Arizona will use the franchise tag on DE Calais Campbell before he becomes a free agent March 13. “The only thing that kind of sucks is that you don’t have security for the future," Campbell told azcardinals.com. "But if it comes to the franchise tag... I’m still able to play football. I’m still living the dream.”


(cbssports.com)

Right before the Giants PK Lawrence Tynes kicked the game-winning field goal in Sunday's NFC Championship, Cards DE Calais Campbell tweeted: "I would block this kick." Campbell blocked three kicks this season.




(cbssports.com)

Defensive end Calais Campbell has not gotten a new contract yet. I’m guessing everyone realizes that, since it’d be big homepage news if he had and it clearly has not been news yet. The waiting game continues.

He is scheduled to become a free agent March 13, but no one believes that will happen. Either he will have a new contract by then, or the Cardinals are expected to use their franchise tag to buy time to get that new contract done. Campbell was in today, coming in to get in some work with the trainers, and he said he has thought “a little bit” about ending up with the tag.

“I mean, if that’s the worst-case scenario, it’s not too bad,” Campbell said. “The only thing that kind of sucks about it is that you don’t have security for the future. But I am one of those guys who kind of takes it as it comes. Whatever happens, happens. A long-term deal would be nice, if we can see eye-to-eye. But if it comes to the franchise tag, I really feel like it’s good. I’m still able to play football, I’m still living the dream.”

The franchise tag would be worth about $10.6 million in salary for Campbell in 2012 (down from the $13M defensive ends got last season if tagged, and $12.4M in 2010.) It’s a healthy jump from $600,000 in salary Campbell made this season, but a far cry from what would be the guaranteed money on a new deal, which would figure to be in the same $25M-$30M range of teammate Darnell Dockett got in 2010.

Still, the seven weeks between now and March 13 is an eternity in NFL terms. Much can still be accomplished before the tag comes into play. We wait to see if “eye-to-eye” can be reached.


(azcardinals.com)

On re-signing defensive end Calais Campbell -- Talks are ongoing. That's as detailed as either side wants to get. Campbell's leverage is that he's due to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The Cardinals' leverage is that they can use the franchise or transition tag on Campbell. It makes sense for both sides to want to get a deal done. My guess is Campbell signs a long-term deal, and the money involved will be eye-popping. But, remember, the salary cap increases substantially in two years. By then, Campbell's deal will look more reasonable.

This fits into my simiplistic belief when it comes to compensation: Someone has to get paid.

Taken individually, a team can make a strong case against paying a player. But put those cases together and a lot of talent is allowed to leave the building. Karlos Dansby is an example. The Cardinals balked at paying Dansby so much money when they opened negotiations in, oh, 2006, or so. But two years later, that deal would have looked pretty good.

Campbell is just too good to allow him to hit free agency. He plays hard. He's improving. He's 25. He's a good guy in the locker room and in the community. If I'm an owner writing a big check, I'd feel pretty good about making it payable to Calais Campbell.


(azcentral.com)

Arizona Cardinals DL Calais Campbell posted a team-leading eight sacks, and he was third on the team in total tackles with 72, but he was not even named as an alternate for the NFC Pro Bowl roster Tuesday, Dec. 27. Campbell also has two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a remarkable three blocked FGs this season.



(fantasysp.com)

When free agency begins in early March, one of the biggest names on the market will be Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell.

If he gets there.

A fourth-year veteran who has flourished in defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s Pittsburgh-style defense, Campbell is on the Cardinals’ retention radar.  Per a league source, the two sides have passed the casual level in their talks and moved to intermediate.

The Cardinals like Campbell a lot, but the Cardinals historically haven’t devoted a bunch of money to home-grown products not named “Larry Fitzgerald.”

Campbell had a sack and a critical forced fumble on Saturday, knocking the ball loose from Bengals running back Cedric Benson during a close-but-no-cigar attempt to dig out of a 23-point hole.

If the Cardinals can’t sign Campbell to a long-term deal, don’t be surprised if they use the franchise tag.  They used the device to hold Karlos Dansby in place for two seasons, before letting him leave for Miami.


(profootballtalk.com)

Mike Jurecki of XTRA Phoenix suspects that Calais Campbell's new deal with the Cardinals will be worth roughly $30 million over five years.
Jurecki guesses that the deal will include $10-12 million guaranteed. In July, the Redskins gave DE Stephen Bowen $27.5M over five years with $12.5M in guarantees. Bowen and Campbell play similar positions, although Campbell has been more effective, particularly as a pass rusher. He's also only 25.


(rotoworld.com)

They spend the season anchoring the defensive line, but Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell took turns as Christmas pillars for needy children Monday and Tuesday.

Holding their annual events – Dockett’s “Happy Holidays With Nine-O” and Campbell’s “Shop With a Jock” – is about, in technical terms, the two NFL stars putting up their own money so kids will get a new toy or two they might not have otherwise received.

It always reaches a far deeper level for each player, however.

“It’s always been in my heart that once I was able to give back that I would,” Dockett said. “I have been blessed to make it this far in my career. This is just a small part of it, I do a lot in the offseason for kids, trying to help the next generation out and maybe motivate other guys in the NFL and NBA to get out and do things for the kids, especially once that aren’t privileged.

“This is one of my best times of the year. We have fun.”

Both players had teammate support. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald showed up at both places, serving as a cashier at the Toys R Us (Dockett, who was bagging on Fitzgerald’s aisle, joked that the two of them would have worked the jobs permanently had the lockout lasted).

