Schedule Gives Cardinals A Chance To Finish Strong

Not sure if anyone would have thought of this three weeks ago, but the Arizona Cardinals, with 10 weeks remaining in the season, can think big.

After winning three straight games, and claiming sole possession of first place in the NFC West division, the Cardinals have a good chance of finishing the season strong and claiming a first-round bye or home field advantage.

In Week Seven, Arizona claimed a 24-17 victory over the New York Giants on the road. It may be the team's biggest win of the season. It has set the table for Arizona to make a run through the remaining games of its schedule.

Arizona's next 10 opponents have a combined record of 21-42.

It's that bad. And it's that good for the Cardinals.

Over the next 10 weeks, Arizona will face two teams which are currently winless (St. Louis twice and Tennessee on the road). The Cardinals will face three more teams with two wins or less (The Carolina Panthers this week, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions).

Two of the Cardinals' three most difficult games will be at home. The Minnesota Vikings (6-1) travel to University of Phoenix Stadium in Week 13 and the Green Bay Packers visit for the season finale. Arizona do face the San Francisco 49ers on the road in Week 14.

A schedule which once looked rugged at the beginning of the year doesn't look so intimidating anymore. It's working out nicely for the Cardinals. Last week's win proved a lot. Once questioned about whether they were capable of beating a quality opponent, the Cardinals proved they're able. The defense forced Eli Manning into three interceptions, including a game-clinching steal by Antrelle Rolle. The offense played with poise and the running game was solid. The Cardinals, who historically haven't played well on the east coast, looked focused and unfazed by a hostile atmosphere.

Six weeks into the season,the Cardinals have found themselves with two things that can help them claim a bye: Confidence and a road not so difficult to travel. You can't beat that.

Can Diamondbacks Recapture Their Winning Ways?

Finishing a season 70-92 and 25 games out of first place in the National League West division is miles away from the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series Championship form. It's steps behind their playoff teams of 1999, 2002 and 2007.

Making the playoffs--and eventually winning the whole thing--is the reason why teams play the games. And of course, it's the Diamondbacks' ultimate goal.

But after such an abysmal year, how do they return to form?

The Arizona Republic

had an interesting article on just how the Diamondbacks can once again become a contender. It was a four-step plan with began with picking up pitcher Brandon Webb's 2010 option.

Webb missed all of last season with a shoulder injury. Arizona has a dilemma. The Diamondbacks, this offseason, would have to pick up Webb's option on blind faith. It's worth the risk. If healthy, Webb can certainly provide Arizona with a reward. He's 87-62 in his career with a 3.27 earned run average and a Cy Young Award under this belt. Webb and Dan Harren can form one of the National League's top pitching duos.

Pitching is a need, as The Republic suggests the Diamondbacks should also look for another quality starting pitcher. Another strong arm in the rotation would definitely, once again, make the Diamondbacks contenders once more. Brad Penny and Jason Marquis, two solid starters, will be free agents this offseason. Or perhaps the Diamondbacks would want to take a chance on two former ace pitchers who are looking to revive their careers in Bartolo Colon and Mike Hampton

Offensively, the Diamondbacks may need another bat. Arizona does have ist cornerstone run producer in Mark Reynolds, who had one of the best seasons in Diamondbacks history, hitting 44 homers and driving in 102 runs. Outfielder Justin Upton also gave the Diamondbacks some pop in the lineup with 26 homers, 86 runs batted in and a .300 batting average. Another strong bat, say an Xavier Nady or Matt Holliday, would form a formidable offensive attack.

The Diamondbacks are starting from rock bottom. Literally. But take a look at the latest trend in Major League baseball of offseason or midseason splashes which result in postseason success. The New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers.

Add the Diamondbacks to the list?

Let's wait and see. Stay tuned.

Cardinals Are In A Position To Win Again

The ups and downs. The lefts and rights. Seat belts strapped on tight.

The Arizona Cardinals are six weeks into the season and it has already been a wild ride.

After beginning the year 1-2, the Cardinals were on the verge of losing their season before their defense saved the day in a Week Five win over the Houston Texans

Three weeks ago, the Cardinals were wondering what was wrong. A team which came into the season totally sure of itself was now having confidence issues.

After their 27-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks Oct. 19 at Qwest Field, the Cardinals have a reason to feel good again. Their back from the dead and doubt can now be replaced with excitement. Six weeks into the season, the year is basically new. Arizona's found itself where it started, tied at the top of the division. Arizona, with two wins in a row, and a San Francisco 49ers loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5, are in a two-way tie for first place. They're back in control of their own destiny.

Nothing has changed for the Cardinals. The passing game has been consistent. Kurt Warner is still setting passing records. Larry Fitzgerald is till being guarded by the entire defense. The running game hasn't had a chance to gain any steam. The defense has shown a knack for making the big play and Aquan Boldin is injured--again. Go ahead. Que in the laugh machine and rim shot.

The Cardinals are the same team that started the season. And then again, they aren't. Winning streaks, however short or long they may be, can turn seasons around and give a football team a new face.

Arizona has a new look, a new feel and a chance again. They can now control their own destiny in the NFC West. Home field advantage or a first-round bye is still within striking distance thoughts of a return to the Super Bowl is still a realistic thing. The scary part about this team, about this season, is that Arizona has placed itself in this position with room to improve.

Maybe Arizona is what it is. Or then again, maybe we haven't seen the best of the Cardinals yet.

Either way, the Cardinals are still in a position to do some special things.

Padres Change Colors For A Night

The Marcos de Niza High School football team, in Tempe, played for more than just one cause Oct. 9 at home.

Marcos de Niza sported a different look in a 42-0 win over Gilbert Perry: Pink jerseys.

The team wore pink jerseys to support breast cancer awareness. Others were on hand to help the Padres support the cause. The Arizona State University cheer line was in attendance along with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart.

Most of the 5,000 fans in the stands also wore pink.

The idea was brought up by Lindsay Griffith, Marcos de Niza athletic director Mike Griffith's daughter. After watching the Arizona State University women's basketball team play in pink uniforms, supporting breast cancer awareness, Lindsay asked whether the Padres could do the same thing.

Mike's initial answer?: Absolutely not.

Well, you know how fathers are with their daughters (or husbands with their wives for that matter). Mike couldn't say no and nine months later, the Padres were winning in pink---and Mike couldn't have been any happier.

"It gave me goose bumps to see all those people come together like that," Mike told Rivals.com.

The game was a success and Mike said he owes it all to his daughter.

"When you have a good idea and you involve the right people, it just becomes more than you ever dreamed it would,'' he said.

NOTEBOOK: Cardinals Have Questions

To begin the week, Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt answered questions by questioning himself.

He criticized himself for the Cardinals' inability to establish a running game in their 28-21 win over the Houston Texans in October 11 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The Cardinals rushed for 44 yards on 16 attempts. Arizona saw an eight-man front from Houston for most of the game. The Cardinals,2-2, will probably see it again when they face the Seattle Seahawks Oct. 18 on the road. Whisenhunt said the front discouraged the Cardinals from sticking with designed running plays. Instead, Arizona had to check off into pass plays, which after time, made its offensive attack predictable.

"There were at least a half dozen plays that would have been huge plays had we connected on (passes), but that's probably the biggest regret I have, not calling more run plays that were just runs without checks," Whisenhunt told The Arizona Republic.

