Read More: Kevin Kolb (QB – ARI), Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals defense, particularly the front seven, continue to demonstrate the improvement we’ve been seeing for the last several weeks. The front line got pressure on Tony Romo (three sacks) and did a solid job against the run which helped keep the game close while the Arizona offense tried to find its footing.

The Cowboys were the first team to get into scoring position but missed a 53-yard field goal on a kick that went wide left. The Cardinals used the good starting field position to drive 27 yards and put their own three points on the board.

Neither side was able to do much offensively although the Cowboys did tie the game with a 50-yard kick with about six minutes left in the half. From there a series of poor possessions twice forced the Cardinals to punt from their end zone. 

On the second sequence, the Cowboys started their drive from the Arizona 33 and eventually scored on a 15-yard pass from Romo to Dez Bryant for the first touchdown of the game which game Dallas a 10-3 lead which is where the first half ended.

Kevin Kolb made a few decent throws in his first game back but he also missed open receivers and was sacked four times. He hasn’t shown his previous propensity to flush himself out of the pocket and he’s not forcing passes that aren’t there. Unfortunately, that’s led to him holding the ball longer than his protection can hold up.

Kolb is 7-11 on mostly short passes with a total of 44 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. The Cardinals have a total 49 yards offense. Romo went 11-20 for 135 yards with one TD pass. Defensively, Arizona held Dallas to 48 yards on the ground.

For more on the Arizona Cardinals, visit Revenge of the Birds.

Read More: John Skelton (QB – ARI), Patrick Peterson (CB – ARI), Sam Acho (LB – ARI), Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams, Nov 27, 2011 11:00 AM MST

Beanie Wells set a franchise record with 228 yards rushing on a day that saw the Arizona Cardinals beat the Rams for the seventh-straight time in St. Louis. The Cardinals fell behind early and struggled through a poor game by QB John Skelton but improve to 4-7 on the season thanks to Wells’ big day, solid defense and a record-tying fourth punt return touchdown from Patrick Peterson.

The Cardinals defense was led by a very good game by rookie OLB Sam Acho, who recorded two sacks (five on the season) and forced two fumbles. ILB Daryl Washington continues to impress and the defensive line playing without starting NT Dan Williams (broken arm) held the Rams Steven Jackson to just 64 yards on 17 carries.

It wasn’t a pretty game offensively from either team as both quarterbacks struggled to convert third downs and score in the red zone. Sam Bradford was the better of the two, going 17-31 for 203 yards and one touchdown. John Skelton looked extremely inaccurate early, threw two picks and went 12-23 for 114 yards.

This game was clearly won on the ground and in the trenches. The Cardinals ran for a total of 268 yards compared to 86 for the Rams. Wells had a 71-yard run in the first quarter that got the Cardinals into the red zone and produced three points. He replicated that in the fourth with a 53-yard run (video below) that broke a 20-20 tie.

Both teams recorded seven points off punt return touchdowns. The Rams Nick Miller ran one back 88 yards in the first quarter and Patrick Peterson got his fourth of the year in the third (video here).

The Cardinals complete a three-game series of road games going 2-1 and are now 3-1 in games started by John Skelton (despite his poor play). Arizona will now be home for four of their last five games of the season starting with the Dallas Cowboys next week.

For more on the game, visit Revenge of the Birds blog.

By Avinash Kunnath

– Newsdesk contributor

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Nov 17, 2011 – The Arizona Cardinals have struggled through the 2011 season, and no one on either side of the football has really stood out. Well, except for one.

It should be no surprise the Cardinals only have one man in contention right now to make it to the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl. It should be no surprise that his identity is one Larry Fitzgerald, perhaps still one of the most talented recievers in the NFL today. Fitzgerald is currently fourth among all receivers in all votes in the NFC, trailing Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions, Greg Jennings of the Green Bay Packers, and Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers.

Unfortunately Fitzgerald is stuck in a very difficult position, as he has two average quarterbacks in Kevin Kolb and John Skelton throwing to him. Still, the Cardinals receiver is putting up impressive numbers regardless, racking up 45 catches and 792 yards plus five touchdowns despite not being in the most ideal passing offense.

Check out the potential Pro Bowl players from the NFC West by clicking here. To discuss Fitzgerald and the Cardinals, hit up Revenge of the Birds.

