Cardinals LB Haason Reddick is improving with David Johnson’s help
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Cardinals protecting QB Palmer? | 1:56
Mark Faller and Kent Somers discuss the Arizona Cardinals’ strategy with QB Carson Palmer.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBruce Arians, Tyrann Mathieu on Arians’ nicknames | 1:30
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians and safety Tyrann Mathieu discuss that earning a nickname from Arians isn’t always a good thing. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers and Bob McManaman on Cardinals final practice before Raiders game | 5:52
The Arizona Cardinals play the Oakland Raiders on Saturday night and Arizona’s starting quarterback, Carson Palmer, has been taking it easy in practice this week. Cause for concern? Kent and Mac break it down. Patrick Breen/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSomers, McManaman recap Wednesday’s Cardinals practice | 5:40
Cardinals insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss Byron Leftwich calling plays into Carson Palmer and more after Wednesday’s practice in Glendale.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSomers, McManaman on punting after Tuesday Cardinals practice | 3:09
Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman provide updates on the punters, returners, Justin Bethel and John Brown after Tuesday’s practice. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Good, bad of Cardinals’ 1st game | 2:15
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Kent Somers provide their takeaways from the weekend in Canton, Ohio.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSGreg Moore speaks with Cards head coach Bruce Arians | 2:59
Greg Moore of azcentral sports talks with Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians about the upcoming 2017 season. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSGreg 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
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBordow, McManaman recap Sunday Cardinals practice, good injury news | 2:41
azcentral sports’ Scott Bordow and Bob McManaman break down good news for the Cardinals the injury front, each quarterback’s playing time in the second preseason game and Larry Fitzgerald after Sunday’s practice. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBordow, McManaman break down the Cardinals’ first preseason game, injuries | 3:12
Cardinals insiders Scott Bordow and Bob McManaman talk about the Cardinals performance in their first game as well as the mounting injuries to the squad. || David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSGabbert’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.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals QB Gabbert looks forward to starting Hall of Fame Game | 1:07
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert talks about his upcoming role as the starter in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game against the Cowboys. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals report: Crisper practice Tuesday | 2:11
Arizona Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman talk about the Cardinals second day of practice outside and their trip to face the Cowboys. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot 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.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBreaking down an intense Cards practice | 3:02
Arizona Cardinals Insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman talk about the Cardinals practice outside on Monday morning and a new addition to the team. David Kadlubowski/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCornerback drama continues for Cardinals | 0:38
With the devastating loss of Ron Zamort to an ACL, the Cardinals continue their search for the CB to start opposite Patrick Peterson. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSGreg 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
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals Red-White practice preview | 11:39
Greg Moore and Kent Somers break down the Cardinals Red-White practice preview.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSomers, 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
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers and Bob McManaman break down Cardinals practice | 2:38
azcentral sports’ Kent Somer and Bob McManaman break down the Arizona Cardinals final practice before the team’s 2017 Red-White practice. Tom Tingle/ azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWrapping up the day at Cardinals Camp- July 27 edition | 4:32
azcentral sports reporters Rick Morin and Bob McManaman wrap up the activity at Arizona Cardinals training camp on July 27, 2017. Tom Tingle/ azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Early hiccups for Cardinals | 1:52
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Mark Faller discuss early concerns for the Arizona Cardinals at training camp.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTake away from Cardinals Camp July 24 | 1:32
Three takeaways from Cardinals training camp Terrance Smith/azcsports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSazcentral sports’ Bob McManaman wraps up the action at Cards camp | 1:29
azcentral sports’ Bob McManaman wraps-up the action from Arizona Cardinals training camp in Glendale. By Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSazcentral sports Scott Bordow and Bob McManaman wrap-up Day 2 at Arizona Cardinals training cam | 2:17
azcentral sports Scott Bordow and Bob McManaman wrap-up Day 2 at Arizona Cardinals training camp. By Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSMoore, 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
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSazcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman reporting day at Arizona Cardinals training camp | 2:47
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman reporting day at Arizona Cardinals training camp in Glendale. By Rob Schumacher/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDavid 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.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot 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.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSomers 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
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers: Impressions from Cardinals minicamp | 1:43
azcentral sports; Kent Somers discusses what we learned from the Cardinals minicamp.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers recaps Cardinals minicamp Wednesday | 1:38
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers breaks down the Cardinals second day of minicamp on June 7, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers recaps Cardinals practice | 2:13
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers wraps up the Arizona Cardinals’ first day on minicamp on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot 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.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers, Bob McManaman talk another week of Arizona Cardinals OTAs | 2:33
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discusses another week of the Cardinals’ OTAs. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBob McManaman after Cardinals practice Tuesday, May 30 | 2:24
Bob McManaman of azcentral sports wraps up the Arizona Cardinals practice at their Tempe facility, Tuesday, May 30, 2017..