Whisenhunt also said the Cardinals could have used running back Beanie Wells more. He rushed for 24 yards on just seven carries. On the season, Wells has 23 carries for 85 yards and zero touchdowns.

"He'll continue to get more carries than he did (Sunday) because he really looked good in a couple situations," he said. "He was close to breaking out two times in that game for bigger runs. Obviously, if that dumb guy that's calling plays will call more runs, then Beanie will get more opportunities for carries."

Cardinals' Indentity: There's questions all around as the Cardinals head into a NFC West showdown with Seattle in Week 6. The Arizona Republic's Dan Bickley wrote that the Cardinals don't have an answer for what is their true identity.

Bickley suggested the offense needed balance. For the season, Arizona has run the football 73 times and passed 318 times.

Secondary hoping to improve: The Arizona Cardinals' defense is wondering why it can be at the top and bottom at the same time. The Cardinals' defense is ranked first in the NFL in rushing defense, surrendering just 71 yards per a game. However, Arizona's pass defense ranks 32nd in the league, giving up 303 yards per a game in the air. Cardinals defensive coordinator Bill Davis said focus and a lack of a pass rush has been the Cardinals' problem in pass defense.

Teams are throwing the football 63 percent of the time against the Cardinals.

"In a couple of these games, we're getting two and three-touchdown leads, and the second half turns into all pass," Davis told The Arizona Republic. "You get more shots on goal. We've got to do a better job of getting ourselves off the field."

Cardinals Defense Saved It All

For a moment it looked like it was all going down the drain.

The Arizona Cardinals' season that is.

For a moment it looked as though the Cardinals stood a chance of falling to 1-3 on the season and placing themselves in a position to where they would have to fight the middle of the pack just to get into the pack of potential playoff contenders.

But it didn't happen and you can thank the Cardinals' defense for that.

After watching a 21-0 lead transform into a 21-all tie against the Houston Texans Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium, Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie made one of the biggest plays of the season when he jumped a Matt Schaub pass, intercepted it and returned it 49 yards for the go ahead touchdown and a 28-21 lead in the fourth quarter.

In fact the Cardinals have Schaub to thank, too. He made a forgettable read on the pass and later in the fourth quarter, facing a third and goal from the 1-yard line, Schaub overthrew a wide open receiver for a potential game-tying touchdown, setting up a fourth-and-goal situation from the 1-yard line.

The Texans were stuffed on a running play to end the game. The Cardinals' defense held on an epic goal-line stand that saved Arizona's season.

"That's a good (Texas) offense," Cardinals tackle Darnell Dockett told The Arizona Republic. "They got one of the best receivers in the game, one of the best young running backs and one of the most underrated quarterbacks. But when I looked at my guys, I looked in their eyes and I knew they weren't crossing that goal line. "That's what great defenses do. The stats may not say it, but in the end, we created a way to win."

In a critical moment, the Texans didn't cross the goal line. Houston didn't even cross the line of scrimmage as the Cardinals' defense, twice, got penetration and denied the Texans the yard they needed to score a touchdown.

Now anger turns into relief and frustration becomes hope.

For one quarter--the most important one--the Arizona defense showed flashes of brilliance and a flare for the dramatic. On a day where the Cardinals' offense struggled late, the defense was able to carry the team the rest of the way. These games can give a team confidence. Moments like these can create momentum. The season could have been finished before it really ever began. But the defense answered the call and now everything is still within reach.

Mercury Rise To The Top

On Friday, the Phoenix Mercury secured a WNBA championship by defeating the Indiana Fever 94-86, in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.

Diana Taurasi scored 26 points in the deciding game and won Finals MVP honors. The Mercury overcame a 2-1 series deficit to claim the title.

It's the Mercury's second WNBA title in three seasons. It's an impressive feat. But is it the most impressive feat? Does this make the Mercury the best sports dynasty in Arizona history?

Yes and yes.

Several professional sports franchises in Arizona have won on a consistent basis. The Phoenix Suns won 50-plus games four seasons in a row (2004-2008). The Arizona Cardinals advanced to the Super Bowl last season. The Arizona Diamondbacks, in 11 seasons, have four playoff appearances, including a World Series title in 2001. Every sports franchise in the state has enjoyed some type of success, but not every franchise has enjoyed the Mercury's level of success. The Mercury has been dominant, leading the league is scoring four seasons in a row. They are the third to lead the league in scoring, field-goal percentage and free-throw percentage, and the first to do it twice.

Since the the birth of the franchise in 1997, the Mercury has claimed three conference titles in addition to their two championships. They've had winning records in four of the last six seasons. Need star power? The Suns have Charles Barkley, Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. The Arizona Cardinals have Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald. The Diamondbacks have Luis Gonzalez, Randy Johnson and Kurt Schilling. Outside of Gonzalez, Schilling and Johnson, no other player has meant more or made a bigger impact than Taurasi. She has averaged 19 points or more for five seasons in a row. She has a Finals MVP award and a regular season Most Valuable Player award. Taurasi's return, among others, is one of the reasons why the Mercury are thinking repeat.

They have a flare for the dramatic, too. So that also makes them compelling. Facing elimination, down 2-1 in the series, the Mercury were able to win two consecutive games filled with pressure and adversity. Along with the Diamondbacks' World Series run, it was one of the best championship comebacks in recent memory.

It's not difficult to see. Right now the Mercury are the most dominant and successful sports franchise in Arizona history--and it's not even close.

Cardinals In Need Of A Good Rush

The Arizona Cardinals offense is sick.

The symptoms? Stalled drives in the redzone, lack of big plays and disgruntled star receivers whose brothers tweet about the receiver being disgruntled, before saying he was just joking. Other symptoms can be frustration and---the most painful of them all---a 1-2 record.

The Cardinals haven't scored points like they are accustomed and they're beginning to wonder why. The signs of struggle have been there for some time and so has the cure.

Rest and liquids cure the common cold and a strong running game can revive a struggling offense. The Cardinals are 27th in the National Football League in total offense, averaging 19 points and 335 yards of total offense. Arizona is passing for 274 yards per a game, good enough for 19th in the NFL. Its 60 yards per a game, of course, places Arizona dead last in the league.

Things could be worse. The Cardinals could have the St. Louis Rams' numbers or the Kansas City Chiefs', going from sick to deathly ill. The Rams are average just six points per a game and the Chiefs are compiling just 254 yards of total offense. No wonder these state of Missouri roommates are a combined 0-8 this season. Arizona could have the Oakland Raiders' problems, picking up just 208 yards of total offense per a game.

The Cardinals have it bad. But do they have it that bad? Are the Cardinals really 60-yards-running-per-a-game bad? Not even the Cardinals know yet. Arizona hasn't given its running game a chance. In three games the Cardinals have run the football just 57 times, for an average of 3.2 yards per a carry. Tim Hightower has a total of 32 carries this season and Beanie Wells, who is actually averaging 4.4 yards per a carry, has rushed the ball 16 times. The Cardinals have passed a total of 130 times. The Cardinals aren't making the plays they used to make and they're beginning to ask questions.

