Guys I've got some good news and some bad news, the bad news is that our Question of the Week is getting bumped until at least tomorrow or maybe Sunday. The good news however is that the official websites' own Darren Urban has agreed to answer a few questions for Revenge of the Birds. If you don't know who Darren Urban is, then shame on you. He's the teams' web manager and his fine work, which consists of blogs, stories, columns and podcasts, are well worth a daily read for any and every Cardinal fan. If you're looking for the breaking news, quotes from players and coaches or just looking for a Cardinals-fix, Darren Urban and AZCARDINALS.com is the place to go, in addition to ROTB of course.

I got rather long winded with my questions so the interview is quite long but to read the full Q&A session click the continue reading this post, located below.

Darren also wanted me to reiterate that these are solely his opinions and that they don't reflect the opinion or views of the coaching staff or management.

Continue reading this post »

Well here's a new twist to our regular content, JScott from Buc 'em (Buccaneers' blog) has sent a hypothetical trade proposal for Anquan Boldin. He's polled his community to see what they'd be willing to give up to get a our Pro Bowl wide receiver and I think he's brought back a pretty fair offer but I, of course, need your input. Please remember that this is a hypothetical offer and that I'm not Rod Graves and JScott isn't the Bucs' GM. With that being said here's the offer to trade Anquan Boldin to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

First round pick in 2009 and a 2nd Tier Player (namely Jeremy Zuttah or Micheal Clayton)

Now if you're not a Buccaneer fan or draft expert, you're probably thinking, "who in
the world is Jeremy Zuttah?" Well he was the Bucs' third round pick this year and he's currently their starting right guard. He played his college ball at Rutgers and started 28 consecutive games while not allowing a sack the past two seasons. He played three different positions at Rutgers but most of his experience is at right tackle. Draft experts and apparently the Tampa Bay coaching staff agreed that he was better suited to play inside at the professional level. He's taken snaps at both guards and center during the Bucs' camp. As for a scouting report, he's a smart player who moves well in space and plays with good technique. He's not the strongest player out there but his coaching staff praised his toughness and he was considered the hardest worker on the Rutgers team. He's got some injury concerns as he got dinged up from time to time and had to play through the pain and most scouts agree that he'll have to gain some weight (6'4 303) before he's truly effective at this level. He could be very nice fit for a team that's in the process of transitioning to a zone blocking scheme, as the Cardinals are tinkering with right now.

As for Michael Clayton, I think most of us would recognize the name. He was a first round pick in 2004 and exploded on the scene much like Boldin did with 80 receptions and nearly 1,200 yards his rookie season. He's regressed terribly though and hasn't broken 400 yards receiving since. His catches have fallen each season (just 22 in 2007) and he's battled injuries but even when he's healthy he has consistently underwhelmed the Bucs. The only bright side of his cloud though is that he's got all the physical tools to be a good receiver (6'4 215 and 4.5 speed) and he's only 25 years old so perhaps a change of scenery is what he really needs.

So there it is Cardinals fans, would you trade Anquan Boldin for a first round pick and either one of these guys? Obviously I know that we would all prefer to keep Boldin but for the sake of this argument, lets assume that we have to trade him. Is this a fair offer and would it be enough for you to pull the trigger if you knew that you had to trade him? If you don't think this offer is acceptable, please explain what your counter offer would be.

Rounding out the offense, Revenge of the Birds takes a look at the Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks and wonder, what will their numbers look like? Obviously it's nearly impossible to make any kind of accurate predictions (if there is such a thing) on what kind of numbers the quarterbacks will put up if we don't even know which QB will line up under center. We'll do our best though and if you haven't taken a second to give us your two cents on the upcoming seasons of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston, Leonard Pope and Edgerrin James, there is still time. Just click on the players name to give us your community projections, it's easy and if you're the closest, you'll have all off season to gloat.

While most around the league look at the Cardinals quarterback situation and shutter, I tend to view it as one of the strengths of the team. Are there some unknowns? Sure there are, but we do know that we've got two quarterbacks who are capable of playing quality football. Warner is the more reliable option but we all know that his age is a concern. He's an accomplished, seasoned and prolific passer who's seen everything that a defense can throw his way. With over 24,000 passing yards and over 150 touchdowns, Warner has the ability to lead this team to a high scoring, exciting season, if he wins the starting job. Matt Leinart on the other hand is a younger more conservative option. If he's the starter, the Cardinals will likely score less points but also turn the ball over less. He's been praised this offseason for his re-dedication to the game and his improved work ethic on everything from footwork to mechanics to film study. Whichever quarterback steps on the field first come September 7th, they'll have the weapons to put points on the board and defensive coordinators on edge.

