Revenge of the Birds

Key (Initial) Position Battles For Arizona Cardinals

2012-05-17T19:00:35Z

As we approach training camp in a couple of months, and the roster is now full (although the team may certainly add some guys, as many of these undrafted players can be let go without a problem). Now we can focus our attention to the role that the players may or may not play this season.

So let us look at the key positional battle and decide which one will be the most contested/most important.

To start, I will acknowledge that the starting QB position between Kevin Kolb ad John Skelton IS the most important. We are going to look at the other potential positional battles.

Running back:

This is a question mark with both Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams coming back from injury. However, Williams made an impression on the team and coaching staff in just a short period of time. He definitely could push Wells.

Wide receiver:

Obviously Larry Fitzgerald is top dog, but I expect to see a great battle for the number two and number three spots. Early Doucet, Andre Roberts and rookie Michael Floyd will all be fighting for those two spots.

Right tackle:

We have already put the discussion out there, but we expect Bobby Massie to be in the mix for a starting job. Jeremy Bridges tops the depth chart right now, but he is basically an average lineman.

Inside linebacker:

Paris Lenon held him off a year ago, but the coaches and fans want Stew Bradley to earn his money and unseat Lenon. It won't be as easy as it looks. Lenon was a team captain and didn't play poorly. Bradley, though, is versatile enough that he will probably be used in some packages playing outside linebacker.

Cornerback:

We know that Patrick Peterson will start on one side, but the other side of the field will have a few players in the mix. Greg Toler is coming back from injury, the team brought in William Gay and they drafted Jamell Fleming. Plus, A.J. Jefferson is going to battle as well. They have potentially four guys that could start at that position.

...

Of the positional battles, which one will be the most intriguing to watch as training camp and the preseason unfold?

Vote in the poll and comment away.

Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.

Poll

Which battle are you most looking forward to watching?

Behind The Numbers Of Calais Campbell's New Contract With The Arizona Cardinals

2012-05-17T16:00:26Z

Kent Somers put up a post on Tuesday discussing the numbers behind Calais Campbell's new contract. We know that it is a five-year, $55 million deal with $31 million guaranteed, but how does it all break down? What kind of bonuses will he be receiving? How much is he set to earn per season?

Hit the jump to find out.

According to Somers, Campbell's contract is very heavy towards the back end of the deal. Remember, the franchise tag has been completely removed, so in the upcoming season, Campbell is set to make just $2 million in base salary. After that, it just keeps climbing.

2013: $3 million

2014: $5.5 million

2015: $9 million

2016: $9.5 million

The Cardinals will be saving a lot of money up front with Campbell, but unless his production is incredibly high in the latter years of his contract, he may never see those last two figures. Although, there is always the chance that his deal gets restructured should the Cards be looking to spread the money out a bit more evenly and provide themselves with some cap room.

Somers also noted that, in the new contract, Campbell received a $15 million signing bonus, as well as a $10 million option bonus owed to him in 2013. The $10 million bonus can be prorated throughout the life of the contract.

Here is some more info about his guaranteed money:

Campbell's base salaries in his first two years are fully guaranteed. In year three, $1 million is guaranteed. The total deal is worth $55 million with $31 million guaranteed -- $25 million in bonuses, plus $6 million of guaranteed salary.

So now that the numbers have been released, what are your thoughts on Campbell's new contract? Do you like it more? Less?

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

We invite you to follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and like us on Facebook. Also, follow me on Twitter at @TylerNickelASU.

Arizona Cardinals Complete 90-Man Roster, Sign Landon Cohen

2012-05-17T14:01:07Z

After signing four tryout players, the Arizona Cardinals filled their 90-man roster on Wednesday. They signed defensive lineman Landon Cohen, previously of the Detroit Lions and, most recently, the New England Patriots.

The Cardinals press release said this about Cohen:

Cohen (6-3, 300) has played in 25 career games with five starts and has 31 tackles (21 solos). He appeared in one game with New England in 2011 and had one tackle after playing in two games (one start) with the Patriots in 2010.