The Cardinals have made themselves easier to defend and without a strong running game, opponents are keying on the Arizona passing attack. Larry Fitzgerald is being double-teamed and the rest of the receiving core has not been able to make plays down the field. A good running game will make the Cardinals unpredictable. They would be dangerous again. The passing game would open up and big plays could be made down the field. Against the Indianapolis Colts (a 31-10 loss) the Cardinals rushed the football just 10 times. With quarterback Kurt Warner throwing 52 passes without a safety blanket, no wonder he threw two interceptions and the offense couldn't mount much of a charge.

The Cardinals can revive themselves with a commitment to the run. No one knows what they have yet. Is Tim Hightower the consistent runner the coaching staff hoped for? Is Beanie Wells a future star in the backfield? We don't know the answer to either question until both are given a chance to make an impact in the game. Playing with only half of an attack is like fighting with two arms tied behind you and a blind fold on. The coaching staff is going to have to devise a way for the Cardinals to free themselves and fight a fair fight.

Arizona is sick, but not ill. The Cardinals can cure their woes if they open a few holes on the ground.

ASU Gets Pledge From Bachynski

The Arizona State University Sun Devils have their third 2010 commitment after 7-foot-2 center prospect Jordan Bachynski informed ASU head coach Herb Sendek (pictured) that he wanted to be a Sun Devil.

Bachynski chose ASU over Cal, BYU, Connecticut, Oregon State and San Diego.

After visiting Bachynski last Wednesday, ASU extended a scholarship offer. BYU, Connecticut, Oregon State and San Diego also visited Bachynski in Miami, Florida.

"Jordan believes this is the best place for him," Yolonda Bachynski, Jordan's mother, told Rivals.com. "We got an email from coach (Jim) Calhoun at Connecticut and I've spoken with coach Calhoun, and the University of Connecticut is huge. If this was just a basketball decision, Jordan said he would probably be going there. That was the hardest scholarship to turn down because they're UCONN.

"But Jordan is looking for the whole package. He's an LDS kid coming off a mission but he wanted to be a place where there was an LDS community but it wasn't the only thing. He believes coach Sendek has the tools and the facilities to take him where he wants to go which is the NBA."

Bachnski visited the ASU campus in August, coming away impressed.

"Jordan and I together had visited a number of universities in the past when he was in grade 11 and grade 12 and he asked us to go and check out Arizona State and take pictures," Yolanda said. "So we popped in and took a tour of the place and it was amazing. Honestly, I was really impressed with the coaching staff, with their new facilities. I can't tell you how impressed we were.

"Jordan and I have been to a lot of campuses and been on the tours and they usually last about three hours and they tell you all the things they're going to do for your son and how many tutors they have and how they're going to feed them and then you meet with the head coach and they tell you about their program.

"With coach Sendek it was totally different. He sat us down. He said he has a specific plan for Jordan. He said he knew Jordan wasn't going to come in and be in game shape following his mission. He went over a plan point by point of how he would approach things with Jordan and get him ready to play. They had a vision for who Jordan could become and how they were going to get him there that was very well defined."

Bachynski (attending Centennial High School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) is known to have good length and feet. He has the ability to make a mid-range shot and can score inside.

The Sun Devils also have commitments from Kaela King, a 6-6 shooting guard from Mater Dei High School in California and Corey Hawkins, a 6-3, shooting guard from Estrella Foothills High School in Goodyear, Ariz. King is the No. 17 shooting guard in the ESPUN 100. Hawkins is the 97th shooting guard.

Brother Says Fitzgerald Is Hot, Coach Says No

The Arizona Cardinals snapped out of their offensive funk and claimed a 31-17 win over the Carolina Panthers Sept. 20 on the road, improving to 1-1 on the season.

And everyone is happy--- except Larry Fitzgerald. Or so his brother says.

In an online column by Dan Bickley, Marcus Fitzgerald, Larry's younger brother, said Larry was a little peeved after catching four passes for 34 yards.

Marcus on his Twitter account wrote: "Just got off the phone with my brother. he's happy about the win. But PISSED he didn't get the ball thrown 2 him much!"

Is the extra attention and new schemes geared toward Fitzgerald beginning to wear on him after two games?

And if so, will it become a problem? Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't worried about it. He said Fitzgerald has not been upset and demanding. He has taken the slow start in stride.

"I think the one thing I'm most impressed with Larry - we all know he's a great player and the strides he made last year - but the leadership strides he's made this year," Whisenhunt told The Arizona Repbulic. "It's the way he handles himself on the field, so no, I'm not concerned about that."

Fitzgerald began the season with high expectations and they have not faded. However, even with the slow start, he is on pace to score 16 touchdowns, which would be four more than he tallied a year ago. His projected receiving yardage numbers are 840 yards, well short of the 1,431 he posted last season.

ASU Is Least Of UGA's Worries

Here's the story. The Georgia Bulldogs clash with the Arizona State Sun Devils at 4 p.m. Sept. 26 in Athens, Ga.

For the Sun Devils, 2-0, this will be their biggest test of the season, after wins over Idaho State and Louisiana-Monroe . The Georgia Bulldogs will come into the game trying to avoid falling to 2-2 on the season. Right now ASU is the least of Georgia's worries. The Bulldogs have bigger fish to fry--like trying to stop opposing offenses from from frying them.

In the first two games of the season, the Bulldogs have struggled to stop opponents and now defensive coordinator Willie Martinez is taking some heat. And it's coming from all angles.

In their last two games the Bulldogs have given up 78 points. Georgia's defense is ranked last in the SEC and has forced just two turnovers in four games.

The Sun Devils' offense hasn't been a machine over their first two games. Quarterback Danny Sullivan has been efficient but has just one touchdown pass on the season and 385 yards. The cure for a sleepy offense? Lately the Georgia defense has been an alarm clock. South Carolina's Steven Garcia threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2 and Arkansas' Ryan Mallett threw for 408 yards and five touchdowns.

Saturday's contest could be a statement game for the ASU offense or it could be the Sun Devils' biggest challenge yet. Georgia is going into the game with more than ASU on its mind. It's going into the game with something to prove.

COMMENTARY: It Isn't Any Easier For Fitzgerald

Last season Larry Fitzgerald was the toast of the National Football League. He was marked as the best receiver in football. The next Jerry Rice. Jesus in shoulder pads. He scored what could have been the game-winning and title-clinching touchdown in last season's Super Bowl. His catch, a 64-yard reception, where he overpowered a corner, ran by the linebackers and split the safeties with blazing speed was nothing short of amazing.

What that season did, one where he had 96 catches for 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns, was make him a marked man. He has a target on his back. And every defensive coordinator on Arizona's schedule is looking for new and revolutionary ways to stop or contain Fitzgerald.

The San Francisco 49ers, in a 20-16 win Sept. 13, did exactly that. The 49ers frustrated Fitzgerald and keyed on him, throwing different looks and double-teams at him. He was held without a catch in the first quarter. In a season where he was supposed to explode, San Francisco allowed him to catch six passes for just 71 yards. His longest gain was 25 yards.

"San Francisco is one of those teams, they're going to say, 'You are not going to throw the ball downfield, you are going to beat us underneath,' " Fitzgerald told The Arizona Republic.