The defensive line was well-represented, with David Carter, Dan Williams, Vonnie Holliday, Ricky Lumpkin, Ronald Talley and Nick Eason all made appearances, along with others like Paris Lenon, Stephen Williams and Anthony Sherman.

“The holidays are giving back,” Eason said. “All NFL players, we are all blessed in our own lives, and it obviously comes with financial stability. It’s important for us to give back, to give our time and let people know we have a lot more going on than just playing football on the field.”

Eason had his giving-back moment at Campbell’s evening. One kid wanted to get a Wii video game system, cost well above the $100 limit. Eason picked up the difference.  

Dockett gave a shopping spree to 100 needy kids from south Phoenix. Campbell gave a night to remember for 50 homeless children from the UMOM New Day Center.

“I love the kids, and seeing their faces,” Campbell said. “I’m in a position to give back, and they are at an important time in anyone’s life.”

The players spent the time helping the kids choose their gifts – watching Fitzgerald at Wal-Mart shepherd three tween girls through their picks was a sight – and doled out advice on working hard and staying positive.

“To see these kids and their smiles when they walk through the door, to give them a high five and get toys for Christmas, that’s what it is all about,” Holliday said. “To be a player and a Cardinal, to give back, that’s what it’s all about.”


(azcardinals.com)

Cardinals GM Rod Graves hopes to reach a long-term deal with impending free agent DE Calais Campbell "sooner rather than later."

"We've been in negotiations for some time," Graves said. "Not only has Calais performed well on the field, but he's also been superb off the field as a representative of this team." Campbell leads the team with seven sacks, has blocked three field goals, and grades out as an elite run defender in Pro Football Focus' player ratings.


(rotoworld.com)

The consensus among our Cardinals sources is that the team can ill afford to lose DE Calais Campbell, who becomes a free agent at the end of the season. Word is there have been some contract discussions with Campbell's agent, Ben Dogra. Dogra also represents ex-Cardinals ILB Karlos Dansby, who opted to leave the desert for a big payday in Miami. Although they say it's possible, our sources doubt Campbell will follow in Dansby's footsteps out of town. "We'll see where it goes," one team insider said. "I think Calais likes it here. He's close enough to his family in Colorado and seems to be really on board with Ray Horton's new defense. He's a pretty good pass rusher for a 3-4 end, and they have nobody behind him. I think they'll use the franchise tag on him if they have to. He still gets driven out of run plays at times, but I think he's become every bit as good a player as Darnell Dockett."



(profootballweekly.com)

TEMPE, Ariz.—Calais Campbell sat at his locker surrounded by reporters. Leaning against a wooden panel nearby was a framed photograph of his blocked field goal against the St. Louis Rams five weeks ago.

The Rams would have won the game with the kick, but Campbell's block forced overtime, and Arizona won 19-13 on Patrick Peterson's 99-yard punt return.

The victory set off a string of four wins in five games for Arizona and is one of many examples of why Campbell, with his powerful 6-foot-8, 300-pound frame, is so important to the Cardinals.

"Calais has developed into such a good player because he's worked hard at it," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "He's a good man and he really wants to do it the right way. He's very conscientious."

Campbell is an easygoing guy off the field, always friendly. But he can be a beast in the backfield.

"I don't want to play angry. I just want to win," he said. "I'm a huge competitor. I go out there and just play my heart out, but I'm never really angry. I'm laughing and joking out there on the field. I'm not ever angry."

That would not be true of the man lining up next to him, tackle Darnell Dockett.

"That's a whole different story," Campbell said, laughing.

The Cardinals obviously expected big things from this big man when they chose him in the second round, the 50th pick overall, out of Miami in the 2008 draft.

From the beginning, Campbell has struggled to stay low at the line of scrimmage lest he be a big, easy target for blockers.

"He's always going to struggle with that," Whisenhunt said. "It's not something that you ever conquer as a guy that's as tall as he is, so it's really critical that you work on your technique and your hands and staying low.

"There's other times when it's to his advantage, when he's in space and he can use those arms to swing guys and get past them."

He also can deflect a lot of passes and, of course, leap to knock down field goals.

Campbell has a team-high six sacks for 45 yards, a team-leading 14 quarterback hits—to Dockett's 12—with an interception and a forced fumble. He has deflected seven passes.

Campbell traces his improvement to a growing maturity.

"I think just natural growth," he said. "You become a lot more wiser on how to beat people. When you play long enough in competition in anything you become better at it."

He has flourished in the new defense installed by first-year coordinator Ray Horton.

"Coach Horton is really smart at utilizing his best players," Campbell said, "realizing our talent so we can be the best we can be at our different positions. So the scheme definitely helps."

Campbell grew up in Aurora, Colo., in a football-playing family. His older brother, Ciare, played defensive back at Colorado State. Younger brother Jared also went to Miami and signed as a rookie free agent with Arizona, but was released before the season.

Campbell said he has been 6-8 since he was 15.

"When I got to high school I was like 6-foot and within a year and a half, two years I was 6-8," he said, "so I guess you'd call that a growth spurt."



(mercurynews.com)

PHOENIX - While Patrick Peterson and Beanie Wells got most of the attention from Sunday's win over the Rams, coach Ken Whisenhunt was praising defensive end Calais Campbell on Monday.

"You see what a team leader he is and how he works. This year, he's definitely moved into the special category because he's done it consistently," said Whisenhunt on the Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf show Monday.

