Edgerrin James / Photo: Newscom

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 Bowl XLIII. Nevertheless, the handwriting was already on the wall and when the Cards drafted Ohio State RB Chris “Beanie” Wells this past weekend, it became obvious — Edgerrin would finally get the freedom he had been seeking.

My feeling is that Edge can’t possibly serve anything more than a dual role with another running back, no matter what team he plays for. As much as he has been a great running back during his career, it’s been ten years and he’s at the end of his road. Edgerrin James doesn’t have a whole lot of mileage left. But I think he can and will contribute a valuable role to whatever team takes a chance on him.

Source: NFL.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Cardinals Release Edgerrin James

Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals / Photo: Newscom

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 know that will come back up. It would be foolish from our standpoint not to listen to those opportunities and see what actually exists. But I want to make the point — our goal is to re-sign him to a long-term deal. That hasn’t changed.”

Anquan hasn’t been happy with his contract situation for more than a year. He’s been clamoring for a long-term deal but the Cards have yet to put their money where their mouth is, so to speak. Unless the team gets something in the neighborhood of three Draft picks (with two in the early rounds) as compensation for losing Anquan, they’re absolutely nuts.

What the Arizona Cardinals currently enjoy are two of the best receivers in the National Football League. And as talented an athlete as he is, fellow receiver Larry Fitzgerald is successful largely because of Anquan. And Anquan, in turn, is successful largely because of Larry. One without the other will equal catastrophic results in Arizona. OK, maybe not catastrophic results. But they won’t get back to the Super Bowl without both of them. And really — what else is there?

Source: AZCardinals.com

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Cards Willing to Trade Anquan Boldin

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. I understand all the dynamics. My whole role with having this blessing is understanding my role in it and having the most impact I can, whether it is with my family or the community. That’s how I look at it, as a responsibility.”

Let’s face it. Kurt needs receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. They’re probably the two best receivers in the National Football League. I’ve said that more times than I can remember, even before it became fashionable to do so. And while I won’t go so far as to say that Larry and Anquan need Kurt, they’re probably a lot better off with him than without him. I want to believe that backup QB Matt Leinart (who is cursing the Niners today) could step in and win games for Arizona, but the truth is we just don’t know. Not that he hasn’t had the chance to prove himself. Kurt just proved he was the better man for the job when the two have battled it out on a level playing field. So, while the Arizona Cardinals unfortunately won’t field exactly the same team that got them to Super Bowl XLIII last season, the parts that matter most are still intact. And I believe they’re still the team to beat in the NFC.

Source: AZCardinals.com, Photo: Newscom

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Cardinals Re-sign Kurt Warner

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

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 we’ve been able to accomplish this year and for us to continue to have success, he’s gonna have to be a part of it.”

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom

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Larry Fitzgerald: ‘Q’s Not Going Anywhere’

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 they get off to a quick start (meaning getting an early lead). And they need to have a balanced attack — running the football with Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower to compliment their high-octane passing game that features the NFL’s two best receivers, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, as well as Steve Breaston. I think both teams will have some trick plays up their sleeves. And I wonder about the familiarity of the Cardinals coaches (Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm) with the Steelers defensive personnel — if that will have any affect on the outcome of this game. Those are all things to examine when the game is over. But I believe this Super Bowl boils down to turnovers. And that may sound very obvious, but keep in mind this game is no different than any other NFL game in that regard. If you win the turnover battle, there’s a good chance you’ll win the football game. To say the Cardinals have been an opportunistic defense during this postseason would be a severe understatement. They are an incredible +9 in turnover ratio in three playoff games. They will need to remain disciplined in their assigned responsibilities while trying to force Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger into making mistakes. The Steelers, on the other hand, will focus on forcing Cards QB Kurt Warner into turnovers. Kurt has been known to put the ball on the ground in the face of a frenzied pass rush. Kurt has been outstanding in these playoffs, but you know the Steelers understand his weaknesses and tendencies and will attack them accordingly.

I want to say that defense wins championships — which would lead me to pick the Steelers tonight — but something about Arizona tells me that destiny beats defense. I would be crazy to pick the Cardinals, but…..

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Steelers seek unprecedented sixth Super Bowl title; they won championships after 1974, ’75, ’78, ’79 and 2005 seasons … Steelers lost once in Super Bowl, after 1995 season to Dallas … Before Super Bowl era, they never made a championship game … Mike Tomlin is only third Steelers coach since 1969. Chuck Noll won four Super Bowls before being replaced in 1992 by Bill Cowher, who won one title … Eleven starters remain from 2005 champion, including Super Bowl MVP WR Hines Ward … Latest version of Steel Curtain, led by Defensive Player of Year LB James Harrison, allowed fewest points in league (223), to go with high rankings in yards allowed … Pittsburgh swept Baltimore in three games this season, including AFC championship, to get to Super Bowl … RB Willie Parker has rushed for two touchdowns and 193 yards in two playoff games. His 75-yard run in 21-10 win over Seattle three years ago is longest in Super Bowl history … Cardinals are in first Super Bowl. Their last title was in 1947 while representing Chicago. Their three postseason wins this year surpass previous total for playoffs (2) … Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt was offensive coordinator for Pittsburgh’s 2005 title team. He was passed over for head coaching job when Cowher retired two years ago for Tomlin, and is 1-0 vs. Steelers since … QB Kurt Warner won Super Bowl with Rams and was MVP of game after 1999 season. He was league MVP in ’99 and 2001 and lost Super Bowl to New England in February 2002 … RB Edgerrin James has been reborn in playoffs after losing starting job to rookie Tim Hightower during season. James has 203 yards rushing in playoffs … All-Pro WR Larry Fitzgerald already has set playoff record for yards receiving (419) and has five TD receptions.

