Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release

Transcription

1 Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release Preseason # 1 Thursday, August 7, :00 PM (MST) ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8 in 2007) THE COACHES Ken Whisenhunt Sean Payton 8-8 Overall Record Regular Season Record Playoff Record nd Years as Head Coach in NFL 3 rd 2 nd Years with team 3 rd BROADCAST INFORMATION TELEVISION Network: ESPN Play-by-Play: Mike Tirico Analyst: Tony Kornheiser Analyst: Ron Jaworski Sideline: Michele Tafoya THIS WEEK S GAME It s a matchup of NFC rivals as the Cardinals and Saints go head-to-head on a Thursday night primetime showdown on ESPN. Second year Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt returns with both his coaching staff and virtually all the starters on both sides of the ball from a team that nearly made the playoffs in The Cardinals finished 8-8 in 2007, their best record since A few players, through both free agency and the draft, were added for competition and depth but the offense returns all 11 starters while the defense returns 10. Adding to the foundation Whisenhunt has established in the desert are free agents LB Clark Haggans, DE Travis LaBoy, DT Bryan Robinson and first round draft pick CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who will all push the existing starters for playing time and provide depth. The Saints, in their third year under Sean Payton, are coming off a 7-9 season in which they dropped their final two games, ending their late playoff hopes. Next week the Cardinals travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs, the 21 st preseason meeting between the two teams. Kickoff is at 5:00 PM. CARDINALS RADIO Flagship: News Talk 92.3 KTAR Play-by-Play: Dave Pasch Analyst: Ron Wolfley Sideline: Paul Calvisi CARDINALS SPANISH RADIO Flagship: KMIA 710 AM Play-by-Play: Gabriel Trujillo Analyst: Rolando Cantu Vs. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-9 in 2007) University of Phoenix Stadium THE PRESEASON SERIES The last preseason contest between the Cardinals and Saints occurred 20 years ago. It was a historic one for the Cardinals organization as it was the first contest for the team after the move from St. Louis to Arizona back in The Cardinals fell to the Saints in the game that launched the franchise s future in the Valley of the Sun. The only other preseason meeting between the Cardinals and the Saints since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger came in 1980, with the Cardinals opening up the preseason in New Orleans and falling to the Saints. The Saints are one of four current NFL teams (along with the Lions, Dolphins and Rams) that the Cardinals have yet to defeat in the preseason. CARDS-SAINTS PRESEASON SERIES Overall Preseason Series: 0-2 Cardinals on road at OAK: 0-1 First Meeting: Aug. 09, New Orleans, L, Last Meeting: Aug. 12, 1988, vs. New Orleans, L, PRESEASON SCHEDULE The Cardinals begin their pursuit of the playoffs with four preseason contests in which they will face one NFC opponent (Saints) and three AFC opponents (Chiefs, Raiders, and Broncos). The Cardinals will face the Broncos for the fifth season in a row and sixth time in the last seven years. The Cardinals will face the Raiders for the fourth time in the last five years. Time/ Date Opponent Location Result Aug. 7 New Orleans Saints U. of Phoenix Stadium 5:00 PM Aug. Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium 5:00 PM Aug. Oakland Raiders McAfee Coliseum 6:00 PM Aug. 29 Denver Broncos Invesco Field 7:00 PM Mark Dalton Vice President, Media Relations Mike Helm Media Relations Coordinator mdalton@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ mhelm@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ Chris Melvin Media Relations Manager Nate LoCascio Media Relations Assistant cmelvin@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ nlocascio@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ S. Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ Phone: Fax:

2 CARDINALS & SAINTS IN 2007 REGULAR SEASON CARDINALS /163 27/ / :10 12/29/5 17/9/28 KC CATEGORY Record Points Scored Points Allowed Touchdowns Scored Touchdowns Allowed Rushing TDs Passing TDs Return TDs Rushing TDs Allowed Passing TDs Allowed Return TDs Allowed Sacked/Yards Lost Fumbles/Lost Had Intercepted Field Goals Made/Attempted Total Yards Per Game Opp. Total Yards Per Game Rushing Yards Per Game Opp. Rushing Yards Per Game Passing Yards Per Game Opp. Passing Yards Per Game Turnover Ratio Average Time of Possession NFL Rank-Total Offense/Run/Pass NFL Rank-Total Defense/Run/Pass 2-Point Conversions Next Week SAINTS /109 25/ / :09 4/28/3 26/13/30 4/5 vs. Hou CARDS IN PRIME TIME IN 2008 For the second season in a row, the Cardinals will appear on a live national broadcast during the preseason, opening up at home this week vs. the New Orleans Saints in a game that will air live on ESPN. Last season, the Cardinals played two games that were broadcast live on NFL Network, hosting the Houston Texans and the San Diego Chargers. This week s matchup vs. New Orleans will mark the first of three nationally televised games for the Cardinals in In the next one, the Cardinals will host the San Francisco 49ers on November 10 at University of Phoenix Stadium in a game that will be showcased on ESPN s Monday Night Football. The third prime-time game will come later that month when the Cards head to Philadelphia for a Thanksgiving night game against the Eagles that will be carried by NFL Network. Cardinals-Eagles will be the third game of the NFL s Thanksgiving triple-header that also includes Tennessee at Detroit and Seattle at Dallas. It will be the franchise s first Thanksgiving game since a 1985 contest at Dallas and this year will mark the first time since 2000 that the Cardinals will appear more than once in prime time. CARDINALS & SAINTS - THE LAST TIME Saints 31, CARDINALS 24 December 16, 2007 Louisiana Superdome (70,007) STATISTICS The Cardinals closed the road portion of their 2007 season at New Orleans in a crucial match-up of 6-7 teams. The winner would stay alive in the NFC Wild Card race while the loser would be all but eliminated. Led