Read More: Larry Fitzgerald (WR – ARI), Arizona Cardinals

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Read More: Kevin Kolb (QB – ARI), Frank Gore (RB – SFX), Beanie Wells (RB – ARI), Arizona Cardinals

The San Francisco 49ers take on the Arizona Cardinals this weekend in the 49ers’ second division game of the year. Both squads face injury questions in the backfield as starting running backs Frank Gore and Beanie Wells struggle to practice.

Neither Gore or Wells practiced on Wednesday. Wells is still listed as probable for Sunday’s game, but Gore’s status appears to be a little more uncertain. Gore missed the second half of last week’s game against the New York Giants with a knee injury that continues to plague him. The full extent of Gore’s status likely won’t be determined until later this week.

49ers receivers Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards were both limited on Wednesday, but both figure to be on the field on Sunday. Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb was limited as well and could miss his third straight game, giving second-year quarterback John Skelton his third straight start and a chance to move to 3-0 this season as a starter.

Following is a full look at the injury reports for both teams on Wednesday:

San Francisco 49ers Injury Report

OUT: RB Frank Gore (knee), DT Justin Smith (not injury related)

LIMITED: LB Navarro Bowman (neck), WR Michael Crabtree (foot), CB Chris Culliver (shoulder), WR Bryalon Edwards (knee), DT Ray McDonald (hamstring)

FULL: CB Shawntae Spencer (toe)

Arizona Cardinals Injury Report

OUT: TE Todd Heap (hamstring), TE Rob Housler (groin), LB Joey Porter (knee), S Kerry Rhodes (foot), RB Beanie Wells (knee)

LIMITED: CB Michael Adams (hamstring), LB Stewart Bradley (ribs), T Brandon Keith (knee), QB Kevin Kolb (knee), LB Paris Lenon (groin), RB Anthony Sherman (ankle), KR LaRod Stephens-Howling (shoulder)

FULL: none

For more on the 49ers, check out Niners Nation. For more on the Cardinals, check out Revenge of the Birds.

Read More: week 10 nfl scores, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams

Week ten is in the books and the weekend of action brought a first in recent NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks all managed to grab victories on Sunday. This was significant because it marked the first time since the NFL realigned to its current eight division structure in 2002 that all four NFC West teams won the same week. That’s a pretty crazy stat to consider.

The NFC West has had a bad rep in recent years due to significant struggles. It peaked (or valleyed, if you will) last season when the Seahawks took home the division title with a 7-9 record. They did knock off the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the playoffs, but that did not stop people fro criticizing a playoff structure that allows a 7-9 team to host a playoff game against an 11-5 team.

A year later, the Seahawks, Cardinals and Rams have all been quite awful this season while the 49ers have gotten back on track. This weekend was a big weekend for the division to gain some measure of respect. The Arizona Cardinals flew east to Philadelphia and shocked the Eagles 21-17 on a late Early Doucet touchdown. The Rams went into Cleveland won an ugly one over the Cleveland Browns. And the Seahawks jumped on top of the Baltimore Ravens early and held on for a 22-17 victory.

Reports out of Las Vegas were saying that if you had bet $100 on a four-team parlay featuring the four NFC West teams, you would have won $8,400. I’d be stunned if anybody placed that wager.

It will be impossible for all four teams to win this week as the division features 49ers-Cardinals and Rams-Seahawks. Given how the NFC West has gone at times this season, a pair of ties would not be the most stunning bit of news to come out of week 11. Unlikely, but really not particularly surprising.

Read More: Kerry Rhodes (S – ARI), Kevin Kolb (QB – ARI), Todd Heap (TE – ARI), Paris Lenon (LB – ARI), Joey Porter (LB – ARI), Michael Adams (CB – ARI), LaRod Stephens-Howling (RB – ARI), John Skelton (QB – ARI), A.J. Jefferson (DB – ARI), Anthony Sherman (FB – ARI), Rob Housler (TE – ARI), Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb might not play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Friday’s injury report. Kolb missed practice for the third straight day this week with a turf toe injury and is listed as questionable. He would be backed up by John Skelton.

Linebacker Joey Porter (knee) and safety Kerry Rhodes (foot) will both miss the game, while tight end Rob Housler (groin) is listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this week.

Meanwhile, running back Chris Wells (knee) made full participation in practice Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is now listed as probable, along with cornerback Michael Adams (neck).

