Notes from the Nest: Offense struggles again in Friday’s practice
Aug 5, 2016, 7:19 PM | Updated: Aug 8, 2016, 11:48 am
Receiver Larry Fitzgerald is unable to hang onto a pass during a drill at training camp on Aug. 5. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)
(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)
GLENDALE, Ariz. — A look at the Arizona Cardinals’ roster shows an offense is filled with playmakers that, quite frankly, would be the envy of most teams in the NFL.
And yet, after starting off looking nearly unstoppable in the early days of training camp, the group responsible for moving the football and putting points on the board has looked fairly out of sync. Thursday’s practice was a bit rough, and for the most part Friday’s was not much better.
So with that, here’s a deeper look into what went down at University of Phoenix Stadium Friday afternoon.
The Good
– Receiver Chris Hubert continued to look solid. Though there were not any of the long receptions that he has frequently made leading into Friday, he didn’t have any bad drops, either.
– Rookie cornerback Harlan Miller was noticed for one of the first times this camp as he broke up a pass in the red zone.
– Carson Palmer was able to hit Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd for touchdowns in red zone.
– Darren Fells had a couple of drops but also made some nice plays, including a reception further down the field on a well-placed ball from Palmer. He also caught a touchdown from near the goal line in 7-on-7.
– QB Drew Stanton connected with receiver Amir Carlisle on a nice deep ball.
– Floyd caught a touchdown in the back of the end zone on a red zone play.
– Cornerback Cariel Brooks intercepted Stanton late in practice while the offense was in the hurry-up trying to get into field goal range.
– Receiver Franky Okafor, who was added to the team earlier in the week, made a couple of excellent diving catches toward the end of the session. Both were on passes to the sidelines.
The Bad
– At least early on, it seemed as though there were a handful of instances where guys running with the first-team offense were lining up in the wrong spot.
– Larry Fitzgerald — yeah, Larry Fitzgerald — had trouble holding onto the ball early in some individual drills.
– There were not any really big, explosive plays from the offense.
Notable
– Earl Watford saw plenty of action as the second-team center. He also spent some time at the guard spots, too.
– About 90 minutes into practice, Bruce Arians called the entire team together for a quick meeting.
Injury Report
Linebacker Tristan Okpalaugo was on the field but not in pads, while CB Asa Jackson left the field during special teams work, appearing to favor his left leg.
On the positive side, defensive lineman Ed Stinson returned to practice.
Quotable
“I hope so. That’s just one of those things. When it comes, I’ll be very happy. But you’ve got to be patient, keep playing ball, and whenever it comes, I’ll be ready for it.” – Calais Campbell when asked if his contract will be the next one to get redone
“Yeah, you’ll either be flipping burgers and bagging groceries or you might be here, that’s your choice in about three weeks because if you practice like you did you ain’t getting in the game Friday night.” – Bruce Arians on if the young guys who aren’t playing hard enough got his message
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All-Access with Bruce Arians, where the coach called out the team’s younger players.
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Highlights? You know it!
CP3 to @LarryFitzgerald. Good day for these two. #CardsCamp https://t.co/NwF5VCacda
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 5, 2016
Alright #BirdGang, the votes are in. It's QBs Day! #CardsCamp https://t.co/wWFvcBEQlI
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 5, 2016
Palmer to @MichaelMFloyd. 🙌 #CardsCamp pic.twitter.com/6WpyAZz8Gp
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 5, 2016
Look familiar? #CardsCamp pic.twitter.com/IzpoYHXrgQ
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 5, 2016
.@drewstanton to Chris Hubert. #CardsCamp https://t.co/BBEp6oomSo
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 5, 2016