After entering the NFL with Detroit as a seventh round selection (216^th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Ohio, Cohen spent his first two seasons with the Lions (2009-09) and appeared in 20 games with four starts. He played in two games with Jacksonville in 2010 before joining New England.

What else can we find out about him?

The Cardinals list him as a defensive end. He player profile on ESPN has him as a defensive tackle. Likely his versatility.

Here is what his Scouts report says about him (Insider protected):

Cohen flashes talent as a young defender. He is a good combination of strength and athleticism but is limited outside the tackle box. He is raw in his hand use and at maintaining leverage in his gap responsibility. He is a steady effort player who does flash quickness and shows enough natural strength to be an effective run-stopper. He needs to develop his hand use as a both run defender and pass-rusher.

.Now, since the 90-man roster is full, that doesn't mean that the team is done signing people. It just means that to bring anyone back or to sign someone new, one of the undrafted players likely.

5-17-12: Arizona Cardinals Bird Droppings - Offseason

2012-05-17T11:00:40Z

Time for todays links, with an update on a depth signing the Cardinals made yesterday that also gave them the maximum of 90 players that they can have on the roster right now.

Arizona Cardinals News:

Arizona Cardinals reach roster maximum with signing of defensive end Landon Cohen
The Cardinals reached the roster maximum of 90 players Wednesday when the team signed free agent defensive end Landon Cohen.

Campbell’s real guarantee is $17 million | ProFootballTalk
Another week, another contract that was initially reported as having a much higher value than it actually has. It was reported on Friday Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell has received a five-year, $55 million contract with $31 million guaranteed. Inspection of the contract reveals that the deal isn’t quite that sweet.

Second thought on some, but not Campbell - NFC West Blog - ESPN
NFL rosters turn over quickly. It's no shock to see a team's draft class disperse after five or six years. Sometimes it takes a special player to thrive through injuries, coaching changes, temptations and other issues that can send a promising career in the wrong direction. Calais Campbell is looking like that type of player. He has stayed relatively healthy, succeeded despite multiple changes in coordinators and commanded a lucrative second contract from the Arizona Cardinals.

Word From the Birds Blog | Cards sign defensive end
The Cardinals signed veteran defensive end Landon Cohen, who played one game with the Patriots last season, to a contract Wednesday. Cohen has been in the league since 2008, bouncing around to three previous teams and having a high of 14 games played in 2009 with the Lions. He is 6-foot-3, 300 pounds. Cohen’s arrival means the Cards have maxed out their roster at 90 players, although don’t fret (because I know the questions will come), veterans DE Vonnie Holliday and LB Clark Haggans are still very real possibilities. If anyone else is signed, of course, it means a player has to be released.

Word From the Birds Blog | Video games, A-Dub and charity
If you want a chance to face off against a pro athlete in an Xbox Madden video game tournament, you are in luck. Adrian Wilson is holding a charity tourney Friday, at Scottsdale’s W hotel, from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. poolside. Benefiting Wilson’s charitable foundation, a $35 donation gets you into the event (with a couple of drinks), and for just $15 more you can challenge one of the athletes. Tickets are available at wscottsdaletickets.com or you can call 602-405-0099 for VIP tickets or more info. You can also visit adrianwilson24.com.

Cardinals owner ranked 24th in NFL - ArizonaSports.com
Bill Bidwill has a reputation as one of the NFL's worst owners, with much of it deserved because his teams have perennially been at or near the bottom of the standings. Things have changed around the organization ever since Michael Bidwill took over, with impressive results to show for it. However, that wasn't enough for The Big Lead to give the Cardinals ownership much credit.

Cardinals rookie Massie can't wait to face team's stars - ArizonaSports.com
Bobby Massie does not know why he slipped to the fourth round in the 2012 NFL Draft. Graded by many to be a second-round talent, that he fell to the Cardinals at 112 is something that will motivate him going forward, as he looks to prove to everyone that he should have been taken sooner.