Campbell is tied for the team lead in sacks with five and third in tackles with 55.

"To see him play at the level he's playing at right now, obviously he's turning into a force and playing very well in this scheme," said Whisenhunt.
Campbell is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason, so the Cardinals would be wise to reach out towards re-signing him for the future so they can keep one of their most important players.


(arizonasports.com)

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell has been a revelation this season. Ok, revelation may be the wrong word since his talent has always been in evidence. But now in his fourth year as a pro the 6-8 lineman is putting it all together. 

Campbell leads the Cardinals in sacks (5) and is fourth in tackles and first among linemen with 33. He bats down balls at the line, has the mobility to chase down runningbacks and in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers recorded his third blocked of the season and fifth of this career. 

Campbell is up for his first contract extension. With the way he's playing, the Cardinals better hurry up and get that deal done because each week his value seems to be going up and up.

Campbell got a great push between the center and guard and simply used his long arms to tap the ball off course. 

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sbnation.com)

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt had to laugh Wednesday at his choice of words in describing the play of defensive end Calais Campbell.

"The sky's the limit for Calais," Whisenhunt said before pausing. "He's a tall guy. ... Good joke, right?"

Amid a few laughs, Whisenhunt conceded that the joke was "pretty bad," but the sentiment was sincere. At 25 years old, Campbell has emerged as the Cardinals' next big playmaker, and his coaches and teammates only see him getting better.

Whisenhunt has been somewhat tempered in his praise of the 6-foot-8 Campbell, complimenting the things Campbell does well but also making regular note of needed improvements. As for Campbell, he couldn't help but chuckle at the notion he's having a breakout season before admitting ever so slightly that he's playing well.

"I don't feel like I'm playing as good as I could, but I feel like I'm playing disciplined football," Campbell said. "I feel like it's starting to come together. I feel more confident out there, but I still have a long way to go because I feel I could be so much better."

Campbell may downplay his progression this season, but the statistics don’t lie. He leads the Cardinals with five sacks this season and has 18 in 2 1/2 seasons as a starter. To be fair, 4.5 of his sacks this season came in two games, against the Rams (two) and Seahawks (2 1/2), but the ability is clearly there.

The Cardinals' second-round pick out of Miami in 2008, Campbell also has two blocked field goals this year (and four in four seasons), which is two more than anybody else on the team, and last week snagged his first career interception in a win over the Eagles. His 46 tackles are tied for third most on the team.

"He’s making plays, but he’s young," fellow defensive lineman Darnell Dockett said of Campbell last week. "He’s only got an upside. He’s going to keep working, keep fully developing into his body. Another 10 pounds and he’ll be like a gorilla walking around here."

Both Campbell and Whisenhunt feel that upside will develop as Campbell's technique improves.

"When a guy is as tall as Calais is, you always struggle with staying low, using your hands and those type of things," Whisenhunt said. "He's gotten better at doing that, and that's why he's had the production as far as getting off blocks, whether it's sacks or making plays, making tackles in the run game.

"If he continues to work that way, Calais can be an outstanding football player in this league. I think we're already seeing glimpses of that. Now what you've got to see from him is the consistency week in and week out, which he's starting to do."

Campbell feels he's come a long way with his technique this season alone, purely because of the amount of time he's spending on the field. The more times he does the same things, Campbell said, the better he gets at them.

As Campbell does keep getting better, the Cardinals are hoping it's in Arizona. General manager Rod Graves said last week that he anticipates opening negotiations soon for an extension for Campbell, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

Campbell has said he doesn’t think much about his contract situation, instead keeping the focus on football, but it's clear he's interested in remaining with the Cardinals.

"I love it here," Campbell said. "This is a great place to be, but I just try to keep it simple and concentrate right now."

Dockett, who last September signed an extension of his own worth a guaranteed $30 million over four years, addressed last week the importance of keeping Campbell in the fold.

"We need to," Dockett said. "I trust in this organization and Rod Graves. They'll definitely do right by Calais.

"When you're trying to build a championship team, you've got to start keeping your guys. You can't let guys leak out of here and go to other teams and help other programs."

Campbell is content to let his contract situation play out at the appropriate time and keep working hard on his skills. While Campbell may be realizing his potential more than ever this season, Whisenhunt says it came as no surprise to see Campbell making another leap.

"I've seen that from Calais for a couple years now," Whisenhunt said. "Sometimes it just takes a little bit of time to get those reps and get into the feel of what we're trying to get done. This was a new scheme for him, but he's really working hard at the fundamentals. … You're starting to see it pay off."

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(foxsportsarizona.com)

Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell recorded the first interception of his four-year career late in the third quarter.

It was a key play because the Eagles were at the Cardinals 18-yard line. Quarterback Michael Vick intended the ball to go to running back LeSean McCoy but it went straight to Campbell's mid-section.

"I was first thinking that I just wanted to knock the ball down," Campbell said. "I jumped, and the ball came right into my arms."

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(azcentral.com)

Calais Campbell is coming off one of his best games of the season, but even the defensive end himself admitted, “A lot of times I didn’t play as well as I could have. I feel like I could play so much better.”

Campbell has a team-high five sacks, although it’s worth noting 4.5 of those came in two games, against the Seahawks and the Rams. That said, the 25-year-old has been playing good football, getting quarterback pressures and blocking field goals. While both he and the coaches want to see him up his game, his effort can’t be lost. Campbell can’t be lost either. That’s why Campbell’s contract — which runs out after the season — will only gather steam as a topic.

