All-Access with Arians: The mental errors have got to be cleaned up

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:

“OK, injury wise as far as today: (Jonathan) Cooper (toe), (Kevin) Minter (pectoral), Max Starks (ankle), Teddy Williams (groin), Justin Bethel (thigh), Lyle Sendlein (calf) will all be out with most of them returning Wednesday; everybody except Max potentially could go Wednesday.

“After the ballgame watching the tape, disappointed in the number of mental errors, especially defensively with our starters; just too many mental errors and lack of production upfront in that ballgame. For the little bit we played I was not pleased with our production upfront.

“We had chances to get sacks, didn’t get the guy down, let the quarterback out and run. We’ve got to start making those plays.

“Offensively, it was more young guys. I think there were 70 mental errors in the game or so between the two (units), only one with our starters on offense. But still, to win on the road in the National Football League, you have to play error free. You can’t beat yourself and basically we went up there and gave some things away to them.

“There were a lot things that were really, really good in the game. We started fast again, came out of the half very well. We just didn’t finish it with our young guys very well.”

What was he not seeing from his defense?
“Just getting off people and getting in your right gap and executing some blitzes that we’ve done. Some veteran guys were in the wrong gaps. It’s inexcusable to play 10 plays and have three or four mental errors.”

Was it a lack of communication or coverage breakdowns
“A little bit of both. We had a 3rd-and-16 and we jumped an under route with a guy out in the flat and give them an easy conversion that led to a score. That is judgment and dumb. Of that drive, we had about three of those dumb plays.”

How would you assess Ryan Lindley’s play
“Up and down. He was solid there in the first drive. Missed some throws that he should make, especially down on the goal line in that last drive before (the) fumblerooski. I mean we should’ve scored on two of those plays.”

Mentioned earlier that Ted Larsen expected to move to starting left guard, so what about Cooper
“He’s in the training room. He can’t do anything.”

Earl Watford had been backup at left guard, how did he look on film in the game
“Up and down. He did some really, really good things and he did some rookie things, too. It needs to be more consistent. We’re going to put the best five (offensive lineman) out there. There’s no doubt about that.”

How long will the starters play against Cincinnati
“We discussed it this morning. We’re looking at no more than a half.”

Follow @CraigAZSports