He was double-teamed for most of the night. This should be expected. Fitzgerald caught the attention of every defensive coordinator in the NFL. They couldn't stop him last season, so now some of the brightest minds in football are coming up with new schemes and coverages to keep the ball out of Fitzgerald's hands. Keep in mind teams watch trends and figure out ways around them like taxes. Their mothers didn't raise any fools.

Here we are, one week into the season and defenses have moved the first piece on the board. This season will be a game of chess for Fitzgerald---not checkers. The Cardinals will have to work on strategy and find different ways to get him the football. Arizona can also help take away pressure by receiving production from other receivers like Anquan Boldin or Steve Breaston. A good running game from Beanie Wells or Tim Hightower would help, as well. It's a challenge this season for Fitzgerald and the Cardinals. This season will be a different one. Even with all the attention, Fitzgerald can still become the best receiver in football. He just has to make the proper adjustments.

COMMENTARY: Cardinals Cut Long In Numbers Game

What helped him make the roster ultimately spelled receiver Lance Long's demise.

Scout.com is reporting the Arizona Cardinals have released Long Monday. Long's journey has been one of surprises and more surprises.

This is just another step and another visit from the unexpected for the former Mississippi State product that recorded just one career collegiate touchdown--on a fumble recovery.

The road to the NFL hasn't been easy for Long and it never will be. He didn't start for his college team, wasn't highly recruited coming out of high school and had to earn his way onto the Cardinals' roster the last two years, playing on the practice squad last season before earning a place on the active roster this season.

The Cardinals suffered two key injuries to their receiving core this preseason when Anquan Boldin, Early Doucet and Steve Breaston had gone down and missed time. It was probably the best thing that has happened to Long. With Boldin and Breaston, two 1,000-yard receivers, taking less snaps, Long, all 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds of him, was given an opportunity to make an impression.

And he did exactly that. Long was one of the best route runners on the team, had arguably the best hands next to Larry Fitzgerald, and carried the confidence of a Pro-Bowler. He impressed the coaching staff and gave the Cardinals no choice but to add him to the active roster when the 2009 season began. The worst thing for Long? The worst thing was that the season began the way it did, a 20-16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at home. The Cardinals didn't look like the Cardinals of old and Long dropped a pass. Arizona, upset and disappointed, had to make a move and it did. The Cardinals feel confident Doucet, Boldin and Breaston are ready to come back and play a major role again. And that leaves Long, the seventh receiver on the roster, as the odd man out.

He can still be re-signed by the team as a practice player, but for now his status with Arizona is up in the air. Over the preseason, he made a name for himself and caught the attention of several NFL teams which were interested if he was released by the Cardinals.

For Long, the numbers game and injuries served as both a benefit and a disadvantage. His story was an interesting one. Now as it takes another twist, it may just have to continue somewhere else.

Cardinals Want To Seal Leaks

If they weren't worried then, the Arizona Cardinals are concerned now.

After struggling through the preseason offensively, the Cardinals' attack sputtered again in a 20-16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers Sept. 13 at University of Arizona Stadium. The Cardinals are taking this week to improve and make sure this week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sept. 20 on the road is different.

"You're dang right we're upset," safety Adrian Wilson told The Arizona Republic. "and that's why there's going to be a lot of yelling around here in the next 48 hours."

The Cardinals are looking for more production after a disappointing performance. Arizona gained just 299 yards of total offense. Quarterback Kurt Warner threw two interceptions and the Cardinals gained just 40 yards on the ground.

When the Cardinals begin preparation for the Jaguars Wednesday, the focus will be on making sure there is not a repeat of Week One.

The Cardinals would like to make sure they create plays and not take them away. Arizona, on top of its two turnovers, committed 12 penalties.

Despite the offensive problems, the Arizona defense played well holding San Francisco to 203 total yards and 19 yards rushing.

"They kept us in the game in the first half and played very well," Whisenhunt said. "If we can hold teams to 203 yards of total offense and we get our offense going, which I expect us to do, we are going to win some games."

A subpar performance has captured the Cardinals' attention. They're worried. Another performance such as that could have them scared.

Running Game Is Wildcats' Identity

After two weeks of the college football season, what we know now is that the Arizona Wildcats can run the football.

The Wildcats doubled up the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 34-17 Sept. 12 at Arizona Stadium. The win was fueled by a 207-yard, two touchdown performance by running back Nic Grisby.

Arizona, 2-0, dominated at the line of scrimmage, rushing for 365 yards. Keola Antolin added 60 yards and quarterback Matt Scott rushed for 48 yards.

For the second week in a row, the Wildcats were able to gain more than 240 yards on the ground. In a 19-6 victory over Central Michigan in Week One, the Willdcats rushed for 246 yards.

The Wildcats, who struggled early last week, had no problem putting together good drives in the first half against the Lumberjacks. Grisby showed an ability to be physical between the tackles and break the long run. He scored on touchdowns of 25 and 30 yards in the first quarter. He also broke a 93-yard run later in the game.

"He's a game-changer and a game-breaker," Arizona coach Mike Stoops told The Arizona Republic. "He's a guy that can hit the home run, and we need that."

If there were any questions about the Wildcats' identity, they're coming closer and closer to being answered. Arizona, over the first two weeks of the season, has been a team which thrives on its rushing attack and strong defense. Every team needs an identity or something to rely on when the going gets tough. Arizona seems to have found its niche early. Arizona can use three different options in the running game. Grisby has been more than effect, Antoli s is a constant and quarterback Matt Scott puts pressure on a defense with his ability to pull the ball down and run.

But is the Arizona rushing attack truly this effective? It's possible the Wildcats may not find out for some time. The Wildcats, for the first time this season, will face a formidable opponent in the Iowa Hawkeyes, Sept. 19 in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes are 2-0 with wins over Northern Iowa and Iowa State, but they did surrender 190 rushing yards to the Cyclones.

Like milk to the body, a good running game can do a whole team good. Arizona's defense, which has played well over the first two games of the year, will be rested. The Wildcats' passing game would be more effective and opposing defenses would feel the sting of fatigue by the final quarter.

With tough games at Washington (Oct. 10), at home against Standford (Oct. 17) and UCLA (Oct. 24), and road games against California (Nov. 14) and USC (Dec. 5), a good running game will always give the Wildcats a chance.

Cardinals Avoid Blackout

The Arizona Cardinals have avoided a blackout. By selling enough tickets the Cardinals game against the San Francisco 49ers tomorrow at 1:15 p.m. will be televised on Channel 10. The Cardinals announced the sellout Friday. Teams have until 72 hours before kickoff to sell out and avoid a local TV blackout, but the NFL granted the Cardinals a one-day extension. This will be the Cardinals' 35th consecutive sellout since moving into University of Phoenix Stadium.

Boldin Not Sure About His Status

Two days ago, Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said receiver Anquan Boldin's chances of playing in the team's season opener Sept. 13 at University of Phoenix Stadium were good. Boldin has battled a hamstring injury for most of the preseason.

Boldin, today, said he's not sure if he will be able to take the field Sunday. His status, he said, is still up in the air.

He did some sprints Friday but didn't push himself. Bolden, who hasn't practiced this week, said he is improving but doesn't want to re-aggravite the hamstring and turn a minor injury into a season-long problem.

"You don't want to risk getting injured and then being out four weeks," Boldin told The Arizona Republic. "That would be stupid. It's a long season. It's only week one. I'd rather sit out game one as opposed to sitting out four or five other games. You just have to use your discretion."

