T-3 Days

Okay, so only two draft picks are signed so far, but I'm not panicking. That said, I've done some predicting among my friends. It's shocking how many of them are not on board with my 15-1 prediction.

Okay, so Tennessee might present a bit of a problem. Sure, Philadelphia is good, but are they that good on the road? 15-1, here we come!

Prescott, Here They Come

My first thought was to say, "Here We Come", but then I realized that I'm just an idiot with a blog. That was one of my favorite moments in "Fever Pitch".

• They let you go to their camp? Actually we just observe. To see who should go and who should stay.
• And the team takes your advice?

Ah, to understand the true fan. This year is gonna be special.

Just What Are They Saying?

Another preseason poll is out, and the Cards rank only 10th in the NFC in this list. Why, oh why do the Cowboys get so much respect? And why does an aging Brett Favre garner so much hope with a coach who has not yet inspired success for the team? And how in the world did they pick the Lions higher?

I know I'm a homer. But I see the team jumping out to victory in their first five matchups (at NYG, vs StL, at Sea, vs SF, vs Car), then they get two weeks to prepare to host the Titans. Again, I know I'm biased, but I don't see why they can't be 14-0 when they meet the Eagles on 12/24. So 14-1 or 15-0 when they go to Indianapolis in a meaningless game (having locked up homefield advantage throughout the playoffs).

I love the view through these rose colored glasses.

Ten Days and Waiting

While I'm nervous about the lack of signings of draft picks, at least I know that it's common to all of the NFL.

In my Internet wanderings yesterday, I came across an anti-Cardinals site run by someone who has a bit too much time on his hands. His site proclaims his love of the Cowboys (hey, they won six games last year, too) and even boasts a forum for bashing the Cards. I actually enjoyed reading it due to the large number of posts he was forced to delete for violating the "bashers only" rule.

I sure can't wait until even greater success breeds frustration on his part.

The good folks at blogger.com recently added a feature for posting photos to a blog in line. I'm going to test it out with a photo from the last home game of the year.

My fear is that it will only upload the entire 5MP photo which is too large to post on an ongoing basis. That said, there's Frank Kush Field (inside Sun Devil Stadium) from the perspective of my seat.

Oh, the memories. Snoopy and I share a moment the day before the Cardinals played their most recent postseason game near the Mall of America. 

Countdown is at 12 Days

It's amazing how slowly time can pass when all too much of your life is consumed by thoughts of a football season. It's all the more maddening when the object of your devotion has rewarded it so seldom. It is in this vein that I anticipate the opening of training camp.

The team is getting ready for the season certainly. I have not yet received my tickets, but the parking passes have arrived along with four additional solicitations to purchase season tickets. Okay, I get it. You have season ticket packages available, and buying one gets me priority at the new stadium (which I already have).

How many hours in 12 days? Around 288? Go Cards!

Anyone Care to Join In?

The reason for this site was to track the trials and tribulations of the common fan. It doesn't need to be a one-sided conversation. So if anyone is interested in being added to the list of contributors, let me know. Drop me a line (look to your right).

It's Cover Time

Woo hoo, a Cardinal makes the cover of The Sporting News! Then the writer goes on to give conflicting signals.

In his writeup, he says that, of the two pictured, Drew Bledsoe is likely to see more success citing a better running game, seasoned veterans at wide receiver (who still believes the hype about Keyshawn Johnson?). Then they grade team prospects and rate the Cardinals higher than the Cowboys. Go figure (and enjoy).

Talking the Talk

Michael Bidwill has said it, so will I. The Cards are a team to fear this next postseason. With 102 days left until the first kickoff, well, I just don't know what to do with my time. How much longer 'till training camp?

Oh, the Joy of Good Press

Pete Prisco is a believer.

The very things that, for so long, I have been spouting to friends and family is finally coming from the mouths of a sports writer. Only 108 more days to go to opening day.

Cleaning House

I get a little confused by the short-sighted beliefs of reporters sometimes. Arizona Central reported on the release of L. J. Shelton expressing disbelief at the timing. They pointed out that releasing now puts $3 Million against this year's cap while releasing him in two weeks would have reduced that figure to 7/8 of $1 Million.

News flash for the Republic. That money will clear against the cap some time. It'll either be this year or next, but it will clear. Why put off until next year such a huge hit, and let it impact the team two years in a row?

Way to go Cards!

The News Just Keeps Coming

Ain't that peculiar.

I remember, long before the big vote that finally authorized funds for a new stadium, going to a park in Mesa where like minded fans met with Michael Bidwill to discuss building a new stadium in Mesa. It would be an uphill battle, though, because local voters were so averse to using taxpayer money to finance projects for private entities.

Now comes word that Mesa voters have approved an $84 Million dollar bond issue for a project at the same site. I think I see what's happening here. It wasn't that the people of Mesa were against spending money, they just didn't want the Cardinals in their back yard.

Bully for them. Thanks to their pigheadedness, my side of town got this beautiful stadium. Hey Mesa! Thanks!

Drugs

Where in the draft did we get Wendell Bryant? Man! Nothing like having an important player go down to stupidity.

And Life Gets Calmer

The news that Anquan Boldin was returning to work out with the Cardinals sure made me feel better. Reading the article, I note that the team has offerred quite the generous signing bonus which, when combined with an also generous yearly salary, I'd think would make everyone happy.

So we seem more set for the regular season. Just gotta wait for the Suns to win the NBA Finals, then we'll be ready for training camp.

Kurt Warner: Arizonan

With Warner putting in an appearance at the Special Olympics, Arizonans are getting another reminder of why it is that we root for our home teams.

Sports bring so much more to a community than just the ability to cheer them on. So for that multitude of football fans who make a sport of rooting against the Cardinals, remember that you're taking pleasure in the heartache of your neighbors, your friends, your family. If this gives you some perverse pleasure, then nothing can be done about a rat like you. But if a sense of togetherness represents an improvement at home, join us now before you get a chance to prove that you have the fiber of Homer Simpson.

132 and Counting

So Boldin missed the mandatory camp, but otherwise all is well in Cardinal country.

Speaking strictly as fan (which is pretty much all that I am), watching the team on NFL Total Access was quite a rush. Speaking also as someone who had to miss on the open practice last week (job blues), getting an extended look at the team and the new uniforms was a nice thrill as well. Sure would like to see the Cards get the authentic jerseys in the shop.

136 Days to Go

Is there anything more excruciating than waiting for the first game to begin?

The Cards announced their happiness with the players they acquired after the draft ended, and while I'm happy about these, what I can't wait for is the time when they hit the field.

Most News Is Good News

It wasn't enough that one site after another has rated their draft very highly, once it was over, the Redbirds took to the free agent market to ink the remainder of their needs and then some. Nice job guys!

Now for the bad news. It appears that Anquan Boldin is making a move for more money (which he deserves) by holding out on voluntary practice (which he shouldn't). Thankfully, no one is spewing any hyperbolic statements, so a deal is reachable.

Hey, Rod, what's one more contract to negotiate?

What a Draft!

So they took none of my advice and did great anyway (shows what I know).

While I was disappointed that none of the four guys I wanted to see them draft was even available in the 8th position, Rolle is by no means chopped liver.

I realize this team still needs a tight end, but oh, what a collection they added on draft day. Time for Mike and Rod to make sure they don't miss a minute of training camp.