Zoom: Bond of Brothers
Brothers John and Steve Skelton have been teammates at every level of football including the NFL. In this episode of Zoom, we take a look at their special bond both on and off the field.

Arizona Sports News:

Arizona Diamonbacks fall to Colorado Rockies in Denver
Sometime Thursday Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers is scheduled to arrive at Coors Field, where he will sit down with manager Kirk Gibson. The two enjoy each other's company and are quick to share a laugh, but when the subject turns to their struggling baseball team, there will be little for them to find humorous. At the beginning of the week, Gibson cryptically mentioned "adjustments" to the roster, about changes that might need to happen to jumpstart his middling team. Towers isn't exactly known for his patience, and so it will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens in aftermath of another dispiriting loss. "We're going to sit down and talk about some things," Gibson said before the Diamondbacks' 6-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies.

Phoenix Coyotes' Martin Hanzal out for Game 3, Shane Doan avoids suspension
As soon as forward Martin Hanzal was assessed a game misconduct for boarding in the third period of Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, the Coyotes feared the NHL would suspend Hanzal for Game 3.

Phoenix Coyotes need to return for fans
Lost in the atmosphere of an arena that looked like it had been dipped in Clorox was this bit of darkness: A slim chance remains that this could have been the Coyotes' last game in Arizona. Let's hope not. These should not be our lasting memories of the Coyotes: Fifty-six penalty minutes. A solemn Shane Doan, quietly talking outside the locker room about possibly facing a suspension for Game 3. Inconsistent officiating that was best exemplified by simultaneous calls of slashing and diving. "It took us a while," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said, "to figure out the bar goes up every round." This wasn't how it was supposed to be, the Coyotes suffering an ugly 4-0 loss to the Kings on Tuesday night and heading to Los Angeles with their tails between their pads and a 0-2 deficit in the series. The Coyotes need to win one in Los Angeles. They need to come back to the Valley and remind fans why so many fell in love with them this season, that under all the equipment beats the heart of a gritty, blue-collar team.

NFL News:

Drew Brees 'Frustrated' With New Orleans Saints Over Stalled Contract Talks - SBNation.com
The New Orleans Saints are not winning the offseason. Quarterback Drew Brees, in an appearance on WWL radio in New Orleans, expressed frustration with how his team is handling negotiations over a contract extension.

Kenny Britt Injury: Titans WR Has 2nd Knee Surgery On Wednesday - SBNation.com
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt had a second surgery on his right knee on Wednesday. Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reports that it was arthroscopic surgery to repair a "minor issue" with Britt's surgically-repaired right knee.

Junior Seau's Garage Robbed 5 Days After His Death - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Junior Seau's suicide earlier this month sent shockwaves of grief through the sporting world and Southern California. But for at least one lowlife, it also presented an opportunity -- an opportunity to climb through the doggy door of a dead man's garage and steal from a grieving family.

New York Giants Super Bowl Ring Unveiled; Fans Can Try It On Virtually - SBNation.com
On Wednesday night, members of the Super Bowl XLVI champion New York Giants will be at Tiffany's to pick up their Super Bowl rings. Images of the ring were released on Wednesday for the rest of the world to see.

Would You Like Your Child To Play Catch With Brett Favre? - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
Look, you love Brett Favre. It's okay; it's a natural part of being alive. You're still mourning his for-realsies-this-time retirement. You're still wearing his jersey. You're probably a Jacksonville Jaguars fan, but you still had a jersey made that says "FAVRE 4" on the back, because you love him so dang much. (And I mean, what else do you have to feel good about?) But what if I told you there was a way that you -- yes, you -- could interact with the great Brett Favre himself? No, I'm not pulling your chain.