General manager Rod Graves said earlier this season the team wants to address it, although Campbell — below pictured doing his “home run” sack celebration — said Thursday “we haven’t really started talking to anybody yet, so I’m just trying to play football.”

Campbell’s defensive linemate, Darnell Dockett, was acting as Campbell’s PR firm Thursday. “We need to (re-sign him), and I trust Rod Graves and the organization, they’ll do right by Calais,” Dockett said. “He’s young and is a good leader. He’s only got upside. I don’t think he’s fully developed into his body, to be honest. Another 10 pounds, that dude will be walking around like a gorilla around here.”

Campbell reiterated his contract is something he can’t control. Talking to him, it’s certainly not something that seems to be weighing on him. Asked if he wants to get something done before the end of the season, Campbell admitted “I don’t know what the best scenario is.” Free agency is attractive, although Campbell would probably be the Cards’ top candidate for the franchise tag, if it came to that. (A quick aside: In my opinion, I don’t think it will.)

Dockett, who signed his own extension in 2010, doesn’t want Campbell or anyone of that ilk to go anywhere.

“When you are trying to develop a championship team, you can’t just let guys leak out of here,” Dockett said. “We are trying to get back to the Super Bowl and be a powerhouse team, we can’t just work together, we also have to have the guys here, the weapons to get that done.”

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(azcardinals.com)

The Cardinals don’t have enough quality young core players, but defensive end Calais Campbell is certainly one of them.

G.M. Rod Graves said Thursday that the team is hoping to sign Campbell to a long-term contract extension, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.

The fourth-year player is headed for free agency. He leads the team with five sacks, two blocked field goals, and has adapted to the team’s new 3-4 scheme better than Darnell Dockett. Campbell has at least had a share of the team’s sack lead for three years running.

A new deal could be a tricky one for the Cardinals to close. Campbell might be a better fit in a 4-3 defense and he would likely get a big contract if he hit the open market.  (Think Ray Edwards.)

It wouldn’t surprise us if Campbell ultimately left Arizona, just like Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle did.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(profootballtalk.com)

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell is a big, big man. Of course, most NFL linemen are big but standing six-feet-eight, Campbell towers above them all. What sets Campbell apart is more than his height, it's his ability to move well in the trenches and use his arm length to tip passes and make tackles.

Campbell had a fantastic game in the Cardinals 19-13 win over the St. Louis Rams. The biggest play of the day came at the end of regulation when Campbell recorded his fourth-career blocked field goal on a 42-yard attempt that would have won the game for the Rams.

"My mindset was like, find a way to get a block," Campbell explained. "I told Darnell Dockett, 'If you give me a good push I might get a block.' He gave me the best push I've ever seen ever. In four years of playing with him, that's the best push he ever gave me."

There wasn't any extra trickery or stunts run on the block. Just Dockett clearing space Campbell getting a big paw high in the air. (Here's the video.)
The blocked field goal was obviously huge, but Campbell also recorded 1.5 sacks in the game, three QB hits and had five tackles, the most of any lineman.

The Cardinals defense as a whole was the difference in the game. They kept the Rams out of the red zone and forced them into three field goals which was their only offensive points of the day. 

"The defense all day, they bailed us out time and time again," Larry Fitzgerald said.

It wasn't a pretty win with John Skelton looking shaky in his first start of the season (20-25, 222 yards) and Beanie Wells completely shut down (20 yards, 10 carries). The offensive line was responsible for one safety and Skelton took the blame for the second which gave the Rams four extra points.

Despite all that, the Cardinals got huge stops when they needed to and found a way to pull out a much needed win. Patrick Peterson will get a lot of recognition for his walk-off punt return TD, but the defense led by Calais Campbell were also heroes in the game.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sbnation.com)

Calais Campbell, Cardinals defensive end: The NFC West produced plenty of defensive candidates for a spot on this list. Kam Chancellor, Leroy Hill, Chris Clemons, Ahmad Brooks and Carlos Rogers come to mind. I went with Campbell for the sheer level of his dominance against Seattle. Campbell finished the game with 10 tackles, four quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks, sensational numbers for anyone, let alone for a 3-4 defensive end.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

PHOENIX - It isn't always the big events that make us turn our head when we hear about politicians, celebrities and athletes.

Sometimes, we just want to know that when you boil it down, they're all ordinary people like us.

What's in their fridge? What are they reading? What do they do in their off time? ABC15.com is asking the same 10 questions of a newsmaker. But don't jump to any conclusions; these aren't the typical interview questions.

They are not meant to be probing or controversial. Instead, they're fun questions that let you get to know the person in ways you probably don't already.

This week, we continue our "10 Questions for the Arizona Cardinals" series with defensive end Calais Campbell.

Campbell, a Denver native, had a breakout year in his first season with the Cardinals. As a starter in 2009, Calais tied for the team lead with 7.0 sacks and 53 tackles.

Before joining the Cardinals, Calais was named MVP while playing at the University of Miami. At 6-8, Calais was the tallest lineman ever to suit up for the Hurricanes and was the tallest defensive lineman in the 2008 draft.

When Calais is not on the gridiron he has a passion for giving back to young people in communities across the country. He is co-founder of the CRC Foundation, named after his dad, Charles Campbell. Calais established the foundation to teach skills that are not typically learned in a traditional classroom setting he says are vital for real life; such as accounting, drug & alcohol awareness, diversity and writing. The CRC Foundation has plans to construct a youth facility by 2013.

