http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/1103cards1103.html
Bertrand Berry's frustration has been obvious this week, but he's kept it mostly to himself. That changed Thursday night.
On the weekly radio show
Big Red Rage on KMVP-AM (860), the Cardinals veteran defensive end questioned some of his teammates' maturity and wondered whether the team had the right attitude to stage a reversal.
"This is not Friday night football in high school where you're just playing for your little girlfriend in the stands," Berry said. "You're actually getting paid to do this, so it's your responsibility to go out there each and every day and do the job that you're paid very well to do. When you don't do it, you should not have your job anymore. It's that simple."
Berry said he doesn't blame coach
Dennis Green for the team's troubles. He blames his teammates. He questioned their preparation and dedication. Guys aren't accountable, he said.
"The attitude is not good right now," he said. "When you are more worried about where you're going for the bye week as opposed to why you're 1-7, I'm not sure what your motivation is."
Chemistry is another problem, he continued.
"There are a lot guys in the locker room that just don't like each other," Berry said. "And I'll be honest, I feel that way about certain people. There are certain people that I don't really care to be around. . . . At the end of the day I don't want to hang out with these people. I just don't. Because I don't like them. I don't like their attitude. I don't like their approach to the game and I don't like their actions on the field."
Berry said he planned to talk with Green about a players'-only meeting Monday to "clear the air because if we don't do it, we're going to be 2-14."
Dansby lacking power
Karlos Dansby hasn't felt like himself since last season's game in Mexico against the San Francisco 49ers. That was 13 months ago.
The Cardinals' talented outside linebacker had off-season thumb surgery. He missed training camp and this year's season opener, against the 49ers, because of a toe problem. He sat out Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers because of hip trouble.
After a weekend trip home to Alabama, which likely will include a visit to his former coaches at Auburn University, Dansby expects to return from the team's off week ready to compete against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 12 at University of Phoenix Stadium.
"Yeah, it's been frustrating, but it's just going to make me stronger," Dansby said Thursday at his practice locker. "They ain't seen me healthy yet, but when I get healthy, you'll know. It's going to be a show."
At 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds, Dansby cuts an intimidating defensive presence. In six games, he has registered 22 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble. Dansby said he feels like he's going full throttle - just without full power.
"In Mexico, I had that physical presence; that's what I need right now," he said. "The rest of this stuff is easy. (Because of my) toe and thumb injuries, all my strength is shot right now."
Chris Cooper, a defensive end sitting to Dansby's right, overheard his teammate's words.
"Toe and thumb?" Cooper asked.
"Man, I'm playing with half a body right now," Dansby said.
"Toes and thumbs count?"
"Yeah. Me at half is better than a lot of people at full go," Dansby said. "I'm showing that right now. Me at half is better than a lot of linebackers in this league - put it like that."
Statistically speaking
Since 1990, the Cardinals are 9-8 in games after an off week, one of 14 NFL teams with a winning record in such games.
Timing has a lot to do with it. So do injuries. And attitude.
"I'm looking forward to getting away," Dansby said. "I'm going to enjoy myself, get some rest and come back ready to play some football.
