SB Nation Arizona - Cardinals Easily Put Away Broncos To End Preseason 2-2https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2011-09-02T12:09:24-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/21632662011-09-02T12:09:24-07:002011-09-02T12:09:24-07:00Stewart Bradley Still Adjusting To 3-4 Defense, Goal To Be A Starter
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<p>Many <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> fans were surprised when linebacker <span>Stewart Bradley</span>, who recently signed a five-year deal as a free agent, was placed so far down the depth chart. Bradley was a starter in Philadelphia his past two seasons and is highly regarded for his talent.</p>↵<p>The reason he's not starting is pretty simple, he's not ready.</p>↵<p>"The learning curve for him has been difficult because of what we're asking him to do based on where he was before as a player," Coach Ken Whisenhunt said after Thursday's preseason game.</p>↵<p>Bradley has played his entire pro career with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> who play a 4-3 defense. Adjusting to the Cardinals 3-4 system is taking some time. Without the benefit of mini-camps and OTAs it's taken even longer.</p>↵<p>"The 3-4 to a 4-3 is just such a different mindset," Bradley said. "At first, the whole what you're seeing is so different. You have three down lineman and you have a nose (tackle) in there and he's kind of two-gapin'. It was an adjustment...As we role through here I'm feeling better and better about it."</p>↵<p>Bradley clearly has his eyes set on returning to a starters job but he was tactful about how he expressed that.</p>↵<p>"Obviously, I want to come in and be a starter. The goal of every player should be that. As I get more comfortable, hopefully, we'll see what happens."</p>↵<p>Bradley said he's happy with 3-4 scheme that places more emphasis on the linebackers and therefore is more fun for him to play. He came up with a big interception in the game Thursday against Denver demonstrating some of that freedom.</p>↵<p>He said he noticed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> had run some similar routes earlier in the game so he "sat over there" and was able to pick off the ball.</p>↵<p>Whisenhunt joked after the game about Bradley's cability to run with the rock after he snared it, but obviously, no one's going to complain if he continues to use his presence in the middle of the field to disrupt the other team's flow.</p>↵
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/9/2/2400861/stewart-bradley-arizona-cardinals-linebackerSeth Pollack2011-09-01T23:23:15-07:002011-09-01T23:23:15-07:00Arizona Cardinals Close 2011 NFL Preseason With Strong Playmakers, Excitement Builds
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<p>The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> were obviously pleased with their performance in the final game of the 2011 NFL preseason. The defense set the tone early by getting a couple "three and outs" and the offense moved the ball very well. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt gave credit to the offensive line for giving his quarterbacks time and he was very impressed with <span>Richard Bartel</span>.</p>
<p>"I think I liked to see Rich tonight do was stand in there and make the throws. He didn't seem rushed. He was very calm and it was good to get him those plays," Whisenhunt said.</p>
<p>He allowed that it was "fair to say" that Bartel is pushing <span>John Skelton</span> for the backup role. A lot will depend on how Skelton's ankle sprain is doing. He's said to be making progress but will be evaluated again next week.</p>
<p>"I think we have three good quarterbacks that we're really excited about," Whiz said.</p>
<p>Overall, the demanding head coach was pleased with how much progress the team made in training camp despite not having a full offseason, "We still got work to do but I can't compliment our players enough on how they worked and how they showed up on game days."</p>
<p>He's pleased with the attitude and effort on the team and is faced with several tough decisions when it comes time to cut the roster from its current 80 down to 53 by Saturday.</p>
<p>What's got Whisenhunt most excited, however, from the preseason is the plays he sees being made.</p>
<p>"We've got guys showing up all over the place making plays. That's what's exciting. That's probably the thing that was missing from our team last year was people making plays whether is starts with the quarterback or the offensive line or whether it was receivers showing up and making plays. That's exiting and it gives our players confidence."</p>
