Bruce Arians must evolve to save his struggling Arizona Cardinals offense
[ad_1]
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers and McManaman at Cards practice Wednesday | 2:31
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman of azcentral sports break down the Arizona Cardinals after practice at the Tempe training facility, Wednesday, September 27, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
1 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Carson Palmer looks ahead to 49ers | 1:34
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer talks about adjusting to the loss of running back David Johnson and looks ahead to the game with the San Francisco 49ers. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
2 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers and McManaman on the Cardinals following loss to Cowboys | 2:53
Azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman on the Cardinals’ loss to the Cowboys and where they are at heading toward their game against the 49ers next week. David Wallace/azcentral sports
3 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arians recaps the Cardinals’ loss to the Cowboys | 1:19
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians recaps the Cardinals’ loss to the Cowboys on Monday night. David Wallace/azcentral sports David Wallace/ azcentral sports
4 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, Bickley discuss Cardinals’ loss to Cowboys | 2:29
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers, Dan Bickley discuss the Cardinals’ loss to Cowboys on Monday night at University of Phoenix Stadium. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
5 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS McLellan and McMananan discuss Cardinals loss to Cowboys | 2:34
Summary: It was a failure to execute for the Cardinals. azcentral sports
6 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arians, Palmer and Fitzgerald talk on Cardinals’ loss to Cowboys | 1:23
Bruce Arians, Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald talk on Cardinals loss to Cowboys. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral
7 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent Somers and Bob McManaman on Cardinals vs. Cowboys | 10:17
The Dallas Cowboys come to Glendale to play the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. Kent Somers and Bob McManaman from azcentral sports break down the match ups and offer predictions on Monday night’s game. Thomas Hawthorne/ azcentral sports
8 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Anthem, matchup questions surround MNF | 2:01
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss the Monday Night Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys.
9 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman preview Cards-Cowboys | 2:50
Cardinals insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman preview the Cardinals’ first home game of the season against the Cowboys on Monday night. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
10 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals Harold Goodwin and James Bettcher on prep for Cowboys | 1:35
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin and defensive coordinator James Bettcher talk Friday, September 22, 2017, about the teams preparation for the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night football. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
11 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman report on Wednesday’s practice | 2:33
Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman report from practice. Michael Chow/azcentral.com
12 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS David Johnson speaks for first time since injury | 1:28
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson talks for the first time since his injury in Week 1. || Michael Chow/azcentral.com
13 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cowboys are coming: don’t sell your tickets! | 2:24
Shot Clock: Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the upcoming Monday Night Football game between the Cardinals and Cowboys.
14 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss Cardinals victory over Colts | 3:03
Somers and McManaman discuss tension between Arians and Palmer. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
15 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bruce Arians discusses his thoughts about Colts, Cowboys | 1:30
Arians, on returning home: “I can’t remember the last time we did four road games, and three on the east coast.” Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
16 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent Somers, Dan Bickley discuss Cardinals’ win | 3:28
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Dan Bickley talk about the Cardinals’ 16-13 win over the Colts on Sunday. Kent Somers/azcentral sports
17 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards (eye) roll; ASU’s ‘real’ player | 1:51
Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss the Cardinals and Sun Devils in our Shot Clock video.
18 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals game vs. Colts preview with Kent Somers and Dan Bickley | 13:21
The Arizona Cardinals play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Dan Bickley and Kent Somers from azcentral sports give you everything you need to know before kickoff.
19 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers and McManaman on the state of the Cardinals | 2:53
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman on how the Cardinals can rebound in Week 2.
20 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals running back D. J. Foster talks after Wednesday practice in Tempe. | 1:05
Arizona Cardinals running back D. J. Foster talks after Wednesday practice in Tempe.
21 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS CJ2K mad at Cards; Palmer needs to get right | 2:12
Shot Clock video: azcentral sports’ Dan Bickley and Jay Dieffenbach discuss the latest with the Cardinals, particularly Chris Johnson and Carson Palmer.
22 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss Cardinals practcie Wednesday | 2:55
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss Arizona Cardinals highlights from Wednesday’s practice.