by the passing of Drew Brees (26-30, 315 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) and the rushing of RB Aaron Stecker (95 yards, 2 TDs), the Saints scored on 5 of their 9 offensive possessions to edge the Cardinals by 7. Kurt Warner kept Arizona in it with 3 TD passes and Edgerrin James averaged 5.25 yards on his 16 rushing attempts but two Cardinal turnovers proved costly with each leading to a New Orleans TD. A Saints turnover gave Arizona the game s first break when Stecker fumbled at the end of a run on the second snap of the day that led to a 1-yard Warner TD pass to TE Troy Bienemann on 4th-n-goal. The Saints answered with long TD drives on their next two possessions. First Brees capped an 11-play, 81-yard drive with a 19-yard scoring pass to Marques Colston. Then Stecker s 1-yard dive ended a 13-play drive that gave New Orleans a 7-point lead early in the 2nd. Arizona tied it on the next series when Warner and Larry Fitzgerald connected on an 18-yard TD pass. Late in the first half, Warner went deep down the middle for Bienemann but the ball bounced from the TE s hands, hit a defender s foot and bounced to SS Roman Harper who returned the INT 31 yards to the NO45. The Saints converted the takeaway into points when David Patten hauled in a 32-yard TD pass that put New Orleans up On the opening drive of the 2nd half, Warner was sacked by LB Scott Fujita forcing a fumble that LB Scott Shanle recovered and returned to the AZ7. Shortly thereafter, Stecker ran it in from 6 yards out to put the Saints up Arizona responded by driving 80 yards in 10 plays and the Cards cut the lead in half when Warner tossed a 3-yard TD pass to rookie TE Ben Patrick. Martin Gramatica s 31-yard FG on the next Saints drive made it at the end of three. On Arizona s next possession, the Cards executed a successful fake th punt on 4 -n-7 at their own 25 when Sean Morey picked up 13. That drive ultimately reached the NO6 but the Cards could not get it in the end zone and had to settle for a 26-yard Rackers FG that made it a 7-point game with 9:11 to play. Arizona then got it back when Patten fumbled on the next series and LB Calvin Pace recovered at the AZ43. The Cards could not capitalize and went 3-n-out. After the punt, the Saints took over at their own 4 with 5:54 to go. Arizona could not get them off the field as they were able to run 10 plays and pick up 4 first downs to run the clock out entirely. CARDINALS SAINTS Team CARDS Saints Saints CARDS Saints Saints CARDS Saints CARDS Qtr Time 12:00 6:18 13:47 10:01 1:56 12:02 6:14 0:50 9: Scoring Play Bienemann 1-yard pass from Warner (Rackers kick) Colston 19-yard pass from Brees (Gramatica kick) Stecker 1-yard run (Gramatica kick) Fitzgerald 18-yard pass from Warner (Rackers kick) Patten 32-yard pass from Brees (Gramatica kick) Stecker 1-yard run (Gramatica kick) Patrick 3-yard pass from Warner (Rackers kick) Gramatica 31-yard FG Rackers 26-yad FG Cardinals vs. Saints Drive 4-8, 2: , 5: , 6: , 3: , 1:24 2-7, 0: ,5: , 5: , 6:39 Page 2 of 18 Score First Downs Rushes-Yards Net Passing Yards Total Net Yards Passing (A-C-I) Sacked by Opp. Punts-Average Fumbles-Lost Penalties Time of Possession AZ :08 NO `` :52 Weather: Indoors. RUSHING CARDS: James 16-84; Morey 1-13; Arrington 38; Warner 1-0; Breaston 1-(-2). SAINTS: Stecker 22-95, 2 TD; Thomas 2-20; Patten 1-1; Brees 4-(-2). PASSING CARDS: Warner 19-30, 233 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT. SAINTS: Brees 26-30, 315 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT. RECEIVING CARDS: Boldin 6-83; B. Johnson 2-35; T. Smith 2-30; Fitzgerald 2-27, TD; Patrick 2-17, TD; Breaston 2-16; Arrington 1-13; James 1-11; Bienemann 1-1, TD. SAINTS: Colston 8-114, TD; Stecker 6-46; Patten 4-71, TD; Miller 3-39; Copper 2-29; Karney 2-14; Thomas

3 WHISENHUNT ENTERS YEAR TWO Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt begins his second season as the man in charge for Arizona. Whisenhunt will look to build on the success that he had in his first season when he led the Cardinals to an 8-8 record, a three game improvement over the team s 2006 record. In 2007, Whisenhunt also: Led the team to an 8-8 record in his first season in Arizona, the first coach to do so since Buddy Ryan in The three-game improvement over the team s 2006 record was the biggest improvement margin of any of the five rookie head coaches in Led the Cardinals to a 6-2 home record, their best home mark since going 6-1 in Guided a passing offense which was ranked fifth in the NFL in 2007 after throwing for 4,065 net yards. Led the offense to a franchise record 32 touchdown passes and their 404 points scored on 49 total touchdowns was the second highest total in team history. In scoring 404 points on the season, the team scored 20+ points in 12 games and 30+ points in six contests. The Cardinals scored five more points than they allowed this season ( ), the first time the Cards have scored more points than they allowed since 1993 under Joe Bugel when the team scored 57 more points than it allowed ( ). HARD TO BEAT AT HOME One of the biggest building blocks emerging from the 2007 season was the home field advantage the Cardinals began to establish at University of Phoenix Stadium. The sellout crowds at the Cardinals nest provided enough support to propel Arizona to a 6-2 home record, the best home record for the team since 1976 when they finished 6-1 at home. Since moving to Arizona in 1988, the Cardinals had never won six home games in a season. Year Home Overall The 2008 campaign marks the Cardinals third year at University of Phoenix Stadium and the Red Birds have played in front of a sellout crowd in all 20 games (including preseason) in the first two years, establishing a franchise attendance record last year with 516,646 fans attending games during the regular season. The Cardinals home field advantage will be soundly tested in 2008 as they host strong NFC foes in the Cowboys, Giants and Vikings and NFC West opponents in the Seahawks, 49ers and Rams. WHISENHUNT AGAIN LEADS CARDS AT N.A.U. On July 23, the Cardinals again left the Valley heat and headed north to the cool air and ponderosa pine trees that serve as the backdrop for their annual