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.

COMMENTARY: Wells May Have To Wait

Here's what we know about Chris "Beanie" Wells so far.

Nothing.

He is the Arizona Cardinals' first-round pick (31st overall) out of (The) Ohio State University. The Cardinals drafted Wells in hopes that he would win the starting job and give their running game a boost. So far that hasn't happened. Wells hasn't been a star. He hasn't been a bust, either. What he has been is injured.

It's the knock he had coming out of college. Can't stay healthy. Can't play an entire season. Always banged up. The injury bug has been bothersome and reluctant to stay away as Wells suffered a sprained ankle in the first workout of training camp.

Twenty-four days later, Wells is still struggling with his ankle. He did make strides toward a return Monday. Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Wells looked good. He was fast, strong and seemingly not bothered by his bothersome ankle.

Wells is expected to make his debut against the Packers Friday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

But is it too late?

Probably.

Today the race for the starting running back job should be declared over. Finished. Complete. No more. Done. If you're Italian, this competition is completare. Wells has something to prove to the coaching staff. Right now he's the beautiful woman who stands her date up three times and one morning shows up on the door step saying words like "I can explain," saying names like "Baby" and singing Biggie songs. Give me one more chance.

Sometimes in life, you have to prove to people you can be depended on. Instead of being a question, you have to be the answer. Wells has to prove himself capable of being trusted and this is going to take some time. While playing with the Buckeyes, injuries were not a threat to his playing time. Wells was easily the most talented running back on the roster. With a strong preseason showing running back Tim Hightower has given the Cardinals a great option. Over the first two games of the preseason, Hightower has averaged over four yards per a carry. He's running hard and feeling more comfortable in the backfield.

Hightower has won this job by the margin of a Usain Bolt race in the 200-meter dash.

Arizona didn't draft Wells to be a backup. Their intent was for him to claim the starting job. They'll have to wait for that to happen. Sometimes things happen by no fault of our own. Maybe it's just fate. Maybe it's a mistake. Maybe his injury and Hightower's effective play in the backfield is a blessing in disguise.

Perhaps this gives the Cardinals an opportunity to ease Wells into the fold. What he needs right now is more time. And his time, at this moment, is not now.

UA QB job still up for grabs

The competition is not over for the starting quarterback job at the University of Arizona.

According to Rivals.com, the battle between Matt Scott and Nick Foles continues.

After graduating last year's starter, Willie Tuitama, sophomores Foles (left in the photo) and Scott (right) have been in a heated battle.

Scott looked like he might win the starting job with a great performance in Thursday's practice. Not to be outdone, Foles answered with a stellar Saturday practice, throwing the decision, once again, in limbo.

Wildcats head football coach Mike Stoops said he hopes to make a decision on the starting quarterback soon.

"We'll continue to evaluate," Stoops told The Arizona Republic. "We have to really take a hard look at it and see where we're at. Hopefully by Tuesday we'll come up with a game plan."

Foles completed 11 of 16 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown Saturday. He led the team to two 75-yard scoring drives. Scott was not as impressive, going 9 of 19 for 85 yards and zero touchdowns.

Scott, however, has more experience in the Wildcats' system, having served as the backup quarterback a year ago. Foles is a transfer from Michigan State.

The Wildcats finished the 2008 season with a 8-5 record, a fifth-place finish in the Pac-10 Conference and a 31-21 win over Brigham Young University in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Arizona opens its season at home against Central Michigan on Sept. 5.

Stephens-Howling and Darren Sproles

The Arizona Cardinals believe rookie running back LaRod Stephens-Howling is the next J.J. Arrington.

"I look at him a lot like J.J. (Arrington) was for us last year. He was a game-changer and made a lot of big plays for us in critical situations," Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner told The Arizona Republic. "He's kind of a scat-back guy and LaRod can be that same guy who can give us a spark and make a big play every time he touches the ball. I think we'll see the same thing once we implement him into our offense a little bit more."

Well maybe.

For a moment, consider this player comparison.

How about being the next Darren Sproles?

