Man did I miss me some football!

I would first like to take a moment and thank all of you that have reached out to me through email, Facebook and Twitter. Your comments have lifted my spirits and made me feel good about the 13 years I had on the air. Life is full of challenges and this is just another in my life. I will be just fine and look forward to my future.

With that being said...how 'bout that football game?

Sometimes you forget how good something is until it's gone and that is how I feel about football finally being back. This off-season was a complete drag. I was so sick of talking about the lockout and whether or not Kevin Kolb was going to be the Cardinals' quarterback. It really made me lose a little love for the sport.

Well, guess what? That love is back in full force after one meaningless Cardinals preseason game. This sport is king for a reason. We all need it in our lives!

A few observations that I took out of the first game. Kevin Kolb looked OK. Not bad, not great, just OK. I do like that he hooked up with Larry Fitzgerald a couple of times, but let's be honest. That play was made by Fitz.

Ryan Williams is going to be the starting running back for this team by Week 2, maybe earlier. I love Beanie Wells and I don't think he played bad, but I just think Williams is the real deal and Coach Whiz will lose patience with Wells quickly.

Max Hall should be the starting quarterback of this team after that 4th quarter drive! Sorry, that was from the hundreds of emails I received last year during the preseason.

Stephen Williams did his annual "I am going to kick serious ass during the preseason" routine. In all seriousness, these young kids performed in the preseason last year and then didn't really do much during the regular season. This year they need to do more all season long.

Todd Heap in one preseason game just became the best tight end the Arizona Cardinals have ever had. I think Heap will be a big asset to the Cards all season long.

I also think John Skelton has a chance to be a very reliable backup and, in case of an emergency, could do just fine in Kolb's place. In all, I was pleased with the teams performance and look forward to the next game.

Mark Asher can be reached with your questions and comments by e-mail here, you can follow him on Twitter @Ash620, or you can be friends with him on Facebook. All of Mark Asher's past columns.
51 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    Ramon V. wrote...
    The show is definitely not the same!!!!
    Gamnbo is a Ashless! The show is boring and doesnt have my interest anymore. You need to come back Ash!
  • Abuse
    jarson4 wrote...
    Why?
    Ash, I have been listening to you and Gambo since the wing eating competitions in 99 and 00. I have seriously been a true follower. Your show was at a perfect time of the day, during my afternoon commute. I hadnt heard the reasons, you were not there, just thought something had happened tragic. I have given the Gambo and Burns show about a month now and it is not the same without you. I have since switch to other stations. I will only listen to 620 now for Dback games when I am on the road. Wherever you go, I will follow. Trust me 620!
  • Abuse
    kevin r. wrote...
    ASH WHERE ARE YOU
    Drive time is not the same- ASH we need you back with GAMBO
  • Abuse
    William M. wrote...
    One More Voice
    Bring Back Ash. As soon as Ash's contract is up he will sign with another station. As soon as Gambo's is up he will join him and some other station will increase ratings. As their ratings increase so will their opportunities to get contracts with The Suns, The D-Backs and even the Cards. Good job KTAR, you just lost everything by firing Ash. Also Burns is a tool.
  • Abuse
    Pirate70 wrote...
    Ash Wins!!
    KTAR has made a poor decision by taking you off the air. The new Burns and Gambo show really falls flat miserably. Like a new soda or beer....I tried it. I have to turn the dial after listing to Burns repeat himself continually. One would think that Burns could come up with some creative comments instead of just debating Gambo. Best of luck Mark. I count myself as one of your loyal listeners who will listen you on another station. KTAR will be the loser in this format shuffle. You will be the winner my man. Go Cardinals!!!! Pirate70
  • Abuse
    Scott S. wrote...
    What is going on?
    The only person I can't listen to is Burns... Gambo and Burns? Really? Count me out. Good luck to you Ash in whatever you do.
  • Abuse
    Eif wrote...
    Ash ... What the h...?
    Man we go on vacation only to return to listen to third rate sports talk radio. If the problem was a chemestry problem between Gambo and you that is VERY DISAPPOINTING. It seems like you btwo worked well together. You did not have to sleep together. I am sure you could have continued. If it was KTAR management the put their business head in a place the sun does not shine. I will start listening to XTAR WHICH IS MY 2ND CHOICE!
  • Abuse
    Trooper wrote...
    What?
    Absolutely shocked to hear that you are not on the radio. I've followed your career since you were at NAU. Saw your first sideline reporting gig. You've really matured. Can't listen to that show now. (bad grammar, unintelligible pronunciations, questionable ethics such as "cheating isn't as bad as you think".) I know he's your bud but he is a mess. Good luck, we miss your insight and class.
  • Abuse
    jeremx wrote...
    What everyone else said..
    Seems pretty unanimous that listeners are unhappy with the changes. If Doug & Wolf were going to be taking the afternoon slot, you guys should have been given the a.m. I don't listen to local sports talk radio in the morning to hear about the Yankees or Red Sox. I know for a fact the execs read these comments and nearly 50 people (even if it's not 100s) willing to say they're unhappy is a big deal. If we're taking the time to actually sit down and type something out, it means something to us. I've got nothing against Burns but, yeah, the dynamic is just not the same. Best of luck!
  • Abuse
    Rob G. wrote...
    KTAR's Stupid Move
    Ash, Gonna miss you. Won't listen to Burns and Gambo because there is no chemistry AT ALL they suck! Going to Chuck and Vince and a little Bickley and MJ. Adios KTAR.
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