23 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer talks after Wednesday practice in Tempe. | 1:29
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer talks after Wednesday practice in Tempe.
24 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Could the Cards recruit death stare Adrian Peterson? | 2:09
Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley hoping D-Backs and Dodgers series and Arizona Cardinals possibly looking at Adrian Peterson.
25 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS David Johnson seeking a second opinion on wrist injury | 0:42
Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians discusses David Johnson’s wrist injury. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
26 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bruce Arians discusses loss to Lions | 0:43
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians discusses his team’s season opening loss top Detroit. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
27 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bickley and Somers on Cardinals’ season-opening loss | 3:10
Bickley and Somers discuss the Cardinals’ 35-23 loss to the Lions on Sunday Kent Somers/azcentral sports
28 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent Somers and Bob McManaman on David Johnson’s injury | 2:11
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman with injury news on Arizona Cardinals’ David Johnson. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
29 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals vs. Lions: Kent Somers and Dan Bickley preview the game | 11:58
Kent Somers and Dan Bickley from azcentral sports preview the Arizona Cardinals game against the Detroit Lions Sunday morning in Detroit. azcentral sports
30 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bob McManaman wraps up Cardinals practice on Friday | 0:54
azcentral sports’ Bob McManaman discusses the Cardinals final preparations for the season opener against the Lions.
31 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Chiefs-Patriots lessons for Cardinals | 2:06
Greg Moore and Mark Faller discuss the Cardinals season opener against Detroit Lions on Sunday.
32 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals report: Thursday’s practice | 2:52
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss highlights from the Cardinals practice on Thursday.
33 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards a slim pick, what are the keys? | 1:59
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the Arizona Cardinals and their season opener against the Lions in our Shot Clock video.
34 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals report: How will Bucannon’s absence affect team? | 3:25
Scott Bordow and Kent Somers from azcentral sports break down the Cardinals practice on Weds., Sept. 6, 2017. David Kadlubowski/ azcentral sports
35 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Detroit Lions, Super Bowl champions? | 1:57
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach discuss Moore’s Super Bowl pick in our Shot Clock video.
36 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Reaction to Cardinals’ move at punter | 2:54
Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman weigh in on the Cardinals’ move at punter on Monday and more from the team’s training facility in Tempe. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
37 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers wraps up the Cardinals’ preseason finale | 3:00
Cardinals insider Kent Somers breaks down the end of the preseason.
38 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals vs Broncos preview | 12:19
The Arizona Cardinals game at Denver Broncos Thursday night offers some interesting position battles as roster cuts loom. Kent Somers/ azcentral sports
39 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers and McManaman wrap up Cardinals’ Tuesday practice | 2:19
Cardinals insiders Kent Somers & Bob McManaman wrap up the Cardinals’ practice on Tuesday in Tempe, including the team’s punting situation going into the final preseason game. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
40 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: CJ2K stays?; Drown out LA fans | 2:05
Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss Chris Johnson and the Cardinals roster as well as Diamondbacks fans vs. Dodgers in our Shot Clock video.
41 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Sights and sounds from 9th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club | 1:46
Sights and sounds from the 9th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club, themed “The Grand Illusion,” at Dominick’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale on Monday. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports
42 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals break camp | 4:35
The Arizona Cardinals broke training camp on Thursday as the team prepares to face the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason game on Saturday. Kent Somers and Bob McManaman from azcentral sports break down the last four weeks. Kent Somers/ azcentral sports
43 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS McLellan and McManaman wrap up Cardinals practice | 3:07
Sarah McLellan and Bob McManaman of azcentral sports wrap up the Cardinals’ practice on Monday. Topics include the improvement of Kareem Martin, the status of Chris Johnson and the play of John Brown. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
44 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers on Cardinals vs. Falcons | 3:32
The Cardinals settled down after a rough start in Atlanta. Kent Somers/azcentral sports
45 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals treating final preseason game seriously | 8:32
The Cardinals game planned for tonight’s game with the Falcons, something out of the ordinary, Kent Somers explains. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
46 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent and Bob talk Cardinals game planning and remaining preseason games | 2:31
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman break down what the Cardinals have in front of them for the rest of preseason. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
47 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bickley and Moore: Cardinals looked ‘sluggish’ | 8:24
Bickley and Moore breakdown the starters’ performances in the Cardinals game vs. the Bears. Patrick Been/azcentral sports
48 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards’ Palmer, ‘D’ gotta get better | 2:08
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss the Arizona Cardinals.
