Notes from the Nest: Aug. 7, 2014

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals went through their final practice before the preseason opener Saturday against the Houston Texans. It was a pretty lively one with plenty of plays being made.

Of Note

– Though a couple guys were given the day off, only center Lyle Sendlein (calf) will be unavailable for Saturday’s game.

– You can expect to see the starters play up to 15 plays or so, depending of course on how the drives go.

– The fans got pretty loud when Carson Palmer hit Larry Fitzgerald for a deep touchdown in an 11-on-11 drill.

– At one point, Teddy Williams, who is looking to convert from a receiver to a cornerback, made a nice leaping interception of a Drew Stanton pass.

– Chandler Catanzaro, who will handle all of the kicking duties Saturday, had a nice day when it came to field goals.

– It appeared the offense got the better of the defense overall. John Brown, as usual, was open often and made a few nice plays. Fellow receiver Jaron Brown also made his presence felt, catching at least one deep ball and another touchdown pass after a nice move freed him up in the corner of the end zone.

Stat of the Day

Since 2006, Antonio Cromartie has picked off 28 passes, fifth most in the NFL over that span.

Quotes of the Day

“I think with the group that I’ll be in with, it’s a matter of getting out there and being productive, moving the ball. The biggest that we try and do is accomplish goals in situational football — third down and red zone — and not turn the ball over. And that’s what we try to do. And a lot of the guys that I’ll be in there with are trying to fight for a roster spot, so I want to give them the best opportunity to go out there and be successful, and make plays, and get up there and score points.” – QB Drew Stanton on what his goal is in preseason game one

“I was in pain watching him try to make it through those practices. You could tell it was getting worse instead of better. He had a nice few OTAs where it looked like it was going to get better, but the last MRI he was bone on bone, and there’s nothing he can do about it as his age. You hate to see it because he has such a passion for the game, and that’s the type of guy you want to make it and you pull for him. But it was the right move.” – Coach Bruce Arians on Jake Ballard’s decision to retire

“Our defense is so good: They’re so physical; they’re so talented. I mean you’re playing against so many gifted players. Just to be able to go against some guys you’re kind of unfamiliar with, it’s fun. You’re playing against Houston, who arguably could be the best — talent-wise — in the game: J.J. Watt and (Jadeveon) Clowney and (Johnathan) Joseph and Brian Cushing. They have a wealth of talent.” – Receiver Larry Fitzgerald on facing a different defense than the one that opposes him in practice every day

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