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent 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
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSArians 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)
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSReport 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)
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWatch out for Dodgers; Cards CBs apply for job | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the NBA MVP, the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers and the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive backs.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWhat Deone Bucannon’s injury means for Cardinals | 2:24
azcentral sports insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman react to the big news from the first day of Cardinals OTAs. Video: Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDavid 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.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNo throws for Cards QB, cheap shot in NBA? | 1:55
Shot Clock: azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss the latest on Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Palmer and the NBA playoffs.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKaepernick blackballed? Greinke now trade bait? | 1:59
Shot Clock: Colin Kaepernick is better than Blaine Gabbert, right? So why did the Cardinals not sign him? Also, Zack Greinke has his Randy Johnson moment … what does it mean for Diamondbacks?
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers talks Cardinals rookies | 1:48
With camp starting tomorrow, players reported today and reporter Kent Somers lays out the future and what the team hopes for it.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers talks Daryl Washington departure | 1:16
Cardinals insider Kent Somers gives some insight into the releasing of Daryl Washington and why it was probably best for both team and player.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals release linebacker Daryl Washington: Somers and Bickley discuss | 2:26
azcentral’s Kent Somers and Dan Bickley talk about the Cardinals decision to release linebacker Daryl Washington.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Gabbert a terrible fit for Cards | 1:54
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Bob McManaman weigh in on the Cardinals’ signing of Blaine Gabbert.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSomers sits down with Arians on Cardinals’ offseason | 2:44
Cardinals insider Kent Somers talks with Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians about mini-camp, his excitement about undrafted rookies, LB Daryl Washington and QB Blaine Gabbert at Steak 44 on Wednesday. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBruce 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
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSJim Hart to be inducted into Cardinals Ring of Honor | 0:40
The Arizona Cardinals announced Thursday that former St. Louis Cardinals QB Jim Hart would be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor this season. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Cards picks make instant impact? | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss what to expect from the Cardinals’ 2017 NFL draft class.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Tap brakes on Haason Reddick pick? | 1:54
Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley assess the Arizona Cardinals’ selection of Haason Reddick in Round 1 of the NFL draft and discuss the needs the team still has to address.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSights and sounds from Cardinals draft party | 2:50
Check out how Cardinals fans were feeling during the team’s 2017 NFL draft party.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers and Bob McManaman talk Cardinals draft of Haason Reddick | 2:40
With plenty of defense options on the table and all the quarterbacks gone, the Cardinals elected to go linebacker and Kent and Bob break down the reasons why. Patrick Breen/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKeim, 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
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLarry Fitzgerald, Chandler Jones talk about Celebrity Softball Game | 0:54
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald and Chandler Jones discuss the importance of giving back and some bets amongst Cardinals players before the Larry Fitzgerald Celebrity Softball Game on Saturday at Salt River Fields. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKent Somers talks with Cardinals DT Frostee Rucker | 1:43
