

Who could this player be. Well most rumors seem to suggest there are three options that make sense Patrick Peterson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Daryl Washington. Any of these guys would be a steal. I think Peterson was the best player to come out of the draft this year, Rodgers-Cromartie would give them another solid corner across from Asante Samuel. Even Daryl Washington would give them an LB, which the Eagles have needed for sometime now.

So, Eagles fans out there....pray this is true.

Cardinals About To Sign QB?

"In a press conference Thursday night, Arizona Cardinals general manager Rod Graves was asked specifically about the rumor that the team had an "understanding" with impending free agent Marc Bulger. Graves passed the mic to head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who grinned before saying, "I don't know anything about that," according to Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic (ESPN)."

They aren't allowed to have a deal yet, but it certainly seems like Bulger is going to be the QB of the Cardinals. Bulger was good for a couple of years in St. Louis, then got banged around a lot and fell apart. Maybe if the Cardinals can protect him, he can turn it all around. I mean Bulger has some great WRs to work with, so it could happen. If I was them I would feel a lot better going after someone like McNabb or Kolb, because Bulger is already 34, and it's been awhile since he has been "good". Still, it's an upgrade over anything they have, so I guess it makes sense.

With The 5th pick In The NFL Draft The Arizona Cardinals Select....

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Best player on board. I liked him better than everybody else in the draft. Even though it's not a need position, he is still the best player available. I think he will be a shut down corner and make things a lot easier for the rest of the defense. Awesome pick.

With The 5th Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Arizona Cardinals Select.....

DP's Pick:
Von Miller OLB Texas A&M

With Arizona's 3-4 scheme and Joey Porter not coming back Von Miller can be an immediate impact rusher immediately. He has progressed maybe more than any other player in college football in one year. He his extremely athletic, fast and has a huge motor. He will be able to slide right in at Arizona.

BMack's Pick:
Von Miller OLB Texas A&M

I hate agreeing with DP, but of all the picks in the draft I feel most confident in this pick. If Von Miller (who might be the best player in the draft) falls this far the Cardinals have to pick him. Arizona's OLB are aging or nonexistent, and this is by far the best LB in the draft. He can rush of the edge, which is huge with a team playing a 3-4 defense. This guy could be the next Clay Matthews, and I really expect big things from him.

Leinart To Be Cut?

We talked last week that Derek Anderson may have taken over the #1 QB spot for the Cardinals. Now there are rumors that the Cardinals may cut Leinart. According to these rumors the Cardinals locker room has 0 faith in Leinart, and that he is not a positive influence for the other young QBs (Max Hall and John Skelton) on the roster.

I am really kind of shocked about this. Leinart hasn't been amazing this preseason, but he is completing over 80% of his passes. He has much more upside then Anderson, but I guess when you have guys like Fitzgerald you want a guy who can throw deep, and Leinart hasn't proven he can do that on a consistent basis.

As for all the locker room stuff, I don't really know what to say. I know he was a slacker a couple years ago, but I would be surprised if he still is. If he is fooling around again then it is probably time to let him go, because is he isn't taking it seriously now with Warner gone, then he probably never will.

My prediction is that he is still the week 1 starter though.

Leinart Already Losing Starting Job

We all know it is a make or break year for Matt Leinart, and most people seem to think he will fail. I have always stuck up for him, but he might not even make it to the season opener. Leinart was 4 for 6 for 28 yards against the Titans on Monday, and he led his team to a trio of three-and-out possessions.

I know his number aren't good, but he was playing without Larry Fitzgerald, and from what I saw from Derek Anderson I wasn't overly impressed with him either. In my eyes they have to give Leinart the ball to start the season. They need to build up his confidence, and I think they should name him soon, so there is no question. If he falters during the season then they can go to Anderson, but I'm telling you right now Anderson is a fraud, and although Leinart might be too I still think he has way more upside.

Larry Fitzgerald Has Sprained MCL

An MRI showed Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald sprained the MCL in his right knee in Arizona's 19-16 loss to Houston on Saturday night, according to multiple media reports.ESPN

This injury could be detrimental to the Cardinals if it goes into the season. After getting rid of Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals cannot afford to lose another WR, especially since they are putting all of their trust in first year starter Matt Lienart. Lienart finally is given the ball after the veteran Kurt Warner retired, but will have to do without number 1 WR in the league Larry Fitzgerald out of the picture for at least the rest of the preseason.