10 Questions for Calais Campbell:
1. What is your all-time favorite movie or song?
I like Forrest Gump a lot, but The Program was one of my favorite movies growing up because it was the first football movie I ever liked.

2. Do you have a Smartphone? If so, what is your favorite app?
I do. I use probably four or five different ones. I like to play a lot of Texas Hold 'Em, so I have a Texas Hold 'Em app that I do a lot of practice on.

3. Have you come up with a few things you'd like to do before you die? If so, what is on your bucket list?
I'm certainly trying to add to that list. There are a lot of things I want to do before I die. I guess the most important one is to have a family.

4. Who do you count as your mentor?
My father

5. What was your very first job?
NFL

6. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing. I love who I am. Even my negative parts make me who I am.

7. What do you consider your greatest success?
I got chills when I got my degree from college. I got chills when I got drafted in the NFL. I definitely got chills going to the Super Bowl my rookie year.

8. What is something about you most people don't know?
I'm going to write movies one day.

9. If you could have dinner with three or more people (living or dead), who would it be?
I'd have to say Michael Jackson (the old Mike), President Barack Obama and Michael Jordan.

10. If you could have a different career, what would it be?
Well I guess since I want to write movies one day, being a movie producer would be kind of cool.



(abc15.com)

Arizona Cardinal DE Calais Campbell struggled against a run play or two because he got too high. That's a problem for Campbell, who is 6-8. He was driven off the ball once because the Raiders lineman got under Campbell's shoulder pads.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(azcentral.com)

Arizona Cardinals Calais Campbell turns 25 this Labor Day and would like YOU to help him celebrate by supporting his charity dinner.

Campbell will be joined by an entourage of Cardinals teammates who are expected to be guest celebrity servers, along with over 200 guests to a secluded evening with around the clock entertainment, exceptional food, networking and fundraising support of the CRC Foundation, Campbell’s non-profit that seeks to empower and provide self-awareness for future leaders.

To pass the time and stay productive during the NFL lockout, Calais Campbell interned with Will Farrell at FunnyOrDie.com. While that’s certainly impressive, the prototypical 3-4 defensive end has also been busy improving his production on the field in each of his first three seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.

Unfortunately, the success of the Cardinals’ defense hasn’t correlated with his individual success on the field. According to Calais, that’s going to change as soon as the defense is able to get on the field and work together to build chemistry.
I spent some time talking with Calais about the Cards’ 3-4 scheme, the linebacking group, and the current quarterback situation.

Steve Wyremski (SW): How’s the off season going? What have you been up to?

Calais Campbell (CC): I’ve just been working out, traveling a little bit, and doing charity stuff. Trying to do a little bit of the Hollywood stuff and work myself into the Hollywood industry. I hope to be in the movies one day.

SW: [Explain PFF]. We recently wrote an article called Three Years of Pass Rushing Productivity: Interior Defensive Linemen. We took sacks, hits, and hurries over the number of snaps you played. In 2010, you ranked as the 17th best interior lineman in the NFL rushing the passer and, over the past three years, we ranked you as the 14th best. What’d you think of that article when you saw it?
CC: It was interesting because I always wondered where I’d fall and where other people would fall. I didn’t know it was possible to figure out that stat. I thought it was interesting how you created a special pass rushing stat. It was kinda cool that I’m on the list … I wish I was a little higher though. It’s just more motivation to go a little harder.

SW: Based on that article, it’s clear that you’re successful in the pass rush out of the 3-4 defense. What do you attribute that pass rushing success to?
CC: Good coaching. Ron Aiken, our defensive line coach, does a good job putting us through a lot of pass rush drills so I feel comfortable on the field. I think I’m more of a pass rusher on the inside than anything else. I’m a little bit bigger D-end, but a smaller D-tackle weight wise and size wise. I’m more of a natural pass-rusher. So when I go inside, a lot of guys aren’t used to going against guys who are good with their hands.

SW: Is there a specific technique you use more often than others in rushing the passer? Whether it be the swim move, bull rush. Anything that you use that you’re more successful with?
CC: Yeah, I think my best move, because I’m already tall, is the swim move. It works for me. I try to bull rush and try to use a lot of different moves, but the swim move has always naturally been my best move. I try not to think about it and just react to what the offensive lineman gives me because that’s when I’m at my best, but when I watch myself on film it’s my swim move more than anything else.

SW: I don’t know if you’ve ever read or seen the book Take Your Eye Off the Ball by Pat Kirwan, but in that book he talks about the prototypical 3-4 DE. He names you as one. He says that between your size and your long arms, that makes you a prototypical 3-4 DE. Would you agree with that?
CC: Yeah. I feel like with my size and the weight I became, that I can do well at that position. Every team uses it a little different, though. The way we use it with the Cardinals works well. We don’t really use a 2-gap. I don’t know if I’m a great 2-gapper. I can be decent at it, but we play gap control. Sometimes we call a 2-gap when the offensive lineman controls what gap we have by the way he moves and the linebacker plays off of us. That allows me to be good at what I do.

SW: I want to talk a little bit about the Arizona scheme that you mention there. As you know, typically a 3-4 DE really sacrifices himself for the sake of the linebacker play and occupy as much of the offensive line as possible and not necessarily penetrate the backfield. Is that truly your role in the Cardinals’ scheme to just sacrifice yourself for the sake of the linebackers?
CC: It really depends on the package. We have packages where the linebackers make all the plays and all we do is use up as many of the [offensive] lineman as we can. Some packages are built for us to get up field and penetrate. It really just depends on the package we’re in. In the 3-4, our job is really to keep the offensive lineman off the linebackers so they can make the play. There are packages where they let us go free, though. Darnell Docket plays across from me and he’s a beast. He’s got a penetrator-type mentality.