azcentral sports Cardinals insider Kent Somers talks with Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Fostee Rucker. || Video by Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCardinals DT Frostee Rucker on expectations, adding Karlos Dansby | 1:23
Cardinals defensive tackle Frostee Rucker discusses learning from last year’s expectations and adding Karlos Dansby and other veterans. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTop 3 games in Cardinals schedule | 1:06
Breaking down the top three games of the Cardinals’ 2017 season. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCards playing dangerous game with RB Johnson? | 1:59
Shot Clock: azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman discuss the Cardinals’ potential use (or overuse?) of running back David Johnson.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLarry Fitzgerald holding 7th annual charity softball tournament | 3:17
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald discuss Fitzgerald’s charity softball tournament on Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLarry Fitzgerald 1-on-1 with Kent Somers | 5:24
The Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald joined azcentral sports’ Kent Somers to discuss the team and the upcoming season.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNFL meetings in Phoenix: On Bruce Arians, new rules, the draft | 3:35
Bob McManaman and Kent Somers at the NFL owners meetings on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Bruce Arianas likes full-time officials, centralized replay and says there’s 1 QB in upcoming draft who’s plug-and-play. Video: Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNFC coaches take questions at NFL owners meeting | 2:14
Coaches of the National Football Conference take questions from the media in Phoenix on March 29, 2017. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman on Cardinals final practice before Raiders game
Somers, McManaman recap Wednesday’s Cardinals practice
Somers, McManaman on punting after Tuesday Cardinals practice
Shot Clock: Good, bad of Cardinals’ 1st game
Greg Moore speaks with Cards head coach Bruce Arians
Greg Moore and Bruce Arians talk charities
Bordow, McManaman recap Sunday Cardinals practice, good injury news
Bordow, McManaman break down the Cardinals’ first preseason game, injuries
Gabbert’s big chance, special team auditions
Cardinals QB Gabbert looks forward to starting Hall of Fame Game
Cardinals report: Crisper practice Tuesday
Shot Clock: Arians changes tone with Cardinals
Breaking down an intense Cards practice
Cornerback drama continues for Cardinals
Greg Moore and Bob McManaman break down the Red-White practice
Cardinals Red-White practice preview
Somers, McManaman on Gruden possibility, CB battle
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman break down Cardinals practice
Wrapping up the day at Cardinals Camp- July 27 edition
Shot Clock: Early hiccups for Cardinals
Take away from Cardinals Camp July 24
azcentral sports’ Bob McManaman wraps up the action at Cards camp
azcentral sports Scott Bordow and Bob McManaman wrap-up Day 2 at Arizona Cardinals training cam
Moore, McManaman wrap up opening day at Cardinals training camp
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers and Bob McManaman reporting day at Arizona 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
Kent Somers: Impressions from Cardinals minicamp
Kent Somers recaps Cardinals minicamp Wednesday
Kent Somers recaps Cardinals practice
Shot Clock: Blaine Gabbert a keeper for Cardinals?
Kent Somers, Bob McManaman talk another week of Arizona Cardinals OTAs
Bob McManaman after Cardinals practice Tuesday, May 30
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
Watch out for Dodgers; Cards CBs apply for job
What Deone Bucannon’s injury means for Cardinals
David Johnson No. 1 on NFL Players Association list
No throws for Cards QB, cheap shot in NBA?
Kaepernick blackballed? Greinke now trade bait?
Kent Somers talks Cardinals rookies
Kent Somers talks Daryl Washington departure
Cardinals release linebacker Daryl Washington: Somers and Bickley discuss
Shot Clock: Gabbert a terrible fit for Cards
Somers sits down with Arians on Cardinals’ offseason
Bruce Arians talks about his annual fundraisers
Jim Hart to be inducted into Cardinals Ring of Honor
Shot Clock: Cards picks make instant impact?
Shot Clock: Tap brakes on Haason Reddick pick?
Sights and sounds from Cardinals draft party
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman talk Cardinals draft of Haason Reddick
Keim, Arians striking gold in draft’s third round
Larry Fitzgerald, Chandler Jones talk about Celebrity Softball Game
Kent Somers talks with Cardinals DT Frostee Rucker
Cardinals DT Frostee Rucker on expectations, adding Karlos Dansby
Top 3 games in Cardinals schedule
Cards playing dangerous game with RB Johnson?
