Notes from the Nest: Aug. 1, 2014
Aug 2, 2014, 2:48 AM | Updated: 2:49 am
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals went through their sixth training camp practice Friday. It was a day that appeared to be won by the defense, though the offense did come up with a few nice plays.
Of Note
– John Brown, who left Wednesday’s practice with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, was held out due to exactly that. Coach Bruce Arians said it’s possible Brown will practice Saturday, but they didn’t want to risk the rookie’s availability for next week.
– The kicker battle is down to two as the team released Danny Hrapmann earlier in the day. Veteran Jay Feely won Friday, converting on seven of his eight attempts. Rookie Chandler Catanzaro made good on five of his seven tries.
– Sticking with the kicker theme, Feely is not at all fond of the NFL’s idea to move extra points from the two yard line to the 15. He says it will lead to more injuries for no tangible benefit.
– Through the Cardinals, linebacker John Abraham released a statement. In part, it read, “I understand the significance of my actions and right now I am taking the necessary steps to handle my personal business.” Earlier in the day, Arians said he expected Abraham back in five to six days.
– It was only a 7-on-7 drill, but Patrick Peterson had an interception of an errant Carson Palmer pass.
– The defense came up with another two picks during 11-on-11, with Curtis Taylor coming up with a Drew Stanton pass and Jerraud Powers grabbing one from Palmer. In the latter pick, Powers bested Larry Fitzgerald for a 50/50 ball.
– On the flip side, receiver Jarron Brown was able to corral a tipped ball and turn it into a touchdown.
– In a meeting with referees earlier in the day, it is clear there is a focus on how things look on TV. The taunting rules will be enforced more strictly, with certain words and actions leading to a 15-yard penalty.
– There will also be new rules about hands to the face in the trenches, the likes of which could help the offensive line. “That’ll be nice if it gets called,” left tackle Jared Veldheer said.
Stat of the Day
Stanton, a backup quarterback, has not appeared in a regular season game since Dec. 19, 2010, when as a member of the Detroit Lions he completed 23 of 37 passes for 252 yards and one touchdown in an overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Quotes of the Day
“I don’t know how much coaching I necessarily do. If you ask me a question. I’m going to help him and answer him. But at the same time, I’m trying to win the job.” – Feely on how much he’ll help Catanzaro, who is competing with him for a roster spot
“I think right now, we’re right on schedule. I’d hate to say we’re ahead of schedule; there are still some young players who I’d like to see grow, but that’s not going to happen until we go out against Houston. There will be a little bit this Saturday because the noise level will go up — the fans and everything. You want to see them: As the lights get brighter, do they shy away or do they shine? I’m anxious to see Saturday, but I’m really anxious to see next Saturday.” – Arians on if the team is where he’d like for it to be at this point in camp
“It’s day in and day out. I’ve been kind of had a little injury sometime, but I’m not sitting out. I don’t have time to sit out. Can’t afford to.” – Second-year pro Tony Jefferson on how much the team spending a first-round pick on a player at his position pushes him