The following members of the team are listed as questionable: tight end Todd Heap (hamstring), cornerback A.J. Jefferson (foot) linebacker Paris Lenon (groin), running back Anthony Sherman (ankle) and kick returner LaRod Stephens-Howling (shoulder).

Visit Revenge of the Birds for complete Arizona Cardinals coverage and our team page for schedules, statistics, news and more.

Read More: Michael Vick (QB – PHI), Donovan McNabb (QB – MIN), Kurt Warner (QB – ARI), DeSean Jackson (WR – PHI), John Skelton (QB – ARI), Daryl Washington (LB – ARI), Patrick Peterson (CB – ARI), Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals

When the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles face one another on Sunday, it will be the first time since Arizona clinched the NFC championship in 2009 and sent themselves to the Super Bowl. However, this time, the teams’ situations are much different and so is the personnel.

Back then it was Kurt Warner against Donovan McNabb at quarterback. Now it is likely John Skelton against Michael Vick.

Back then it was for a  Super Bowl berth. This time the Cardinals are 2-6 and the Eagles are 3-5. 

As the two teams face off on Sunday, there are some matchups that will make a difference in this game. 

Patrick Peterson vs. DeSean Jackson

The Philadelphia wide receiving corp is so very fast between Jackson and teammate Jeremy Maclin. Peterson will likely be the matchup against Jackson because of his speed and ability to make big plays down the field. Peterson’s coverage has gotten better and better each week and he is quickly developing into potentially an elite cover corner. 

Michael Vick vs. Ray Horton

The task of keeping Vick contained is a tall one. The Cardinals have done it before. It was 2004 and Clancy Pendergast who schemed the defense to hold him to 10 rushing yards. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton will have his hands full calling a game that will put his defensive players in place to make plays and keep Vick from disrupting the entire defense. 

LeSean McCoy vs. Daryl Washington

McCoy has quickly become one of the league’s top running backs. Daryl Washington has been making plays all over the field for the Cardinals. He has been making plays in the backfield against the run. Washington’s speed and instincts will need to be utilized to keep the Eagles from running the ball effectively and the Cardinals offense off the field. 

Cardinals receivers vs. DRC, Asante Samuel and Nnamdi Asomugha

The cover skills that the Eagles CBs have is undeniable. However, neither Samuels nor DRC like to make tackles. This year they have not been a dominating factor. Can the Arizona receivers find space and can the QB (Kolb or Skelton) deliver the ball on time and in the right spot?

Arizona Cardinals vs. injuries

All teams have to deal with injuries, but Arizona has suffered injuries at key positions. Starting cornerback Greg Toler and second-round draft pick RB Ryan Williams are out for the year with knee injuries. Starting QB Kevin Kolb is recovering from turf toe. Starting TE Todd Heap is recovering from a hamstring injury. Starting FS Kerry Rhodes has a broken foot. Starting RB Beanie Wells has a bum knee. It seems that if you are a starter for the Cardinals, you are bound to spend time on the sideline having gotten hurt.

For more Cardinals coverage, head on over to Revenge of the Birds.

Read More: Kevin Kolb (QB – ARI), John Skelton (QB – ARI), Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles, Nov 13, 2011 11:00 AM MST

As the Arizona Cardinals get ready to take on the Philadelphia Eagles back East this Sunday, quarterback Kevin Kolb talked to the media at Cardinals practice on Thursday to discuss the status of his turf toe injury and the possibility of him playing this Sunday in the City of Brotherly Love. 

per Kent Somers on Twitter: 

Kolb undoubtedly would like to lace ‘em up to take on his former squad, noting that his pain-tolerance may be higher than usual do to who the competition is. And seeing that no one really knows what a ‘drastic improvement’ means, the situation is still very fluid and will likely change day-to-day; though Adam Schefter’s tweet earlier today leads me to believe that Kolb is a no-go regardless.

Some feel that John Skelton will do fine against the Eagles, and that Kolb won’t even be needed. But If Kolb can suit up, even as the backup to Skelton, that could be a huge plus for Coach Whisenhunt and the rest of his squad. 

For more on the Cardinals, head on over to Revenge of the Birds to get in on the action. 