<p>The overall mode of the team is confidence and excitement. This group believes in itself and thinks they can have a very positive season. They are anxious to take the field on September 11 against the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a> and prove it.</p>
<p><b>Other Notes</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Chansi Stuckey</span> did well in the passing game but Whisenhunt said he didn't perform fully blocking in the run game. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="line-height: 9px;">Tight end Jim </span>Dray has a strain and there was no reason to put him back in. He will be evaluated tomorrow and hopefully it won't be bad.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Alfonso Smith</span> was available on an emergency basis but, "He worked hard to go but we didn't want to put him in a situation where he would hurt it again tonight."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">As for Duece Lutui, "This was a game where he had to show us something. It's been a battle the whole time. We know going in that he needed to lose weight in order to play like we thought he could play. It will be good to look at the tape and see where he is."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Whisenhunt continues to say good things about rookie DL <span>David Carter</span> who played numerous reps at the outside position instead of at tackle. The coaching staff wanted to push him to see what he can do. The most positions he can play the better value he has on game day. Whisenhunt says he's got a good future in front of him.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">During a long field goal attempt by Denver, there was some confusion on the sideline and the Cardinals ended up only have eight men on the field. The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> missed the kick. "It was tough but I'll let it slide this time," Whisenhunt said.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"I just want to make my case to contribute to this team any way possible. The decision-makers will make that decision. I'll just leave it at that," Rich Bartel said about his role. "This is the best opportunity I've ever had in my life."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"We are putting our players in position to make plays and that's what makes a great defense," <span>Hamza Abdullah</span> said about the defense.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Darnell Dockett</span> is excited about the defense as well, "As good as we want it to be. (Defensive coordinator Ray Horton) is one of the fairest guys I have ever been around...He's a player's guy and he's going to put us in situations to win and make plays. At the end of the day it's about us. He can call anything he wants but if we don't go out and execute and do it with effort and heart, it doesn't mean anything."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>Stewart Bradley</span> on his interception, "They ran some similar routes earlier in the game and I recognized it and sat over there. I'm happy he threw the ball to the same guy and I just tried to make a play."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Bradley is still adjusting to the 3-4 defense. He likes the system which gives more freedom to the linebackers but is still adjusting. His goal is start at some point in the season, but, he says, that should be every players goal.</span></li>
</ul>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/9/1/2399724/arizona-cardinals-close-2011-nfl-preseason-with-strong-playmakersSeth Pollack2011-09-01T21:57:41-07:002011-09-01T21:57:41-07:00Arizona Cardinals Dominate Denver Broncos To Close Preseason
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<p>If there's another word for what happened Thursday night in Glendale, AZ at the University of Phoenix Stadium other than "dominate" we don't know what it is. The Arizona Cardinals controlled every aspect of this game from the opening kick and beat the Denver Broncos 26-7 to close out the 2011 NFL preseason.</p>
<p>With Kevin Kolb only playing one quick series, it was backup QB Richard Bartel who moved the ball for 216 yards (12-16) and two touch downs in just under a half of work. On the game the Cardinals offense totaled 398 yards and 19 first downs.</p>
<p>Defensively, the Cardinals were even more impressive. They held the Broncos to just 106 total yards and forced two turnovers before a couple of late drives inflated the numbers. </p>
<p>"They did well," Coach Ken Whisenhunt said at half time. "Guys stepped up and made plays. It's a good things to see. It's been like that for us throughout preseason, and it's good to see some of our guys that haven't had a lot of reps in games do that. It's helping build a strong team going into the season."</p>
