Making plays, and not, in practice
Posted by on August 6, 2013 – 5:15 pmNothing super exciting today, other than a chance to talk to Sports Illustrated’s Jim Trotter on the Cardinals Daily Report (below). But here are some notes and observations:
— Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Tyrann Mathieu forced a fumble, punching a ball lose after a catch by tight end Jeff King. It’s going to be very interesting to see him in games because over the last week or so, Mathieu has been a playmaking machine.
— We’ve mentioned Jaron Brown, Charles Hawkins and Robert Gill as receiving options, and after the depth chart came out it was clear Kerry Taylor had made inroads as the No. 4 receiver. Someone who hasn’t been mentioned (and I will admit I didn’t think we would be) is recent rookie signee Robby Toma out of Notre Dame. He’s not big, he’s not real fast. But it’s tough not to notice him catching almost every pass thrown to him.
— Veteran safety Yeremiah Bell made a very impressive diving interception — he fully laid out to grab it — against Ryan Lindley. Who says being 35 has to hinder athletic plays?
— (By the way, both the Bell pick and the Mathieu play are caught in today’s highlight package you can see here.)
— Bell said he hadn’t expected QB Ryan Lindley to throw the pass. It’s been a rough stretch for Lindley, and now Arians is talking about keeping only two QBs. It’ll be very interesting to see how Lindley does in preseason games.
— Drew Stanton did hit Andre Roberts with a long touchdown pass at one point.
— RB Andre Ellington left practice early on Tuesday with what looked like some sort of neck issue. It didn’t look serious (he walked off the field fine) but he did not return.
— Those sitting included DT Ricky Lumpkin (ankle), RB Ryan Williams (knee), LB Karlos Dansby (hamstring), G Daryn Colledge (leg), WR Robert Gill (hamstring), WR Kerry Taylor (hamstring), TE Kory Sperry (ankle), CB Jamell Fleming (hamstring), LB Alex Okafor (ankle), DT Dan Williams (ankle) and LB Kenny Demens (not sure on his injury).
— Just when Arians was asked about a lack of scuffles in camp, there was a scuffle. Guard Scott Wedige and defensive end Ronald Talley got into it a little bit after one play, but teammates quickly broke it up. Perhaps they were all warning the pair about Arians’ rule against camp fights.
— Officially John Abraham is listed third on the depth chart at linebacker. But as proof as why the depth chart is dangerous, Abraham — as he has been since he showed up — is running first unit nickel as the right side pass rusher. Matt Shaughnessy is on the left, with Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell in the middle. The linebackers are Reggie Walker (with Dansby out) and Jasper Brinkley. The corners are Patrick Peterson and Antoine Cason on the outside, with Jerraud Powers as nickel slot. Bell and Rashad Johnson are the safeties.
— Random note: Prior to Tuesday’s roster moves (which are unlikely to impact the salary cap anyway), the Cardinals had $5.76 million in salary cap space.
Tags: Alex Okafor, Andre Ellington, Antoine Cason, Calais Campbell, Charles Hawkins, Dan Williams, Darnell Dockett, Daryn Colledge, Jamell Fleming, Jaron Brown, Jasper Brinkley, Jerraud Powers, John Abraham, Karlos Dansby, Kenny Demens, Kerry Taylor, Kory Sperry, Matt Shaughnessy, Patrick Peterson, Rashad Johnson, Reggie Walker, Ricky Lumpkin, Robby Toma, Robert Gill, Ronald Talley, Ryan Williams, Scott Wedige, Tyrann Mathieu, Yeremiah Bell
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- Aug 8, 2013: Tyrann Mathieu a 'playmaking machine' in Arizona Cardinals camp | Larry Brown Sports
By Eric G on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Darren, I have heard absolutely nothing about Floyd in practice this year so far. After a disappointing rookie season, how is he looking thus far? Is he seeing a lot of targets? How is his route running?
By Darren Urban on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Eric G —
RE: Floyd
He’s been very good. A carry-over from his offseason, Nothing has changed since then:
http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Michael-Floyds-Hunger-To-Improve/6c49ca72-9772-4a70-b991-e2fc3e63b455
By Gary Wayne on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Darren, I havent heard any reference to it, are the Cards doing the same in Pre-Season as they did in camp? Im refering to splitting up into 2 or three groups and continualy running plays with the coaches and assistants. Or are they mostly concentrating on having the 1,s then the 2’s and 3rd teams working one at a time with everyone else standing around?
Could you please go into how they are structuring the practices. I live in Tyler Texas so can not make it to the practices to watch.
Thank you for keeping us informed. Im searching the web at least 2 hours daily trying to read every word I can find on the Cards. Sure miss Phoenix.
By Darren Urban on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Gary —
RE: Splitting up
No, they are keeping the team together now.
By Jonelle on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
I was at camp day 1 and watched #1 Robby Toma practice, I was very impressed with him and wondering how he was doing. Thanks for the update.
By andystandsup on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Any info/ perspective on WR Jarett Dillard, Darren?
By Darren Urban on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
andystands —
RE: Dillard
He is here but I can’t say I’ve noticed him much.
By Eric G on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Thanks Darren, I saw that post, but hadn’t heard anything in practice, which was a little concerning since he was the first rounder last year. I hope he turns out to be a true #2.
By Riccky Lopez on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Any word on if drew stanton is a good back up? if palmer gets injured does stanton look good in camp or is it too early to know..
By Iain on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Darren
I was just wanting to ask about how you think Kevin Minter is progressing, has he looked good in practice so far?
Thanks.
By Darren Urban on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Iain —
RE: Minter
He’s progressing fine. Been solid for a rookie.
By Craig on Aug 6, 2013 | Reply
Darren, Thanks for the update on Minter. Have not really heard anything about him in all the postings. For our second round pick, I would have thought we would have heard alot more about him. Don’t really ever hear him mentioned in any of the defensive packages either. Is he not expected to play this year?
By Darren Urban on Aug 7, 2013 | Reply
Craig —
RE: Minter
He’ll play. But he may not play above Dansby/Brinkley/Washington. Special teams for sure.
By Don M on Aug 7, 2013 | Reply
Gary Wayne:
I live in Tyler Tx as well. Phoenix native, long time Cardinals fan. Same goes for my wife. Maybe we could get together and cheer on our team one of these Sundays…
By dudeacow on Aug 7, 2013 | Reply
Robby Toma’s success doesn’t surprise me at all. Being Manti Te’o’s best friend since elementary, he was originally just thought of as a ploy to get Te’o to ND. He then became every fan’s favorite player by his ability to catch everything. He’ll make the team alright, and possibly end up like Wes Welker, who he has been compared to countless times throughout his career. Cards got a steal.