BREAKING NEWS: Cardinals Place Al Johnson on IR

Well, maybe Anquan Boldin has something on the Cardinals after all.  Starting center Al Johnson was placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his season.  Apparently Johnson’s knee injury recovery time was going to take a couple of weeks longer so the Cardinals approached him to cut his salary.  In a report filed on azcentral.com, Johnson said he was willing to cut some of his salary, but the Cardinals wanted a whole lot more back from him.  So the Cardinals decided to just place him on IR and promote Pat Ross from the practice squad.  Lyle Sendlein will be the starter now.

If Johnson is waived off of IR at any point during the season, he is eligible to play for anyone else.  It amazes me the Cardinals choose to approach Johnson about reducing his salary.  To me, that tells me they didn’t think of Johnson highly enough in the first place.  I didn’t see the Cardinals approach Matt Leinart last season to reduce his salary due to missed time.

So after all that, now it makes me think maybe Boldin experienced the same thing Johnson did in terms of negotiations.  I realize this is a business and it sounds like Johnson was willing to work with the team, but the team wanted to take everything away.  Now I don’t know the Cardinals side of things and I’m sure their accounts of the ordeal will be vastly different than that of Johnson’s, but now I sense a trend, a disturbing trend.  The timing is interesting as well.  Only one day before the start of the season and this takes place.  Lost in all of this is that the Cardinals also released safety Oliver Celestin today and promoted center/guard Anthony Oakley from the practice squad - all one day before the opener.  Only the Cardinals.  I’m looking forward to hearing their side of things.

Scott Allen

AZScott

Fan-Sided Blogger Team Rankings

Well, clearly not many of my blogger colleageus think too highly of our Cardinals.  This week, the entire network of bloggers sent in their rankings of each team 1-32.  There were a lot of bloggers who ranked their respective teams very optimistically high.  I will admit, I ranked Arizona a bit higher than most others, although thank you dawgpounddaily.com for ranking the Cardinals at number 12.  Boltbeat.com ranked the Cardinals at number 14 as well.

My fellow NFC West bloggers also don’t think very highly of the Cardinals, although Vinnie over at ramblinfan.com did rank the Cards at 18, which is much better than what our San Francisco blogger put us at.  He ranked us at 29.  I guess I shouldn’t complain too much since I placed them at 32, however, San Francisco is much closer to a 32 than the Cards are at 29.  Seattle ranked Arizona at 22, which is understandable.  However he also ranked his own team number 1.  Wow, now that is optimistic.  I ranked them at number 8 as I feel it will be difficult for anyone in the NFC West to unseat them as division champions, but number 1?  Just, wow.  That’s about all I can say.

Most people placed New England, San Diego, or Indianapolis at the top and that’s the way it should be.  I ranked San Diego 1, New England 2, and Indianapolis 4.  I ranked Dallas at 3.  Right now, they are the best overall team in the NFC.  A month ago, I would have given the New York Giants a higher ranking than Dallas, however they have too many injuries to overcome, so I moved them down to 17.

The other bloggers ranking Arizona better than 20 were Jacksonville, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Houston, Detroit, Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati and New York Giants.  That does show that many consider Arizona as improved, but still have work to do in order to earn more respect.

Please feel free to check out the rankings here.  I’d love to hear what you think.

Go Cards!

Scott Allen

AZScott

Week 1 Matchup: Arizona Cardinals (0-0) vs. San Francisco 49′ers (0-0)

When:  Sunday September 7th, 2008; 1:15pm

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

TV/Radio: FOX 10/KTAR-FM 92.3/Sirius 126 (AZ broadcast)/Sirius 119 (SF broadcast)

Preview: Arizona looks to rebound from two devestating losses last season to the 49ers.  Arizona lost last season’s opener in San Francisco 20-17 after failing to pounce on a San Francisco fumble late in the game in the end zone that would have assured a victory.  Arizona then lost in a late November clash at University of Phoenix Stadium in overtime after hitting a field goal that would have won the game 34-31 in regulation.  However Arizona was called for a penalty and K Neil Rackers missed his second attempt, which then in turn sent the game to overtime, in which Kurt Warner fumbled in the end zone and San Francisco recovered for a 37-31 OT win.  Both teams come in with starting quarterbacks not expected to be in that position on opening day, Kurt Warner for the Cardinals and J.T. O’Sullivan for the 49ers.