training camp, 7,200 feet above sea level. The first practice was held on Friday, July 25. It began a schedule that will include eight two-a-days and 30 total practices at Northern Arizona University before breaking camp on Thursday, August 21. Whisenhunt wanted to get back to focusing on the fundamentals of the game in his second training camp as head coach, fundamentals such as avoiding penalties, especially late in games. Arizona played an NFL-high 12 games decided by seven points or less and six games by three points or less. The Cardinals also led the NFL in penalties in 2007 and, especially late in the game, Whisenhunt felt the team prevented itself from winning by making mistakes when they were mentally and physically tired. If you can just eliminate that one area, which we can do, that will put us in position to win some of those close games, Whisenhunt said as the team reported on July 23. Our focus is going to be on finishing off games. In other words, making the plays when you re tired, and that s what training camp in so great for. Guys are sore, they re tired, and they re put into positions where they have to make plays. THE STAFF REMAINS THE SAME The key word for the Cardinals in 2008 is continuity. With all 16 coaches returning to their jobs with team, it marks the first time since that the Cardinals have had the same exact coaching staff for two consecutive seasons. Years Coach Position w/ Team Ken Whisenhunt Head Coach 2 Russ Grimm Asst. Head Coach/Off. Line 2 Todd Haley Offensive Coordinator 2 Clancy Pendergast Defensive Coordinator 5 Ron Aiken Defensive Line 2 Teryl Austin Defensive Backs 2 Maurice Carthon Running Backs 2 Rick Courtright Asst. Defensive Backs 5 Bill Davis Linebackers 2 Freddie Kitchens Tight Ends 2 John Lott Strength and Conditioning 2 Mike Miller Wide Receivers 2 Matt Raich Defensive Assistant 2 Jeff Rutledge Quarterbacks 2 Kevin Spencer Special Teams 2 Dedric Ward Offensive Quality Control 2 Whisenhunt feels like the trust built between the coaches and players and the understanding that grows between them pays dividends on the field. It s easy to think of coaches in schemes and in plays, and there is no question that helps, Whisenhunt said. But the underestimated part of it is the relationship you build with these players. When you have been through the battles (together), you don t have a new guy to get up to speed and that helps with the overall team chemistry. Cardinals vs. Saints Page 3 of 18

4 GRIMM RETURNS FAMILIAR FACES As is the case with the coaching staff, the offensive line will achieve some continuity in 2008 if the starters can stay healthy. Russ Grimm s crew returns all five full-time starters from Center Al Johnson injured his left knee in the first week of training camp this year but is expected to regain his starting spot when he returns. Cardinals Starting Offensive Line LT Mike Gandy LG Reggie Wells C Al Johnson RG Deuce Lutui RT Levi Brown Despite a rash of injuries and setbacks, the line enjoyed a successful season under Grimm in The Cardinals ranked sixth in the NFL in sacks allowed per pass play with only 24 sacks allowed for minus 163 yards in The NFL average was 34.4 sacks for minus yards. The 24 sacks allowed is the lowest total since 1978 when the team allowed just 22 sacks. The Cardinals offensive line did not allow a sack in the final two games and had five sackless games in It marked the first time since the opening two games of the 1989 season Det; Sea) that the Cards have not allowed a sack in back-to-back games. Edgerrin James rushed for 1,222 yards on the season, the fifth highest total in franchise history and his second consecutive 1,000-yard season in Arizona. A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE The most well-publicized story line of the Cardinals preseason is the quarterback battle between third-year pro Matt Leinart and 11-year pro Kurt Warner. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt named Leinart, the 10th overall selection in the 2006 draft, the starter heading into training camp but pressing him every step of the way will be the veteran Warner, who took over the quarterbacking duties in 2007 after Leinart went down with a broken collar bone. Warner excelled despite playing most of the season with a torn ligament in his non-throwing arm, suffered in his first start of 2007 vs. Carolina in week six. Despite the injury and only starting in 11 games, Warner threw 27 touchdown passes, one shy of the franchise single-season record and amassed 3,417 passing yards. Completely healed from the injury that cut short his second NFL season, Leinart is anxious to put to use the knowledge and understanding he gained while returning from his injury. I ve said it over and over again, but being hurt was a blessing in disguise, Leinart said in his first training camp comments. It helped to really focus and learn what we re trying to do as an offense. Just going into this camp, I know where I m going with the football, and that s a big part of being a quarterback. For Warner, a legitimate shot at the starting position is all he is looking for. That is all you ask for, is to put the best player on the football field, whoever that is at whatever position, Warner said as training camp got under way. HALEY CALLING THE SHOTS Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley was handed the play-calling duties in the offseason, taking over full-time the duties that he began to share during the 2007 season. Haley took over a portion of the play-calling duties during the 2007 season and the Cardinals offense improved steadily towards the end of the season, culminating in a defeat of the St. Louis Rams in the season finale, the most points scored by a Cardinals team since He (coach Whisenhunt) really loosened the leash and gave me a lot of say-so, which was great, Haley told the press after signing the new contract. That was a big part of staying and not doing any of the Miami stuff. A candidate for the Dolphins head coaching position in the offseason, the Cardinals moved to lock up Haley, signing him to a new three-year contract and giving him the majority of the play-calling responsibility, something Haley relishes. That s