Wednesday, Whisenhunt said he was confident Boldin would be ready to start against the 49ers.

"I think we've got a history with 'Q'," he said. "That's why I have a good feeling about him playing."

If Boldin isn't able to play Steve Breaston, the usual No. 3 receiver, will take his place. But, even Breaston is not fully healthy. He admitted he is not 100 percent after suffering a knee injury in Week One of the preseason.

Boldin had 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008.

Caudill No Longer Sold On Sun Devils

Kyle Caudill, a 6-11 center prospect in the Class of 2011, from Brea, Calif, originally committed to play with Arizona State University.

Now Caudill has decided to go in a different direction. He gave the Sun Devils a verbal commitment as a 15-year-old sophomore. During that year he averaged 16 points, 12 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per a game.

For now, the Suns Devil might be out of the picture. But, Caudill's father, Cameron, told Rivals.com he hopes ASU's interest doesn't fade.

"It's not that anyone else is knocking at his door and it's not that there's anybody else that is a dream team or anything like that," Cameron said. "There isn't a dream team or dream school that he is hoping comes and offers him a scholarship. It's honestly more of a quest to make sure we get as much information as we can."

Before his commitment, Caudill, now a junior, had interest from schools such as Wake Forest, Stanford, Oregon State, USC and UCLA.

Times have changed. Caudill has changed. And because of that, Cameron said the family decided Kyle's decision needed to change as well. They want to gather as much information as possible.

"It is indeed true that Kyle has stepped back from his verbal commitment," Cameron said. "He has great respect for coach (Herb) Sendek and the Arizona State program and sincerely hopes that they will continue to recruit him however he and my wife and I have been discussing it and want to make sure that his decision, at 18 years old, is the same as he's made at 16 years old and to do that we've got to take that step back."

Cameron said Kyle's decision could take a year or more. ESPNU ranks the Brea Olinda High School standout as the No. 6 center in the Class of 2011.

Boldin's Injuries Make Picture Hazy

The injuries pile up and everything comes crumbling down.

Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin has been bothered by a hamstring injury for most of the preseason. With the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers Sept. 13 at University of Phoenix just three days away, his status is in question. The same could be said of his future in Arizona. Boldin did not practice Wednesday, but Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said he believes Boldin will be ready for the opener.

Let's hope. This is a big season for Boldin. With his contract expiring at the end of the 2010 season, he is looking for an extension. He'll have to convince the Cardinals that investing a large sum of money into a receiver nearing his thirties will be the right move. Doing this from the sideline will instead convince the Cardinals that parting ways with him is the right thing to do.

Several NFL teams had no problem doing so with aging players that were believed to be no longer part of the franchise's future. The Kansas City Chiefs traded Tony Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots just traded defensive tackle Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders this week for a first-round draft choice.

Boldin has missed 16 games over his seven-year career to injury. He missed five games last season due to a hamstring injury. Durability will be an issue for the entire season. The questions will hover over his head like a deep pass from the opposite end zone. Due to his physical style of play, can his body hold up? Will his skills soon erode? Does his production warrant such a salary?

Those questions will be answered this season. A decision must be made this year, possibly this spring before the draft. If Boldin can play a full season, or close to it, while posting similar or better numbers to his 89 catches, 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns, the Cardinals could be willing to make him a happy man. The Cardinals' success depends on Boldin's health. There's a lot riding on that hamstring of his. With Boldin in the lineup, the Cardinals are one of the best offenses in football. His ability to make tough catches across the middle takes pressure off Larry Fitzgerald on the other side. Double-teams are something defensive coordinators would have to think twice about. Without Boldin in the lineup, the Cardinals are much easier to defend. For example, take a look at this preseason's offensive showing where the Cardinals' first-team offense struggled to move the ball and put points on the board.

This is an imporant moment for Boldin. It is an important time for the Cardinals, too. If Boldin can stay healthy and productive, the pieces will naturally fall into place and making a decision becomes much easier. It also leaves little to suspense. In a league full of uncertainty, a sure thing or an obvious decision is as welcome as the sunrise.

ASU Busy During Off Week

The Arizona State University Sun Devils, fresh off a dominating 50-3 win over the Idaho State Bengals Sept. 6 at Sun Devils Stadium, have one week off, but it doesn't things have slowed down.

Against the Bengals, the Sun Devils' defense was dominant, holding the Bengals to just 37 yards of total offense. Idaho State was also coaxed into committing four turnovers. Now the recognition is coming. Sun Devils senior linebacker Mike Nixon earned Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week honors. Against the Bengals, Nixon was one of the best players on the field. He made plays in pass coverage and against the run. He had three interceptions and a blocked punt against Idaho State, helping the Sun Devils to a 1-0 record to begin the season.

Nixon wasn't the only player drawing attention this week. Freshman linebacker Vontaze Burfict had the radio waves burning and people talking after his impressive debut. Burfict, the highest rated recruit in ASU history, recorded a sack a pressure and a fumble recovery. He showed an ability to cover the field, make plays and deliver hard hits.

"He runs well for his size, but he's got that burst on contact that not a lot of people have. And it's kind of a natural thing," Nixon told The Arizona Republic.

Sun Devils shuffling offensive line: The Sun Devils' offense was shaky early in the season opener. With a week off, ASU head coach Dennis Erickson has decided to experiement with different combinations on the offensive line, Rivals.com reports. Matt Hustad has moved from right tackle to right guard. Tom Njunge has filled Hustad's vacated spot at right tackle.

"Njunge played pretty well [Saturday]," Erickson said. "We're just trying to find the best five guys to get them on the field, so we moved Hustad there today and tomorrow because we have the bye week. Now would we have done that if we were playing Saturday? Probably not. But we want to take a look at Hustad [at right guard] to see where we're at."

The Sun Devils may have to find another center after Garth Gerhart missed practice Tuesday due to a toe injury he suffered against Idaho State. The toe could keep him out of the Sun Devils' Sept. 19 match up with Lousiana-Monroe at Sun Devils Stadium. Thomas Altieri would move into the starting spot, in Gerhart's absense.

Smith cleared to play: ASU freshman defensive end Greg Smith was cleared to play Tuesday by the NCAA Eligibility Center. However, he is expected to red-shirt this year. He is known as a speed rusher who thrives on his quickness and nose for the ball. The only signees not to qualify were offensive lineman Fred Thornton and athlete Kipeli Konseti. Tailback Marcus Washington is grayshirting and expected to enroll next semester.

Cardinals See Or Hear No Evil

The Arizona Cardinals are so focused on the season opener with the San Francisco 49ers Sept 13 at University of Phoenix Stadium, that they haven't noticed anything else.

All the causes for concern? Never saw them. The 0-4 preseason? Doesn't matter. It's as if it never happened.

Heck, Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson is so focused on picking up a Week One victory that he has forgotten the identity of his opponent.

Arizona is so focused on building upon last year's success--a NFC West Division title and a Super Bowl appearance--that no other outside influences matter.

The critics say the Cardinals will be one-year wonders. Flukes of the 2008 season. A team primed for a reality check. Arizona, on the other hand, claims, well, nothing.

