The Cardinals Report

Vote Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald for ESPY's

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:53:08 +0000

Just a reminder for everyone... The Arizona Cardinals do have a couple players up for ESPY awards this year. That's something that obviously doesn't happen often so make sure you get out there and vote for Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald in their categories. There's also a category for game of the year. The unfortunate Super Bowl game between the Steelers and Cardinals is part of that category. I don't know if I want the Super Bowl to win or lose the ESPY for game of the year because in one sense it the Cardinals were involved in that game and in another it was a heartbreaking loss and the Steelers get to accept that award. So do as you please with that one. Just make sure you vote for Kurt and Larry!

Click here for link to the 2009 ESPY voting

P.S. On the subject of voting, everyone should vote for Mark Reynolds to make the last spot on the National League All-Star team. The guy is second in the majors in home runs with 24, he has 62 RBI's and 14 stolen bases. It's not even close he should have been a starter quite frankly. So click here to vote for Mark.

Calvin Pace Failed Drug Test Not His Fault?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:51:42 +0000

I've always been a guy that thinks steroids and other performance enhancing drugs used in football haven't fully come to the surface yet. I don't have any hard evidence but I think the drug testing in the NFL is a little bit lax. I'm not saying it's like what baseball was in the late 90's but I think there are more football players than we realize using performance enhancing drugs. I've heard different rumors and stories about how players figure out ways around being caught, so it makes me suspicious of a lot of guys in the NFL.

With that being said... Former Arizona Cardinal Calvin Pace who was recently hit with a four game suspension for violating the leagues drug policy said he didn't know the substance he used was illegal. As fans we're only left speculating whether the player is telling the truth or not. I think we as fans are often being ignorant when we believe a player didn't know the supplement he was taking was illegal. The teams trainers extensively go over what substances are banned and what are good to take. So it would take a real brain lapse or great amount of irresponsibility to not know what you were taking.

But in some cases I wonder if these players are telling the truth? I recently put up a blog post and video on former Arizona Cardinal Obafemi Ayanbadejo who was released by the team in 2006 when the Cardinals became aware of a possible suspension due to a failed drug test. As explained in this interview with Obafemi's attorney, Ayanbadejo didn't know there was any illegal substances in the supplement he was taking because the company did not properly label its product. Because of this the company was sued by Ayanbadejo and his attorney. The former Cardinal fullback took the victory on the case because the company realized it did indeed mislabel its product.

Maybe some of these players are telling the truth. Maybe Manny Ramirez really didn't know it was wrong to take womens fertility drugs (I doubt it). I'd explain why I don't buy his excuse but I don't have time because I have to get back to work, but I digress. I'm not saying what happened to Ayanbadejo is what happened with Calvin Pace but you never know. But I do know that most of these players have a good idea of what they're putting in their bodies. So they have to be held accountable for when they break the rules.

Former Cardinal Ayanbadejo Banned Substance Lawsuit (Video)

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:21:08 +0000

ALR Industries, which manufactures sports supplements, recently settled a lawsuit former Arizona Cardinals player Obafemi Ayanbadejo brought against the company. Ayanbadejo claimed ALR did not properly label a supplement called Max LMG which resulted in his failed test.

I was reminded in this interview that the reason Obafemi was released by the Cardinals was due to this failed drug test, not because Arizona thought he lacked the talent as a player. Ayanbadejo brought up the lawsuit saying this company was the reason for him being cut and the reason why he no longer has a career in the NFL.

The Legal Broadcast Network took a few moments to talk with Ayanbadejo's attorney Jim P. Miller about the lawsuit.

Patrick Suspended After Testing Positive for Banned Substince

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:25:56 +0000

photo from azcardinals.com

Arizona Cardinals tight end Ben Patrick was suspended 4 games for taking a banned substince. The substince Patrick tested positive for was Adderall. While I don't know much about Adderall, I do know that it's often used to stay focused and awake for long periods of time. I'm not exactly sure why Adderall is on the banned substince list for NFL players or what benefits it has to a football player, but I do know it's a prescribed drug. Ha, sorry for not being an expert on drugs or pharmaceuticals.

Patrick said he took the pill so he could stay awake for a long drive home. Honestly, I believe him because I can't think of any other reason to use the drug. I don't believe he had a subscription so I'm sure that's where the 4 game suspension came from.