<p>It's difficult in a game like this to judge performances but it seemed the newly acquired cornerback Fred Bennett played well up until he got burned for a touchdown in single coverage last in the fourth quarter. Prior to that he broke up several passing plays. Rich Bartel went a long way to solidify the backup QB role over the injured John Skelton.</p>
<p>Chasni Stuckey (99 yards, 4 rec, 1 TD) and Stephen Williams (37 yards, 3 rec) caught the ball well. Backup to the backup's backup Williams Powell ran the ball the majority of the game with Alfonso Smith (hamstring) unable to go. Powell finished with 29 carries for 60 yards.</p>
<p>Arizona had just four penalties for the game including three on the offensive end. </p>
<p>The Cardinals suffered one injury of note in this game, a reported pectoral strain to tight end Jim Dray. The Broncos <a href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/9/1/2399538/arizona-cardinals-vs-denver-broncos-injuries-update-news-nfl/in/2163266" target="_blank">took a few more hits that could prove costly.</a></p>
<p>With the win, the Cardinals finish the preseason 2-2 although the first unit played very well in both losses which came against top tier NFL talent. It's only the preseason, but it's hard to consider these past four games anything but a success outside of the two season-ending injuries (Ryan Williams and Greg Toler) suffered by the team.</p>
<p><b>For more on the Cardinals, visit <a href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com" target="_blank">Revenge of the Birds</a>.</b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/9/1/2399611/arizona-cardinals-denver-broncos-preseason-nfl-scoresSeth Pollack2011-09-01T20:43:08-07:002011-09-01T20:43:08-07:00Arizona Cardinals Vs. Denver Broncos: Injuries Galore In First Half
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<p>The fourth NFL preseason game is a time to evaluate players on the fringe of making the roster and keeping your key guys healthy. In the first half of the Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos both sides took blows to that play with the visiting AFC team getting the worst of it.</p>
<p>Bronco's cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson went down early in the game with a reported Achilles tendon strain. He's listed on the depth charts as a second string player. Denver also lost wide receiver Britt Davis to a head injury after he was hit by Cardinals safety Hamza Abdullah while attempting a catch. Abdullah was whistled for a personal foul on the play. </p>
<p>ILB Nate Irving, listed as a third string player, went down in the second quarter after a teammate fell on him from behind. The injury was reported as a "chest injury" but he was down for some time and seemed disoriented after he finally stood.</p>
<p>For the Cardinals, running back Alfonso Smith's hamstring is apparently preventing him from getting a shot to show hit stuff. He's not been in the game at all. Wide receiver Sean Jeffcoat left the game with a shoulder injury and tight end Jim Dray went to the locker room with a reported pectoral strain. Dray was battling with Stephen Spach for a possible roster spot so this injury, depending on severity, could impact his future.</p>
<p>With the second half underway, both sides are hoping for a clean second half with no additional injuries.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/9/1/2399538/arizona-cardinals-vs-denver-broncos-injuries-update-news-nflSeth Pollack2011-09-01T20:33:00-07:002011-09-01T20:33:00-07:00Arizona Cardinals Vs. Denver Broncos Half Time Update: Cards Dominate, 20-0
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> got just three yards of offense from starting quarterback <span>Kevin Kolb</span> who's first and only series of the game lasted just four plays, including the punt. But in this fourth preseason game, the starters aren't the focus. This is all about the reserves and the backups to the reserves and those guys ran roughshod over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> to take a 20-0 half time lead.</p>
<p><span>Richard Bartel</span> led the Cardinals on multiple long drives and totaled an impressive 216 yards on 12-16 passing. He had two touchdowns and one interception. <span>Chansi Stuckey</span> was a prime target with four catches for 99 yards including a 48-yard TD catch. LaRod Stephens Howling scored the other TD with a short pass that he broke for a 19-yard score.</p>
<p><span>Jay Feely</span> added six more points with his foot.</p>
<p>Defensively, the Cardinals stuffed the Broncos to the tune of just 46 total yards and three first downs. The Cardinals recovered a fumble after a corner blitz by <span>Marshay Green</span> jarred the ball loose from <span>Brady Quinn</span>. <span>Stewart Bradley</span> recorded an interception near the end of the half as well.</p>