This is a confident bunch. Arizona entered camp with a swagger and hasn't relinquished it yet. The offense's woes over the four-game preseason slate doesn't have the Cardinals concerned. Not one bit. Arizona's starting quarterback, Kurt Warner, failed to throw a touchdown pass and never quite looked comfortable in the pocket. Scoring in the red zone has been a chore and the receiving core suffered injuries to two key players in Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston.

Some members of the media are quick to point out the Cardinals finished last year's regular season with just nine victories in a sub-par division which featured just one team with a record over .500. They'll point back to the Cardinals' final eight games of the regular season where the defense was sliced like wheat bread and trampled in a stampede of long passes and runs. The Cardinals' 2-4 record in their final six games of the regular season will be remembered. But during that time, Arizona never looked at the stats when it surrendered 34 or more points five times in its final eight games of the regular season. At some point, the Cardinals stopped looking at the standings. When all was said and done, the Cardinals' ignorance became the reason for their dominance. Arizona made the right moves and found the right adjustments.

The Cardinals are clueless and voluntarily unaware of their surroundings. A Super Bowl appearance did a lot for an Arizona team that plays a game where confidence, in the most important moments, overrides talent and becomes the deciding factor. The pundits haven't been giving the Cardinals much respect and Arizona, in return hasn't been listening.

In life, operating in a glass jar and focusing on things which can be controlled help clear the path for success. During their journey filled with peaks and valleys last season, the Cardinals figured that out.

Now they're here. Quiet. Focused. Confident. A quick taste of winning can change the entire culture of a franchise and erase decades of embarrassment. The passing game has to find its gear. The running game is still unproven against regular season talent and Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett are still looking for new deals. These could all be distractions. Somehow the Cardinals have managed to push these things into the back of their heads. Winning is like a magic wand. It can transform doormats into division title winners. It has, in a matter of months, matured this Cardinals team and given the franchise a sense of pride. Winning has helped this Arizona team forget and ignore. A few more W's and a flirtation with success sure has made the Cardinals smart.

Wildcats Didn't Let LeFevour Get Far

The Arizona Wildcats football team had one goal Saturday---stop No. 13.

For most of the week leading to the game U of A head coach Mike Stoops (pictured) stressed the importance of bottling up and containing Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour, the Chippewa's dangerous and versatile threat.

When it was all said and done, the Wildcats, 1-0, shadowed and swallowed LeFevour and the Chippewas in a 19-6 victory Saturday at Arizona Stadium.

Two years ago, LeFevour, along with Florda's Tim Tebow, passed for 3,000 yards and threw for 1,000 yards. He also rushed for 20 touchdowns and passed for 20 scores. He was the central piece of Central Michigan's offense and the Wildcats' defense stepped up to the challenge. U of A shut him down and left him uncomfortable the entire night. Central Michigan's version of Tim Tebow was held to 108 yards passing and 18 yards rushing. The Wildcats held him without a passing touchdown and picked him off once.

"They didn't let me scramble a whole lot, which was a good plan on their part," LeFevour told The Arizona Star.

The Wildcat defense was unpredictable, while being predictably effective. U of A had good timing, blitzing and dropping multiple defenders in coverage in the right situations. The Wildcats' defense was Sudoku and LeFevour never solved the puzzle. The defense was aided by an offensive performance which was not explosive, but efficient. The Wildcats held on to the the ball for over 37 minutes and rushed for 246 yards. Nic Grisby led the Wildcats with 118 yards on 23 carries. Quarterback Matt Scott was 19 of 30 for 202 yards. He also added 83 yards on the ground.

The Wildcats didn't let LeFevour out of their sights. They stayed on him like paper on glue, peanut butter on jelly and Jheri on a curl. They kept him close and he felt U of A's touch all night long.

COMMENTARY: ASU Defense On Display In Win

The Arizona State University Sun Devils defense walked onto the field Saturday night and stole the spotlight.

On a night where most focused on the quarterback position, where senior Danny Sullivan made his first start, the ASU defense became the center of attention as the Sun Devils overwhelmed the Idaho State Bengals 50-3 Saturday at Sun Devils Stadium.

The Sun Devils' most important squad stormed the Bengals' offense and made plays all night. With eyes admiring and emotions running, ASU, 1-0, held Idaho State, 0-1, to just 37 yards of total offense. The Bengals also committed five turnovers.

"Defensively, we totally dominated," ASU head coach Dennis Erickson told The Arizona Republic.

Mike Nixon (pictured) gave the Sun Devils a reason, at least for one night, to fall in love with the idea of a Pac-10 Conference title run. The senior linebacker was all over the field, recording three interceptions and a blocked punt. His second interception was returned 34 yards for a touchdown. He led the Pac-10 in interceptions a year ago, with five.

The offense sputtered early against an Idaho State defense that surrendered 41 points per a game last season. It's reason for concern. ASU's attack wasn't very efficient on third-down opportunities (4-of-14) and it committed eight penalties in the game. Any other night, that would have been the focus. However, for one week, all has been forgotten and forgiven after witnessing the defense give a performance worthy of Broadway. The linebackers swarmed to the football, the defensive line clogged gaps and provided pressure and the secondary was able to hold the Bengals to only nine completions on 20 attempts.

The ASU defense always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. It showed an ability to be efficient, explosive and opportunistic. Vontaze Burfict, a true freshman linebacker, displayed all three traits after making his debut in the third quarter. On his first series, Burfict blitzed and applied good pressure on Idaho State quarterback Russel Hill. Later in the drive, he recovered a fumble. He capped off his night with a sack.

The Florida Gators' offense didn't walk through that door, the Oklahoma Sooners didn't take the field nor did the USC Trojans enter the gates. Point taken. However, the Sun Devils took care of business and dominated when it should have. The defense, as expected, will be the strength. It has given the Sun Devils momentum. It has given them some excitment and belief.

There's a few words to describe feelings after tonight's performance. Encouraged. Excited. Optimistic. Those are all good ones. But on Saturday night, smitten was the best choice of them all.

ASU Defense Gets A Boost

The Arizona State University Sun Devils defense just got a little stronger.

Vontaze Burfict, the ninth-ranked player in the Class of 2008, according to Rivals.com, received clearance from the NCAA Eligibility Center Friday.

Burfict will be available to play today when the Sun Devils face the Idaho State University Begals at 7 p.m. at Sun Devils Stadium.

He is the highest ranked prospect in ASU history. Burfict will begin the season in a reserve role behind Gerald Munns at middle linebacker.

The 6-2, 244-pound freshman has a mixture of size, speed and explosion. He breaks down plays well and is known as a good tackler.

Centennial Grabs Impressive Win

In the showcase game of The Valley, Centennial High School, the ninth-ranked team in the nation, according to USA Today, defeated Chandler High School 61-38 Friday night at Chandler High School.

Centennial improved to 2-0 on the season, while Chandler fell to 0-1. Chandler played the game without one of its best players Taylor Walstadt, who has committed to play football at Arizona State University next season.

Chandler didn't have its running back, but Centennial did. Anthony Hughes, who is being recruited by Northern Arizona and Colorado State University, scored three touchdowns on the ground. His first two, 38 and 22-yard scores, came within the first three minutes of the game.

Upsets In Arizona?

No one is expecting a National Championship run from the University of Arizona Wildcats or Arizona State University Sun Devils football team.