49 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent and Bob break down Cards’ preseason loss to Bears | 3:59
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman talk Bruce Arians’ decision to go for it with Saturday’s preseason game on the line and other moments against the Bears. Patrick Breen/ azcentral sports
50 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman on the Cardinals’ ‘boring’ camp | 3:35
Arizona Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman talks about the dog days of training camp. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
51 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman on Arians’ anger, receiving issues | 2:59
Arizona Cardinals insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman with the latest news from Cardinals training camp on Tuesday. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
52 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards WRs stink; anthem issue solved | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley talk about Cardinals wide receivers and more in our Shot Clock video.
53 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Insider: Was Arians’ criticism truth or motivational chatter? | 2:53
Arizona Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman with the latest news from Cardinals Training Camp on Monday. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
54 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Stanton stands out for Cardinals | 2:01
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers talk about Cardinals’ win over the Raiders and LaVar Ball not being the big baller he claims to be.
55 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cardinals protecting QB Palmer? | 1:56
Mark Faller and Kent Somers discuss the Arizona Cardinals’ strategy with QB Carson Palmer.
56 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Greg Moore and Bruce Arians talk charities | 0:59
Greg Moore of azcentral sports talks with Arizona Cardinals Head Coach about charities in the Valley. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
57 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Gabbert’s big chance, special team auditions | 1:51
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach discuss the latest with the Cardinals and the Hall of Fame Game.
58 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Arians changes tone with Cardinals | 2:07
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians being tough on the team and the Diamondbacks’ playoff chase.
59 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Greg Moore and Bob McManaman break down the Red-White practice | 8:44
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Bob McManaman break down the Arizona Cardinals’ Red-White practice Saturday afternoon in Glendale. Hannah Gaber-Saletan/ azcentral sports
60 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman on Gruden possibility, CB battle | 2:35
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman of azcentral sports give their take after Arizona Cardinals practice at University of Phoenix Stadium, Friday, July 28, 2017. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
61 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Early hiccups for Cardinals | 1:52
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Mark Faller discuss early concerns for the Arizona Cardinals at training camp.
62 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Moore, McManaman wrap up opening day at Cardinals training camp | 2:26
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Bob McManaman on the first day of Arizona Cardinals training camp. || By Rob Schumacher
63 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS David Johnson’s work load; D-Backs’ head games | 2:01
Shot Clock: azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach weigh in on pressing issues with the Cardinals and Diamondbacks.
64 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards kick off fan-friendly camp | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Jay Dieffenbach discuss Cardinals camp, Tyrann Mathieu’s status and more in our Shot Clock video.
65 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers sits down with Cardinals rookie Budda Baker | 1:39
Kent Somers of azcentral sports sits down to talk with new Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker at the team’s Tempe training facility. Baker played college ball at the University of Washington. | Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
66 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Blaine Gabbert a keeper for Cardinals? | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss Blaine Gabbert’s role with the Cardinals and LeBron James’ performance in the NBA finals.
67 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent and Bob talk new NFL rules and wide out depth | 2:07
Azcentral’s Kent Somers and Bob McManaman catch up during second week of OTAs at the Cardinals Training Facility. azcentral.com sports
68 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arians Family Foundation Fundraiser at Top Golf | 1:44
Coaches and players talk about the importance of head coach Bruce Arians’ family fundraiser at Top Golf in Gilbert. (Michael Chow/azcentral sports)
69 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Report card on Cardinals QB Blaine Gabbert | 0:58
How has free-agent QB Blaine Gabbert adjusted so far to the Arizona Cardinals? (Michael Chow/azcentral sports)
70 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS David Johnson No. 1 on NFL Players Association list | 1:11
The NFLPA has released its 2017 Rising 50 list of players poised to break out and rank among next season’s top-sellers in officially licensed merchandise and the Cardinals running back is No. 1.
