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Arizona Cardinals News

NFL expands Thursday schedule
February 4
New York Post
 
"Are you ready for a lot more prime-time football? NFL commissioner Roger Goodell used his annual Super Bowl news conference yesterday to reveal the league is dramatically expanding the Thursday night package on its own network starting this fall. In what appeared to be a way to up the pressure in its long-running dispute with Time Warner Cable and Cablevision over New York-area carriage of the NFL Network, the league said that channel will now show Thursday games from Week 2 through Week 15. The NFL Network previously broadcast Thursday games the final eight weeks of the season, but Goodell said the expansion resulted from a desire to guarantee every team in the league at least one"
Rumors surface about Peyton Manning, Larry Fitzgerald dinner date
February 3
Arizona Republic
 
"The rumors of Peyton Manning perhaps playing for the Cardinals picked up speed here on Thursday with a report that Manning and receiver Larry Fitzgerald have a dinner date planned in the next few days. The Terre Haute Tribune Star reported the planned meeting. Fitzgerald later denied it but not until after he played coy during an appearance on KGME-AM (910). "I don't even have Peyton's phone number," Fitzgerald said. Pressed for a definitive answer later in the interview, Fitzgerald denied a meeting was scheduled. He repeated that denial to The Republic in a text message. In related news, ESPN reported that Manning had been medically cleared to play football after missing the entire 2011"
Super Bowl XLVI offers valuable lessons for Arizona, the Cardinals
February 3
Arizona Republic
 columnist Dan Bickley
"Incredulity is in the air. Nap Town is alive and thriving. The urban Super Bowl is a huge success, where everything is in walking distance, and everyone feels the electricity. These are high times for Hoosiers, who may be the luckiest sports fans in history. And there are lessons to be learned for Arizona, the Cardinals and our own Super Bowl host committee. First, imagine being a Colts fan, treated to 13 wonderful years of Peyton Manning. Following one awful season, they are about to hitch their wagon to a worthy successor, Andrew Luck. That could mean nearly three decades of elite quarterback play, at a time when Miami is still trying to replace Dan Marino, when the Broncos are still"
Goodell: If NFL expands, it'll add two more teams
February 3
CBSSports.com
 
"It's no secret the NFL wants to expand to Los Angeles. And while so much of the attention has been focused on which franchise would relocate to L.A. -- whether it's the Chargers, Vikings, Jaguars or Rams -- we haven't discussed much the possibility of the NFL expanding. Apparently, that's an option. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday on Costas Live on the NBC Sports Network that if the league places a team in L.A., the NFL probably would add two more franchises to make it an even 34. Goodell said the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams" and "we probably don't want to go to 33" if the NFL decides expansion is a good choice."
John McNulty likely to stay with Arizona Cardinals
February 2
Arizona Republic
 
"It appears certain that receivers coach John McNulty will stay with the Cardinals rather than become Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator. The Cardinals denied Bucs' permission to talk to McNulty, who is friends with new coach Greg Schiano. Word is the Bucs appealed to Cardinals upper management but were still denied. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has not commented about the decision, but word is this was his call. It's a common practice in the NFL to deny permission, even if it means preventing a position coach from taking a promotion to a coordinator. The Cardinals, for instance, have been denied permission on several occasions, including last year when they wanted to interview Steelers' linebackers"
Kurt Warner defends Peyton Manning scrutiny
February 2
Arizona Republic
 
"As an analyst for the NFL Network, former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner refers to the media as "we." And he defended all of the attention being paid this week in Super Bowl XVLI to Peyton Manning. Manning's continuing neck problem might lead the Colts to release him, and there is considerable speculation about where, or if, Manning will play again. "I'm telling people, as the media, we're trying to spend 12 hours a day talking about the Super Bowl," Warner said. "We can't come up with enough things to talk about, so definitely Peyton, being in his town, with all the questions, is going to be a huge part of it." If Manning is healthy enough to play and signs with another team, Warner"
Ex-Cardinals star Roy Green can relate to New England Patriots two-way player Julian Edelman's role
February 2
Arizona Republic
 