There are no expectations for a Pac-10 Conference title. Hopes of a five or six-win season and a bowl appearance is reasonable. The Wildcats finished the season 7-5 and the Sun Devils finished with a 5-7 record.

Both teams would like to improve upon last season. But is it possible with new parts in key spots?

What can be expected is that the Sun Devils and Wildcats open their seasons tomorrow with dominating performances at home en route to a 1-0 record.

But is there a chance one, or both, could fall short and fall victim to an upset? Here are some predictions and upset percentages.

Arizona State: The Sun Devils open the season against the Idaho State Bengals at 7 p.m. Saturday at Sun Devils Stadium. The Sun Devils are expected to crush the Bengals--and chances are they will. Idaho State finished the season with a 1-11 record and had lost 11 games in a row, before defeating Sacramento State in the season finale.

ASU has more talent, but it will not be running on all cylinders. Starting receiver Kerry Taylor and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy will not play Saturday. ASU quarterback Danny Sullivan will make his first career start. He has been solid in camp, but not spectacular. He will have the luxury of facing a defense which surrendered 41 points per a game.

Prediction: ASU 42, Idaho State 3

Chance of upset: 10 percent.

Arizona: The Arizona Wildcats will face the Western Michigan Chippewas at 6 p.m. at Arizona Stadium. The Wildcats also have a debut--or two--at the quarterback position. U of A head coach Mike Stoops announced last week the Wildcats will play two quarterbacks in the season opener. He has yet to make a decision on a permanent No. 1 quarterback.

This game will be sort of an extended audition for sophomores Nick Foles and Matt Scott. The competition seemed to be over, with Scott as the winner, before Foles made a late run and threw the decision in the air again. Neither has been able to distance themselves from the other. Foles is known for his strong arm and Scott is known for his athletic ability. The Wildcats will have inexperience at a key position which could give the Chippewa's defense an early edge and swing momentum in the first half.

The Wildcats will have a formidable foe in their season opener, one which has enjoyed stability at the quarterback positon for the last three seasons. The Chippewas finished the year with an 8-5 record. Western Michigan is led by senior quarterback Dan Lefevour who, along with Florida's Tim Tebow in 2007, became the only players in college football to throw and rush for 20 touchdowns in a season. Lefevour also passed for 3,000 yards and rushed for 1,000. He threw 26 touchdown passes last season and rushed for six. The Wildcats said stopping Lefevour is one of their main focuses.

Prediction: Western Michigan 33, Arizona 27

Chances of upset: 55 percent.

0-4 preseason cause for concern?

Over the last two weeks, the Arizona Cardinals have hit the lowest of preseason lows.

First a blowout, now a shutout.

Arizona finished an 0-4 preseason with a 19-0 loss to the Denver Broncos Thursday at Invesco Field.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was two for seven for 48 yards and zero touchdowns and an interception. Arizona was held to 244 yards of total offense. Arizona also mixed in four turnovers.

The Cardinals' offense, in the preseason, hasn't looked like the 2008 version. The first-team offense scored just one touchdown during the entire preseason. It gained just 104 yards in the first half against Denver.

"I never really felt I got into a rhythm, for whatever reason," Warner told The Arizona Republic. "I don't know if guys were pressing, trying to do something (because) of last week, but I don't leave really excited about what we've done in the preseason."

Are teams beginning to figure out the Cardinals' attack?

It hasn't been nearly as potent. Arizona's first-team offense has struggled to find a rhythm and Warner hasn't looked good. He finished the preseason with zero touchdown passes and three interceptions.

In the Cardinals' defense, they have had injuries to players at key positions. Receivers Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston, who both caught for over 1,000 yards a year ago, were slowed by injuries. Arizona's top draft choice, running back Chris "Beanie" Wells just returned from an ankle injury two weeks ago. Warner has been without his full arsenal of weapons and the Cardinals' coaching staff hasn't fully implemented all of Arizona's packages.

The defense, other than its performance in last week's 44-37 loss to the Green Bay Packers, has been solid. The offense, surprisingly is the unit with the most question marks going into the Cardinals' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers Sept. 13 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Is it something a little health and practice can fix?

Arizona will need enough time to come together as a unit once its injured players become healthy and return to form. Arizona hopes it can gell quickly, before all hopes for a quick start are dashed.

The Cardinals would like to find some answers sooner than later.

COMMENTARY: A Bright Spot On A Dark Night For Cardinals

Watching the Arizona Cardinals' 44-37 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers Friday at University of Phoenix Stadium was like watching a storm blow away everything you've worked for.

The Cardinals' defense made strides over the first two weeks of the season. Arizona's first-team defense held the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense at bay for most of the first half. One week later that same unit held a dangerous San Diego Chargers offense to zero points, before giving way to the reserves. Arizona's defense looked fast, athletic and aggressive.

Now this. Aaron Rodgers completed 14 of 19 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns and the Packers rushed for an average of five yards per a carry. The Cards also surrendered 38 first-half points. If Arizona took two steps forward in the first two weeks of the preseason, it definitely took a step back Saturday.

There was, however, a bright spot.

The Cardinals finally had an opportunity to see their first-round pick Chris "Beanie" Wells in action. And he looked good. Wells, a 6-1, 230-pound running back, averaged almost seven yards per a carry. He ran strong, showed some burst and was elusive. He was everything a first-round pick is expected to be.

Wells missed most of the preseason with an ankle injury before making his debut against the Packers. Tim Hightower (pictured), for the third straight game, had a good showing. Like Wells, Hightower ran hard between the tackles and showed consistency. Wells rushed for 46 yards on just seven carries. He also scored two touchdowns. Hightower rushed for 39 yards on six carries.

This is good news for Arizona. The one thing the Cardinals lacked a year ago was a consistent running game. Even without a rushing attack the Cardinals were still able to become one of the most explosive offenses in the National Football League. That's what happens when you have three 1,000-yard receivers at your disposal and a veteran quarterback with the accuracy of a marksman.

All-world Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald said he believed Arizona's offense would be better this year. He's on to something. The Cards, with a good running game, would become more of a threat to score on each possession. They would be tougher to game plan against, adjust to and predict on down-to-down situations. The days of a one-dimensional attack would be vanquished.

Who benefits from an effective Cards running game? The passing game. Kurt Warner would spend most of the game standing up instead of looking up. Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston would have more opportunities to make plays down the field, with safeties having to play closer to the line of scrimmage.

It's truly pick your poison. There was much to cause alarm. However, the running game, the team's weakness a year ago, proved to be a strong point.

In the middle of such a disappointing effort, the Cardinals did find a calm in the storm.

NBA suspends Jason Richardson for 2 games

Phoenix Suns guard Jason Richardson's high-flying act will be grounded to start the NBA regular season.

Richardson has been suspended two games by the NBA after he plead guilty to driving under the influence in December, shortly after joining the Suns via trade with the Charlotte Bobcats.

The suspension, without pay, will take place at the beginning of the season. Richardson will miss the Suns' season opener (Oct. 28 at the Los Angeles Clippers) and home opener (Oct. 30 against Golden State.)

Two months after his December arrest, Richardson had another incident. Richardson was suspended for a game without pay by the Suns on Feb. 18 after he plead guilty to two misdemeanor speeding charges and a count of endangerment for a Feb. 15 case, when his son was in the car.

