Arizona Cardinals training camp: All-Access with Bruce Arians

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Head coach Bruce Arians, now in his third 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.

First though, Arians updated the two roster moves the team made with the addition of running back Chris Johnson and safety Anthony Walters.  Linebacker Zack Wagenmann was waived/injured after breaking his foot and needing another operation.

Those players that will not practice today include cornerbacks Jonte Green and Darren Woodard, linebackers Shaq Riddick and Sean Weatherspoon, wide receiver Michael Floyd and offensive lineman Rob Crisp.

“This list has really shrunk,” Arians said.  “Everybody else is full-go.  It’s nice to have everybody pretty healthy, especially going into this ballgame (against San Diego).  Hopefully we can keep them that way.

“Thought yesterday’s practice was, again, a very efficient, fast practice but way too many penalties, still.  We’re still holding too much on offense and defense, grabbing shirts and beating ourselves in too many areas which we need to eliminate.  Other than that, it was a very good practice.”

What do you see as the role for Chris Johnson?

“It all depends on him.  Come in and compete for a job and see where it falls.  All roles are determined after the preseason.” 

Where is he physically and how much can he offer?

“That’s what we’ve got to see.  I liked what I saw on tape last year; seen for him many, many years in a row.  We’ll judge that on the field.”

What were some of the things you liked about him?

“He’s a home run every time he touched the ball.  I mean he’s one of those guys that makes you hold your breath.  He’s also an excellent receiver, in and out of the backfield so he fits what we do.”

Aren’t 30-year-old running backs considered over the hill?

“I think that’s still a wives’ tale from years past, before the sports science and the training has gotten so much better for these guys.  It’s still usually a good barometer so we’ll wait and see where it’s at.”

Was his addition because of the injuries suffered at that position?

“We’ve had him on our radar for awhile, and it was just a matter of looking at other guys.  With the injuries, it obviously set David (Johnson) way back and Marion (Grice) way back.  We have seen Marion on tape, we know what he can to, but we don’t know what David can do.”

 Were you concerned with how he would fit here since he’s always been that No. 1 guy?

“No, I had no problems with that.  Tom Moore was him in Tennessee and loved the kid.  As I put it to Jermaine (Gresham) and to Chris, you’re not promised anything other than you got a spot on the roster if you make the team.  You still got to make the team and then we’ll define your role on what you do on the field.  We don’t promise anything when we bring guys in.”

Do you have a thought as to why this organization has been so successful signing players to one-year deals?

“Yeah, Steve (Keim) has done a great job of having a list ready all the time, talking to the agents on what it’s going to take, what it’s going to cost and where the fit in.  Are they the right type of person—we do our homework for our locker room.  So, yeah, I give all the credit to Steve for that.”

How do you find enough plays to keep everyone satisfied?

“It’s not hard.  It’s a long season.  Once you get on the team, you accept your role and the role changes every week.  It’s nice to have backs that get a little bit tired, put your hand up because somebody just as good is coming in.”

What is the situation at right tackle after Bradley Sowell worked with the first-team yesterday?

 “That’s just a precautionary thing.  He’s played left and right most of camp.  We need to get him some more right tackle snaps right now; he and D.J. (Humphries).  We just need to have depth at the right tackle.”

Where do you weigh-in on the idea of trophies for participation?

“I totally agree with James (Harrison).  I mean what do you get for participation, other than being a part of team and all the things you gain from being a part of a team.  You damn sure don’t get trophies for it.”

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