NFL Roundtable: Which Draft Pick Is Most Likely To Bust? - SBNation.com
Every year there are players who we miss on in the NFL Draft and end up becoming busts. SB Nation's NFL roundtable tries to identify those players by selecting which draft pick is most likely to end up being a bust.

Which Draft Pick Is Most Likely To Be A Bust?

2012-05-16T21:44:15Z

Over at SB Nation's NFL page, they started up a discussion about the recent NFL Draft and predict who they believe will be the most likely of the first rounders to bust and not amount to much in the NFL.

The names Dontari Poe, Quinton Coples and Brandon Weeden come up.

What about you all? Any of these guys have bust all over them? What about Michael Floyd? Are you worried about him? Hit the jump and tell us what you think!

Patrick Peterson Almost In Top-10 Under-25 List

2012-05-16T19:12:23Z

On NFL.com, since the offseason news is starting to slow, they put together a list (everyone loves lists, right?) of the top 10 players that are under 25 years old. There are some very obvious names on the list and others you might not agree with.

The top 10 are:

Arizona's Patrick Peterson just missed the cut.

You could definitely make the case for Peterson. His impact on the games the Cardinals played last season was very clear. He won games almost single-handedly.

At the same time, his impact on defense has not been made yet. He has improvement to make and is poised to be a breakout defensive player. If he does that, considering he is only 21 years old, he will most certainly crack this list in a year from now.

Justin Bethel excites the hell out of me.....

2012-05-16T18:00:00Z

I know he is a long term project.... which i understand but please watch this video from draft day and then ill tell you what I see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VcZhuMYBSU

First Play able to read and react even though at the beginning of the play he is clearly out of position. I know the competition was far slower than he will see in the NFL but lets be honest he isnt playing for minimum two years anyways.

Second play he was able to read run and come up and put a lick on the running back. This play reminds me of A-Dub just lighter.... It would seem he is playing safety here and he is able to make a quick decision and got to the ball carrier very fast.

Third play was a break down in protection from the linemen, but if he is going to become a good safety he will need to blitz much like this. I would of preferred a delayed blitz but A-Dub will be able to teach him not to show his hand too early better. He did a good job of keeping his feet and not "wiffing" on the QB.

Forth Play is another solid read and react run play, sticking with the outside man on the option and putting another lick on the QB. Again he was playing safety once again A-Dub type of play.

The fifth play is a right place right time INT. QB overthrew his receiver.

Out of everything he looks very fast on the field, which game fast is different than 40 fast. we have all see the box video so his leaping ability more than makes up for his shorter size. I think he is the perfect student to sit and learn under Mr. Wilson for the next two years and get some of that raw talent taught up a little.

Poll

How do you think Justin Bethel will do with the AZ Cardinals?

Arizona Cardinals Sign Four Rookies To Four-Year Contracts

2012-05-16T15:00:51Z

Once the Arizona Cardinals signed Calais Campbell to a five-year extension, they were able to remove the franchise tag label from him. In doing so, they created over $5 million in cap space. That money could be used towards signing another veteran free agent, but first, the team needed to square away its rookies.

They did just that on Tuesday, signing four different players to long term deals. To see who they are, hit the jump.

Via Darren Urban:

Cards agree to four-year contracts with four picks: T Bobby Massie, G Senio Kelemete, QB Ryan Lindley and S Justin Bethel.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) May 15, 2012

Although the two top picks from this year's draft remain unsigned (Michael Floyd and Jamell Fleming), there is no need to get nervous at this point. With the new collective bargaining agreement set in place, the rookie contracts have become more slotted. The holdouts that used to occur with first round picks don't really occur as much anymore because it is already known what they are going to earn.

Having Massie, Kelemete, Lindley and Bethel under contract is nice to see. The team can now shift their focus on signing the remaining drafted players (which includes Nate Potter as well). Look for the remaining players to get signed within the next week or two.

We invite you to follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and like us on Facebook. Also, follow me on Twitter at @TylerNickelASU.