71 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bruce Arians talks about his annual fundraisers | 2:36
Cardinals insider Kent Somers talks with Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians about Arians’ annual fundraiser at Steak 44 on Wednesday. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
72 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Keim, Arians striking gold in draft’s third round | 0:59
Arizona Cardinals’ general manager Steve Keim and head coach Bruce Arians have found some of their best players in the third round. Wochit
73 of 74
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Top 3 games in Cardinals schedule | 1:06
Breaking down the top three games of the Cardinals’ 2017 season. Wochit
Arizona Cardinals Harold Goodwin and James Bettcher on prep for Cowboys
Somers, McManaman report on Wednesday’s practice
David Johnson speaks for first time since injury
Cowboys are coming: don’t sell your tickets!
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss Cardinals victory over Colts
Bruce Arians discusses his thoughts about Colts, Cowboys
Kent Somers, Dan Bickley discuss Cardinals’ win
Shot Clock: Cards (eye) roll; ASU’s ‘real’ player
Cardinals game vs. Colts preview with Kent Somers and Dan Bickley
Somers and McManaman on the state of the Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals running back D. J. Foster talks after Wednesday practice in Tempe.
CJ2K mad at Cards; Palmer needs to get right
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss Cardinals practcie Wednesday
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer talks after Wednesday practice in Tempe.
Shot Clock: Could the Cards recruit death stare Adrian Peterson?
David Johnson seeking a second opinion on wrist injury
Bruce Arians discusses loss to Lions
Bickley and Somers on Cardinals’ season-opening loss
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman on David Johnson’s injury
Cardinals vs. Lions: Kent Somers and Dan Bickley preview the game
Bob McManaman wraps up Cardinals practice on Friday
Shot Clock: Chiefs-Patriots lessons for Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals report: Thursday’s practice
Shot Clock: Cards a slim pick, what are the keys?
Cardinals report: How will Bucannon’s absence affect team?
Shot Clock: Detroit Lions, Super Bowl champions?
Reaction to Cardinals’ move at punter
Somers wraps up the Cardinals’ preseason finale
Cardinals vs Broncos preview
Somers and McManaman wrap up Cardinals’ Tuesday practice
Shot Clock: CJ2K stays?; Drown out LA fans
Sights and sounds from 9th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club
Arizona Cardinals break camp
McLellan and McManaman wrap up Cardinals practice
Somers on Cardinals vs. Falcons
Cardinals treating final preseason game seriously
Kent and Bob talk Cardinals game planning and remaining preseason games
Bickley and Moore: Cardinals looked ‘sluggish’
Shot Clock: Cards’ Palmer, ‘D’ gotta get better
Kent and Bob break down Cards’ preseason loss to Bears
Somers, McManaman on the Cardinals’ ‘boring’ camp
Somers, McManaman on Arians’ anger, receiving issues
Shot Clock: Cards WRs stink; anthem issue solved
Insider: Was Arians’ criticism truth or motivational chatter?
Shot Clock: Stanton stands out for Cardinals
Shot Clock: Cardinals protecting QB Palmer?
Greg Moore and Bruce Arians talk charities
Gabbert’s big chance, special team auditions
Shot Clock: Arians changes tone with Cardinals
Greg Moore and Bob McManaman break down the Red-White practice
Somers, McManaman on Gruden possibility, CB battle
Shot Clock: Early hiccups for Cardinals
Moore, McManaman wrap up opening day at Cardinals training camp
David Johnson’s work load; D-Backs’ head games
Shot Clock: Cards kick off fan-friendly camp
Somers sits down with Cardinals rookie Budda Baker
Shot Clock: Blaine Gabbert a keeper for Cardinals?