This is tough news for the tight end to take especially after he showed so much growth at the end of last season including a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Ben was injured most of 2008 but when healthy he has proved to be a very nice pass catching tight end.

Fortunately for the Cardinals they did sign Dominque Byrd this offseason and do have a couple capable back up tight ends. This isn't devastating news but it doesn't help considering tight end might be the weakest position on the Cardinals roster.

Anywho, at least Patrick didn't test positive for steroids right? That would've put a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe it was a little careless of Ben to take this pill knowing it's banned but at the same time it seems like a bad break to me.

Leinart Working on an MMA Career?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:40:25 +0000

Football hasn't been working out as well as Matt Leinart hoped it would. But it's okay, Matt looks to be preparing for a career in mixed martial arts. Well maybe that's a bit of a stretch but he has been working out this offseason with sports commentator and former MMA fighter Jay Glazer.

This is the kind of video Cardinals fans like to see. The video itself may not make Leinart a better quarterback but it does show that he is taking his offseason a little more serious than past years. I think we all remember the beer pong and hot tub pictures. In the same way a video of Matt training in MMA doesn't make him a better quarterback, a few pictures of him in a hot tub with girls doesn't make him any worse. I'm sure Joe Namath had more than a few hot tub moments during his offseasons. I believe Ryan Leaf did some boxing training as well and look where that got him. My point is Leinart training in MMA may or may not make him a better quarterback, either way it's nice to see that he cares and is putting in the effort to improve.

Wilson Gets New Deal With Cardinals

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:40:27 +0000

The Arizona Cardinals and Adrian Wilson have agreed to a $39 million deal, with $18.5 million guaranteed.

The deal is a 4 year extension, added to his one year from his previous deal. So if I do my math correctly that's almost $8 million a year. Probably about right for a Pro Bowl safety.

Here's what Adrian Wilson had to say about the new contract...

"I can't put into words exactly how I feel right now," Wilson said. "Every time I step on the field at the new stadium I look at all the names, the Ring of Honor and all that, and always say that one day I want my number up there, I want my number up there beside Aeneas [Williams], I want my number up there next to Pat [Tillman]."

This deal is nothing but good news for the Cardinals and their fans. Wilson, currently longest tenured Cardinal is the perfect package of power and speed for an NFL safety. Ever since Aeneas Williams departure in 2001 Wilson has been the anchor of the Cardinals secondary. It looks like he'll continue to be the back bone of the Cardinals D for at least another few years.

This is big for the Cardinals front office. The Wilson extension knocks one blue chip player off the Cardinals list. Now they have to find a way to get Karlos Dansby, Anquan Boldin, and first round pick Beanie Wells signed with new deals. My guess is Karlos Dansby is the next to get his deal. Dansby is currently franchise tagged which only makes it harder to work on the other players deals. So hopefully we see a deal done with Dansby fairly soon.

Boldin to Sign With Leinart's Agent

Sun, 31 May 2009 22:34:40 +0000

photo from azcardinals.com

Rumor has it that Anquan Boldin is going to be signing on with agent Tom Condon. Some of Condon's current clients are Matt Leinart, Chad Pennington, Eli Manning, and Peyton Manning. Now I don't know much about Condon but I do know he isn't going to be spending the majority of his time making his own client look like greedy complainers. So that right there makes him an upgrade over Boldin's previous agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Here's a rundown on some of the agents the Arizona Cardinals players have representing them.

I don't know how much a new agent will change the Cardinals game plan regarding Anquan's contract. I don't think the situation can get much worse than it was. Boldin is still under contract and that's that. He either has to play or continue to sit out. My guess is Anquan will be playing and playing as hard as he always does. Hopefully he will be playing this season with a nice new contract.

Boldin Contract Situation Progressing

Thu, 28 May 2009 10:14:22 +0000

File photos

It's been 2 days since Anquan Boldin fired his agent Drew Rosenhaus and I've been nothing but smiles because of it. There hasn't been much to not smile about lately with the Cardinals but if there was anything leaving a sour taste in my mouth it was this contract situation with Boldin. Now I know just because Drew Rosenhaus is gone it doesn't mean Anquan will sign his deal and all will be good in Cardinal land. But this is definitely a step in the right direction.