"The New England Patriots have learned to expect the unexpected from coach Bill Belichick, so receiver Julian Edelman wasn't taken aback at midseason when Belichick told him simply, "You're in defensive meetings today." Just like that, Edelman became, if not a triple threat, at least a triple contributor. He plays a little receiver, some nickel cornerback and a lot on special teams. "You are not going to say no to an opportunity," Edelman said, "so I went with it." It's not an easy thing to do in today's game, which has been made complicated by throngs of coaches spending many hours scheming in small rooms. Spread formations with multiple receivers are in vogue. "You're at the elite of the"
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle playing a vital role
February 1
Arizona Republic
 
"Giants safety Antrel Rolle refers to his mother as the "angel on my shoulder." A few days ago, the angel figuratively placed her hands on her son's mouth, advising him to show wisdom when opening it. "She just told me just to be careful, that you don't want to be labeled as a cancer," Rolle said Tuesday at Super Bowl XLVI Media Day. "She says, 'It's not who you are, but it's who you are portrayed ... to be.'" Oddly, many of the Giants think they made it to this Super Bowl because Rolle chose to run his mouth. After a discouraging loss to the Redskins in December, Rolle implied that teammates needed to play through injuries, and that everyone needed to work hard in practice every day."
Bucs still working to pry McNulty from Cardinals
January 31
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Bucs coach Greg Schiano was a dealt a tough blow when the Arizona Cardinals declined the team's request to interview Cardinals receivers coach John McNulty for the position of offensive coordinator. McNulty served on Schiano's staff at Rutgers from 2004-08 and was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach during his last three seasons with the Scarlet Knights. Considering the investment the Bucs have in quarterback Josh Freeman, offensive coordinator is arguably the most critical hire on Schiano's staff. It's believed that Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt made the call on prohibiting McNulty from interviewing with the Bucs."
Peyton Manning to the Cardinals? Don't get your hopes up
January 30
Arizona Republic
 columnist Dan Bickley
"Hear the one about Peyton Manning joining the Cardinals? It's hard to picture, as much as we'd love to watch. Assuming he becomes available, courting the future Hall of Fame quarterback will require breathtaking entrepreneurial spirit. Serious pursuit will be fraught with risk. It will require a ton of guaranteed money going out the door with no guarantees that Manning will last another season in the NFL. Sorry, that just doesn't sound like the Cardinals. This franchise hasn't changed that much. I welcome them to prove me wrong."
Cardinals deny Bucs' request to speak with McNulty
January 30
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Arizona Cardinals have denied the Tampa Bay Buccaneers permission to speak with receivers coach John McNulty about the Bucs' offensive coordinator position, according to the Arizona Republic. McNulty, who has spent the last three seasons with Arizona, is still under contract and must receive permission from the team regarding any possible moves within the league. According to the Tucson Citizen, McNulty may appeal the decision. McNulty worked under new Bucs coach Greg Schiano for five seasons at Rutgers."
Cardinals deny Buccaneers permission to speak to receivers coach John McNulty
January 29
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals denied the Tampa Bay Buccaneers permission to interview receivers coach John McNulty for the offensive coordinator's job under new coach Greg Schiano, according to NFL sources. It would be a promotion for McNulty, who has spent the past three seasons with the Cardinals. McNulty is under contract with the Cardinals, so their permission is needed to interview for all NFL coaching jobs, other than a head coach. That rule makes it difficult for a new coach to hire a staff. It also complicates things for the team denying permission, because it's stopping a coach from making a significant career move. Whisenhunt and the Cardinals have been on the other end of this situation, too."
Beanie Wells begins rehab on knee
January 28
Arizona Republic
 
"Running back Beanie Wells is back in the Valley after undergoing athroscopic surgery earlier this week on his right knee. Wells described the surgery "as just a scope" and a simple clean-up. He said the surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, Fla., went as expected."
Cardinals still searching for new quarterbacks coach
January 26
Arizona Republic
 
"Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt continues to go through the process of filling the only vacancy on his coaching staff, but he declined this week to reveal details, including the names of any candidates. Whisenhunt reportedly talked this week with former Chiefs coach Todd Haley while in Mobile, Ala., for Senior Bowl practices. But the meeting could have been nothing more than old friends getting together. NFL sources said it remains unlikely that Haley will re-join the Cardinals, where he was offensive coordinator in 2007-08. Whisenhunt interviewed veteran NFL receivers coach Jerry Sullivan last week, but Sullivan has since joined the Jaguars staff. Whisenhunt also was expected to interview"
Arizona Cardinals again connected to QB Peyton Manning
January 24
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals again were connected to Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. This time, it was ESPN's Adam Schefter, who reported the Cardinals are among the teams expected to show interest if the Colts release Manning. Charlie Casserly of CBS said the same thing a few weeks ago. I have no doubt the Cardinals would be interested in Manning, as would numerous other teams. But former Cardinals guard Alan Faneca said it best this morning via twitter: "Alert to all reporters: the entire NFL, minus the obvious few, will go after Peyton if the Colts dump him." Many things have to happen before Manning could wind up in a Cardinals uniform. Here are a few: No. 1 -- Manning has to be healthy enough to"
Todd Haley's return to Arizona Cardinals looks doubtful
January 20
Arizona Republic
 
"Todd Haley wants to return to Arizona to work for the Cardinals. The Cardinals are interested in bringing him back. But it's becoming more likely every day that Haley's next job will be elsewhere. Talks between the two sides have been amicable, as far as I know, but coming to agreement on a position that meets the Cardinals' needs and matches Haley's career goals has been elusive. It's become clear that coach Ken Whisenhunt doesn't want to make a major shake-up on his offensive staff. He believes in coordinator Mike Miller, who is not going to be demoted. The only open position, then, is the quarterbacks job, and Haley would fit perfectly into that role. But Haley is a former coordinator"
Cardinals need to add Todd Haley to coaching staff
January 20
Arizona Republic
 columnist Dan Bickley
"The Cardinals have a vacancy on their staff. Todd Haley is unemployed and wants to return to Arizona. The silence is striking. What are they waiting for? The 49ers are one victory away from reaching the Super Bowl. The Rams landed Jeff Fisher as their new coach. The NFC West is morphing from farce to powerhouse, with no punch-drunk opponent left inside the division. This is no time to be worrying about egos, bruised feelings and job titles. And yet there is an impasse between Haley and the Cardinals, parties that should be collaborating to avenge that Super Bowl loss in 2008. Maybe you can't go home again. But once upon a time, Haley and coach Ken Whisenhunt had a symbiotic relationship."
Arizona Cardinals assistant coaches on board for future
January 18
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals have re-signed all of their assistant coaches whose contracts were set to expire this year, including that of assistant head coach/offensive line coach Russ Grimm. Also agreeing to contract extensions were assistants Kevin Spencer (special teams), Freddie Kitchens (tight ends), Ron Aiken (defensive line) and Tommie Robinson (running backs). Specific terms were not released. All but Robinson, who just completed his second season with the team, will be entering their sixth season with the Cardinals this year."
Cardinals' Grimm stays in Ariz. over pursuing other options
January 17
NFL.com
 
"Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm will be staying with the Cardinals, a league source said Tuesday. Grimm's contract was expired, and league sources said last week that a number of other teams were interested in his services."
Hall of Fame finalist Aeneas Williams a quiet, steady success
January 17
Arizona Republic
 