what you do the job for, Haley said. You prepare all week, design the game plan and when you get to game day, it makes it that much more fulfilling to do that. It s obviously as close as you can get to the game. Whisenhunt sees it as the next step in Haley s career, an opportunity he was given while with Pittsburgh. I feel an obligation to do that because I was given that opportunity to grow in that capacity, Whisenhunt said. WINNING THE CLOSE ONES In his team meeting with the players on the opening day of training camp, Ken Whisenhunt emphasized to the team the importance of winning close games and the work they must do in camp, both mentally and physically, to prepare themselves to close out games. Looking back over the 2007 season, Whisenhunt s first as head coach, it is easy to see why he wants to make this point a priority for the season. Arizona played 12 games that were decided by eight points or fewer in 2007, more than any other team in the NFL. Six of those games were decided by three points or less. Of the Cardinals eight wins, six were decided by eight points or fewer. Opponent Score Pt. Dif 9/16 vs. Sea W, /30 vs. Pit W, StL W, Cin W, /2 vs. Cle W, /23 vs. Atl W, (OT) +3 Of the team s eight losses, six were decided by seven points or fewer. Opponent Score Pt. Dif SF L, Bal L, Was L, TB L, /25 vs. SF L, (OT) -6 NO L, Five of the Cardinals games in 2007 were decided by a made or missed field goal at the end of regulation. Cardinals vs. Saints Page 4 of 18

5 EDGE AIMS FOR TOP 10 Currently 13 th on the NFL s all-time rushing list, Edgerrin James enters the 2008 season poised to enter the top 10. With 11,607 yards on the ground coming into the season, James needs 636 yards to pass Marcus Allen, who currently sits in 10 th place. With another 1,000-yard season, James would move as high up as the number eight spot, currently held by the legendary Jim Brown. All-Time NFL Rushing Leaders: Yds. to Rk Player Yrs/NFL Yds. Pass 1 Emmitt Smith 15 18,355 6,749 2 Walter Payton 13 16,726 5,120 3 Barry Sanders 10 15,269 3,663 4 Curtis Martin 12 14,101 2,495 5 Jerome Bettis 13 13,662 2,056 6 Eric Dickerson 11 13,259 1,653 7 Tony Dorsett 12 12,739 1,133 8 Jim Brown 9 12, Marshall Faulk 13 12, Marcus Allen 16 12, Franco Harris 13 12, Thurman Thomas 13 12, Edgerrin James* 9 11, John Riggins 14 11, Corey Dillon 10 11, O.J. Simpson 11 11, Fred Taylor* 10 10, Ricky Watters 11 10, LaDainian Tomlinson* 7 10, Tiki Barber 10 10,449 - * Denotes active players BOLDIN RISING Anquan Boldin should make some huge strides up the Cardinals career lists in 2008 if he continues on the pace he has set through the first five years of his career. Boldin needs just one more 100-yard receiving game to tie Hall of Famer Jackie Smith for the most in franchise history. Games Player (Years) 22 Jackie Smith ( ) 21 Anquan Boldin (2003-) Roy Green ( ) 18 Rob Moore ( ) 17 Mel Gray ( ) 16 David Boston ( ) Boldin has averaged 82.6 receptions per season since entering the NFL in 2003 and sits in the seventh spot on the Cardinals career list with 413 receptions. If he continues on pace this season, he would pass Frank Sanders for third place all-time. Catches Rnk Player (Years) Rec. To Pass 1. Larry Centers ( ) Roy Green ( ) Frank Sanders ( ) Jackie Smith ( ) Pat Tilley ( ) Bobby Joe Conrad ( ) Anquan Boldin (2003-) FITZGERALD REPEATS IN 2007 Larry Fitzgerald s 2007 totals of 100 catches for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns were almost identical to his 2005 totals when he caught 103 passes for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns. In repeating his 2005 Pro Bowl season, Fitzgerald became the youngest receiver in NFL history to have two 100-catch seasons, reaching the milestone at the age of 24 years and 121 days. His record breaking play in his first four seasons with the Cardinals earned him a four-year contract extension during the offseason that will keep him with the team through In 2007, Fitzgerald Led the NFC in both receptions (100) and yards (1,409). Joined teammate Anquan Boldin as the only receivers in NFL history to record 100 catches twice in their first four seasons. Tied a franchise record with touchdowns in five consecutive games. Recorded 10 receiving touchdowns, giving him 34 for his career, the most by a Cardinal since the team moved to Arizona in Led the Cardinals in receptions for the third time in his four seasons with Arizona. Caught nine touchdown passes in the final seven games he appeared in. Became one of 39 receivers in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl twice in their first four seasons. WHO WILL BE NUMBER THREE? Much of the talk in the offseason surrounded the question of who was going to fill the third receiver spot vacated when Bryant Johnson left in free agency. The Cardinals have their Pro Bowl tandem of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in the first two slots but who would it be to fill the void at number three? That is a question that will be answered as training camp progresses but here is a look at the front runners early on in camp: Steve Breaston: The second-year pro had a terrific offseason and has been continuously praised by the coaching staff for his hard work and improvement in the offseason where he routinely made difficult catches during mini-camp and OTA s. Jerheme Urban: Urban played valuable minutes for the Cardinals in 2007, appearing in 10 games with two starts, and finished the season with 22 catches for 329 yards and two touchdowns. Last season at Seattle, he became the first receiver for the Cardinals other than Boldin and Fitzgerald to have 100 yards receiving in a game since Ahmad Merritt: After being out of football the previous three seasons, Merritt made a strong push for playing time during the preseason in 2007 before an ankle injury landed him on injured reserve. Jamaica Rector: A third-year pro, Rector begins his second season with the Cardinals after appearing in two games last year for Arizona. Early Doucet: Arizona s third-round selection in the 2008 draft (81 st overall), Doucet led the Nation Champion LSU Tigers in receiving as a senior. He was one of only three receivers in LSU history with 20+career touchdowns, finishing with 20. Cardinals vs. Saints Page 5 of 18