Source: NFL Media

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Super Bowl XLIII Preview

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

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 for all of a sudden being a selfish distraction to his team. I don’t think that’s fair and I don’t think it’s true. He’s attempting to ignore (unsuccessfully) the negative pub, especially concerning why he left the postgame celebration early:

“I celebrated with my teammates — I just tried to avoid this (media). But me leaving earlier than everybody else seems to have made it worse, but it is what it is. The guys in the locker room know what kind of guy I am and they know exactly what went on.”

Anquan probably wishes he had stayed longer, dealt with the media’s questions and brushed it off like nothing really happened. But that isn’t what he did and he’ll have to keep answering stupid questions for a while, I’m sure. The media really wants to turn this nothing into something (and they’re doing a pretty good job so far), but it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal to me. Furthermore, Anquan explained his sideline shouting match:

“I was mad because they took me out of the game. I think any competitor would have the same reaction. A game of that magnitude, how close the game was and us potentially driving to score a touchdown — I want to be in there. That’s just the type of guy I am ….. I don’t want to sit here and dwell on it, because for me it’s in the past, but that’s something that goes on every week in the NFL — whether people know it or not. Every week someone on the sidelines gets into an argument. But it’s in the heat of the moment, it’s a part of football and once it’s all done, it’s dead on both sides. Like I said, it’s not something I wish to dwell on or will let distract this team, because that’s not my priority.”

His priority is getting ready for the Super Bowl and putting his concentration into preparing himself for the biggest game of his career. And I’m sure that’s exactly what he’ll do. Anquan is one of the best receivers in the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald (probably THE best) has gotten all the money and the fame (rightfully so), but there are few receivers in the league who can compete with Anquan Boldin’s toughness (remember he had his face put back together after being blown up earlier this season) and skill. I think he boiled over at an inopportune time, but I don’t question what he has meant to this team and what he will mean to this team in the future — in Super Bowl XLIII and beyond. I want Anquan Boldin on my side.

Source: NFL Media, Photo: Newscom

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Anquan Boldin Answers His Critics

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 Williams, Vikings; Jay Ratliff, Cowboys; Pat Williams, Vikings
OLB: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys; Lance Briggs, Bears; Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers
MLB: Patrick Willis, 49ers; Jon Beason, Panthers
CB: Charles Woodson, Packers; Antoine Winfield, Vikings; Asante Samuel, Eagles
S: Nick Collins, Packers; Adrian Wilson, Cardinals; Brian Dawkins, Eagles

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: John Carney, Giants
P: Jeff Feagles, Giants
KR: Clifton Smith, Buccaneers
ST: Sean Morey, Cardinals

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

2009 NFC Pro Bowl Roster

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 makes you contemplate what’s really important and puts football in perspective. It’s things like that that make you say, ‘This game isn’t everything, and I’m not sure if I can do this anymore.’ Because the bottom line is that all I really want is to be able to go home to my wife and kids.”

Good thing for the Cards that Anquan, after surgery, is healing just fine. He’s one of the best receivers in the league. And good thing for the Cards that Kurt didn’t make any hasty decisions. Yesterday against the Buffalo Bills, he was on top of his game (33-of-42 passing for 250 yards and two TDs) in a 41-17 win. I respect Kurt as much as any player in the NFL. He’s a top-notch human being and (still) a great athlete. He has his priorities straight. And the Cards will need him if they’re going to make a playoff and Super Bowl run this season.

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Kurt Warner Considered Retirement

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 against Buffalo, but there’s a chance he could return the following week against Dallas. My guess is the team will wait until after their bye week (the week after the Cowboys game) to bring him back against Carolina in Week 8.

If you want to see the hit, click here.

Source: AZCentral.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Anquan Boldin Has Facial Surgery

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

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 way I play at all. As soon as I get back on the field, it’ll be the same old me. I don’t plan on altering the way I play because if I did, I wouldn’t be Anquan.”

Anquan, as we know him, is probably the toughest receiver in the National Football League. (Along with Larry Fitzgerald, the Cards have the two best receivers in the league.) So in retrospect, I think this injury might make Anquan even more aggressive, if that’s possible. Still, he’ll need time to heal. His playing status remains uncertain right now.

If you want to see the hit, click here.

Source: AZCardinals.com, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Anquan Boldin Has Sinus Fracture