"Aeneas Williams and his wife, Tracy, weren't waiting breathlessly by the television earlier this month when this year's finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame were announced. But they heard the good news quickly anyway. They were in a restaurant in the St. Louis area, interviewing someone for a position in their church. "A number of people started walking up to the table and telling me congratulations," Williams said. "I leaned over to my wife and, along with the person we were with, took a moment to give thanks. It was really a quiet moment.""
Goodell: NFL to consider some full-time officials
January 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aiming to ensure NFL rules are enforced the same way from game to game, the league will consider making about 10 officials full-time employees next season. As of now, all game officials are part-time employees. Responding to a question about consistency in officiating while speaking to a group of about 75 fans before Sunday's playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the proposal would bring a group of officials to the league offices in New York to help review game films and evaluate the calls. They then would be spread out among the crews at games."
Possible Arizona Cardinals coaching target Todd Haley expected to interview with NY Jets
January 12
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals aren't the only team interested in hiring former Chiefs coach Todd Haley. Haley was expected to arrive in New York on Wednesday evening and meet with Jets officials Thursday. The Cardinals also are interested in talking to Haley about a position on the offensive staff."
Arizona Cardinals have yet to offer a job to Todd Haley
January 11
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals have not offered a job to former Chiefs coach Todd Haley, according to NFL sources, but they remain interested in speaking with him. Changes in the team's offensive staff, however, have started. Quarterbacks coach Chris Miller was fired after three seasons. He had a year left on his contract. "Evaluating where we are, we felt a change at this time was warranted," coach Ken Whisenhunt said Monday evening. Whisenhunt declined to answer questions about changes on his staff, including how he would replace Miller."
Arizona Cardinals have yet to offer a job to Todd Haley
January 10
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals have not offered a job to former Chiefs coach Todd Haley, according to NFL sources, but they remain interested in speaking with him. Changes in the team's offensive staff, however, have started. Quarterbacks coach Chris Miller was fired after three seasons. He had a year left on his contract. "Evaluating where we are, we felt a change at this time was warranted," coach Ken Whisenhunt said Monday evening. Whisenhunt declined to answer questions about changes on his staff, including how he would replace Miller."
Cardinals' Ray Horton happy with interview with Rams
January 8
Arizona Republic
 
"Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton had never interviewed for an NFL head coaching position before Friday. But there isn't anything he would change about the five-hour meeting he had with Rams officials. "I think things went excellent," Horton said. "When it was over they called my agent and said they were blown away by him and he couldn't have been any better." Horton's interview came a day after the Rams interviewed former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who has also met with the Dolphins. "I'm not naive enough to believe Jeff Fisher isn't the No. 1 guy," Horton said. "But I think they had to do their due diligence." The Rams are interested in a second interview, Horton said, which"
Cardinals' Ray Horton happy with interview with Rams
January 8
Arizona Republic
 
"Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton had never interviewed for an NFL head coaching position before Friday. But there isn't anything he would change about the five-hour meeting he had with Rams officials. "I think things went excellent," Horton said. "When it was over they called my agent and said they were blown away by him and he couldn't have been any better." Horton's interview came a day after the Rams interviewed former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who has also met with the Dolphins."
Evaluating Arizona Cardinals' potential reunion with Todd Haley
January 7
Arizona Republic
 
"It's not a surprise the Cardinals plan to talk to Todd Haley about returning to run the offense. The Cardinals were at their offensive peak in 2008 when they went to the Super Bowl with Haley calling plays and coordinating the offense. It turned out to be Haley's last year with the team. He was hired by the Chiefs in February 2009. But it wasn't just Haley the Cardinals lost. Kurt Warner retired after the 2009 season, and most of the Cardinals offensive woes since can be traced to the failure to adequately replace Warner. It's natural, and too convenient, to look back and say the Cardinals' offensive success in 2008 was due solely to one man. Some want to give all the credit to Warner. The"
Horton is second to talk with Rams
January 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The St. Louis Rams confirmed that they are interviewing Arizona defensive coordinator Ray Horton today for their head-coaching vacancy. Horton, 51, is a native of Tacoma, Wash., who had a 10-year career as a cornerback in the NFL with Cincinnati (1979-82) and Dallas ('89-92). His pro coaching career includes stints with Washington, Cincinnati, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Until this season, he had spent his entire NFL coaching career coaching defensive backs. In Arizona, the Cardinals' defense started slowly this season but showed marked improvement over the final 10 games and finished tied for 18th in total defense. With his background in Pittsburgh, where he was an assistant from 2004-10,"
Cardinals coaches analyze, evaluate season
January 6
Arizona Republic
 
"It doesn't take hours of video analysis to determine, in general, the Cardinals' weaknesses in 2011. The NFL keeps statistics and ranks teams on such things. And judging by sold-out crowds and television ratings, many viewed the flaws live and/or in HD. On offense, the Cardinals were poor at converting on third down, scoring points and avoiding turnovers. They were inconsistent in both running and passing. On defense, they didn't force enough turnovers, yielded far too many big plays and didn't perform well at the goal line. But general impressions are not what coaches are seeking when reviewing video from the 8-8 season. They wanted specifics. Why, exactly, were they so bad on third down?"
Sources: Cardinals expected to talk with Todd Haley
January 6
Arizona Republic
 
"Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is expected to talk to former Chiefs coach Todd Haley about a position on the Cardinals coaching staff, according to NFL sources. Haley, the Cardinals offensive coordinator from 2007 through 2009, was fired by the Chiefs in December when the Chiefs had a 5-8 record. Haley was 19-27 as a head coach and his Chiefs team won the AFC West title in 2010. Haley and Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt have been friends for years, and Haley was offensive coordinator in 2008 and 2009 when the Cardinals won consecutive NFC West titles. It's unknown what title Haley would have should he return to the Cardinals, but he likely would be placed in charge of the offense again. The"
Cardinals set for off-season trials by fire under training of John Lott
January 5
Arizona Republic
 
"Patrick Peterson was laughing it up with teammates Monday as he and the rest of the Cardinals began cleaning out their lockers before heading into the off-season. In the middle of all the fun, Peterson was asked what he will expect when he returns to the team's Tempe training facility in a month or so and starts working out again under the supervision of Cardinals strength and conditioning coach John Lott. The look on Peterson's face was priceless. His jaw dropped. His smile disappeared. His eyes grew as big as saucers. "Oh, man," Peterson said, looking like he just witnessed a nasty car accident. "It's going to be intense. And we all know it's coming, too.""
Arizona Cardinals' Kevin Kolb ready to defend his turf
January 4
Arizona Republic
 
"Two things are certain about the 2012 Cardinals: They will stage a riveting quarterback competition in Flagstaff. And when they leave training camp, they'll have one of the best backups in the business. AdTech Ad Assuming Kevin Kolb is still working in Arizona. "You're never certain of anything in this world," he said before leaving for West Texas. "But I am very confident they're going to keep me around.""
Arizona Cardinals confident after strong finish to 2011-12 season
January 3
Arizona Republic
 
"Players signed helmets, jerseys and other paraphernalia for each other, sometimes at their own expense. Rookie Patrick Peterson asked defensive lineman Darnell Dockett for a game jersey, which Dockett would have to purchase. "You want a jersey and I have to buy the (expletive)?" Dockett yelled, teasingly. The mood was upbeat for a team that finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for a second consecutive year. But winning seven of the last nine left the Cardinals feeling good about themselves and eager for next season, after an ample rest of course."
Arizona Cardinals face $63 million question with quarterback Kevin Kolb
January 3
Arizona Republic
 
"When the Cardinals report to training camp next fall, will coach Ken Whisenhunt put the starting-quarterback position up for grabs between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton? Kolb signed a five-year, $63million contract with Arizona upon being acquired from Philadelphia for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick. But injuries and ineffectiveness left him 2-6 in his eight full games as a starter this season. Skelton, meanwhile, went 6-2 when he started or played most of the game."
Cardinals sit Beanie Wells vs. Seahawks
January 2
Arizona Republic
 
"Cardinals running back Beanie Wells didn't know he was being held out of their game against the Seattle Seahawks game until Sunday, and he was not happy. "I was pissed," Wells said. Wells has played with a right-knee injury since Week 6. Coach Ken Whisenhunt made the decision to sit Wells based on how he practiced this week and "where we were in the season." "Beanie was mad at me because Beanie wanted to play. He's been a warrior all year, playing on one leg, and I just thought, at this point, it was in his best interest not to play. You're torn, because you always have the opportunity for a big play with Beanie in there." LaRod Stephens-Howling replaced Wells and made his first start of"
Cardinals display lots of character, take momentum into next season
January 2
Arizona Republic
 columnist Dan Bickley
"For a non-playoff team, the Cardinals are armed and dangerous. They are among a minority of teams that will finish the season with a victory. Their 8-8 record speaks of resiliency, not mediocrity. They won seven of their last nine games, defying a six-game losing streak that would've fractured most teams. Statistics are their ally, and a good friend to have entering the long off-season. "We wanted to win our first game of 2012," rookie Patrick Peterson said. "And we did that." Yet the beauty of Sunday's 23-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks can't be found in the numbers. It was in the way both teams played the game. You could see it in the personal fouls, the late hits and the"
Larry Fitzgerald sets example in win vs. Seahawks
January 2
Arizona Republic
 