These are the exact reasons why I hate preseason and am going to hate the NFL for expanding the season for 2 more extra games. By expanding the season not only does it put records in jeapordy of being broken, but it more importantly puts players more prone to injury. If I was a player and heard the rumors, I would be beyond mad or at least start demanding guaranteed contracts.

2010 NFL Preview: NFC West

So we have finished all the NFC West teams. This is how we see the final standings for this division...

1. 49ers: 9-7
2. Cardinals: 8-8
3. Rams: 5-12
4. Seahawks: 4-12

2010 NFL Preview: Arizona Cardinals

2009 Record: 10-6

KEY ADDITIONS:
Derek Anderson, QB, Cleveland
Alan Faneca, G, N.Y. Jets
Jay Feely, K, N.Y. Jets
Rex Hadnot, G, Cleveland
Paris Lenon, LB, St. Louis
Joey Porter, OLB, Miami
Kerry Rhodes, S, N.Y. Jets

KEY LOSSES:
Bertrand Berry, OLB, Retired
Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore
Karlos Dansby, OLB, Miami
Mike Gandy, LT, Free agent
Bryant McFadden, CB, Pittsburgh
Chike Okeafor, OLB, Free agent
Neil Rackers, K, Houston
Antrel Rolle, S, N.Y. Giants
Kurt Warner, QB, Retired

Offense:

So it has finally happen, Matt Leinart is the starting QB. Lots of people don't believe in him, and he hasn't really given them a lot of reason to. Obviously the Cardinals don't trust him (acquired Derek Anderson in the offseason), but I'm still behind him. Losing Boldin sure won't help him, but I expect Steve Breaston to make huge strides this year, and Beanie Wells could be a Pro Bowler this year if he can build on his 793 yards and seven touchdowns he had last season. Also, the offensive line should be improved with the addition of 9 time Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca.

Defense:

Dan Williams was a nice additon through the draft (especially at pick 26). He should be a force in the middle and help this undersized line. The problem is their linebackers suck. Karlos Dansby (their leading tackler) is gone, and all they got to replace him was the aging Joey Porter. Their secondary should be good with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Kerry Rhodes, and Adrian Wilson, but their weakness could be the deep ball. Wilson wil help with tackling for the LBs, but he isn't the best in coverage.

Overall:

After losing Warner and Boldin the Cardinals have to take a step back, but I don't think it will be as bad as a lot of other people think. They will miss the playoffs, but not by much.

2010 Record: 8-8

Anquan Boldin To Be Traded

We have been hearing these rumors for 2 years now, but there is a buzz going around the NFL that the Boldin trade will happen this offseason.

The asking price?

Only a 2nd round pick. The reason a trade hasn't been done yet is because the biggest offer they have got is for a 3rd rounder. Boldin is totally worth a 2nd round pick. You have to wonder if the Patriots will have their hand in this, since they have 3 2nd round picks. I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see Boldin or Marshall in a Patriots uniform next year.

Still, there are a lot of other teams that should have interest like the Bears, Lions, Panthers, Ravens, Chiefs, ect.

Breaking News: Kurt Warner Retires

I hate Kurt Warner I really do, but I am going to give him his day. He has announced his retirement, and I really think that is a great idea, because he has had some concussions, and if he stuck around there is no question in my mind that he would have got seriously hurt.

Now that his career is over the questions is whether or not he is a Hall of Famer. In my eyes there is no question. They guy is a first ballot Hall of Famer. He has 2 MVPs, a Super Bowl ring, and the stats to back up his career.

So, congratulations Warner you had a hell of a career, but you're still a fag.

Anquan Boldin Rumors Heating Up

There have been rumors about a Boldin trade since last offseason. He has come out and stated that he will not demand a trade this offseason, but from the reports I have been reading the Cardinals are shopping him anyways.

All the teams you would suspect are being rumored (Bucs, Chiefs, Dolphins, Jags, Lions, Panthers and Ravens). All of them make sense, but now there is a rumor that the Patriots might be interested.