<p>The 20-0 Cardinals lead doesn't do the game justice. Denver simply has not shown up to play.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/9/1/2399512/arizona-cardinals-vs-denver-broncos-half-time-update-nfl-scoresSeth Pollack2011-09-01T18:16:23-07:002011-09-01T18:16:23-07:00Arizona Cardinals Vs. Denver Broncos Injury Updates: John Skelton And DeMarco Sampson Can't Go
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<p>The <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> and <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> are set to kick off their fourth and final game of the NFL preseason. Both teams have announced their "not expected to play" lists of injured or otherwise unavailable players.</p>
<p>For the Cardinals, backup quarterback <span>John Skelton</span> still hasn't recovered sufficiently from a high ankle sprain suffered in the second preseason game in Green Bay. He's been unable to play since which has opened the door for Rich Bartel to move up the depth chart and possibly start the season as the number two QB. Bartel and fourth string QB Brodie Croyle are expected to get the majority of reps in this game with Kolb playing just a few early series.</p>
<p>Rookie wide receiver <span>DeMarco Sampson</span> impressed in camp and in his first two preseason games but is once again unable to go due to a hamstring issue suffered in practice. Sampson probably won't be hurt by the injury as he's still considered likely to make the roster.</p>
<p>Safety Adrian Wilson (Bicep) and cornerback Mike Adams (knee) also won't play.</p>
<p>The Denver Broncos listed three defensive linemen as "not expected to play". Starter Brodrick Bunkey is out along with backup Marcus Thomas and deep depth guy <span>Ty Warren</span>. Starting linebacker D.J Williams is also out along with wide receiver <span>Demaryius Thomas</span> who is listed way down the depth chart.</p>
<p><b>For more Cardinals discussion, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com">Revenge of the Birds.</a></b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/9/1/2399238/arizona-cardinals-vs-denver-broncos-injury-updates-john-skelton-andSeth Pollack2011-09-01T14:17:00-07:002011-09-01T14:17:00-07:00NFL Roster Deadline: Predictions For Cardinals Final 53-Man Roster
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<p>The Arizona Cardinals will use their final preseason game to evaluate several players on the bubble of making the final cut down to the NFL mandated 53-man roster. The deadline is Saturday, September 3 but we expect the decisions to be made on Friday after the game against Denver.</p>
<p>We've identified two key battles to watch during Thursday's game. The final linebacker job could come down to Quan Sturdivant and Reggie Walker and the last cornerback job could be between Marshay Green and Fred Bennett. A couple of other guys to keep an eye on include WR Stephen Williams, OL Floyd Womack and the battle between FB Anthony Sherman and Reagan Maui'a although we think both will eventually make the team.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/8/31/2396037/2011-nfl-roster-cut-deadline-53-man-roster-arizona-cardinals">We've gone through each position group in detail</a>, now here's our final predictions for the Arizona Cardinals 2011 53-man roster. Obviously, the roster is a living thing and will change throughout the year but it's got to start somewhere and here's what we think it will look like.</p>
<p><b>Quarterback (Three)</b></p>
<p>This one's pretty simple. <span>Kevin Kolb</span>, <span>John Skelton</span> and Rich Bartel will make the roster. Skelton and Bartel could flip back and forth between the backup job but the ankle injury to Skelton will likely give Bartel the edge to start the season.</p>
<p><b>Running back (Three)</b></p>
<p><span>Beanie Wells</span> is obviously the main man in the backfield for the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a>. LaRod Stephens-Howling will make the team and <span>Alfonso Smith</span> should make the roster as well unless the team isn't pleased with his performance in Thursday's final preseason game and/or a better option for a backup become available.</p>
<p><b>Fullback (Two)</b></p>
<p>The battle between <span>Reagan Maui'a</span> and <span>Anthony Sherman</span> is too close to call. The team is more committed to running the ball this season and either of these guys is unlikely to clear waivers if cut. Look for both to make the roster.</p>
<p><b>Wide receiver (Six)</b></p>
<p><span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>, <span>Early Doucet</span>, <span>Andre Roberts</span> are locks. <span>DeMarco Sampson</span>, Stephen Williams and veteran <span>Chansi Stuckey</span> will likely get the last two spots. If the team decides to carry a fourth running back or an extra offensive lineman they could drop Williams and go with five wides. The strength and depth at tight end lets the Cardinals save a spot here but it could go either way.</p>