"He's parachuted out of airplanes, and he's bungee jumped off bridges. He's dived with sharks, and he's walked alone and unarmed through dangerous lion and cheetah habitats. "Don't tell me. I don't want to know," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said after his team's 23-20 overtime victory Sunday. "I wish he wouldn't do that stuff." As long as star receiver Larry Fitzgerald keeps living up to his exploits on the football field, like he did once again in helping beat the visiting Seattle Seahawks, Whisenhunt will just have to continue to grin and bear it. After all, how do you tell the Most Interesting Man in the World "no?" Fitzgerald might have saved his best performance of the season for"
Cardinals defeat Seattle Seahawks in overtime to end season 8-8
January 2
Arizona Republic
 
"Officially, it was the Cardinals who beat the Seattle Seahawks in overtime Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium. The final score, however, might as well have been Larry Fitzgerald 23, Seahawks 20. The Cardinal receiver put his teammates on his shoulders -- they were careful not to mess up the hair -- and willed them to their fourth overtime victory this season, an NFL record. Oh, others played a part. Cornerback Patrick Peterson blocked a field goal. Defensive back Richard Marshall intercepted a pass. The defense stuffed the Seahawks on the first possession of overtime. But it was Fitzgerald who took over the game in the second half. He caught just one pass for 1 yard in the first half,"
Similarities abound between Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks
January 1
Arizona Republic
 
"About the only thing that separates the Cardinals from the Seahawks these days is that one of them practiced in sunny, 70-degree weather to prepare for Sunday's season finale. Both are not only 7-8, they took similar paths to get there. Both teams were 2-6 at the halfway point of the season. Both pulled themselves up to ground level and took a peek at the playoffs before losing last week. Both have defenses featuring young, dynamic players and offenses that are works in progress, often minus the progress part."
Cardinals' 2012 schedule, draft position becoming clearer
December 31
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals' 2012 schedule looks like this: Home: Bears, Lions, Bills, Dolphins, 49ers, Rams, Seahawks and an NFC East team. The NFC East team will be determined by final division standings. The Cardinals will finish second or third, depending on the outcome of Sunday's game against Seattle. The possible NFC East teams are the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles."
Cardinals current defense 'light years ahead' of early-season version
December 31
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals' defensive game plan against the Seahawks in Week 3 was rudimentary compared with the schemes coordinator Ray Horton is calling more than three months later. "We played almost nothing in that game; I didn't think we could," Horton said. "And now we have, I'd say probably 90 percent of our stuff in and it's available and called. "On my call sheet, there is only one play I'm not going to call, definitely, and the rest is available. So we are light years ahead." The Cardinals played well defensively in the 13-10 loss to Seattle, but the Seahawks offense was dealing with numerous injuries at the time. The Seahawks gained just 261 total yards and scored one touchdown. But the"
Beanie Wells perseveres through 2011
December 30
Arizona Republic
 
"Beanie Wells appreciates the good things that came in this football season. The Cardinals running back has missed only one game and rushed for 1,000 yards for the first time in his three-year career. But Wells will look back at the 2011 season with frustration, too. An injury to his right knee suffered against the Steelers in Week 6 diminished his strength and explosiveness. Wells persevered, helping to dispel the notion that he's soft, but he can't help but think about what could have been. "I missed a few runs and had I been a little bit healthier, I would have been out there full time," Wells said. "But one day, I tell you one day, I'm going to be healthy and I'm going to unleash hell"
After a terrible start, Cardinals can leave us smiling
December 30
Arizona Republic
 columnist Dan Bickley
"Final impressions matter in football. Unlike the college team in town, the Cardinals will try not to leave a mess. Start with Ken Whisenhunt, who can end his winless streak against Seattle's Pete Carroll. From the head coach's perspective, there is a huge difference between 8-8 and 7-9. One set of numbers represents a stunning success. The other is just another losing record. John Skelton will likely have one more chance to play a complete game, shedding a growing stigma and setting up a legitimate quarterback competition heading into the offseason. Early Doucet can atone for his strange trip in Cincinnati, the one that prompted a curious Twitter rebuke from Larry Fitzgerald's father."
Patrick Peterson on verge of NFL history
December 29
Arizona Republic
 