I'm glad Anquan finally decided that ruining his reputation so his agent can get more money was not a great idea. Boldin has gained my respect even more than he already has but making this decision. It was really sad to see Cardinals fans angry with Anquan and I think he was hurt seeing the people in Arizona frustrated with him. Boldin probably just got sick of seeing his face on ESPN portrayed in a negative light. Not only was he looked at as the bad guy in the situation he wasn't getting a new deal done. Boldin realized this and decided enough is enough. So good for him.

People in the Cardinals organization are speculating that Anquan will show up to camp sometimes this week. That would be another great sign that Boldin's spirits are rising. Hopefully the Cardinals will reward Anquan soon by giving him the contract he deserves.

Keep an eye out for a new Voice of the Cardinals podcast on this situation and other Arizona Cardinals news.

Boldin and Cardinals Getting Closer to a Deal

Sat, 23 May 2009 22:09:51 +0000

photo from azcardinals.com

The news with the Anquan Boldin situation is getting better for Arizona Cardinals fans. Boldin's agent Drew Rosenhaus has been focusing less on spreading trade rumors and more on getting a contract done with the Cardinals.

"We can work out a deal with the Cardinals and we have put forth an offer to them," Rosenhaus told Steve Wyche of NFL.com.

Rosenhaus also said he's looking for a deal that's just under $10 million a year.

"Not the highest paid, but it's consistent with the top guys," Rosenhaus said.

I would think Arizona would be willing to give Anquan a deal that is somewhere around $8 million a year. Anything around $10 million a year would be a bit much.

Michael Bidwill said "We've worked hard at getting Anquan Boldin extended and we'll continue to do those things."

Boldin is currently staying away from team functions right now but that is part of the process. Boldin will be playing with the Cardinals this year. The only question is will he be playing as a happy man with a big contract, or a frustrated man wishing he was on another team? Either way I expect Boldin to be on the team and giving it his all like he always does.

As for Darnell Dockett who is also sitting out of minicamp does not look like he'll be getting a new deal this offseason.

"In terms of Darnell, we don't have any plans there," Bidwill said.

Dockett, another Rosenhaus client is under contract through the 2011 season. He signed a 5 year $22 million contract just a couple of seasons ago.

The Cardinals will spend most of their time on getting deals done with Karlos Dansby who is franchise taged and saftey Adrian Wilson.

I like the way Arizona is handling this situation. It's hard to understand and see all the small details for us fans but I do know that Boldin is an extremly valuable players to this team and keeping him around is crucial if they want to get back to the Super Bowl.

Cardinals Sign Tight End Dominique Byrd

Wed, 06 May 2009 17:53:07 +0000

The Arizona Cardinals have signed former St.Louis Rams tight end Dominique Byrd. The former 3rd round pick was an outstanding college tight end for the USC Trojans during the Matt Leinart days. But as soon as he got to the NFL legal troubles loomed over him.

Some of Byrd's past issues include falling asleep in team meetings, missing team charters to the game, being arrested for a DUI, and being arrested in a bar fight for hitting someone with a glass. Dominique missed the entire 2008 season but is now back and ready to redeem himself.

"It does make you appreciate it more, when the game you love is, I don't want to say taken away from me because I made mistakes, but it was just a maturing period," Byrd said after his workout. "I really love the game.

"The hardest part was making sure I was working out every day. I have had to work and pray at keeping focused, knowing another opportunity would come up and I would need to be ready for it. That's all I am trying to let the Cardinals know, let the rest of the league know, the mistakes I made were just that."

Byrd has had just 6 receptions and one touchdown since coming into the league. But his talent level is as high as anyone's. If Byrd could get his head on straight he could be a very valuable player for the tight end depleted Cardinals. But for right now that's a very big if. I'm all for second chances and I'm all for the Cardinals picking up a tight end.

The Cardinals didn't have a receiving touchdown all season until Ben Patrick scored one in the Super Bowl. There was literally no production from the tight end position so I figure why not take the chance.Good pick up Cardinals.

Voice Of The Cardinals Post Draft Podcast

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:33:01 +0000

On this edition of Voice of the Cardinals host Eli Wahlstrom will be talking about the Arizona Cardinals and their recent draft selections round by round. Eli will also be discussing the releasing of RB Edgerrin James, DE/OLB Travis LaBoy, and CB Rod Hood.

1. Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB

2. Cody Brown, DE/OLB

3. Rashad Johnson, S

4. Greg Toler, CB

5. Herman Johnson, G

6. Will Davis, DE

7. LaRod Stephens-Howling

7. Trevor Canfield

Final 2009 Mock Draft

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:07:42 +0000

Here is my final 2009 NFL Mock Draft. I'm historically very accurate but this year I feel uneasy about some things. But we will see! It's tough to make a guess for the Cardinals but I'm predicting all the running backs worthy of going in the first round will be gone and that will leave them with DE/OLB Larry English.

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

4. Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

5. Cleveland Browns: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

10. San Francisco 49ers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

11. Buffalo Bills: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

12. Denver Broncos: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

13. Washington Redskins: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

15. Houston Texans: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

16. San Diego Chargers: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

17. New York Jets: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

18. Denver Broncos (from CHI): Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

20. Detroit Lions (from DAL): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

22. Minnesota Vikings: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

23. New England Patriots: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

24. Atlanta Falcons: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

25. Miami Dolphins: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

27. Indianapolis Colts: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

28. Buffalo Bills: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

29. New York Giants: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

30. Tennessee Titans: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

31. Arizona Cardinals: Larry English, OLB/DE, Northern Illinois

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Unger, C, Oregon

Anquan Boldin Trade Talkes Heating Up

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:15:03 +0000

I really hate this topic. Anquan Boldin has been one of my favorite players since he was in college at Florida State. I can remember during the 2003 NFL Draft screaming at the TV pleading for the Cardinals to take Boldin with either their 17th or 18th picks in the draft. They didn't but somehow Arizona was able to land him in the second round. That was one of the happiest draft moments in my life as a Cardinals fan. Not only has Anquan been good, he's exceeded everyone's expectations including my own. He isn't the type of player you can replace easily if at all. That's why I'm having trouble with the idea that Anquan might be traded.

As the NFL draft is closing in we keep hearing more and more Anquan Boldin trade rumors. I believe the Cardinals when they say they're listening to trade offers. But I don't think Rod Graves or Ken Whisenhunt are feeling desperate to give up Boldin. We keep hearing that it will take a first and a third round draft pick to snag Anquan away from Arizona. I personally think it will take a more lucrative deal than that. I mean it took more than that for the Cowboys to get Roy Williams away from Detroit and Boldin is a much better player than Williams. I'd guess a first rounder and a good player is what it would take for Arizona to dish out Anquan . But even if the Cardinals did that I don't know that there are many players that in the draft or in the NFL that could make up for the loss of Boldin

One more thing...

A lot of fans out there are choosing sides with this whole situation. I've heard some people say the Cardinals front office is being unfair to Anquan. I've heard others say Boldin is being selfish and needs to play out his contract. I believe both might be right in this situation. The Cardinals don't have the best history with negotiations and either does Anquan's scumbag agent Drew Rosenhaus. So for right now I don't think any of us fans knows the whole truth about what's going on. All I know is I want Boldin around and signed to a fair deal. If that doesn't happen then I still want Anquan around ;-)

Cardinals 2009 Schedule Released

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:45:51 +0000

photo from azcardinals.com

The official Arizona Cardinals 2009 Schedule has been released.

Click Here For Schedule

The Cardinals will open up at home once again against the San Francisco 49ers.

The highlights of the schedule include...

A Week 3 Sunday night home game against the Indianapolis Colts.

A Week 7 Sunday night game in New York against the Giants.

And a Week 14 Monday Night Football game in San Francisco against the 49ers.

The teams bye week will be week 4 right after the Colts game.

I personally don't see any issues with this schedule. I'm pretty happy with everything. I was hoping Arizona would get two Monday Night Football games because they were in the Super Bowl but two Sunday Nights and one Monday Night sounds good to me. The Cardinals have the 27th hardest schedule so I can't complain there. Even though last years standings don't really matter much now.

Overall I'm pretty happy with everything. I was hoping for four prime time games but I'll take three.

Cardinals-Steelers Set to Open MNF Preseason

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:23:04 +0000

ESPN will be opening up the 2009 Monday Night Football preseason with a Super Bowl XLIII rematch between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. The game will be played on Thursday, August 13 at 8 p.m. ET.

The same Monday Night Football crew of Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Tony Kornheiser will be calling the game. It obviously won't be very exciting because it is a preseason game but still it's always nice to see the Cardinals on national television.

I expect to hear of a few more nationally televised games for the Cardinals as the 2009 schedules come out.