SW: On the flipside, 4-3 DEs are obviously more pass rushers who need speed and power to play that position. If at some point in the future, say hypothetically despite how unlikely, the Cardinals switch to a 4-3 or you found yourself in a situation where you were playing for a team with a 4-3 scheme, could you play the 4-3 DE spot or would you move inside to play defensive tackle?
CC: Naturally, I’ve always played the true 4-3 DE. That’s what I played in college. I thought I was effective at it. It really comes down to the work ethic and getting my body back in shape to be able to go off the edge. You need that quick burst to the edge. I’m not really the fastest DE, but I have a good first step. That’s what you need to come off the edge as a true 4-3 DE.

SW: How difficult was that switching from a 4-3 DE at the University of Miami and then you come to the NFL and you’re in a 3-4 scheme? Was there much of a transition to learn how to be a 3-4 DE?
CC: Yeah, it’s a huge difference in the way you play. The way I get off the ball and use my hands changes tremendously. You have to get your hands off the offensive lineman a lot quicker. When you’re playing on the edge you have a lot of protection outside. When you play inside and go in the trenches, there are so many different blocks you can get so it’s harder against the run … and the pass. It was a big adjustment for me.

After a year and a half and working on it every day in practice, it started clicking for me and I feel like I’m doing a good job now. It’s definitely still an adjustment, especially because I’m so tall. When you’re inside, it’s easier for the guards and centers to get underneath you, so I have to make sure I stay lower. My ability to play all over the D-line makes me a better player. I can play from the 1-technique all the way to the 9-technique. If you watch Cardinal games you’ll see me in a lot of techniques, but I play more inside than I do out.

SW: [Discuss PFF in more detail]. Looking at our game-by-game breakdown of your play in 2010, your first four games of the season you seemed to struggle a little bit and your game against San Diego was your roughest of the year; we rated it a -4.6. We thought your play against the run that game was where you struggled. Do you agree with that?
CC: Yeah, I definitely struggled that game. That game and Atlanta were my two worst games.

SW: Those two games are the ones we ranked your lowest of the year. What specifically happened against the run that game against the Chargers? Was it just the O-line play and they were able to lock you up for the game?
CC: They do a lot of lateral blocking movements and they were able to use their techniques to get on the edge. They do a lot of opie-dope type stuff, so they push one way and then I’ll over penetrate, get up field a bit, and the running backs cut back. That makes the gap a little bit bigger for the running back to fill. I definitely didn’t play well at all by any means. I watched film, changed my game a bit, and the coach worked with me a lot. That was definitely my worst game.

SW: If I were to ask you what you felt your best game of the season was, what would you say? There are two in particular that we rate higher than others.
CC: In the Carolina game, I definitely felt dominant (for a lack of better term). I played a lot more true DE in that game, actually. That benefited me and I got a lot more comfortable in my position. It took me a while to get going, but that was the game mentally where I was really trying to be dominant like I was in college. I started feeling a lot more unblockable from what I did in practice. I struggled a little bit in the beginning of the season, but I just kept working harder and eventually everything started click for me and I was beginning to feel dominant.
The Cowboys’ game, I feel like I had a strong game then as well. I always do better against bigger offensive lineman. It’s the quicker [smaller] guys that are hard for me because they’re naturally so much lower than me. If a guy’s already big, I can get lower easier, so that way it gives me a stronger advantage.

SW: You were spot-on with the Carolina game, you seemed to be all over the place. You had 10 tackles and nine stops. You’re obviously a big guy at 6’8” and 300 lbs. How do you use that size to your advantage in the trenches?
CC: Every year I’ll have an exit meeting with Coach Whiz (Ken Whisenhunt) and he’ll say, “Plain and simple. When you play low with great technique you’re unblockable and when you play high, people get underneath you look like an average player.” It’s true. If I continue to work hard, stay low, and use perfect technique, that’s when I’m the best and my size creates a natural leverage. If I can stay lower than a guy that’s shorter than me, then I’ll be able to dominate him with extra leverage. It makes a big difference.

SW: As you mentioned earlier, Darnell Dockett has been across from you for the past two years you’ve been a starter. He seems to be better known in the media outlets. However, in both years you’ve been a better pass rusher and a better run stopper statistically. You also ranked 10th overall among defensive linemen in tackles in 2010. What do you think you need to do in order to get the recognition you seem to deserve?
CC: I always think recognition comes with contracts. That’s what it is in my mind. Whenever someone gets a big contract, the media’s always watching him. Darnell Dockett has been in the league a long time and he’s a great player. He deserves the recognition he gets. I was drafted in the second round and not really at a high media position. If I was a first round pick, there would probably be a little more out there. If I play well and get a big contract, I guarantee the media will be all over every situation. If I play bad, they’ll ride me and if I play well, they’ll go crazy. It really comes with the contract.

