Cardinals wrap up OTAs in Tempe

The Arizona Cardinals put the finishing touches on their
2012 organized team activities (OTAs) Thursday in Tempe.

And while the three-week session lacked players wearing
pads and there was no physical contact allowed (per the
league collective bargaining agreement), it was a useful
time for the team and head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

“It’s gone good,” Whisenhunt said. “We’ve had some good
work and it seems like it’s come and gone very quick.
Participation has been pretty good, and the effort’s been
great. I’m glad we’ve still got mini-camp left, but we’ve
had a good shortened offseason.”

The most watched position for the Cardinals until their
season opener September 9 against the Seattle Seahawks
will be quarterback. Kevin Kolb, acquired last offseason
from Philadelphia, and third-year pro John Skelton
alternated first-team snaps during OTAs, and Whisenhunt
was pleased with both candidates.

“The guys are working really hard at it, and you see
little glimpses of where they’re starting to improve,”
Whisenhunt said. “But the one thing you get out of this,
which is very valuable, is that they’re both more
comfortable with what they’re expected to do as the
quarterback in this offense.”

The rest won’t be a long one for the Cardinals, as next
week they’ll hold mini-camp, which consists of five
practices over three days, including a night session at
University of Phoenix Stadium during the team’s FanFest
Wednesday night.

The sixth-year head coach is looking forward to practicing
at UOP, and so is the team.

“Generally, our guys are pretty geeked up for evening
practices,” he said.

Arizona Sports’ Craig Grialou contributed to this
report

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