All-Access with Bruce Arians: Skirmishes aren’t tolerated
Aug 12, 2014, 9:13 PM | Updated: Aug 13, 2014, 12:57 am
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Head coach Bruce Arians, now in his second year with the Arizona Cardinals, meets the media each day during training camp.
Here, in this space, we’ll highlight many of the key topics and personnel conversations he has with reporters following the morning walk-through:
“No change in injuries. Everybody that was out yesterday is out again today; and it’s all day-to-day. Thought yesterday’s practice was outstanding coming back off a win. The intensity and speed of the practice was really, really good.”
What were your thoughts on the skirmish yesterday between Darnell Dockett and Bradley Sowell?
“It’s not tolerable.”
On making those two run laps around the field until the end of practice…
“You got ejected from the game so you get ejected from practice. We practice like it’s a game every day. We play by the rules. You lose your temper and punch a guy in the game, you get ejected.”
What are you looking for out of Jay Feely at Minnesota?
“Perfection. Make all of his kicks and his kickoffs, depth and hang time of his kickoffs. He’s always kicked off adequately, but when someone is there that’s kicking off better and all of the field goals are the same, you’re going to take the guy who kicks off better.”
How has Jerraud Powers transitioned to a slot corner?
“There was no transition. He’s done it all of his career and in college, and he’s always been really, really good at it. He’s probably our most valuable player on defense because he plays about four positions right now. He’s the smartest player on that side of the ball. He brings tremendous study habits, knowledge; two good interceptions again yesterday, strictly on awareness.”
Has Justin Bethel continued to progress from where he left off in the offseason?
“There’s no doubt. He’s tackling well. He’s covering well. His route dissection of combinations and reading things is much, much better. He’s diagnosing things at a much faster pace; and really, really improving.”
How big a deal is it that Jonathan Cooper is missing time because of a toe injury?
“It’s a big deal for anybody on the club right now because the competition level is high. It’s not like anything is (in) cement (where) you’ve got your job until you get back. It’s Wally Pipp every day.”
So there’s no, you can’t lose your job because of injury?
“You can if somebody comes in and plays better than you were playing. That’s called ‘Wally Pipp.'”
