As expected, the Arizona Cardinals released running back Edgerrin James today. The Cards also gave defensive back Rod Hood and defensive end Travis LaBoy their walking papers, clearing salary cap space for higher priority players like Karlos Dansby, Adrian Wilson and maybe even Anquan Boldin (imagine that).
It was Edgerrin’s wish to be released by the team last season when his playing time had dwindled to a mere backup role behind Tim Hightower. But later in the season, he would eventually regain a starring role with the team and he was a major contributor in helping the Cardinals get to Super …read more

The Arizona Cardinals don’t want to part ways with Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin. After all, in just 12 games last season he had 89 catches and 11 TDs. But with the NFL Draft a little more than a week away, the Cards are willing to listen to trade offers and to deal Q should the right opportunity present itself.
Cards head coach Ken Whisenhunt confirmed the possibility of trading Anquan today:
“Before the Draft, you know there is going to talk about Anquan and his situation and a trade. Since not a whole lot has changed with his contractual situation, we …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Arizona Cardinals finally came to their senses and took care of business with quarterback Kurt Warner today. Of course, my feeling is they never should’ve let Kurt leave town (he visited the San Francisco 49ers earlier this week), but what matters most, especially as far as AZ Cards fans are concerned, is that Kurt signed a two-year, $23 million deal to remain the starting quarterback. Typically, he kept things in proper perspective:
“It’s one of those things that can be bittersweet, especially at this point and time in the economy and where people are struggling. …read more

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Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald continued tearing up the postseason by catching five passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns, winning the game Most Valuable Player Award as the NFC beat the AFC 30-21 in the annual Pro Bowl this afternoon. After the game Larry said teammate and fellow receiver Anquan Boldin wasn’t going anywhere, attempting to extinguish the ongoing rumors that “Q” will be traded this upcoming offseason.
“Q’s not going anywhere. We’re gonna try to keep him, do whatever we can to make sure he’s an Arizona Cardinal. He’s a huge part of what …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
On the surface, Super Bowl XLIII has been touted as the Cardinals offense vs. the Steelers defense. The Cards had the NFL’s 4th best offense (in total yards) and the Steelers had the NFL’s top defense (fewest yards allowed). But there are so many other storylines and, of course, sports writers and fans have spent the past two weeks dissecting all the possibilities.
Certainly, I believe strength against strength is the most intriguing of tonight’s matchups. But, a few others quickly come to mind. I think the Cardinals are a completely different football team when …read more

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Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin’s sideline argument with offensive coordinator Todd Haley during the NFC Championship game has generated a lot of discussion over the past few days. Why coach Haley decided to pull Anquan, one of the best receivers in the entire NFL, out of that game — during the most important drive in the history of the franchise (thus far) — is beyond me. Of course, the Cards scored the go-ahead touchdown on that drive, so it does appear coach Haley knew what he was doing.
Nevertheless, Anquan has been getting a bad rap …read more

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Here is the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Starters are listed in bold.
OFFENSE
QB: Kurt Warner, Cardinals; Drew Brees, Saints; Eli Manning, Giants
RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Michael Turner, Falcons; Clinton Portis, Redskins
FB: Mike Sellers, Redskins
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals; Anquan Boldin, Cardinals; Steve Smith, Panthers; Roddy White, Falcons,
TE: Jason Witten, Cowboys; Chris Cooley, Redskins
T: Jordan Gross, Panthers; Walter Jones, Seahawks; Chris Samuels, Redskins
G: Chris Snee, Giants; Steve Hutchinson, Vikings; Leonard Davis, Cowboys
C: Andre Gurode, Cowboys; Shaun O’Hara, Giants
DEFENSE
DE: Justin Tuck, Giants; Julius Peppers, Panthers; Jared Allen, Vikings
DT: Kevin …read more

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner actually considered retiring after receiver Anquan Boldin’s frightening, knock-out head injury in the waning moments of a 56-35 loss to the N.Y. Jets a little over a week ago. Kurt felt responsible that it was his throw that ultimately caused Anquan’s condition. After the game, on the team bus to the airport and not knowing that Anquan was well on his way to recovery, Kurt sent a text message to his wife Brenda saying, “This is it. I can’t do this anymore. It’s time to retire.”
“Something scary like that just …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin ended up having surgery on his face yesterday. This was to repair a broken bone suffered when he was annihilated by N.Y. Jets DB Eric Smith last weekend. The doctor who performed the surgery (Dr. Reed Day of Phoenix) told Cards head coach Ken Whisenhunt that a hockey player who underwent the same procedure was playing 10 days later. Coach was therefore optimistic:
“And that’s a violent sport, too. The doctor felt like it would give him the quickest chance to get back.”
How quick? Well, he’s obviously out for Sunday’s game …read more

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Anquan Boldin did not “emerge relatively unscathed” (as I previously posted) from the brutal hit that left him unconscious late in a 56-35 loss to the N.Y. Jets this past Sunday. The initial report I received was that he was no worse for the wear afterward and upon returning to Arizona, was “resting comfortably at home.” Well, he must not have been resting too comfortably because as it turns out, he has a sinus fracture. Isn’t that like a sinus infection times ten? But he doesn’t see the injury changing his game:
“That won’t change the …read more