Like the 5-6, 185 pound behemoth from San Diego, Stephens-Howlings, at least in his debut as a kick returner, is lightning in a bottle. In the Cardinals' 17-3 loss to the San Diego Chargers Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium the 5-7, 180-pound Stephens-Howling burst for returns of 89 and 63 yards. Every playoff team needs a game-changer, and enough is never really enough in the National Football League. Arizona's aerial attack featuring receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breston, are expected to make the Cardinals' offense one of the most explosive in the NFL. An explosive return game, featuring Stephens-Howling will give opposing teams another thing to worry about and give the Cardinals' offense good field position time after time again. Like Sproles, Stephens-Howling is surprisingly fast, confident and a hard-runner. He has good vision and a burst every good kick returner needs. The Cardinals can also use him in the passing game. With Beanie Wells' injury keeping him sidelined over the first two games of the preseason --and possibly more---the Cardinals may give Stephens-Howling a strong look in the backfield.

If seeing is believing and one game decides a career, there's little left to speculate. If this all serves to be true, Arizona has found its own mighty mouse. The Cards' own Darren Sproles.

Cards hope Stephens-Howling makes a splash

As if the Arizona Cardinals need anymore help scoring, they may have found another weapon.

LaRod Stephens-Howling, a seventh-round pick in this spring's draft, had two long returns for 152 yards in the Cardinals' 17-3 preseason loss to the San Diego Chargers Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

His biggest return came on the game's opening kickoff when he broke an 89-yard return to the San Diego 7-yard line.

In the second quarter, Stephens-Howling's next return was for 63 yards to the San Diego 32.

If the rookie running back from the University of Pittsburgh keeps this up the Cardinals' offense will hardly have to work.

Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Stephens-Howling has been impressive in training camp.

Saturday's game has the Cardinals wondering if they have found this season's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Entering with a low profile, out of Tennessee State University, Rodgers-Cromartie earned a starting job in the Cardinals' secondary. He led the team in with four interceptions and became an instant, impact player.

Playing a limited role at running back, the 5-7, 180-pound Stephens-Howling made his impact in the return game. He has been given the opportunity to play the same role in Arizona.

So far he has taken the ball and run with it---literally.

COMMENTARY: Defense could push Cardinals further

If this isn't a mirage---this is the desert, mind you---the Arizona Cardinals' defense could be the reason why the team becomes a Super Bowl contender again this season.

The Cardinals' offense, ranked fourth in the NFL last season, has sputtered. Arizona's first-team offense has scored a total of six points in two games. In Saturday's 17-3 loss to the San Diego Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium, Arizona's offense failed to score a touchdown after three first-half trips into the red zone.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the defense played a starring role against the Chargers, holding them scoreless in the first quarter and compiling four sacks.

The Cardinals looked quick, fast, athletic and aggressive.

In a 3-4 look, defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, lined up over the center, blew into the backfield and sacked San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers in an instant. Pressure was coming from all areas. Linebacker Karlos Dansby collected a sack on a blitz, lineman Bryan Robinson beat his man for a sack and second-year defensive end Calais Campbell flashed by his defender, scooped Rivers up and put him on the ground.

It seemed during the regular season, the Cardinals won nine games and a NFC West division title despite of their defense. Ranked 16th in the NFL, the Cardinals' defense was less than impressive. In fact it was going to be the reason the Cardinals were going to live a short life in the postseason. Arizona had surrendered 30 points or more five times, including 56 points to the New York Jets in Week Four, 48 points to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13 and 47 points to the New England Patriots in Week 16. All losses, of course.

Arizona's defense made a transformation and forced 13 turnovers in the postseason, helping send the Cardinals to the Super Bowl.

Now this.

The defense held the Pittsburgh Steelers' running game to just 2.8 yards per a carry and three first-half points in Week One of the preseason. Arizona backed up that performance with another gem in the second game. The Chargers were held to 3.8 yards per a carry. Though he managed to complete five of seven passes, Rivers was pressured constantly. LaDainian Tomlinson was held to 18 yards on eight carries and Darren Sproles managed just five yards on two carries.

How has this happened?

The Cardinals are playing with more confidence and it's showing in the intensity and play-calling. The blitzes are more aggressive and exotic. Arizona is confusing offenses and getting good play from its defensive line. It's making every player's job easier.

Athletic ability and speed is this unit's calling card and the coaching staff is allowing the players to use those skills. Their making plays, forcing turnovers and gaining confidence.

Super Bowl letdown? It won't happen if the Cardinals' defense is playing at this level.

Where Were You?: Suns-Bulls 1993 NBA Finals Game 6

Sunday, June 20, 1993. I was 13 years old and enjoying my last summer before I entered high school. I would lose a friend to death that summer. I would gain a few, too. It was a summer of ups, downs, sure things and uncertainties. A typical summer for a kid growing up in Kansas City, Kan.

