Boldin feeling better, hopes to play

[BullheadCardFan]

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin says he feels much better and is optimistic about his chances of playing in Saturday's divisional playoff game at New Orleans.

Boldin said Tuesday he "was able to move around a little bit" for the first time since he injured his left ankle and knee in the regular-season finale against Green Bay on Jan. 3.

The three-time Pro Bowler sat out Sunday's 51-45 wild card overtime victory over the Packers because of a high left ankle sprain and a sprained left knee.

He was hopeful he could practice Wednesday or Thursday.

"It all depends on how it responds," he said. "I was able to do a lot of lateral drills today. It still doesn't feel as good as I would like it to be but it's definitely an improvement."

Arizona's offense rolled in the playoff opener, even though they were without Boldin, who surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the fifth time in his seven-year pro career.

"I was a big cheerleader Sunday, just hoping to get one more shot so I could get out there," he said. "It was a good one."

The Cardinals are 6-1 without Boldin the last two seasons.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4820316

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Love Q, but if he isn't at least 90%, I hope he doesn't play.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Love Q, but if he isn't at least 90%, I hope he doesn't play.

Me too. Doucet healthy is better than Q with the injury.

 

[Cody]

he'd probably be a good decoy at least. i mean the #1 CB would be on fitz and #2 on Q still...which would help SB and ED

 

[Catfish]

I have to go with Chris and Bullhead on this one-----Q at 80% is nowhere near the player that Doucett is at 100%. I even doubt that he approaches that level at 90%. Unless he is HEALTHY, I would rather see him on the sidelines, decoy or not. I love Q a lot, but this is the play-offs, and there is no tomorrow unless we win today. Not time to pacify personal wishes, if they jeopardize the betterment of the team. Dress him if you want, but unless there is something that he can do that Doucett cannot, do not play him, and even then, play him sparingly.

 

[Black Jesus]

If Q can play at 80% he deserves limited snaps.

That said, how much better is Doucet than Urban? haha

 

[PJ1]

He didn't practice yesterday and if he doesn't practice today I say sit him. Love to have him healthy but not with the injuries he has.

 

[joeshmo]

he'd probably be a good decoy at least. i mean the #1 CB would be on fitz and #2 on Q still...which would help SB and ED

1. Q is usually in the slot and not covered by the #1 or #2 CB anyways in most D systems. There was an article last year by it was either footballoutsiders or profootballprospectus that stated 70% of the time Boldin was covered by a LB or S or both in the 2008 season. Breaston actually played against the #2 CB more so then Boldin did.

If you notice against GB Breaston was playing Boldins role and he was playing mostly in the slot. It is Wiz O design to try and get the #2 WR in a matchup against a LB or S to take advantage of that matchup.

2. Decoys, especially injured ones just dont work in the NFL. Maybe the first series but after that players and coaches are smart enough to tell if a player is injured and just out there to be a decoy and they adjust accordingly. Plus HC just dont use Decoys all that often because it takes up a roster spot that could be used for a guy who actually plays and produces on special teams, meaning coach would rather have Urban play as the #4 WR and special teams then a Decoy who probably wont fool anyone.

 

[az1965]

If Boldin doesn't practice today, he needs to sit again and be ready for conference round

 

[az1965]

he'd probably be a good decoy at least. i mean the #1 CB would be on fitz and #2 on Q still...which would help SB and ED

We are 6-1 without Boldin... also last week's offensive explosion without Boldin. why would we need him as a decoy?

 

[joeshmo]

It is the same speech every day. "I think I am getting better". But the proof is in the actions, and Boldin didnt even try to test it on Sunday meaning its far worse then they told us, and he isnt even making hard cuts yet meaning he is further away from playing then Saturday.

I hope he does but unless the Cards are being coy about it I just dont see Boldin playing even if he is limited today.

 

[D-Dogg]

I'm actually more concerned with Hayes' health than Q's health. WR, we got depth. LB, not so much.