<p><b>Tight End (Four)</b></p>
<p>With Todd Heap, <span>Jeff King</span> and <span>Rob Housler</span> all but assured roster spots, the final decision will come down to <span>Jim Dray</span> and Stephen Spach. Dray is more versatile and therefore more likely to make the cut. It is possible that Spach makes the team as well in place of wide receiver Stephen Williams. It's unlikely, but possible.</p>
<p><b>Cornerback (Five)</b></p>
<p>The loss of <span>Greg Toler</span> has hurt the depth here and moved Al Jefferson, <span>Patrick Peterson</span> and <span>Richard Marshall</span> into the top spots. <span>Michael Adams</span> is reported to be returning from injury soon so he should make the team. The final spot should go to newly signed <span>Fred Bennett</span> but <span>Marshay Green</span> could possibly win the job as well. The battle between Green and Bennett could come down to the wire.</p>
<p><b>Safety (Five)</b></p>
<p>Veterans Adrian Wilson and <span>Kerry Rhodes</span> will have a lot of work keeping the young cornerbacks playing right. <span>Hamza Abdullah</span> and <span>Rashad Johnson</span> provide depth with <span>Matt Ware</span> making up the final spot. Ware's spot, however, is far from secure.</p>
<p><b>Defensive Line (Six)</b></p>
<p>The defensive line looks solid with <span>Darnell Dockett</span> and <span>Calais Campbell</span> providing talent and experience on the outside while <span>Dan Williams</span> and <span>David Carter</span> could share time at tackle. Behind those four, veterans Vonnie Holiday and <span>Nick Eason</span> provide solid depth.</p>
<p><b>Linebackers (Eight)</b></p>
<p>Linebacker is another strong position on the defense. <span>Joey Porter</span>, <span>Clark Haggans</span>, <span>Paris Lenon</span> and <span>Daryl Washington</span> should start with <span>Sam Acho</span>, <span>O'Brien Schofield</span> and <span>Stewart Bradley</span> all providing dynamic options off the bench. The final spot comes down to rookie <span>Quan Sturdivant</span> and three-year pro Reggie Walker. The is another battle that could come down to a final tough decision.</p>
<p><b>Offensive Line (Eight)</b></p>
<p>The starting five seems set with Levi Brown (LT), Daryn College (LG), <span>Lyle Sendlein</span> (C), <span>Rex Hadnot</span> (RG) and <span>Brandon Keith</span> (RT). Duece Lutui, <span>Jeremy Bridges</span> and <span>Ben Claxton</span> should fill out the position but it's very possible that <span>Floyd Womack</span> also makes the team and takes a spot from either a wide receiver or even one of the fullbacks.</p>
<p><b>Special Teams (Three)</b></p>
<p>Long snapper Mich Leach, kicker <span>Jay Feely</span> and punter <span>Ben Graham</span> round out the 53-man roster. No surprises here.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/9/1/2398698/2011-nfl-roster-deadline-predictions-arizona-cardinals-final-53-man-rosterSeth Pollack2011-09-01T08:20:48-07:002011-09-01T08:20:48-07:00Arizona Cardinals Vs. Denver Broncos NFL Preseason Finale: Not A Typical 4th Game
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<p>The Arizona Cardinals go into the final week of preseason with a slightly different agenda than most years. The Cardinals play the Denver Broncos at home on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.</p> <p>The NFL lockout has cast a long shadow over the entire preseason routine. Without the normal offseason workouts, teams like the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> who made significant changes to their rosters were well behind the power curve. With the final preseason game approaching, things are still not back to normal.</p>
<p>Coach Ken Whisenhunt said after practice on Tuesday that the he might play he starters longer than normal for a fourth preseason game to get more reps for guys who need live action time to get used to playing together. At the same time, injuries are always a concern and there's still a need to evaluate players on the roster bubble.</p>
<p>"I heard something (<a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> coach Bill) Belichick said the other day and I think it's exactly right and that's, 'more information.' We'll get more information about a lot of our guys. We've got a number of spots that players are competing for," Whisenhunt said.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Kolb</span> expects to play but said he has no idea how long he'll be in the game, "Of course, they don't ever tell us that much."</p>