Last offseason the Cardinals were offered a 3rd round pick from a couple of teams for Boldin, but they turned it down. A lot of "insiders" seem to think that Arizona is now more willing to listen to offers that may be a little lower then his actual value (probably a 2nd round pick). My guessing is that these rumors are started because of how many picks the Patriots have in the upcoming draft (and the year after).

Am I for it?

Kind of, but not really. Obviously Boldin is sick, and it would make the Patriots passing attack once again ridiculous, but I am all for changing this team's identity back to the hard nose defense first kind of team. I would rather the Patriots spend the money to fix the defense (especially on players that can get the to QB), also I think it is way more important to have a strong running game to go along with Brady/Moss.

Anyways, it is just a rumor started most likely by writers. I can see the logic, but I just think there will be some team out there that would be willing to trade a first round pick for this guy.


In other news: Tom Brady will not need offseason surgery.

Breakdowns Of Today's Games

Saints vs Arizona
Everyone is talking offense on this one. The Saint and Cardinals both have extremely potent offenses, but have weird defenses. The Saints defense has been good verse the pass, but awful against the run. Luckily for them, Arizona is a pass happy team. New Orleans has lost their last three games (basically resting their players) and everyone is up in arms about their lack of a meaningful game in the past month. However, I don't think it will matter at all. All year, their secondary has been banged up including Tracy Porter, Jabari Greer and Darren Sharper. With time to rest, it will help the Saints out more than hurting them. What will hurt them is loss of Charles Grant their great defensive end, with their rush defense being terrible already this loss could mean a lot.

As for Arizona, they have a potent pass offense, but their rushing tandem of Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells is pathetic. Sure they have "potential" but that only takes you so far. So the game will be on the shoulders of everyones new "golden boy" Kurt Warner. I hate to admit it, but he is good, and should probably be in the Hall of Fame. But with Anquan Bolden being out that leaves Steve Breaston as the counterpart to Larry Fitzgerald. We all know he is a good replacement, but with the speed in the Saints secondary, the Bolden loss could be fatal. Their defense also seems to pep up around playoff time as well. Last week, the flood gates opened and they were passed all over, I see the same thing happening again.

The Saints and Drew Brees is too good to be shut down, and with the lack of pressure Arizona gets this could be a long game for the Cardinals. The Saints defense is what it is, but it comes up real big when needed. They have had several big plays on defense especially from Darren Sharper and Jonathan Vilma. That will be the game right their in my eyes, and I see the Saints making a big plat on defense and the Cardinals not.

Saints 42-28

Ravens vs Indy

Like New Orleans, the Colts stopped caring during the season once they clinched a bye and home field throughout. This won't hurt them either, but will hurt them is the Ravens rushing offense. The Ravens blueprint is easy to figure out (running the ball, controlling the clock, playing stout defense), but stopping them is another thing. ray rice has been playing out of his mind, and Willis mcgahee has spurts of greatness. However, i see this game as a shootout and that doesn't bode well for the Ravens. Flacco isn't ready to win a game in a crucial situation and when Baltimore is down 14 points, they will struggle.

Indy 35- 21

Raise Your Hand If You're Playing

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin says he feels much better and is optimistic about his chances of playing in Saturday's divisional playoff game at New Orleans. ESPN

This game is going to be wild. With Boldin back I expect nothing but 40 yard completions all game. The secondaries for New Orleans and Arizona should just pack it up and go home. I am guaranteeing that both Warner and Drew brees have over 400 yards through the air. And on that note, Kurt Warner should be a hall of famer even though I hate to admit it.

Anquan Boldin Injury Update

"After the Cardinals showed some optimism with Anquan Boldin's ankle injury on Monday, the news wasn't as good on Tuesday. ESPN reports that the Cardinals are no longer optimistic that Boldin can play in the team's Wild Card Game vs. the Packers following MRI results Monday evening. Those results aren't known, but Boldin was spotted walking with a crutch on Monday (CBSSports)."