Kent and Bob talk new NFL rules and wide out depth
Arians Family Foundation Fundraiser at Top Golf
Report card on Cardinals QB Blaine Gabbert
David Johnson No. 1 on NFL Players Association list
Bruce Arians talks about his annual fundraisers
Keim, Arians striking gold in draft’s third round
Top 3 games in Cardinals schedule
Football is a game of inches and blurred lines.
A veteran team that wins is hailed for its experience. A veteran team that loses is too old.
A head coach that wins his way is lauded for undying conviction. Until he starts losing, and then he’s just stubborn.
The 2017 Cardinals are straddling this fence, living this tale. This is what happens when high expectations intersect with low performance. And it’s time for Bruce Arians to evolve until his offensive line proves it can protect an immobile quarterback.
The solution seemed apparent in the first half of Monday’s loss to the Cowboys. Carson Palmer delivered the ball quickly and decisively. An offense that prides itself on big plays suddenly displayed a ball-control philosophy.
At one point, the Cardinals had out-gained the Cowboys 140-3. With 9:36 remaining in the second quarter, they had run 31 plays while Dallas had managed only six. The plan was working to perfection until Phil Dawson missed another field goal. And then it all fell apart.
The offensive line received most of the criticism for the breach in protection that occurred in the second half. Jared Veldheer took significant heat for his role in the outcome, a player who was switched to right tackle after 2016, considered retirement in training camp and didn’t seem to exhibit the brawler mentality necessary to negate fire-breathing pass rushers.
Arians insisted that Veldheer hasn’t checked out mentality, that he remains one of the hardest workers on the team. He might be right or could be protecting a player who isn’t providing much return on investment at the moment.
But the protection dissolved after the Cardinals reverted to their old ways, when a fast start against the Cowboys seemed to spawn a false sense of confidence. And when Palmer started looking downfield, holding the ball and going through progressions, he became an easy target for a defense that generated shocking amounts of pressure with four rushers or less.
The offensive line has been mostly brutal through three games and not equipped to sustain Arians’ preferred strategy. The unit was tasked with preserving Palmer at all costs after the 37-year old quarterback endured a physical beating the previous season. Yet Palmer is once again at the top of the list of quarterbacks under duress, sustaining 27 hits through the first three games. As a result, the offense has scored 19 points or fewer in two of three games.
There could be a reprieve this weekend if D.J. Humphries and Mike Iupati return from the injury list. But there can be no assumptions that a porous line will suddenly be fortified with those two in uniform. Those who believe the loss of David Johnson has crippled the offense must reconcile how a MVP candidate would’ve fared without open lanes or room to run. And a date with the winless 49ers is not a game the Cardinals can afford to lose.
In retrospect, Arians said an 0-2 start at University of Phoenix Stadium doomed the 2016 season, stealing the team’s swagger and breeding a fatalist attitude. We’ve already witnessed recurring issues from last year’s debacle, from a kicker who can’t split the uprights to a stout defense that still gives up too many big plays. A loss on Sunday would duplicate their early home-field shortcomings in 2016, and could be devastating.
That’s why Arians needs to change his mindset. He should use short passes to replicate the running game he doesn’t possess. Big plays are nice, but sustained drives wear down a defense. And the less Palmer gets hit, the better he performs.
When the Cardinals lit up the scoreboard in 2015, scoring 33 or more points in eight of 16 games, Arians was hailed for running the kind of offense rarely seen in today’s NFL. He has unshakable confidence in his approach and his coaching staff, making it clear he would not tolerate the dismissal of Amos Jones after the special teams sabotaged the 2016 season. With the right blend of talent, his aggressive personality can empower a team to great heights.
But change isn’t always an admission of weakness. To the contrary, it’s a sign of intelligence. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is the master at this chess game, constantly shifting schematics based on the opponent. He specializes in fielding teams that can look dramatically different from one week to the next.
It was proof that old dogs can learn new tricks, which is almost a necessity in the high-stakes arena of professional football. Arians must do the same, adapting to his team’s talent and its weaknesses. Even if a little pride is lost along the way.
Reach Bickley at [email protected] or 602-444-8253. Follow him on twitter.com/dan.bickley. Listen to “Bickley and Marotta” weekdays from 12-2 p.m. on 98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station.