http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/0909cardsnotes0909.html
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 9, 2006 12:00 AM
If you watch closely when the Cardinals kick off in the season opener Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers at Cardinals Stadium, you'll see something of a rarity - a 281-pound defensive end sprinting down the field.
A.J. Schable, who made the team as an undrafted rookie from the University of South Dakota, will play on several special teams, including kickoffs. Usually, the kickoff team is filled with lighter, faster guys such as defensive backs, linebackers and backup running backs. But Schable runs so well that the Cardinals have him out there, and he should be an excellent wedge buster.
"I like it," said Schable, who has not been on a kickoff team since high school. "Being a defensive lineman for so many years, you don't get the chance to run down and hit somebody as hard as you can. You always have somebody in your face. It's fun doing that. I enjoy it." advertisement
Schable could play a more prominent defensive role in coming years. He had 19 sacks as a senior at South Dakota, and Cardinals coaches think he could develop into an effective pass rusher.
Roster quirk
The Cardinals kept only four receivers on their 53-man roster, one or two fewer than most teams would carry. Barring injury problems, the Cardinals could stick with that number through the season, coach Dennis Green said.
"We did it for about seven years with championship teams with the 49ers," said Green, a former assistant under Bill Walsh.
The Cardinals have some flexibility, because tight end Adam Bergen sometimes lines up as a receiver. The fourth receiver, Troy Walters, also returns punts.
Special teams
Special teams were a Cardinals weakness last season, prompting Green to fire assistant coach Kevin O'Dea.
Green has been pleased with the improvement shown in the preseason under new coach Gary Zauner.
Backup safety Aaron Francisco was particularly impressive, making a handful of tackles on kickoff coverage.
"We're down knocking guys around at the 13-, 14-yard line," Green said, "and our returns have been better, too."
Practice time
Rookie quarterback Matt Leinart has received a considerable amount of practice time in the preseason, but that has changed as the regular season approaches.
But Green wants to get Leinart a healthy amount of repetitions. That means practicing at a fast tempo so more plays can be run, Green said.
"Kurt (Warner) has to get what he has to get for that week's game plan," Green said. "Then Matt has to get some, because you never know what's going to happen during the course of the game, and you want him to continue to get better."
Extra point
Lineman Chris Liwienski worked with the first team at right tackle for the second consecutive day. Liwienski was released by Minnesota last weekend and signed with the Cardinals on Monday.
Reporter Nick Piecoro contributed to this report.
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 9, 2006 12:00 AM
If you watch closely when the Cardinals kick off in the season opener Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers at Cardinals Stadium, you'll see something of a rarity - a 281-pound defensive end sprinting down the field.
A.J. Schable, who made the team as an undrafted rookie from the University of South Dakota, will play on several special teams, including kickoffs. Usually, the kickoff team is filled with lighter, faster guys such as defensive backs, linebackers and backup running backs. But Schable runs so well that the Cardinals have him out there, and he should be an excellent wedge buster.
"I like it," said Schable, who has not been on a kickoff team since high school. "Being a defensive lineman for so many years, you don't get the chance to run down and hit somebody as hard as you can. You always have somebody in your face. It's fun doing that. I enjoy it." advertisement
Schable could play a more prominent defensive role in coming years. He had 19 sacks as a senior at South Dakota, and Cardinals coaches think he could develop into an effective pass rusher.
Roster quirk
The Cardinals kept only four receivers on their 53-man roster, one or two fewer than most teams would carry. Barring injury problems, the Cardinals could stick with that number through the season, coach Dennis Green said.
"We did it for about seven years with championship teams with the 49ers," said Green, a former assistant under Bill Walsh.
The Cardinals have some flexibility, because tight end Adam Bergen sometimes lines up as a receiver. The fourth receiver, Troy Walters, also returns punts.
Special teams
Special teams were a Cardinals weakness last season, prompting Green to fire assistant coach Kevin O'Dea.
Green has been pleased with the improvement shown in the preseason under new coach Gary Zauner.
Backup safety Aaron Francisco was particularly impressive, making a handful of tackles on kickoff coverage.
"We're down knocking guys around at the 13-, 14-yard line," Green said, "and our returns have been better, too."
Practice time
Rookie quarterback Matt Leinart has received a considerable amount of practice time in the preseason, but that has changed as the regular season approaches.
But Green wants to get Leinart a healthy amount of repetitions. That means practicing at a fast tempo so more plays can be run, Green said.
"Kurt (Warner) has to get what he has to get for that week's game plan," Green said. "Then Matt has to get some, because you never know what's going to happen during the course of the game, and you want him to continue to get better."
Extra point
Lineman Chris Liwienski worked with the first team at right tackle for the second consecutive day. Liwienski was released by Minnesota last weekend and signed with the Cardinals on Monday.
Reporter Nick Piecoro contributed to this report.
