


In the spring, coach Bruce Arians was enthusiastic about his wide receiver lineup, all the way through the undrafted rookies the team had signed.
The opinion has been morphing for a frustrated Arians in training camp, however, and that was made clear after a “lethargic” offensive practice Monday at University of Phoenix Stadium.
“I must’ve been seeing things back in the spring when I said we had had 12 guys who could play in the NFL,” Arians said. “We might
That means the Cardinals could look to add a pass catcher. “We’ll look around, see who is available,” Arians added.
It’s not the effort Arians is upset about. “Assignments, catching the ball,” Arians said. “The main things the receivers have to do, they are not doing.”
The message was delivered to the wideouts after practice, and it was most definitely received.
“Loud and clear,” veteran
“I’ve been cussed out plenty of times in my three years here,” wide receiver J.J. Nelson said. “He’s pretty much saying it in a nice way right now but he’s still getting his message across. It’s up to us to respond.”
Arians praised Jaron Brown, while
Meanwhile, John Brown, who was supposed to be the No. 2 receiver and had an excellent start to camp, remains limited with a quad injury after missing most of camp last season with a concussion.
“It’s a concern,” Arians said. “He’s not available. You’re only good when you’re available.”
Nelson said Arians made clear they were being held to higher expectations. “All of us are capable of making plays in this league,” Nelson added, “so we pretty much feel like we’re letting him down right now.”
If it doesn’t change, Arians will make changes.
“They’ve been warned,” Arians said.
DAVID JOHNSON’S TOUCHES
Running back
But Johnson wants to play, noting that he’d like not only to feel more contact as a ballcarrier but also as a blocker in blitz pickup.
“I think B.A., the coaches, (running backs coach) Freddie (Kitchens), they know how to handle it,” Johnson said. “They know how many carries I should get to get ready for the season.”
Johnson also knows he needs to get better. On one pass play, “I definitely loafed a little bit,” he said. Johnson was supposed to run a decoy route to clear out space for Nelson on a pass, and he didn’t work hard enough to make that happen. That, Johnson said, must get better.
GOLDENS SIT; FITZ AND PALMER TO REST TUESDAY
Linebacker
Linebacker