Fitzgerald confident in receiving corps
Originally published: Jun 23, 2012 - 9:04 am
Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald is more than happy to boast their receiving corps going into training camp. Fitzgerald faced a difficult season last year of double coverages due to a lack of a strong number two receiver, and he still managed 1,411 yards and eight touchdowns.
"I'm really excited about our receiving corps," Fitzgerald told Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf on Friday. "I think we're going to be a force to be reckoned with when things open up."
The team has been lacking a true number two receiver since Anquan Boldin left to play in Baltimore, which has allowed defenses to focus on Fitzgerald's side of the field.
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Listen: Larry Fitzgerald, AZ Cardinals' Wide Receiver Fitz joined us to discuss how he's mentoring the rookies, the confidence he has in his team for the upcoming season and what's happening with his charities.
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With Michael Floyd, the 13th overall pick in this year's draft in the mix, Fitzgerald is hopeful that the number of double coverages he faces will be reduced.
"Once he's able to start making plays consistently we'll start seeing some of the coverage shifting and I'm going to be able to see some single coverage on important downs and distances," Fitzgerald said.
When asked about Floyd's ability on the field, Fitzgerald didn't shy away from complimenting the rookie.
"He's a playmaker. When the ball is in the air he finds a way to come down with it, and he makes contested plays," Fitzgerald said. "He's big and he's physical, so I know he's going to help Ryan [Williams], Beanie [Wells] and our run game."
Another stand out from minicamp has been Andre Roberts, a third-year player who saw an increase in playing time last season.
"I'd say a 1,000-yard season is well within his reach. He's really coming into his own. He's worked extremely hard over the last few years," Fitzgerald said.
Roberts had 586 receiving yards last season, and two touchdowns, virtually third in every statistical receiving category for the Cardinals behind Fitzgerald and Early Doucet.
Fitzgerald said that the Roberts' biggest factor for success this offseason has been an increase in confidence.
"Last year, him having that taste of success, and knowing he can do it consistently, just with the more opportunities he's getting I think he's going to be a really special player," Fitzgerald said.
After a season in which the Cardinals ranked 17th in passing yards per game, an improved receiving coreps should be a much needed boost for the offense, no matter who winds up starting behind center.
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