Leandro Barbosa will start in Richardson's place. Richardson averaged 16 points and two assists per a game last season.

COMMENTARY: Stoudemire, Suns both want the same thing

Amare Stoudemire hinted toward leaving the Phoenix Suns next season, The Arizona Republic is reporting.

While lecturing to 300 students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Stoudemire suggested this could be his last year in Phoenix.

"This might be my farewell tour, huh?" Stoudemire said. "If so, I'm going out with a bang, baby."

The situation is--and always has been--this. Stoudemire is entering the final year of his contract. He would like an extension and the Suns have yet to give it to him.

It looks as though the Suns and Stoudemire are far apart, but they are actually closer than it seems. They're seeing the same goal from two different perspectives.

Take away the basketballs, the huge crowds and the hardwood. What you'll find is a real-life situation that we can all relate to.

What both sides want is certainty.

Stoudemire desires security. Just like you. Just like me. Security is the reason why we buy houses instead of rent, and marry instead of date.

After the hand shake?

Sign on the dotted line.

We want a sure thing. That way we know it's real. In a world of stress, unpredictability and irregularity, consistency and certainty are welcomed with open arms. So we find ourselves, here, as observers, voyeurs, peering in on this standoff. After averaging 21 points per a game and nine rebounds over his seven-year career, the decision to offer him the max-contract Stoudemire desires should be a no-brainer. There is just one issue in the way. Don't forget that Stoudemire has suffered some injuries along the way. The most recent setback was an injury to his eye last season, one which forced him to sit out the rest of the year. The Suns want to make sure he is fine before offering him a rich deal. Phoenix would like to make sure its investment is sound.

Stoudemire, on the other hand, just wants to know that he is wanted. He's been in more trade talks than bubble gum cards over the last few years. The Suns had talks with Memphis before the trading deadline last year and came close to trading Stoudemire to the Golden State Warriors this summer. Think about it. If you're in a relationship and your significant other seemed disinterested and was always looking for the next best thing, would you have thoughts of walking away? Would you not prepare yourself for life without them?

I'm just saying.

Like so many avenues of life, this will work itself out. This could--and should--play out for the entire season. The decision, at that time, would be easy for the Suns. Stoudemire can come back, play well, remain healthy and assure the Suns his worth as a max-contract player, or he could struggle and spend most of the season on the injured list, which would urge the Suns to take a flier on Stoudemire and trade him or let him go via free agency.

At this time both sides want what they want and neither seems willing to compromise. They'd walk away before they budge. But here's the thing: Neither side will have to move. It will work itself out with time.

Both just need to exercise a little good old fashioned patience.

Wildcats Will Play 2 QBs in Opener

The competition for the University of Arizona Wildcats starting quarterback position, for now, is finished--in a tie.

Wildcats head coach Mike Stoops said sophomores Matt Scott (pictured) and Nick Foles will each see time in Arizona's season opener Sept. 5 at home against Central Michigan University.

Stoops initially said he would name a starter this week. However, neither quarterback has been able to play well enough to apply a strong grip on the position and distance themselves from the other.

Scott had the advantage in the race for the top spot until he suffered through a unimpressive performance (9 of 19 for 85 yards and zero touchdowns) in Saturday's practice. Foles, on the contrary, was sharp. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 104 yards and one touchdown.

Scott is viewed as the more athletic quarterback who is able to make plays with is legs when the play breaks down. The Wildcats can also move him around in the pocket. Foles is regarded as the better passer.

The Wildcats could possibly name a clear starter shortly after the season opener. Stoops gave no time table, however, on a specified date.

Arizona finished the 2008 with an 8-5 record.

Boldin suffers injury

Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin has a hamstring injury.

The seven-year veteran strained his hamstring in Tuesday's practice. He was held out of practice today.

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt has not ruled him out of Friday's preseason game with the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium.

He said the Cardinals would watch Boldin's injury closely and make a determination later this week.

The Cardinals' receiving core has suffered two minor injuries over the preseason. Arizona receiver Steve Breaston, in the Cardinals' preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, suffered a bruised knee and sprained PCL. The injury--like Boldin's--is not believed to be serious.

Boldin was Arizona's second-leading receiver last season, hauling in 89 passes for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns. Breaston caught 77 passes for 1,006 yards and three touchdowns.

Boldin suffered a hamstring injury late last season, forcing him to miss the division round playoff game, a 33-13 win over the Carolina Panthers.

ASU Suspends Brooks for 3 Games; Burfict, Smith Taking Classes

The Arizona State University Sun Devils football team has suspended defensive end James Brooks for the first three games of the season due to a violation of team rules.

Brooks will continue to practice while suspended. The Sun Devils' first three games are against Idaho State (Sept. 5), Louisiana-Monroe (Sept. 19) and Georgia (Sept. 26). Brooks' first game back will be ASU's Pac-10 Conference opener at home against the Oregon State Beavers on Oct. 3.

Junior Dean DeLeone and sophomore Jamaar Jarrett will compete for Brooks' vacated position.

Brooks started 11 games last season for the Sun Devils. The 6-5 redshirt sophomore recorded 1 1/2 sacks and two pass breakups.

In Saturday's scrimmage the ASU defense looked dominant. The Sun Devils' offense gained one first down on the first six possessions of the scrimmage.

The ASU defense recorded three sacks. Teams scored 22 points per a game against the Sun Devil defense in 2008.

Burfict and Smith allowed to take classes:

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict and defensive end Greg Smith, both freshmen, have been waiting for clearance from the NCAA Eligibility Center. A verdict is not yet in, but the two have been allowed to begin classes. Burfict and Smith have been practicing with the team since Aug. 5.

If cleared, they will be allowed to play in the Sun Devils' season opener against Idaho State on Sept. 5.

Burfict was ESPNU's top-rated inside linebacker and 16th best prospect overall in the class of 2009. In two seasons as a defensive end at Citrus Hill High School in Perris, Calif., Smith accumulated 25 sacks. At 6-3, 240 pounds, Smith is known as an impact speed rusher.

Edge gets new start with Seahawks?

Even though the Arizona Cardinals reached the Super Bowl, Edgerrin James didn't do much smiling last season.

Months after being released by Arizona, James might grin a little after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $2 million dollar deal with the Seattle Seahawks, ESPN.com reports.

The contract will be finished as soon as James takes and passes a physical.

James could be the Seahawks' answer to their frustrations with the running game. Seattle has been unsatisfied with the prospects of a backfield featuring Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett.

Jones rushed for 698 yards and two touchdowns last season. Duckett rushed for 172 yards and eight touchdowns.

James is the National Football League's leading active rusher with 12, 121 yards. James had 794 carries for 2,895 yards and 16 touchdowns in his three seasons in Arizona. He topped 1,000 yards in 2006 and again in 2007 but was benched for seven games in favor of then-rookie running back Tim Hightower, who scored 10 touchdowns in 2008.

James asked to be released midway through the season. The Cardinals refused and James was reinserted into the starting lineup for Arizona's playoff run. The 31-year-old running back was released shortly after the Cardinals selected Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie"Wells with the 31st pick in the NFL Draft.

The Seahawks are installing a new zone-blocking scheme. James' physical running style could be a good fit for the offense.