6 LEINART STARTS YEAR THREE Matt Leinart returns from a 2007 season that saw him land on injured reserve with a broken collarbone he suffered in the fifth game of the year. In his rookie season, Leinart showed the promise that made him the 10 th overall selection in After taking over as the starter in place of Kurt Warner in the sixth week of the season, he threw for 2,547 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. As a rookie starter, Leinart: Completed 60 percent or more of his passes in five of his last six games. Became the first rookie in NFL history to throw for over 400 yards in a game. Became the first Cardinals quarterback since Jake Plummer in 2001 to have three games in a season with a 100+ quarterback rating. Broke Plummer s rookie record of 2,203 passing yards, throwing for 2,547 yards on the season. As he continued to adjust to Whisenhunt s new system, Leinart suffered a collarbone St. Loius that forced him to miss the rest of the season. After Warner s success as Leinart s backup, some questioned whether Warner should start. Whisenhunt emphasized that, along with his dedication to learning the game in the offseason, Leinart was getting better before the injury. One thing that seems to be forgotten is that Matt was growing and doing a pretty good job for us, too, when he got hurt, Whisenhunt reminded reporters in training camp. I think you ve got to be pretty careful in not overlooking that. INJURED PLAYERS RETURN The Cardinals were hit hard by injuries in 2007, especially late in the season, as 13 Cardinals starters or significant role players missed a total of 82 games due to injuries. Arizona was hit hardest on defense, missing a total of 44 games by starters. Among them were Pro Bowlers Adrian Wilson and Bertrand Berry, who missed a combined 14 games after both left the game vs. Detroit in week 10. In all, the Cardinals had six starters finish the season on injured reserve, four of them starters on the defensive side of the ball. Among the players missing time last year who are returning in 2008: Player Injury Games Missed DE Chike Okeafor Bicep (IR) 16 QB Matt Leinart Collarbone (IR) 11 S Aaron Francisco Knee/Calf 7 S Adrian Wilson Heel (IR) 7 DE Bertrand Berry Triceps (IR) 7 CB Eric Green Groin (IR) 5 WR Anquan Boldin Hip/Toe 4 TE Leonard Pope Ankle 3 LB Karlos Dansby Knee 2 C Al Johnson Knee 2 WR Larry Fitzgerald Groin 1 RG Deuce Lutui Knee 1 66 WARNER RETURNS TO FORM Kurt Warner proved he was still very capable of being an effective quarterback when he took over for Matt Leinart last season when Leinart went down with a broken collarbone. In fact, Warner managed numerous feats that brought back the memory of his 1999 and 2001 seasons when he was the NFL MVP. Among the things that Warner accomplished in 2007: Threw for over 3,000 yards in a season for the first time since Had back-to-back games with a passer rating of 100+ for the first time since Threw for multiple TDs in eight consecutive games for the first time in his career. His 10 multi-td games this season are the most since he recorded 10 in Threw for over 400 yards in a game for the first time since PROVIDING PRESSURE One of the things the Cardinals lost last season on defense when many of their highest profile defenders went down to injuries was their ability to put consistent pressure on the quarterback. With the return of Bertrand Berry, Chike Okeafor and Adrian Wilson from injuries sustained in 2007 and the addition of free agents such as LB Clark Haggans and DE Travis LaBoy, the Cardinals figure to turn up the pressure on opposing quarterbacks in The Cardinals now field an impressive list of accomplished pass rushers on their roster. Below are some of their accomplishments. DE Bertrand Berry-Has 54.0 career sacks, 29 of those coming with the Cardinals since joining the team in 2004, a year he recorded 14.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl nod. LB Chike Okeafor-Has 45.0 career sacks, 16 coming in his first two years on playing with Arizona (missed all of 2007 with a torn bicep). Has sacks in the last five consecutive games he appeared in. DT Darnell Dockett-Had a breakout season in 2007, leading all NFL defensive tackles with 9.0 sacks in a season that earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl. LB Clark Haggans-Recorded 31.5 sacks in his first eight season with Pittsburgh, good for 13 th on the Steelers alltime list. DE Travis LaBoy-Despite playing most of his 54 career games as a reserve, has become a sack specialist, collecting 19.5 in his first four seasons in the NFL. LB Karlos Dansby-Has 20.5 sacks in his first four seasons in the NFL, good for 10 th on the Cardinals career-list. SS Adrian Wilson-A feared all-around defender, redefined the safety position when he collected eight sacks in 2005, the most by an NFL safety since sacks became an official stat in Has recorded 16.0 sacks for his career. Cardinals vs. Saints Page 6 of 18

7 CARDINALS-SAINTS CONNECTIONS Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley served as wide receivers coach for Dallas from and offensive quality control coach Dedric Ward played wide receiver in 2004 while Saints Head Coach Sean Payton was assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach ( ) and then assistant head coach/passing game coordinator in From Cardinals running backs coach Maurice Carthon coached with Payton as the Cowboys offensive coordinator/running backs coach and from Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs was also in Dallas during that time coaching linebackers ( ). Cardinals defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast coached the secondary for the Dallas Cowboys in 2002 while Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs served as linebackers coach. Cardinals QB Matt Leinart and Saints RB Reggie Bush were two of the main pieces in USC s dominance of the college football ranks from In that time, the Trojans won two National Championships (2003, 2004) and both Leinart and Bush won Heisman trophies as the best players in college football. Leinart was chosen 10 th overall by the Cardinals in 2006 while Bush was selected second overall by the Saints. Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui ( ) and Saints 2008 first round draft pick (7 th overall), defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis ( ) also assisted in USC s dominance. Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald and Saints QB Tyler Palko were teammates and roommates at the University of Pittsburgh from Fitzgerald and Palko remain good friends and workout together in the offseason in Fitzgerald s home state of Minnesota. From Cardinals fullback Terrelle Smith played for New Orleans after being drafted in the fourth round (96 th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft. He started 36 of 59 games played while leading the way for Deuce McAllister and Ricky Williams to record 1,000+ yard seasons. Saints defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy played for Arizona in 2006, starting all 11 games played. Cardinals safety Oliver Celestin is from New Orleans and attended St. Augustine High. He had six displaced New Orleans-relatives move in with him following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Saints fullback Mike Karney started 28 of 46 games at Arizona State ( ) and was All Pac-10 honorable mention in Cardinals running back Edgerrin James played for the Colts with Saints cornerback Jason David from Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers ( ) and long snapper Nathan Hodel ( ) played under Saints special teams coordinator Greg McMahon at the University of Illinois while McMahon coached wide receivers, tight ends and special teams. As a senior Rackers set the Illinois season scoring mark with 110 points. Cardinals free safety Antrel Rolle ( ) was teammates with Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey ( ) and linebacker Jonathan Vilma ( ) at the University of Miami. All three players were first round draft picks: Rolle eighth overall in 2005), Shockey (14 th overall in 2002), Vilma 12 th overall in SKY HIGH HOPES The expectations for 6-8 tight end Leonard Pope entering the 2008 season are as elevated as his stature. Before landing on the injured reserve list suffering a broken ankle at Seattle on 12/9, causing him to miss the last three games of the season, Pope had become a go-to-guy in the redzone for the Cardinals, scoring five touchdowns, including two touchdown receptions against the Lions, a first for a Cardinal tight end since Doug Marsh in The Cardinals tight ends scored more touchdowns for the Cards (8) in 2007 than any tight end unit since 1988 when Doug Awalt and Jay Novacek each scored four times. Ben Patrick, pushing Pope for playing time this preseason, performed well last season, scoring two touchdowns as a rookie. Production from the Tight End Year Total TDs Player (TDs) Rob Awalt (6), Jay Novacek (3) Jackie Smith (9) Pope (5), Patrick (2), Bienemann (1) Rob Awalt (4), Jay Novacek (4) Doug Marsh (8) Jackie Smith (4), Jim McFarland (2) Doug Marsh (5) J.V. Cain (5) Of the eight touchdowns scored by Cardinals tight ends in 2008, seven came inside the redzone, making them primary targets once the Cardinals got inside the 20-yard line and helping the team to the second best redzone scoring percentage in the NFL at 94.0 percent, trailing on New England s 94.4 scoring percentage ROAD WARRIORS The Cardinals will certainly earn their frequent flyer miles as they make five East Coast trips during the 2008 season. Arizona is looking to improve their road record this year just like they did last season with their home record, going from 3-5 in 2006 to 6-2 in The task will not be easy as the five trips out east measure a total of 16,621 miles. On top of that the Cardinals will also have to adjust to the time change as three of the team s trips will include a three hour difference and two just a two hour difference since the state of Arizona does not adjust their clocks during daylight saving time like the rest of the country. Another challenge the Cardinals will have to deal with is a long trip on a short week. Arizona plays the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants on Sunday, November 23 rd at home and then travels to Philadelphia to play the Eagles four days later on Thanksgiving night, November 27th. Destination Miles traveled Phoenix, AZ to Washington D.C. 1,980 Washington D.C. to East Rutherford, NJ 204 East Rutherford, NJ to Phoenix, AZ 2,137 Phoenix, AZ to Charlotte, NC 1,782 Charlotte, NC to Phoenix, AZ 1,782 Phoenix, AZ to Philadelphia, PA 2,081 Philadelphia, PA to Phoenix, AZ 2,081 Phoenix, AZ to Foxborough, MA 2,287 Foxborough, MA to Phoenix, AZ 2,287 Total 16,621 Cardinals vs. Saints Page 7 of 18

8 A NEW ROLLE The Cardinals newest free safety is not a recently signed free agent or a 2008 draft pick but converted cornerback Antrel Rolle. Rolle convinced coaches to make the move with his play as a nickel back in Playing the extra defensive back, Rolle swiped five interceptions, returning an NFL-high three of them for touchdowns with an additional one errantly called back due to a penalty. In returning those interceptions, Rolle amassed an NFL-high 283 return yards, averaging 56.6 yards per return. Since joining the Cardinals as the eighth overall selection in the 2005 draft, Rolle has proven a tough player and sure tackler. Combined with his ability to cover the middle of the field, Rolle seemed a natural choice to fill the role at free safety, the defense last line of defense. He ll have to look at things inside-out instead of outside-in, and that s always a challenge for guys, defensive backs coach Teryl Austin said. There are some things he might struggle with early but I am sure by the end of the day he will be pretty good at it. Since being drafted in 2005, Rolle has started 28 of the 37 games he has appeared in at corner and nickel back. He has collected 156 tackles, seven interceptions and 20 passes defensed, three times collecting 11 tackles in a game. ADRIAN RETURNS Strong safety Adrian Wilson returns in 2008 after missing the final seven games of 2007 with a heel injury which required surgery, forcing him to miss most of the Cardinals offseason work leading into the season. Wilson arrived at camp on July 23 ready to resume his position as one