What to look for:  Watch both quarterbacks.  If either one struggles, look for a quick hook, although Warner’s leash will probably be quite a bit longer.  After beating out Matt Leinart for the starting position, Warner looks to continue where he left off last season when he threw 27 touchdowns, the most he had thrown since his MVP Season.  O’Sullivan is a surprise starter after Alex Smith failed to produce results once again and now is in danger of being called a bust.

Offense: Arizona has plenty of weapons, especially in the receiver core.  WR Anquan Boldin will be interesting to watch as he continues to play despite his unhappiness with a lack of a new contract.  He said earlier this week though, he’s still unhappy, but isn’t going to let it be a distraction for this team.  San Francisco’s main offensive weapon is RB Frank Gore.  I look for him to have another wild day against the Cardinals.  He usually produces some eye-catching fantasy numbers against the redbirds.

Defense: The big question mark for the Cardinals.  The defensive line and the linebacker core should be just fine, although as mentioned above, I’m not sure how well they can stop the force of Frank Gore.  The secondary was beaten badly on several throws in the preseason.  This has typically been an thorn in the side of the Cardinals.  Adrian Wilson returns to regular season action after seeing his 2007 season end pre-maturely.  Eric Green continues to improve and should be ok against  San Francisco.  If Darnell Dockett can avoid penalties and rookie Calais Campbell can impress as he did in the preseason, then the Cardinals should win.

Key Matchup: Kurt Warner vs San Francisco secondary.  If Warner torches the secondary and connects 5-10 times each with Fitzgerald and Boldin, then coach Ken Whisenhunt looks like a genius - at least for this week.

Prediction:  Cardinals 24-23

Notes:…QB Kurt Warner and G Reggie Wells were voted team offensive captains and LB Karlos Dansby defensive captain.  Special Team captains are Aaron Francisco and Sean Morey….This will be WR Bryant Johnson’s first game against his old team.  NT Alan Branch did not practice on Friday, so it appears he will not play on Sunday.  TE Ben Patrick and T Mike Gandy appear a go on Sunday….Warner was 34-48 for 484 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT in the last meeting with the 49ers.

Week 1 Matchup: Arizona Cardinals (0-0) vs. San Francisco 49′ers (0-0)

When:  Sunday September 7th, 2008; 1:15pm

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

TV/Radio: FOX 10/KTAR-FM 92.3

Preview: Arizona looks to rebound from two devestating losses last season to the 49ers.  Arizona lost last season’s opener in San Francisco 20-17 after failing to pounce on a San Francisco fumble late in the game in the end zone that would have assured a victory.  Arizona then lost in a late November clash at University of Phoenix Stadium in overtime after hitting a field goal that would have won the game 34-31 in regulation.  However Arizona was called for a penalty and K Neil Rackers missed his second attempt, which then in turn sent the game to overtime, in which Kurt Warner fumbled in the end zone and San Francisco recovered for a 37-31 OT win.  Both teams come in with starting quarterbacks not expected to be in that position on opening day, Kurt Warner for the Cardinals and J.T. O’Sullivan for the 49ers.

What to look for:  Watch both quarterbacks.  If either one struggles, look for a quick hook, although Warner’s leash will probably be quite a bit longer.  After beating out Matt Leinart for the starting position, Warner looks to continue where he left off last season when he threw 27 touchdowns, the most he had thrown since his MVP Season.  O’Sullivan is a surprise starter after Alex Smith failed to produce results once again and now is in danger of being called a bust.

Offense: Arizona has plenty of weapons, especially in the receiver core.  WR Anquan Boldin will be interesting to watch as he continues to play despite his unhappiness with a lack of a new contract.  He said earlier this week though, he’s still unhappy, but isn’t going to let it be a distraction for this team.  San Francisco’s main offensive weapon is RB Frank Gore.  I look for him to have another wild day against the Cardinals.  He usually produces some eye-catching fantasy numbers against the redbirds.

