Arizona Cardinals training camp: All-Access with Bruce Arians, July 31

GLENDALE – Head coach Bruce Arians, now in his fifth 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.

“Ok, as good as Saturday was, today was bad. Obviously, we did not come out, after a day off, at 8 o’clock in the morning and handle the schedule change or heat very well. Way, way too many mental errors and a very sluggish practice, so we did some conditioning.”

Was that one of the main reasons you changed the schedule to see how they would react?

“Exact reason. We play at 10 o’clock in the morning our first two games. Obviously, 8 is earlier but you got to be ready to play when the whistle blows.”

How do you fix that?

“How do I fix it? Show up tomorrow at 8 o’clock and practice.”

Were the problems across the board with the team?

“Yeah, I can’t imagine—Ty(rann Mathieu) had a good day. He had about three or four interceptions. He’s about the only guy I can think of that didn’t have a penalty.”

How often had you had conditioning in practice?

“Once. For fighting.”

Is this the first you’ve ever had conditioning?

“Oh, I’ve done it a bunch of times somewhere else.”

What made you decide to do conditioning?

“(Expletive) practice. Play like (expletive), I’ll treat you like (expletive).”

What did you learn about your team this morning?

“They weren’t ready to practice. They were really ready to practice Saturday; with fans and all that, they were ready to roll. They had a great practice Saturday. Today, awful.”

What stood out to you about Saturday’s practice?

“It was a shame about Ronnie (Zamort) because he was having a hell of a camp. I noticed—where’s (Mike) Jurecki? He didn’t even show up today. He’s scared. But, yeah, the tempo, everything about that practice other than the tackling. We gave up too many mush yards; drag down, drag down instead of — we tackled a little better today. Some really good tackles today.”

What can you tell us about Tramon Williams?

“Tramon, he’s got a pro resume and has been an outstanding player for a long time. A very versatile player; can play outside, inside, safety. Very smart player so really excited about adding him to our team.”

How much was that needed at the cornerback position?

“I don’t think it was a need. Justin (Bethel) is going to be back Monday, probably. Ronnie’s obviously the guy that we lost and he was fighting for it, but you’re always looking for veteran players to plug in just in case.”

Is there any positives that could come out of this morning’s practice?

“Yes, it’s positive if you learn from it. It’s very positive.”

How ready do you think this team is for the Hall of Fame Game?

“We’ll find out because it’s all young guys (playing). If today’s practice is an indication, it’s going to be a fire drill, but hopefully by Thursday they’ll learn how to line up on offense.”

When you think of the Hall of Fame, what comes to mind?

“Oh, the greatest that’s ever been. The history of the game. It’s unbelievable. I’ve been through a number of times and it’s chilling to go through it.

As a fan of the game, what you do enjoy seeing when you walk in?

“Oh, the busts and all the history. It’s kind of like going to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when I was in Cleveland and you go down to the Hall of Fame in Canton and it’s like, ‘Whoa!’ The best of the best.”

Any idea on how you’re going to divide the quarterback reps?

“Not yet.”

How much will you allow Harold Goodwin to call plays this preseason?

“Goody’s going to call this game.”

The whole game?

“Yes.”

After a practice like that, what do you tell your veterans?

“Do your job because you didn’t do your job today. They weren’t ready to play.”

How do you feel for Alani Fua?

“Just waiting to see how long it’s going to be and if it’s real long, it’s probably going to be too long.”

After a practice like this, is this the worse you feel as a coach?

“No, not at all. It’s just a practice. We didn’t play anybody. We just failed to handle the heat and the time.”

Did you get anybody back from injury?

“Ironhead Gallon practiced full and that’s about it, I think.”

Is Elie Bouka back?

“He went through individual drills. Jarvis (Jones) went through individual drills so hopefully we’ll get him out, ready to play.”

How did Elijhaa Penny look to you Saturday?

“Really good. Moved the pile. Caught the ball well. He’s been having a good camp and if he gets hurt, it’s your a**.”

So, do we just ask you about players on other teams from now on?

“Yeah, that would be good; really good.”

To see Mathieu do what he did today, he looked like himself out there?

“Yeah, he was getting interceptions and he finally started talking a little trash; that was nice”

Talking trash to you?

“Anybody, yeah. I love it.”

He was making a lot of plays.

“Yeah, he’s back. This was the first practice he really looked like himself.”

Did Zamort’s injury throw any kind of wrench in the battle for that other cornerback position?

“Yeah, I mean he was running with the first team. Justin should be back Monday, next Monday; and Tramon and Brandon (Williams) was there today. Had a pretty good practice it looked like. Hopefully. Got to check how many penalties he had.”

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