<p>The roster is far from set with a variety of position battles left to play out. At fullback <span>Reagan Maui'a</span> and <span>Anthony Sherman</span> are fighting for what could only be one job (but might be two depending on how other things shake out). At wide receiver and linebacker rookies <span>DeMarco Sampson</span> and <span>Quan Sturdivant</span> and fighting for precious slots with more establish players.</p>
<p>The team has two solid tight ends, one impressive rookie, and two vets who both do some very nice things but will the Cardinals really use five roster spots on that position? Not likely. </p>
<p><b>Injury update</b></p>
<p>QB <span>John Skelton</span> (ankle), TE <span>Rob Housler</span> (groin), RB <span>Alfonso Smith</span> (hamstring) and WR DeMarco Sampson (hamstring) are all game time decisions. Whisenhunt would obviously like to see these young guy in the game but won't make a final decision until Thursday.</p>
<p>Whisenhunt said <span>Adrian Wilson</span> is making good progress and you would have to fight him to keep him off the field on opening day. It's still a decision that won't be made until closer to Week 1.</p>
<p>According to a <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/kentsomers/status/108608701732098048">report </a>from Arizona Republic's Kent Somer, Max Hall will need surgery on his shoulder and will be on the injured reserve and will be out for the year. </p>
<p><b>Quote and note dump</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"I've learned in the years past that sometimes when you watch too much film you over think some things when you get on the field. You want to find that right balance between being prepared and doing what you do best." - Kevin Kolb</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Kolb said that playing against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> were good tests. Both teams are very good and had been together for a long time. The results were encouraging.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Kolb is still looking for the offense to clean up mistakes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"Probably not as good as he would grade it, but it was a good tackle." - Whisenhunt on <span>Jay Feely</span>'s tackle in Saturday's game</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"<span>David Carter</span> is one of the young guys I'm excited about. He's earned the respect of his teammates and that's not always easy to do as a rookie. Just from his work ethic and how he tries to make sure he does it right and that goes a long way towards building the team the right way when you have young guys that are that contentious. He's been a nice surprise and I'm excited to see how he continues to grow in that position." - Ken Whisenhunt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"Yeah, it does. The first thing that goes on you when your dehydrated usually is your memory. You forget your routes and things like that. Honestly, it does condition you to be able to push through." - <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> on the value of practicing in the heat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"We knew what we had. We knew we had some players that could go out there and mix it up with anybody. I think the fans needed that more than anybody to let them know that we're going to be for real this year and we're going to come out here and try and win the NFC West and that's our goal first and foremost." - Fitzgerald on where the team is</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Fitz said he's a little heavy at 223 lbs and wants to drop another seven or eight pounds. He's always looking for a way to get better.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"We do have chemistry. We have a lot of guys hanging with each other trying to get that together." -- <span>Darnell Dockett</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"It'll start off slow. I don't expect us to go out on the first game and hit home runs and be miracles. But the progress that we're putting in and the work ethic." - Dockett on the early season</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"That's the biggest things with this year. We know we have an opportunity to win. Now, it's up to us to go out there and prove it. We've got all the tools, we've got all the weapons...we've got everything we need to win a ball game." -- Dockett</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>For more on the Cardinals roster situation, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2011/8/30/2392838/nfl-practice-squad-arizona-cardinals">Revenge of the Birds</a>.</b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2011/8/30/2393668/arizona-cardinals-vs-denver-broncos-nfl-preseason-finale-fourth-gameSeth Pollack