Read More: John Skelton (QB – ARI), Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams

The Arizona Cardinals have problems on all sides of the ball but their inability to avoid getting tackled in the end zone and giving up safeties was not one we focused on before the game. But there you have it, twice on two straight possessions the St. Louis Rams defense sacked John Skelton in the end zone and scored four points. At the end of the third quarter the total score in this 13-6 game is five field goals and two safeties. 

In other words, this is an ugly football game.

The Arizona Cardinals have a total of 150 yards offense with just 14 yards on the ground as the Rams defense is loading up in the box. Defensively, the Cardinals are giving up long drives but somehow finding a way to keep Sam Bradford and the Rams out of the end zone thanks in part to timely sacks. Calais Campbell has two sacks in the game himself.

Here’s video of the first safety allowed by the Cardinals offensive line. Note how both Daryn Colledge and Levi Brown get beat by a guy they are double teaming. Well done, boys!

And here’s safety number two. This time the pressure comes from the right side of the line.

Read More: john harbaugh, ken whisenhunt, Kerry Rhodes (S – ARI), Todd Heap (TE – ARI), Joey Porter (LB – ARI), Michael Adams (CB – ARI), Early Doucet (WR – ARI), Beanie Wells (RB – ARI), Jim Dray (TE – ARI), DeMarco Sampson (WR – ARI), Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke with some media members at Friday’s practice at team headquarters, and gave some insight into the status of some of the Cards injured players. 

Running back Beanie Wells made progress in practice Friday after he took on larger work load on his sore knee, but will still be considered a game time decision. As for tight end Todd Heap’s hamstring, he is progressing as well and will join the litany of players considered as game time decisions on Sunday.

Linebacker Joey Porter, who has been dealing with a knee problem the majority of the season, is also a game time decision, though Coach Wiz elaborated on how his situation mirrors many aging players in the NFL:

 ”We’ve been giving him time off at practice. It depends on whether he takes a shot in the game or what happens game days. It’s indicative of a lot of older players around the league.”

Wide receivers Early Doucet (quadricep) and DeMarco Sampson (hamstring), as well as tight end Jim Dray (pectoral) are officially questionable for Sunday’s game as well in the Charm City. Safety Kerry Rhodes (foot) is  out while cornerback Michael Adams (hand) is probable.

For more on the Arizona Cardinals, head on over to Revenge of the Birds to get in on the action. 

Read More: nfl picks week 8, nfl expert picks week 8, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams

The San Francisco 49ers host the Cleveland Browns this Sunday looking to improve to 6-1 on the season. While their own wins are important enough, the rest of the NFC West has continued to provide support for the the 49ers run at the NFC West title. The Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams have combined to lose eleven straight games, while the Seattle Seahawks have bounced back and forth and managed only a pair of wins.

Given the road the 49ers are taking through the NFC West, each week we’ll provide a rundown of NFC West picks. Additionally, we’ll provide picks on games that affect the 49ers playoff positioning. If the 49ers can maintain their current pace, or really anything close to it, they would be the first team to clinch their division. This would mean they would have an opportunity to secure a bye and possibly home field advantage. Accordingly, various games are of great importance to them.

New Orleans Saints @ St. Louis Rams: While this is a home game for the Rams, the New Orleans Saints are coming off a demolition of the Indianapolis Colts. It may have been a crappy Colts team, but the victory was impressive nonetheless. There is a chance of overlooking the Rams, but following Baltimore’s stunning upset in Jacksonville, I suspect most big teams will try to avoid looking ahead. Even though the Rams are basically out of the race, the Saints are battling for the NFC South, which means battling San Francisco for that potential #2 seed. PICK: Saints

Cincinnati Bengals @ Seattle Seahawks: The Bengals are playing some solid football, but they will be without Cedric Benson this week as he serves his one-game suspension. Seattle is wildly inconsistent, so anything could happen in this game and it would not surprise me. I think this week, good things happen for Seattle. PICK: Seahawks

Arizona Cardinals @ Baltimore Ravens: The Cardinals get to travel to face a pissed off Ravens squad? Is there any way this does not end poorly for Arizona? PICK: Ravens

The Packers, Buccaneers and Falcons are all teams the 49ers could be dueling for playoff positioning moving forward, and it just so happens all three are on bye this week.

Current NFC Playoff Seeds

1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New Orleans Saints
4. New York Giants
5. Detroit Lions
6. Chicago Bears*

*The tie breaker with Tampa Bay and Atlanta is a little funky at the moment