This would be a big loss for the Cardinals. It will be interesting to see what teams shows up for them in the playoffs. At times this season they look like the best team in the NFL, but then at other times they look like they shouldn't even be in the playoff picture. If I was a Cardinals' fan I wouldn't be overly worried, because this is exactly how they played last year, but I would be worried about this injury...

Larry Fitzgerald To Play?

Yesterday there were rumors that Fitzgerald would not be able to play this week, but he is back at practice, and says he will play...

"Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald went through a limited practice on Wednesday and says he expects to play Sunday at Detroit. Fitzgerald bruised a bone and sprained his right knee when San Francisco's Dashon Goldson landed on his leg in the third quarter of the Cardinals' loss to the 49ers on Monday night. An MRI on Tuesday determined the injury was not as serious as Fitzgerald first feared it might be. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt is reserving judgment until later in the week (ESPN)."

Looks like Fitzgerald owners who are lucky enough to still be playing will luck out this week. If Fitzgerald is already practicing then I don't see him sitting. He won't be 100%, but he is going against the Bengals, and Fitzgerald at 75% is better then most other WR options...

Larry Fitzgerald Injury Update

"All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has a bone contusion and a sprained right knee, leaving his status uncertain for the Cardinals' game Sunday at Detroit. The Cardinals said an MRI on Tuesday determined the extent of the injury but showed no more significant damage. "The knee is stable," the Cardinals said in a statement, adding that Fitzgerald would "be evaluated as the week progresses." Fitzgerald said on Twitter on Monday night that he was "sore but OK." Asked again on Tuesday, he answered he was "sore but straight (CBSSports)."

If you are in the fantasy playoffs I think you are going to have to bench this guy. I know Fitzgerald has been tweeting that he will play this week, but the Cardinals need to be smart here and notice they are playing the Lions and can win without him. What is important is that he gets healthy for the playoffs. The Cardinals are one of the hardest teams to read in the NFL. Some weeks they are unstoppable (like against the Vikings), and then other games they just fall on their faces. Then again, last year they were just like this and they made it to the Super Bowl...

NFC West Preview

The Cardinals were just inches from a Super Bowl Championship. And that's sad. They're better than average, and in this division that's pretty good. So they'll win the West, but won't win much more.

ARIZONA CARDINALS
Prediction: 9-7, Division Winners
Arizona's offense is pretty star-studded. 50 year old QB Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald is finally getting recognized for his greatness, Anquan Boldin's no slouch, and they drafted Beanie Wells. Not so stacked on defense. They didn't do much to improve a unit that allowed 40+ points in three games. That will be their undoing. They'll be eliminated in the first round.



SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Prediction: 7-9
Frank Gore rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, and they're going to ride him until he gets hurt. Shaun Hill threw 13 TDs and 8 INTs last year. Alex Smith also sucks. Their defense is actually good, which kept most of their games close last year and should do the same again. They might just even pull out a game or two against Arizona and win the division.



SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Prediction: 5-11
Seattle added Edgerrin James and TJ Houshmandzadeh to their offense. But James is past his prime, and Hasselbeck is strictly mediocre without a strong running game to support him. Their games should have a lot of offense, for both sides, so they'll be moderately entertaining to watch. Unless, of course, you're a Seahawks fan.



ST. LOUIS RAMS
Prediction: 4-12
Steven Jackson rushed for 1,042 yards in only 12 games last year. But the Rams offense elsewhere was simply dreadful. Bulger's QB Rating the last two seasons: 70.3, and 71.4. The defense isn't awful, but it's not capable of winning games for them. And the offense simply cannot come from behind, so the defense has to stop EVERY drive, even from scoring field goals.



-The Commodore

Karlos Dansby Franchised Again

"Karlos Dansby will be the Arizona Cardinals' franchise player for the second straight season. The linebacker failed to reach a long-term agreement with the team by Wednesday's deadline, meaning he will keep the franchise tag for the coming season (Sportsline)."

Dansby is taking this the right way. He sees that Suggs just cashed in big time, so he knows if he can keep up his play he will likely get a similar contract. Dansby will make $9.7 million next season, so he really can't complain. He also seems to really like Arizona, so I expect that they will come to some kind of deal by the start of next season. If not, making $9.7 million a year is not bad...