Defense: The big question mark fot the Cardinals.  The defensive line and the linebacker core should be just fine, although as mentioned above, I’m not sure how well they can stop the force of Frank Gore.  The secondary was beaten badly on several throws in the preseason.  This has typically been an thorn in the side of the Cardinals.  Adrian Wilson returns to regular season action after seeing his 2007 season end pre-maturely.  Eric Green continues to improve and should be ok against  San Francisco.  If Darnell Dockett can avoid penalties and rookie Calais Campbell can impress as he did in the preseason, then the Cardinals should win.

Key Matchup: Kurt Warner vs San Francisco secondary.  If Warner torches the secondary and connects 5-10 times each with Fitzgerald and Boldin, then coach Ken Whisenhunt looks like a genius - at least for this week.

Prediction:  Cardinals 24-23

Notes:…QB Kurt Warner and G Reggie Wells were voted team offensive captains and LB Karlos Dansby defensive captain.  Special Team captains are Aaron Francisco and Sean Morey….This will be WR Bryant Johnson’s game against his old team.  NT Alan Branch did not practice on Friday, so it appears he will not play on Sunday.  TE Ben Patrick and T Mike Gandy appear a go on Sunday….Warner was 34-48 for 484 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT in the last meeting with the 49ers.

The Warner and Leinart Debate Continues

MVN.com has a great debate this evening, who should be the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback, Kurt Warner or Matt Leinart? I’ve chimed in on my thoughts more than once on this subject, however the debate takes place elsewhere as well.

Thanks to Vinnie over at Ramblinfan.com for bringing this debate to my attention.  Apparently they still like Warner in St. Louis and keep tabs on him, so Vinnie was kind enough to bring us in on the debate.

If you’d like to read more about what was said, click here.

Go Cards!

Scott Allen

AZScott

The Warner and Leinart Debate Continues

MVN.com has a great debate this evening, who should be the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback, Kurt Warner or Matt Leinart? I’ve chimed in on my thoughts more than once on this subject, however the debate takes place elsewhere as well.

Thanks to Vinnie over at Ramblinfan.com for bringing this debate to my attention.  Apparently they still like Warner in St. Louis and keep tabs on him, so Vinnie was kind enough to bring us in on the debate.

If you’d like to read more about what was said, click here.

Go Cards!

Scott Allen

AZScott

Click For Cans

As we approach kickoff to the 2008 season in just a little more than an hour from now, a special contest is taking place once again, thanks to the folks over at Chunky Soup.

This year it has a whole new twist: head-to-head match ups that mirror the team’s NFL schedule. Now, fans can actually help the Cardinals crush their opponents without ever stepping on the field. The team with most wins at the end of the season receives 18,000 cans of free Chunky soup to be donated to their local food pantry. Last year, the Cardinals came in 20th place, with 32,543 votes. With the new format,  NFL fans can really rally around the fan-to-fan competition and help fight hunger in Arizona.

Please check out www.chunky.com. There will also be a linked placed on the site here at raisingzona.com.

Go Cards!

Scott Allen

AZScott

Week 1 Preview

Washington at New York Giants (Thurs 4:00pm/NBC):  The Giants should feel lucky to start the season at home.  Maybe they can talk Lawrence Taylor out of retirement since Michael Strahan declined?  It’ll be close, however Giants win 24-20.

Detroit at Atlanta (Sun 10:00am/FOX):  The battle of attrition?  Jon Kitna goes into Atlanta and shows the rookie Matt Ryan a thing or two.  Detroit 31-13.

Cincinnati at Baltimore (Sun 10:00am/CBS): Carson Palmer should have his way, even with a banged up receiver core.  Baltimore’s Kyle Boller is out for the season, and he was the best option available.  Ouch.  Cincinnati 30-14.

Seattle at Buffalo (Sun 10:00am/CBS): Well, I’m sure Seattle is glad this game is in September and not Buffalo, although I still like their chances in December in Buffalo.  Seattle in a romp 35-17.

New York Jets at Miami (Sun 10:00am/CBS): If Brett Favre wasn’t making his first regular season start for the Jets, this might be the least watched game of the day.  Favre probably makes it the most watched, or at least one of the most compelling stories of week one.  Jets 27-13

Kansas City at New England (Sun 10:00am/CBS): New England could put their entire starting lineup on the injury list for the week and they’d still win in a cakewalk.  Patriots 45-9

Tampa Bay at New Orleans (Sun 10:00am/FOX): First of all, let me say how thankful I am that New Orleans was pretty much spared most of the wrath of Hurricane Gustav.  The people of New Orleans are strong and the leadership of the city should be commended for getting this city ready for what should be a great game.  New Orleans in a close one 20-19.

