http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/0916cardsnb0916.html
"Team gets boost with return of injured players
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 16, 2003 12:00 AM
There is no guarantee they'll be better, but the Cardinals should be healthier this Sunday when they play Green Bay at Sun Devil Stadium.
Backup defensive lineman Marcus Bell and backup safety Justin Lucas, who missed the past two games, are expected to practice Wednesday. Receivers Bryan Gilmore and Larry Foster might also be available.
Quarterback Jeff Blake was moving better Monday after suffering a bruised left heel in last Sunday's game against Seattle, coach Dave McGinnis said. Blake missed the final three quarters.
Blake's availability for practice Wednesday is questionable, but he expects to play Sunday.
Defensive end Fred Wakefield, outside linebacker Raynoch Thompson, cornerback Renaldo Hill and receiver Jason McAddley will be evaluated after suffering concussions last Sunday.
Defensive end Kenny King is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a dislocated toe last Friday in practice.
It's hoped that King will be able to play by Oct. 26 against San Francisco.
Good effort
McGinnis handed out praise sparingly after Sunday's debacle, but he said the offensive line did a good job protecting backup quarterback Josh McCown.
"They knew we were going to throw and they were able to get in those sprinters' stances and tee off," McGinnis said of Seattle.
The Cardinals attempted 46 passes and gave up two sacks for 12 yards.
McCown, in his first extended NFL appearance, completed 18 of 32 for 150 yards. He showed composure, McGinnis said, but he also was intercepted twice and overthrew receiver Bryant Johnson in the end zone.
One of his interceptions came near the end zone when he attempted to throw to tight end Freddie Jones.
"The one he forced to Freddie is something you never, ever do," McGinnis said. "If you are late down the middle, it's usually bad news.
"He (McCown) played 53 snaps in a ballgame where they were coming after him. He ended up engineering no touchdown drives, but I think he learned a lot."
He'll learn
Johnson's fumble on the first play of the game was a result of inexperience, Blake said.
Johnson caught a comeback route against a zone defense and should have just gone down. "On to the next play," Blake said.
Instead, Johnson fought to gain more yards and was stripped of the ball.
"The football in the National Football League is like shark bait," McGinnis said, "and it draws them and you have to know they are coming. The hits you get aren't going to be little baby taps. They are coming to tag your (rear)." "
"Team gets boost with return of injured players
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 16, 2003 12:00 AM
There is no guarantee they'll be better, but the Cardinals should be healthier this Sunday when they play Green Bay at Sun Devil Stadium.
Backup defensive lineman Marcus Bell and backup safety Justin Lucas, who missed the past two games, are expected to practice Wednesday. Receivers Bryan Gilmore and Larry Foster might also be available.
Quarterback Jeff Blake was moving better Monday after suffering a bruised left heel in last Sunday's game against Seattle, coach Dave McGinnis said. Blake missed the final three quarters.
Blake's availability for practice Wednesday is questionable, but he expects to play Sunday.
Defensive end Fred Wakefield, outside linebacker Raynoch Thompson, cornerback Renaldo Hill and receiver Jason McAddley will be evaluated after suffering concussions last Sunday.
Defensive end Kenny King is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a dislocated toe last Friday in practice.
It's hoped that King will be able to play by Oct. 26 against San Francisco.
Good effort
McGinnis handed out praise sparingly after Sunday's debacle, but he said the offensive line did a good job protecting backup quarterback Josh McCown.
"They knew we were going to throw and they were able to get in those sprinters' stances and tee off," McGinnis said of Seattle.
The Cardinals attempted 46 passes and gave up two sacks for 12 yards.
McCown, in his first extended NFL appearance, completed 18 of 32 for 150 yards. He showed composure, McGinnis said, but he also was intercepted twice and overthrew receiver Bryant Johnson in the end zone.
One of his interceptions came near the end zone when he attempted to throw to tight end Freddie Jones.
"The one he forced to Freddie is something you never, ever do," McGinnis said. "If you are late down the middle, it's usually bad news.
"He (McCown) played 53 snaps in a ballgame where they were coming after him. He ended up engineering no touchdown drives, but I think he learned a lot."
He'll learn
Johnson's fumble on the first play of the game was a result of inexperience, Blake said.
Johnson caught a comeback route against a zone defense and should have just gone down. "On to the next play," Blake said.
Instead, Johnson fought to gain more yards and was stripped of the ball.
"The football in the National Football League is like shark bait," McGinnis said, "and it draws them and you have to know they are coming. The hits you get aren't going to be little baby taps. They are coming to tag your (rear)." "