This projection will be a bit different that the others that we've done because instead of doing an individual player, we're doing an entire position. So here's how it's going to work: Put the name of the player that you think will start the most games at quarterback in the subject line and then the projections for each QB in the body of your comment. If you think all three QBs will play but Brian St. Pierre will start the most games, let us know about it. Here's mine:  Warner will start 12 games

Warner: 12 games (all starts), 363 attempts, 235 completions (64.7 %), 2,867 yards (7.9 YPA), 23 TDs, 12 INTs

Leinart: 7 games (4 starts), 140 attempts, 84 attempts (60.2 %), 994 yards (7.1 YPA), 11 TDs, 5 INTs

Brian St. Pierre: 1 games (0 starts), 1 attempt, 1 completion, 3 yards (something tells me that Whiz will got out of his way to get BSP his first professional completion)

With the regular season, creeping up on us, and fans dreaming 'playoff dreams', here's a reminder of what is possible. Ten years ago the Cardinals made us dream big, isn't about time we do it again?

The 1998 Arizona Cardinals won't go down as one of the best teams to ever play this game and none of it's players are immortalized in the Hall of Fame, but they should be remembered for what they mean to Cardinals players and fans alike. You see, being a Cardinal fan isn't easy and it isn't glamorous, but for one season the Cardinals were able to hold their heads high with not only a playoff berth but a playoff win.

The Cardinals were coming off a 4-12 season in which they ranked dead last in the league in sacks allowed and rushing yards per game, but believe it or not the future looked brighter than the past. No one was talking about the playoffs but a young quarterback and the youngest defense in the league had people excited about the future. They started the season with two losses by a combined score of 71-24 and it looked like another season to throw atop the scrap heap. The next nine games would see the Cardinals turn their fortunes around though with six wins including four fourth quarter comebacks. Jake Plummer, the sophomore quarterback, showed signs of becoming not only a gritty leader but a good quarterback by tossing 13 touchdowns and passing for over 215 yards per game during that stretch. The Cardinals lose the momentum though and drop the next two games to fall to 6-7 and seemingly out of any playoff contention.

Maybe the team was to too young to know that they were dead or maybe Jake 'the Snake' simply wouldn't let them die. The 6-7 Cardinals headed to Philadelphia and found themselves trailing 17-10 midway through the fourth quarter. Jake Plummer  would conjure some magic  and lead them to a game-tying touchdown on a nine yard pass to Rod Moore. The game would go into overtime and a 32 yard field goal by Chris Jacke would bring the team to an even .500. The following game wouldn't be any easier when the Saints came to town but Jake's 394 yards would be just enough. The Saints scored a late touchdown to take a one point lead and Plummer would would have just 1:21 left on the clock to bring his team another victory. The offense moved down the field and got in range just in time for Jacke to kick a 36 yard field goal as time expired to give the Cardinals a two point win and an 8-7 record. The final game of the season would bring the San Diego Chargers to town and heading into the fourth quarter, the Cardinals were booking playoff tickets and counting their blessing for a win that didn't give them a heart attack. The Chargers wouldn't go quietly into the night 
though and ten fourth quarter points brought the game to a tie with just 1:16 left in regulation. The 'Cardiac Cardinals' looked poised for a colossal defeat and another post season on the couch, but Jake, as usual, had other plans. He led the offense on a march that end with another last second field goal. Chris Jacke's 52 yard field goal as time expired sent the 9-7 Cardinals to the playoffs for the first time in a non-strike season since 1975. 

The Cardinals probably should have probably been satisfied with a playoff berth, especially considering that when they stepped through the 'playoff door' the hated, yet aging Dallas Cowboys stood in the doorway with three rings to prove their legitimacy. The Cardinals with a young unproven quarterback and defense seemed to be just another speed bump for the Cowboys, after all they had beat them twice that season (by a combined score of 73-38) and 16 of the last 17 times they met. The team that earned the nickname 'Cardiac Cardinals' would need no come from behind magic on this day though, the defense pitched a shutout until late in the fourth quarter, terrorized Aikman all day allowing him less that 200 yards passing and forced three interceptions (two by Cardinal legend Aeneas Williams). The offense did it's part with Adrian Murrell rushing for nearly 100 yards and Jake topping 200 yards and throwing two scores. The final was a 20-7 win and the first Arizona Cardinals playoff victory since 1947.

Who knows if this 2008 version of the Arizona Cardinals can string together the same magic of the 1998 version. One thing is for sure though, we've been there before and we ready to get there again.

Coach Whisenhunt announced yesterday that Kurt Warner will the be the starting quarterback for his Arizona Cardinals when the Broncos come to town to end the preseason. He was quick to point out that this is not an indication that Warner will start the regular season opener but instead he cited that Warner hadn't received enough snaps with the first team yet. So far through the preseason, Warner has taken 30 snaps overall versus Leinart's 57. What makes this even more interesting is that Whisenhunt said he was sure how long, or IF Matt Leinart will play behind the second string offensive line.

To this point, it's been hard to figure out exactly what Ken Whisenhunt was thinking but the picture is getting much more clear. If Warner starts and Leinart does not touch the field then you can go ahead and pencil Warner in atop the depth chart (as long as he doesn't have a 3 INT, 2.8 QB rating). Warner has performed better during the preseason and if this was really a competition then he should be the starter. Matt needs at least the opportunity to take some snaps to put last week behind him though, even if those snaps are with the second string offense and the Broncos third string defense. Chances are that Leinart will have to get on the field at some point this season and it would be nice if his most recent memories weren't throwing three interceptions in five offensive series. Thoughts? How would you divide the playing time?