"Patrick Peterson has plenty of incentive to recover from a sore Achilles' tendon to play in the final game of the season on Sunday. He would set a NFL record with a fifth punt return for a touchdown. And he needs 21 punt return yards to pass Louis Lipps (656 yards) for an NFL rookie record. Peterson's chances of doing both received a boost when Fox assigned Sam Rosen to do the play-by-play for the game. Peterson returned punts for touchdowns in all four Cardinals games Rosen has worked this season. Peterson didn't practice on Wednesday after suffering a left Achilles' injury last Saturday in Cincinnati. An MRI revealed no tears or rupture, but the injury could keep Peterson out of Sunday's"
Concussion symptoms likely to sideline Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb
December 29
Arizona Republic
 
"It appears Kevin Kolb's first season in Arizona ended three weeks ago, although no one knew it at the time. Kolb continues to suffer symptoms as a result of the concussion he suffered against the 49ers on Dec. 11. Kolb hasn't played since, and tests Tuesday revealed he remained "a little slow with some reaction stuff and some processing stuff from my baseline that I'd had earlier in the year," he said. The problems are "nothing serious," Kolb said, "but it's something I can't play with." Kolb practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, and it appears he will miss his third consecutive game and seventh of the season Sunday against the Seahawks. This is the second concussion Kolb has suffered in"
Cardinals bad start may doom some players
December 28
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals' 1-6 start prompted suggestions from the masses about which players should be toe-tagged (contractually speaking) at season's end. The 6-2 record since has quieted the torch-and-pitchfork crowd. But with the off-season just five days away, let's take a look at some names that have come up over the past few months and how realistic it is that we might have seen the last of them in a Cardinals uniform. Quarterback Kevin Kolb: He's not going anywhere. The Cardinals traded away too much (cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, second-round pick in 2012) and committed to a five-year contract worth as much as $63 million. Kolb has missed six starts and most of a seventh game this"
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, KR Patrick Peterson, S Adrian Wilson named NFC Pro Bowlers
December 28
Arizona Republic
 
"If Cardinals cornerback and punt returner Patrick Peterson needs any help finding his way around the Pro Bowl festivities in January, he'll have at least two veteran tour guides. A rookie, Peterson was selected to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner. Strong safety Adrian Wilson and receiver Larry Fitzgerald were chosen as starters. Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was chosen as an alternate. Peterson, the fifth overall pick in the draft, tied an NFL record by returning four punts for touchdowns. By late in the season, opponents would tease him in warm-ups to take it easy on them. "I get that all the time," he said. "They always say, don't do it on us, slow it down a little bit.'" Peterson"
Larry Fitzgerald's dad slams Arizona Cardinals' Early Doucet
December 27
Arizona Republic
 
"Larry Fitzgerald, Sr., a veteran writer and radio personality from Minneapolis, took aim at Arizona Cardinals receiver Early Doucet this morning via twitter. @FitzBeatSr tweeted: Early Doucet bombed this year he drops to many passes not a dependable No.2.Needs to work harder at his job.He dropped 5 TDs this year. Let's looks at that. Doucet is not the team's No. 2 receiver, Andre Roberts is. But Doucet has more receptions (53) for more yards (784) and more touchdowns (5) than Roberts. All are career highs. And he plays on special teams. Doucet has six drops this year, according to STATS. That's tied for 15th most in the NFL. Now, the definition of drop can vary. For instance, I'm not sure"
Patrick Peterson doesn't need surgery
December 27
Arizona Republic
 
"Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback Patrick Peterson underwent an MRI exam on his injured left Achilles' tendon Monday and it revealed no tears, which means no surgery is necessary. The exam showed inflammation and tendinitis, but Peterson will undergo treatment this week and hopes to play against the Seahawks. Peterson suffered the injury after making an interception against the Bengals that was nullified by a Cardinals penalty."