You could tell that the players were energized during this morning's walk-through in anticipation of tonight's practice at Lumberjack Stadium. Although the Cardinals had their annual Red and White practice last Saturday, July 28, tonight's practice is expected to have more of a game-like atmosphere.
The Cardinals have been at training camp for a week and a half now, and with only four days remaining until their first preseason game, they are more than ready to take the field and get after one another. This will be the second opportunity for the younger players to impress their coaches and show them how far they have come since camp began. Production in practice is one thing, but showing that you can produce during a game is another. For the older, more experienced players, it just gives them another opportunity to hone their skills in preparation for the upcoming game. Moving the practice to a different location and different time will allow Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt see how players can adapt to the disruption of their normal routine.
After the morning walk-through, tight end Todd Heap said that the night practice will be a nice change of pace. He also noted that "It's been getting a little chippy out there," on the practice field. He says that for him, training camp has been going well. On the defensive side of things, linebacker Sam Acho said that he is excited, and "looking forward to playing under the lights."
Kevin Kolb went through the morning walkthrough with the first team offense, and is scheduled to play tonight.
Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton emphasized that even though it was only a walk-through this morning, he expected there to be no mistakes. He later told the defense that he would not be able to call certain defensive schemes if the players were unable to execute.
Tonight's practice, which is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m., will be a good gauge to see if there has been any progress on the offensive side of the ball since the Red and White scrimmage last Saturday. As usual, the defense is ahead of the offense at this time during training camp, but with a game against the New Orleans Saints just around the corner, there's no time like the present to get the offense going.