I was not a sports fan at the time--I had better things to do--- but this series drew me in. This series changed it all for me. Marginally interested, I sat down to watch and was hooked forever. This is the moment I fell in love with the highs of losing and the lows of defeat, the intensity of competition and the metaphoric similarities sports has with life. I was in the living room, with my dad, in Kansas City, as we watched the game. We were both rooting for the Suns. I don't know why. Maybe because I've always disliked the favorite and always rooted against the bully. The Suns were my type of team---tough, confident, underrated and led by a charismatic personality in Charles Barkley. While the rest of the basketball world marveled at Michael Jordan and the Bulls' accomplishment--three titles in three seasons---I wished it had never happened. I wished John Paxson's shot had bounced off the front of the rim, or Horace Grant's pass had been thrown into press row.

This game featured what may be the biggest shot in Phoenix Suns basketball history. In fact, this is one of the biggest shots in NBA history. It not only gave the Chicago Bulls their third straight NBA championship and broke the heart of the Suns; it gave us all---for 16 seconds---a glimpse into the future of the NBA.

Drive and kick.

With 19 seconds remaining Jordan took the ball and crossed mid-court, passing to Scottie Pippen with 8 seconds remaining. My heartbeat raced as Pippen drove into the lane, drew in the defense and dished to Grant with 6 seconds remaining. I sat at the edge of my seat with my eyes bulging and fists clinched. Time seemed to stop as Grant proceeded to make the biggest pass of his career. With the entire defense collapsing like an inflatable object, expelling its last breath, Grant threw a perfect strike to Paxson.
And the story ends there.

Those 16 seconds gave us a preview of the NBA we see today, where penetration is king and the perimeter shot is the exclamation point--the deciding factor, the dramatic actor and the master of momentum. Every possession is a beautiful display of controlled chaos.

This shot, this game, this moment changed my life.

Here's a question: Where were you on June 20, 1993?

Flowers emerges as elite, coveted talent

Goodyear Millennium High School football star Marquis Flowers is one of the top prospects in the state of Arizona.

In fact, Flowers is the top unsigned prospect in the state--and the race for his services is on. The 6-3, 190-pound athlete is a Swiss army knife. Offensively, he is able to rush and catch the football. Flowers rushed for 932 yards and eight touchdowns. He also averaged 17 yards per a catch. Defensively, Flowers recorded 87 tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Flowers has plenty of options. He holds scholarship offers from 13 schools. The University of Arizona and Arizona State University are on his list of suitors. The ninth-ranked athlete in the country, according to Rivals.com, for now, is in no rush to make a decision.

Flowers, a senior, said he's hoping to play on the defensive side of the ball next season. The Michigan Wolverines have expressed a desire to play him in the secondary.

"They want me to play on the defensive side of the ball and that's what I want to go as," Flowers told Rivals. "I want to go as a safety, so we're on the same page."

Flowers, according to ESPN.com, is the second-best prospect in Arizona. The Arizona Republic's Richard Obert ranks Flowers as the top athlete in the state.

Flower helped the Tigers finish the season with a 9-3 record and an appearance in the 4A-I quarterfinals. Millennium moves up from Class 4A Division I to 5A-II this season.

Devon Carrington, a safety from Hamilton High School, is ranked as the top prospect. The 6-foot, 184-pounder has committed to Stanford.

Room being made for Boldin?

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has restructured his contract, The Arizona Republic reports.

Without question, Fitzgerald is the most talented player on the Cardinals' roster. He might also be the most unselfish as well. One season after posting career highs in yardage (1,431) and touchdowns (12) and almost leading the Cardinals to a Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fitzgerald has helped clear the way for a possible contract extension for Aquan Boldin.

Boldin, for the last two seasons, has been seeking an extension on the four-year $22.67 million extension he signed in July of 2005. There are two years and $12 million remaining on the contract. He caught 89 passes for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008.

The Republic reports the restructuring of Fitzgerald's four-year, $40 million deal he signed last season will not affect the Cardinals' salary cap. Boldin's deal doesn't expire this season--it's next year.

What are the Cardinals thinking?

Arizona didn't confirm the move was made to free cap space for a potential Boldin extension. However, one can read between the lines.

In an interview with The Republic, Fitzgerald said: "I know Q is in a position he doesn't want to be in," Fitzgerald said. "I just want to see him happy so we can be here for a long time to come. I volunteered. So they said they needed it, and it wasn't a problem."

For now, Boldin is not making any noise. But with potential suitors waiting to make offers, one of the sides has to make a move.

The Cardinals may have just moved a piece on the board.