A Closer Look At Cardinals Camp

A Closer Look at Cards Camp 2007

Cards Camp 2007 has a new feel and new energy to it-- Coach Wiz's hands- on approach and his focus on getting to know his players has gone over extremely well. Dennis Green's appointment only and closed- door style is the exact opposite of Whisenhunt. The Green era in Arizona is remembered for lazy, slow- paced practices, which led to sloppy game performances in my opinion.

Cards Camp 2007 got off to a slow start due to the weather. Each year the Arizona Cardinals drive up Interstate 17 to beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona for training camp. Camp however, coincides with one of the most active weather periods for the state of Arizona. The Monsoons had the Cardinals limited to non- contact drills for the majority of the week of camp.

The Cardinals offensive came out of the gate in week one of camp. They looked further along then the defense and ready for the season. I don't know if that is a good sign for the Cardinals though. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald were making plays throughout the week, and rookie Steve Breaston looks good in the return game. Veteran LeRon McCoy has been demanding the ball and he has made some impressive plays for Matt Leinart. Leinart has also looked sharp-- he has been very accurate as well as vocal, growing more into his leadership roll. Bryant Johnson lined up incorrectly a few times and Leinart forcible had to move him to his correct position. The leader we saw at USC is emerging at the NFL for the Cardinals. The "Edge" has also been impressive thus far. He has come into camp determined and in top shape. It looks as if James has shed about 15 pounds-- he knows he is going to get the ball a ton this year and came into camp ready for an extended roll.

The first four days of camp had gone by and there had been no sign of top pick Levi Brown. On day five, August 2, Brown and the Cardinals came to terms on a contract that guaranteed the big man $18.1 million-- not bad! Brown was in camp by the sixth day and just in time for two a day practices but looked winded in the high altitude in Flagstaff. As the week progressed, so did Brown.

Day 7 might have been the Cards worst day of practice. It had been a long- rain soaked week and Leinart and center Al Johnson muffed a few snaps and brought back nightmares to many of us from a year ago. Whisenhunt very vocally voiced his concerns and practice went on. Brown was the one bright spot of the day, playing exceptional well one numerous plays including Marcell Shipp's goal line slam. Saturday's crowd was also a sight to see, hundreds of fans crowded the practice field despite the oncoming rain clouds. Green always had closed- door practice sessions, at least one practice per day was private. Coach Wiz is the exact opposite. August 5, the Cards had the day off, it was a needed break and allowed us media guys the chance to catch up.

The ninth day, my last day on Cardinals camp before moving onto my other coverage was ironically when the first depth chart was released and you know us media types jumped all over that. It was significant but not too meaningful this early in camp. The first depth chart, really shows us who is looking good from the start-- the NFL is not a race, it is a marathon though. All- in- all, Cards camp has gotten off to a strong start despite the grimacing rain clouds and storms. Hopefully, we will be seeing some of that thunder and lightning this year from Cardinals.

Preseason Schedule

Aug. 11 - at Oakland - 10:00pm
Aug. 18 - Houston - 4:00pm
Aug. 25 - San Diego - 10:00pm
Aug. 30 - at Denver - 9:00pm