SW: At the QB position, the Cardinals have two young guys headed into 2011 — John Skelton and Max Hall. That’s obviously before you consider any free agency that may occur in the next few weeks. What are your feelings on those guys as the team’s starting QB (either guy) in 2011?
CC: They both have the personality of a quarterback. They have great poise and a lot of charisma. They’re good young talents. Skelton is the prototypical guy. He’s 6’5” / 6’6”, 220 lbs, he’s strong, and athletic. Coming from Fordham, he never really was prepared for the NFL. He got thrown in the last couple of games and went 2-2, played fairly well, but he never really played any game in high school or college as big as he played towards the end of the season. He’s going to be a great quarterback in the near future. That’s why a lot of people are speculating we’re going to bring in an older quarterback to groom some of the younger ones along.
Max Hall is definitely a pure talent, as well. He’s a little undersized, but he has a big heart and he plays with a lot of passion. That’s the kind of stuff you can’t coach and coaches look for in a guy.

SW: Any clue on which guy would beat the other out at this point?
CC: It’s a competition. It depends on who is looking good in camp. Size wise, Skelton has an advantage. They both will be competing for a job. Towards the end of [2010], Skelton finished as the starter, so I think he may have a leg up already, but it’ll be a competition. I’m sure that two or three more guys that we bring in will compete for the job, as well. The way that Coach Whiz is, the person that gives us the best chance to win will play.

SW: The Cardinals’ defense ranked in the bottom five of the NFL in yards against and points allowed per game last season. What do you think needs to change on the defense to improve that ranking and get the Cards’ defense in the top half of the league?
CC: It’s chemistry really. A lot of games we were in sync and we played well, and we were out of sync we really struggled and we got blown up. There were a bunch of games we played great and we won games with defense. You take the Saints’ game; we scored three times on defense and did a good job of taking away the offense’s weapons. There were games we got blown up like San Diego where we couldn’t stop anybody. When it comes down to it, it’s just confidence in each other and being in sync and play with chemistry. It stinks with the way the off season is this year because we miss out on a lot of opportunities to build our relationships.

SW: So is that just a function of there being a lot of new guys on the defense last year (i.e., Kerry Rhodes coming from the Jets, Daryl Washington, and Paris Lenon). Is that the main reason you say chemistry and you guys needing a few more games to play together?
CC: Yeah, I think so. I think that’s a huge reason. We have a lot of talent. We have a lot of talented guys who can be really dominant. Our core group of guys are very talented. If we can come together and play together, we really can do some great things. I’m excited for the season and hopefully get to camp on time because we have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of talent and a lot of potential, so I think we’ll be good this year.

SW: Going back to last year, many people point to the linebacker play as a big weakness in the defense with Joey Porter and Clark Haggans struggling for pieces of the year on the outside. The ILB play seemed to be ok with Daryl Washington and Paris Lenon. Now Sam Acho was added to the mix at OLB through the NFL draft. What are your thoughts on the LB group headed into 2011?
CC: There’s a lot of progress that can be made at a lot of our positions on defense from the DBs all the way through the defensive line, including the linebackers. We have a lot of talented guys, especially at the outside linebacker position. [We have] young guys who were going through a lot of injuries who didn’t get a chance to play or played here and there that have the potential to be great in this league like O’Brien Schofield who would have been a first round pick if he didn’t blow his knee out in the Senior Bowl. We end up getting him the last four or five games and he showed signs of potential. He didn’t get to play that much, but when he did play, he showed potential. We have a nice cross between old and very young that complement each other.

SW: Can you give a little bit more insight into Daryl Washington at inside linebacker? He was only a rookie last season, but he was pretty solid. At PFF, we ranked him the 18th best ILB in the league.
CC: He’s a solid player. He’s a very smart guy and a hard worker. He’s a little undersized for a linebacker, but in the next two or three years he’s going to be in the Top 5 of linebackers in the NFL. His biggest [positive] is that he can cover the field sideline to sideline; he has a nose for the football, and is a sure tackler. His biggest thing is his youth. His vision is not as good as it could be just yet – that comes with time. He’s got to slow down and really learn to observe things. This year, and everyone says it, is that the difference between your rookie year and your second year is tremendous. In my opinion, he’s going to be better this season.

SW: You mentioned earlier on that you’ve been doing some charity work. You have a not-for-profit organization called the CRC Foundation. Can you tell me a little bit about your foundation?
CC: It’s a foundation trying to benefit underprivileged kids. The main goal is to try and help kids figure out what they want to do in life and to help them develop the skills to get there. My dad’s name was Charles Richard Campbell, so that’s what CRC stands for and that’s where it comes from. He had a vision to help kids figure out what they want to do in life and keep them off the streets. Football is great, but if it didn’t work out I could have done a lot of other things. My dad always made sure I was involved in different jobs. I was really into computers growing up. Anything I wanted to do, he made sure I had the resources to do it. I’d like to develop this and have kids come through and help them develop skills and get them to where they want to go.

SW: Do you focus in Arizona, back hometown in Colorado, or nationally?
CC: Right now it’s in the beginning phases and is in Arizona more than anything else. I really want it to be a national program eventually. I have a huge vision for it to be a national program. I want to start a scholarship fund and make it bigger than just Arizona. I want it to be a big deal.

SW: You mentioned your father who’s since passed. He once said to you, “Once you start something you have to finish.” What do you think your father would say and how would he apply that to your football career at this point and going forward?
CC: I think about that all the time. What it really comes down to is never be satisfied with where I’m at. I definitely appreciate where I’m at, but never get comfortable and relax, and always continue to strive to be better. That’s one of the biggest things I think about every day. My father passed when I was a senior in high school and while I was going through college and my first few years in the NFL, there’s not a day that goes by where I try not to let that go in vain. I strive to be better. That’s the one thing he taught me: if you want to be the best, you need to work harder than everyone else. Don’t settle for mediocrity; be the best. Otherwise, why do it?