With just a couple of days before the big cut down day, what better way to spend the day than taking one last stab at the 53-man roster. In case you missed the first two installments (First and Second), we've been fairly accurate considering we correctly predicted Marcel Shipp getting cut but somehow how Bo Schobel making the roster. This is the last chance though so here goes:

QBs: (3) - Matt Lienart, Kurt Warner, and Brian St. Pierre

No change and I'd still try and keep Morelli for the practice squad.

RBs: (3) - Edgerrin James, JJ Arrington, Tim Hightower

No change on the roster but Chris Vincent was brought back for a reason and he looked really good against the Raiders. If he outperforms Steve Baylark then he'll win the practice squad job.

FBs: (2) - Tim Castille & Terrelle Smith

I feel like a politician flip-flopping on this one but I've finally come around to the idea of keeping both. Not many teams do but Smith is too good of a blocker and Castille is too versatille.

WRs: (5) - Fitz, Q, Early Doucet, Steve Breaston, Jerheme Urban

Adding a fullback means that one of these guys has to go so Rector's the odd man out. Lance Long is practice squad material though.

TEs: (3) - Leonard Pope, Ben Patrick, Jermane Tuman

No change again.

OL: (9) - Levi Brown, Deuce Lutui, Al Johnson, Reggie Wells, Mike Gandy, Elton Brown, Lyle Sendlein, Brandon Keith, Elliot Vallejo

Meet Elliot Vallejo. He's stood out with the second team and he's broke into my top 53. He's still practice squad eligible but I'm not sure some other team wouldn't scoop him up.

DT/NT: (2) - Gabe Watson & Alan Branch

No change. Keep in mind that Bryan Robinson is playing more NT right now.

DE: (5) - Darnell Dockett, Antonio Smith, Bryan Robinson, Calais Campbell & Kenny Iwebema

No change and I still think that Keilen Dykes will end up on the practice squad.

OLB: (4) - Chike Okeafor, Bertrand Berry, Clark Haggans & Travis LaBoy

No change here. It's a risk trying to slip Harrington through to the practice squad because he's looked pretty good for a rookie the past two games but there are just too many guys ahead of him. They try to keep him on the practice squad though.

ILB: (5) - Karlos Dansby, Gerald Hayes, Brandon Moore, Matt Stewart & Ali Highsmith

There's a serious log-jam at ILB with Beisel, Stewart, Moore and Highsmith all vying for two or three jobs. In the end, I'm going with 5 spots here and Moore gets the nod because he's versatile enough to play inside and outside. Stewart beats out Beisel because he's younger and has more starting experience. Highsmith is the youngster but I'm not risking trying to slip him through to the practice squad.

CBs: (5) - Roderick Hood, Eric Green, DRC, Ralph Brown & Micheal Adams

The only change is adding Ralph Brown back to the mix and bumping Ware to the safety spot.

FS/SS: (4) - Adrian Wilson, Antrel Rolle, Aaron Francisco & Matt Ware

Ware gets bumped to safety because I think Ralph Brown has outperformed Oliver Celestin. Dennis Keyes has made plays the past two games and he's earned himself a year on the practice squad.

Specialists: (3) - Neil Rackers, Dirk Johnson & Nathan Hodel

No change.

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There's my final 53 man roster for your Arizona Cardinals and here's your chance to make any roster predictions that you want. Who's staying and who's going? Who's a bubble guy that you really like and you hope makes the cut? How would you tweak this roster or would you just rip it up and start over? Is there enough talent and depth for this roster to win the NFC West? Now it's your turn.....

Arizona Cardinals Best Fantasy Option:

As with most teams, this is fairly easy and I'm sure most would agree that the best option is Larry Fitzgerald. He's the '1a' of, arguably, the best WR duo in the league and the only thing that catapults him over Anquan Boldin is touchdowns. He's scored double digit touchdowns twice in his four year career and he's about to turn 25 years old, so he's yet to play his best football. He's what every fantasy owner should dream about, a consistent threat who puts points on the board every single week. In 15 games in 2007 he would have scored at least 8 points in 13 of them and went over 18 points in four games (assuming standard scoring without any bonuses).  A 1,500 yard season with 12-15 touchdowns should be out of reach by any means.

Arizona Cardinals Best Sleeper Option:

This one is tougher for me to nail down because I think there are several different options and the QB competition throws an added level of difficulty into the mix. If Warner ends up being the starter, he is a legitimate #1 fantasy starter as well. We all know that he's got a bad habit of turning the ball over but he's also a prolific scorer. Consider that in weeks 10-17 (when you're in the stretch run and the playoffs), he threw multiple touchdowns in every game (5 games with 3 TDs) and averaged 295 yards per game. Another good sleeper option is the Cardinals defense/special teams. Not only is the defense much improved and healthy after being ravaged by injuries in 2007, Steve Breaston is one of the better returners that most fans haven't ever heard of, and he's entering just his second season. He was top 5 in both kickoff and punt return yards last year and he took a punt back for a score. If your scoring allows points for return yardage, bump Arizona a bit farther up your board.