of the most feared defenders in the NFL and the anchor of the Cardinals secondary. Before missing the Cincinnati contest in 2007, Wilson had made 59 consecutive starts and appeared in 73 straight games for the Cardinals, landing on injured reserve last season for the first time in his career. Career Highlights Earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2006 after collecting four interceptions, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and five sacks. Returned both an interception and a fumble 99 yards for touchdowns, the only player in NFL history with two 99+ yard TDs in the same season. The 99-yard interception return was the longest in franchise history. Collected 8.0 sacks in 2005, the most in NFL history by a defensive back since sacks became an official statistic in Was selected as one of five team captains by his teammates for the 2007 season. A LOOK AT THE OPPONENTS Below is a look at the teams the Cardinals will face during the regular season and their record in Home 2007 Away 2007 St. Louis 3-13 St. Louis 3-13 San Francisco 5-11 San Francisco 5-11 Seattle* 10-6 Seattle* 10-6 Dallas* 13-3 Philadelphia 8-8 NY Giants* 10-6 Washington* 9-7 Minnesota 8-8 Carolina 7-9 Buffalo 7-9 NE Patriots* 16-0 Miami 1-15 NY Jets 5-11 The teams the Cardinals face in 2008 finished last season with a regular season record. Aside from their normal NFC West opponents, the Cardinals will play the AFC East and the NFC East this season. The Cards will also play the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings, who finished with the same position as the Cardinals in their division in The Cards will face five teams that made the playoffs in 2007: Seattle, Dallas, NY Giants, Washington and New England. The Cards will face three of those teams on the road. The Cardinals will also face the New England Patriots, who became the first team in NFL history to finish the regular season *2007 playoff team POSITION BATTLES TO WATCH Cornerback-Starters Eric Green and Rod Hood will be pushed by the Cardinals 2008 first round draft pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who the Cardinals took with the 16 th overall selection. Defensive End-Veteran and 2005 Pro Bowler Bertrand Berry will compete with new arrival Travis LaBoy for the starting spot at defensive end. LaBoy signed with the Cardinals as a free agent in 2008 from Tennessee, where he spent his first four NFL seasons while Berry, in his 11 th NFL season, has 54.0 career sacks. Tight End-Leonard Pope, coming off a season that saw him emerge as a significant red zone presence, scoring five TDs, returns from an ankle injury that ended his 2007 after only 13 games, will try to fend off hard charging and much improving second-year player Ben Patrick for the starting tight end spot. Fullback-Terrelle Smith, in his ninth NFL season will be pushed by second-year player Tim Castille for the starting fullback spot. Smith comes off a year in which he helped block for Edgerrin James, who rushed for 1,222 yard in 2007 while Castille has been one of the Cardinals most promising young players in the offseason. Cardinals vs. Saints Page 8 of 18

9 THE NEW FACES THE VETERAN NEWCOMERS LB Clark Haggans: In his ninth NFL season, Haggans comes to the Cardinal after having spent his first eight seasons with the Steelers where he collected 31.5 sacks in 107 games. DE Travis LaBoy: The fifth-year pro comes to the Cardinals from Tennessee where he collected 19.5 sacks in his first 54 games (20 starts). TE Jerame Tuman: Entering his 10 th NFL season, Tuman spent his first nine seasons with Pittsburgh where he appeared in 120 games and was used as a blocking specialist. DE Bryan Robinson: The most seasoned player on the Cardinals team, Robinson enters his 12 NFL season having come to the Cardinals from Cincinnati, where he spent the previous three seasons. Robinson has appeared in 159 games with 124 starts for his career. P Dirk Johnson: Johnson begins his seventh season in the NFL having previously punted for the Saints, Eagles and Bears over the course of his career. QB Brian St. Pierre: St. Pierre enters his sixth NFL season and served as a backup and third quarterback during his first five seasons with Pittsburgh. LB Matt Stewart: In his eighth season as a pro, Stewart comes to the Cardinals having spent three years in Cleveland after spending his first four seasons in Atlanta. QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE DRAFTEES CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: 1 st Round (16 th overall)-rodgers-cromartie had four career interception returns for TDs at Tennessee State and added a kickoff return for a TD, a fumble return for a TD and eight blocked kicks on special teams. DE Calais Campbell: 2 nd Round (50 th overall)-campbell played in 36 games (25 starts) with the Hurricanes before entering the draft following his junior season. WR Early Doucet: 3 rd Round (81 st overall)-doucet was the leading receiver on LSU s National Championship team in 2007, catching 57 passes for 525 yards and five TDs, despite playing most of the year with a groin injury. DE Kenny Iwebema: 4 th Round (116 th overall)-iwebema blocked two field goals in a game on two occasions while at Iowa and started in 30 of the last 31 games he appeared in. RB Tim Hightower: 5 th Round (149 th overall)-hightower broke 18 school, game, season and career rushing records at Richmond, including 1,924 rushing yards as a senior. LB Chris Harrington: 6 th Round (185 th overall)-harrington earned first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors as a junior despite playing the season with a torn rotator cuff. OT Brandon Keith: 7 th Round (225 th overall)-keith was the third player drafted by the Cardinals in 2008 that did not attend a Division 1-A college. ROOKIE FREE AGENTS DE Jason Banks: (Grambling)-Registered 29 career starts in 44 games, collecting 27 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. CB Marcus Brown: (McNeese State)-An athletic cornerback, used speed and athletic ability to guide him into becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the Southland Conference. OT Peter Clifford: (Michigan State)-A versatile lineman, appeared at both