Notes from the Nest: Arizona Cardinals training camp – Aug. 3
Aug 3, 2015, 5:51 PM
Tyrann Mathieu breaks up a pass intended for Larry Fitzgerald. (Photo by Vince Marotta/Arizona Sports)
(Photo by Vince Marotta/Arizona Sports)
GLENDALE, Ariz. — There were understandably fewer fans in attendance Monday as there were over the weekend, given that people have jobs and all. The fans who did show up, however, were treated to the first padded practice of camp. It sounded more like football, at least in certain drills, and all-in-all it seemed to be a pretty good day for the Arizona Cardinals.
The Good
Patrick Peterson had his rough moments, sure, but also made some nice plays in breaking up passes.
I may sound like a broken record, but I thought Carson Palmer was once again excellent. Though it is just practice, seeing the windows he is able to fit the football into is pretty impressive. He threw a nice deep ball to Michael Floyd for a completion early in practice during 11-on-11, and then later hit Jaron Brown for a TD in the red zone.
Drew Stanton also made a nice throw on a deep ball to Jaron Brown in 11-on-11.
LaMarr Woodley seemed to have a solid day, including one total domination of Gerald Christian in a one-on-one rusher vs. blocker drill.
Fullback Paul Lasike, the former rugby player at BYU, was able to make a catch after falling to the ground. He also held his own in the RB/FB vs. LB drill and ran for a touchdown on one play.
LB Alex Okafor stood out in the RB/FB vs. LB drill, showing good speed and moves to get around his blocker.
QB Logan Thomas seemed to have a solid afternoon. J.J. Nelson also stood out some, and is continually showing good hands.
Larry Fitzgerald caught a nice deep ball from Palmer in 11-on-11. Also, during red zone work, he made a leaping grab to secure a touchdown through some great Tyrann Mathieu defense. Not long after, Fitzgerald drew a penalty flag on Mathieu on a similar play, which was broken up.
The Bad
David Johnson, Troy Niklas, Andre Ellington and Shaq Riddick all missed practice due to hamstring issues. Jermaine Gresham also did not practice.
Stepfan Taylor appeared to struggle when trying to block linebackers.
Palmer got rolled up on at one point and though scary, escaped without any damage.
Tackle Bradley Sowell didn’t have the best day, at least in the OL vs. DL drill, as he was pulled aside by OC Harold Goodwin at one point.
Notable
Second-round pick Markus Golden got some reps with the first-team defense Monday.
“I’m doing good but I know I can do better,” Golden said. “I can do way better. Way better. I can do way better. So that’s what it’s about for me, just make sure I get better every day and not dwell on the bad stuff I do. Just make sure I move forward and learn from it.”
Quotable
“I definitely have my diet under control. I did get tested again. I had Type 1 so it was reversible, and as of right now I am diabetes-free. I still have to make sure I watch what I eat, my sugar level, take my blood pressure and things like that. It’s a big step, especially when you’re first finding out about something like that. You hear something like and you think it’s life-threatening, but it’s definitely something that’s controllable. Me and the team doctors, (head athletic trainer) Tom Reed has been doing a great job of monitoring me. I’ve been great so far, so I’m ready to move forward.” – CB Patrick Peterson on getting his diabetes issue sorted out.
Some Highlights
Touchdown brought to you by @MichaelMFloyd #CardsCamp https://t.co/uFPqZizOxc
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 3, 2015
Not today says P2 #CardsCamp https://t.co/OaNwNAEZXP
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 3, 2015
Up Next
The Cards will be back on the field Tuesday for another a.m. walkthrough before another padded practice in the afternoon. It is as always open to the public, and it begins at 2 p.m.