St. Louis at Philadelphia (Sun 10:00am/FOX): Steven Jackson will get a lot of work in the first half.  Marc Bulger may need to take over in the second half to attempt a comeback.  McNabb and his delegation cruise to a 34-20.

Houston at Pittsburgh (Sun 10:00am/CBS): Houston is starting to get better.  They have some great offensive weapons.  Pittsburgh has more, and home field.  Pittsburgh 23-16

Jacksonville at Tennessee (Sun 10:00am/CBS): Jacksonville goes in with heavy hearts since one of their own is fighting for his life in a Jacksonville hospital.  Tennessee still lacks offense.  Tennessee 16-13

Dallas at Cleveland (Sun 1:15pm/CBS): The possible game of the day.  Both teams have high powered offenses.  Which one will score more points.  I want to take Cleveland cause they will give Dallas a game, however Cleveland will most likely make one more mistake than the Cowboys.  Dallas 31-30

Carolina at San Diego (Sun 1:15pm/FOX): San Diego starts its run towards Tampa.  Tomlinson has a great day.  San Diego 28-10

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO (Sun 1:15pm/FOX): The Cardinals come in with Kurt Warner as the starter.  San Francisco counters with J.T. O’Sullivan.  No doubt Arizona’s offense overall is better.  Question is, will Arizona repeat the mistakes that have cost them the past two games against the 49ers?  I think they learn from their mistakes.  Arizona 24-23

Chicago at Indianapolis (Sun 5:15pm/NBC): I don’t care if Peyton Manning plays in wheelchair, Kyle Orton and the Bears still can’t win.  It’s a new stadium, but it will be the same old result.  Indianapolis 27-6

Minnesota at Green Bay (Mon 4:00pm/ESPN): Aaron Rodgers makes his first official start in place of Brett Favre.  Adrian Peterson starts his second season in Minnesota.  Game is in Green Bay.  Rodgers won’t exactly make Titletown forget Favre, but he does enough to beat Minnesota.  Green Bay 21-19

Denver at Oakland (Mon 7:15pm/ESPN): Oakland will be good - someday.  Not this someday.  Denver is too strong and too talented.  Anything usually goes in this rivalry.  The only thing that is going here is the Denver scoring.  Denver 35-14

Enjoy!  Go Cards!

Scott Allen

AZScott

10 Cardinals Guarantees

Here are my 10 guarantees regarding the 2008 version of the Arizona Cardinals.  You can lock these away.

10.  Darnell Dockett will have fewer personal foul penalties in 2008

9. Neil Rackers will miss at least one possbile game-winning field goal from under 40 yards

8. Matt Leinart will start a game before week 5

7. There will be more Cardinals fans than Dallas fans at the Dallas game on October 12th.

6. Tim Hightower will score his first TD either in week one or week two.

5. Adrian Wilson, as long as he is healthy, will have a  multiple interception game this season.

4. Ken Whisenhunt will have an above .500 record when it comes to replay challenges.

3. I won’t go as far as Buddy Ryan and say you have a winner in town, however I will say the Cardinals will be in playoff contention at least through mid-December.

2. Arizona may be in contention for a wild-card, however they will not win the West.  Not as good as Seattle over a 16-game season - yet.

1. The Cardinals will have a winning record after September.

Go Cards!

Scott Allen

AZScott

Boldin Ready To Play

So I read today that now Anquan Boldin is no longer going to be a distraction to the team and although he is still miffed about not getting his extension, he is ready to play and will do everything to help this team reach its potential.

Ok.  Sounds good.

I figure it like this.  He really has no choice.  He obviously has always wanted to win.  He thinks this team has what it takes to get the job done.  He still has three years left on his contract, including this one.  I truly believe, and I sense he does too, that if he has another great season, he will be rewarded by the Cardinals for a job well done.  That of course is something they should have already done, but I still believe they will do.

Here comes the regular season.  I hope he means what he says.

Go Cards!

Scott Allen

AZScott

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