guard and tackle in his 19 career starts for the Spartans. DT Keilen Dykes: (West Virginia)-Leader of West Virginia s 2007 senior class that compiled a school best four-year record of 41-9 and made four bowl appearances, winning three. LB Ali Highsmith: (LSU)-Appeared in 52 games for the Tigers, including starts in the final 28 games of his career while helping lead the Tigers to the 2007 BCS National Championship. Named after Muhammad Ali, who his grandfather once sparred with. FB Dionte Johnson: (Ohio State)-Is the son of Thomas Pepper Johnson, the former NY Giants linebacker who is now an assistant coach with the New England Patriots. FS Dennis Keyes: (UCLA)-Started 34 of the 45 games he appeared in for the Bruins and was named honorable mention All Pac-10 as a senior. While in high school, played safety and also running back where he rushed for 1,692 yards and 36 touchdowns as a senior. WR Lance Long: (Mississippi State)-Began his collegiate career at the University of Toledo before transferring to Mississippi State where he started seven of the 35 games he appeared in. G Carlton Medder: (Florida)-Helped lead Florida to the National Championship when they defeated Ohio State at University of Phoenix Stadium in 2006 while helping lead the way for QB Tim Tebow to become the first sophomore Heisman winner. TE Brent Miller: (Arizona State)-Signed on 7/29/08, Miller is an Arizona native who played at Arizona State with his brother, fellow tight end and Oakland Raider Zach Miller. QB Anthony Morrelli: (Penn State)-Once fired a 50-yard pass at Three Rivers Stadium to win the NFL s Punt, Pass and Kick Competition when he was 10 years old. DE Bryan Robinson: (Wesley College)-Started all 51 career games played at Wesley College and established school records with 96.5 tackles for a loss and 47 career sacks. G Hercules Satele: (Hawaii)-Is the cousin of current Miami Dolphins center Samson Satele. Blocking for Heisman candidate QB Colt Brennan, helped Hawaii to its first ever BCS Bowl bid in Cardinals vs. Saints Page 9 of 18

10 BY THE NUMBERS 7,200 Elevation of the Cardinals training camp in Flagstaff, AZ. 104, 78 Average high temperature in Phoenix and Flagstaff during August. 21 Combined number of starters returning from the 2007 squad, 11 on offense and 10 on defense. 81 Number of players on the Cardinals roster, including Eduardo Castaneda, a Mexico native who is part of the NFL s International Practice Squad program. 21 Number of consecutive sellouts at University of Phoenix Stadium, including this week s game vs. New Orleans. 3 Pounds lost by cornerback Eric Green when he cut his dreadlocks just before camp, the first haircut he received since March Characters on the jersey name plate of rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (including the hyphen). 185 Number of days between the two most recent games played at University of Phoenix Stadium (Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3 and Thursday s Saints-Cardinals game). HOMEGROWN TALENT The Cardinals added another hometown piece to the puzzle in training camp when they signed free agent tight end Brent Miller, a 2007 graduate of Arizona State University and Desert Vista (PHX) High School alum. Miller, the brother of Raiders tight end Zach Miller, joins right guard Deuce Lutui and center Lyle Sendlein as Valley natives now on the Cardinals roster. Lutui, the cousin of former Cardinal return man Vai Sikahema, was drafted by the Cardinals in the second round in 2006 and grew up a Cardinals fan in Mesa, AZ and attended Mesa High School. Sendlein, a 2007 rookie free agent signing, is a Scottsdale, AZ native and attended Chaparral High School before going on to play his college ball at the University of Texas. Like Sendlein did in 2007, Miller will try to make the team as an undrafted rookie. If Miller makes the opening roster, he will become the 15 th Arizona native to play for the Arizona Cardinals. Thur, July 31 Tues, July 29 Sat, July 26 Fri, July 25 Mon, Jul 21 Tues, Jul. 15 Thur, Jul. 10 Wed, Jul. 9 Mon, Jun. 16 RECENT TRANSACTIONS Signed T Kelly Butler to a one-year contract and released T Thaddeus Coleman. Signed TE Brent Miller to a one-year contract and released TE Troy Bienemann. Released RB Chris Vincent. Signed CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (first round, 16 th overall, Tennessee State, to a six-year contract. Signed DE Calais Campbell (second round, 50 th overall, Miami, to a four-year contract. Signed WR Early Doucet (third round, 81 st overall, LSU) to a three-year contract. Signed LB Chris Harrington (sixth round, 185 th overall, Texas A&M) to a three-year contract. Signed T Brandon Keith (seventh round, 225 th overall, Northern Iowa) to a three-year contract. Signed LB Eduardo Castaneda to the practice squad for the 2008 season as part of the NFL s International Practice Squad. ARIZONA CARDINALS 2008 SEASON SCHEDULE Preseason Date Opponent Location AZ Time Aug. 7 NO+ Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 5:00 PM KC Arrowhead Stadium 5:00 PM Aug. Oak McAfee Coliseum 6:00 PM Aug. 29 DEN Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 7:00 PM Regular Season Date Opponent Location AZ Time Sep. SF Candlestick Park 1:15 PM Sep. 14 MIA Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 1:15 PM Sep. Was FedEx Field 10:00 AM Sep. NYJ Giants Stadium 10:00 AM Oct. 5 BUF Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 1:15 PM Oct. 12 DAL Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 1:15 PM Oct. 19 BYE Oct. Car Bank of America Stadium 10:00 AM Nov. StL Edward Jones Dome 11:00 AM Nov. 10 SF # Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 6:30 PM Nov. Sea * Qwest Field 2:05 PM Nov. 23 NYG * Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 2:15 PM Nov. Phi & Lincoln Financial Field 6:15 PM Dec. 7 STL * Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 2:15 PM Dec. 14 MIN * Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 2:05 PM Dec. NE * Gillette Stadium 11:00 AM Dec. 28 SEA * Univ. of Phoenix Stadium 2:15 PM + Thursday night on ESPN # Monday night on ESPN & Thanksgiving night on NFL Network * Subject to flexible scheduling decisions Cardinals vs. Saints Page 10 of 18