Larry Fitzgerald holding 7th annual charity softball tournament
Larry Fitzgerald 1-on-1 with Kent Somers
NFL meetings in Phoenix: On Bruce Arians, new rules, the draft
NFC coaches take questions at NFL owners meeting
As Haason Reddick makes the transition from college defensive end to NFL inside linebacker, a choir of voices preaches to him.
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, coordinator James Bettcher, linebackers coach Larry Foote and inside linebacker Karlos Dansby are among those advising Reddick, the team’s No. 1 pick, on where to look, stand, step and run.
There has been hands-on learning for Reddick, too, and that’s where running back David Johnson comes in.
Johnson is among the NFL’s best all-around back with a skill set that can make even experienced linebackers fall apart. Ironically, Johnson’s using those skills to help turn Reddick into a competent replacement for Deone Bucannon, who might miss the start of the season because of ankle surgery.
In training camp, coaches have used every opportunity to match Reddick against Johnson. It has been especially noticeable in man-to-man pass coverage drills, where Reddick always has the unenviable job of trying to defend Johnson.
“What better way to get better than to go against one of the best backs in the league?” Reddick said. “I’m always matched up against David, and it’s my job to give him competition.”
According to coaches, Reddick has done an increasingly better job of that as camp has progressed.
“He’s the first one to ever come close to covering him,” Arians said. “He’s gotten real close a bunch of times.”
Against Johnson, “real close,” is about as good as it gets. Last season, Johnson led NFL running backs in receptions (80) and receiving yards (879) and became one of four players in league history with at least 1,200 yards rushing and 800 yards receiving.
So if Reddick can come “real close” to Johnson in practice, he should be able to cover most other backs. That’s the theory.
“Oh, man, he is so shifty,” Reddick said. “You’ve got to be very cautious with him. He’s sneaky. He has different speeds, different momentums, and you can’t always tell where he’s going to go.”
During practices, NFL players aren’t impressed by much, especially in training camp. Plays that draw gasps and ooohs and aaaahs from fans pass without comment from players.
So, there is no higher praise for a player than when teammates react to something he’s done on the field. That’s happened a few times in this camp with Johnson: a jump cut that left a defensive back corkscrewing into the turn, a fake in the flat that put an outside linebacker in the rear view.
That one happened on Tuesday with Johnson and Chandler Jones.
Arians had the play shown during a team meeting that night.
“I killed Chandler on that,” Arians said, laughing.
Jones jokingly blamed coaches.
“I told B.A. he set me up for failure,” Jones said.
Reddick, rarely, if ever dropped into coverage at Temple. His job was to get to the quarterback, and he did that well as a senior. He finished with 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.
But at 6-feet-1-inch and 235 pounds, he might be undersized to play outside linebacker every down in the NFL. That’s why he was asked at the Senior Bowl to play some at inside linebacker.
He wowed the Cardinals and other teams with his ability to run and cover running backs, a big reason the Cardinals took him 13th overall.
On draft day, the long-range plan for Reddick was to learn inside linebacker this year while playing part-time as an outside rusher. Bucannon’s surgery changed that, and Reddick quickly was made a starter.
He’s been on an accelerated learning plan since, part of which includes defending Johnson whenever possible.
“I did a study this offseason on how people cover David,” Bettcher said. “There were corners, safeties, nickels, linebackers, doubles and not a lot of things worked. For Haason to be able to have one-on-one coverage opportunities, one-on-one opportunities to cover him in space, it’s only helped Haason grow.
“What you see with Haason is a guy who is so athletic, explosive, but has never played off the ball as a linebacker. And there is a lot that goes into that,” Bettcher said.
Part of it is covering a running back who knows what he’s doing as a receiver. Sometimes at the end of a day, Reddick will seek out Johnson to ask questions about their matchup that day.
“Oh, I definitely talk to him,” Reddick said. “If I notice that he ran a different route, I might go to him and say, ‘Oh, you tried to get me there.’ ”