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(profootballfocus.com)

We had to track down Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell after someone brought to our attention that he recently was attending an "actor's boot camp" in Miami while waiting out the NFL lockout.

The Heat Index never had heard of such a thing and we had visions of the 6-foot-8, 300-pounder navigating an obstacle course of paparazzi, autograph seekers, publicists, celebrity stalkers and possibly some tipsy starlets wearing home-arrest ankle monitors.

But, no, it turns out that he was there for the American Black Film Festival because he has interest in working in television and movies, possibly as a comedy writer.

"It was going through different movies, monologues, taking lessons on how to act," said Campbell, who was attending the ESPYs when we reached him. "It was really interesting and I learned a lot."

Our boot camp idea sounds like more fun, but maybe Campbell has a future as an action hero or comedy actor.

"I think I did OK," Campbell said. "I have the potential to be a lot better. It's like football, you learn and gain experience and get coaching and you can get good at it. But I think I like being behind the scenes, writing and directing."

Campbell said he has been working out several hours a day to be ready to roll when a labor settlement is reached and training camp opens, but he also spent time in Los Angeles visiting the set of Will Ferrell's web-based show "Funny or Die" and meeting with the writers of "Family Guy."

"I was networking mostly, going out to see how things are being produced, the behind-the-scenes stuff," he said. "I spent a day or two in the writers' room at different shows and got to watch how the scenes are set up and shot how they set up camera angles and how they cut things up.
"It was a really good time and I met a lot of cool people."

Hey, if the lockout proves one thing, you never know when this stuff is going to come in handy.

Campbell studied advertising while he attended "The U" but he and a brother had messed around filming "comedy skits and stuff" as kids.

"I definitely wanted to be involved in movies and television, but I didn't think I had a legitimate chance if football didn't work out," he said. "My mantra was to have something to fall back on if I didn't make it in football, so I studied advertising. But if I made it in football, I really wanted to pursue this."

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(azcentral.com)

13. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers running back: Gore missed five games in 2010, and injuries remain a constant concern with him. Gore is the focus of every defense he faces and takes a beating every week. I worry that the arrow is beginning to go down on Gore’s excellent career. The drafting of Kendall Hunter could pay huge dividends for Gore and the San Francisco offense if it helps to keep the star back fresh for an entire season. Gore played the fewest games and had his worst yards-per-carry average of his career in 2010. His sub-par supporting cast obviously contributed to Gore’s decrease in rushing production, but he needs to take some of the blame as well. The play-calling and San Francisco’s young offensive line should be improved in 2011, which will help. He was better than ever in the passing game and remains a very impressive do-it-all running back.

14. Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals defensive end: It could be argued that Campbell is more effective than his Arizona defensive end counterpart, Dockett. To me, it is a coin flip to decide. Although he also took a slight step backward last season, Campbell is an ascending player with a boatload of talent. Only 25 years old, Campbell is still learning how to best use his outstanding length and agility while playing with proper leverage. The best should be yet to come. Mix in Dan Williams, who almost made this list, and Arizona has a chance to have a fantastic defensive line.

See the rest of the rankings here.

Click here to order Frank Gore’s or Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

While Calais Campbell may not be as household name, he is one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL, and has been for the past three years.

A recent study by profootballfocus.com discovered that Campbell was the 17th most efficient pass rusher last season and the 14th most efficient over the past three seasons.

Pro football focus determined a productivity rating by taking sacks, hits and hurries and dividing that by the number of snaps spent rushing the passer.

In 2010, Campbell rushed the passer on 424 snaps and was credited with either a sack or pressure on 34 of those, for an efficiency rating of 6.37, which was just above his three year average of 6.28.

Going through the list, perhaps the most noticeable thing (and this applies to the 2010 list as well) is the absence of Darnell Dockett. By no means poor (he finished 21st), Dockett largely gets credits which is probably more due the impressive physical specimen that is Calais Campbell. Since getting a starting spot in 2009, Campbell has largely outplayed Dockett, though it seems to have gone unnoticed.

In his three seasons as a Cardinal, the former Miami Hurricane has amassed 136 tackles and 13 sacks.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.


(arizonasports.com)

On Tuesday night, Arizona Cardinals receiver Steve Breaston questioned whether or not he should put up a video of Calais Campbell showing his jumping ability. Well, the video is now up and you can see it after the jump. As some of you may know, Breaston is also known as Stevie Phantom or S. Phantom. In addition to football, he writes poetry and is now delving into video producing. You can catch his YouTube channel (S.Phantom TV) for some of his other videos.

So here's the background. 

Campbell, who is quite tall at 6-8, has made the claim to his teammates that if he trained for a year he could play in the NBA and be dunking all over. He says that when he was 265 pounds he had a 38 inch vertical leap. He now weighs in at about 305. 
Breaston catches Campbell on video doing some of the training work he would need to do to make it to the NBA and adds some other interviews, including Adrian Wilson claiming that CC has "no game." Wilson is a bit of a YouTube sensation himself for this video when he jumped over a bar 66 inches high. 

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(revengeofthebird.com)

Welcome to our 1st annual and long overdue proCane Rankings where we look back at the 2010 NFL season and rank the 43 proCanes that took snaps in 2010 (except for Sinorice Moss who was placed on IR before the start of the season).

Stay tuned as we countdown from number 43 to number 1. Our rankings are based on each player’s performance last year. In August we’ll go ahead and re-rank the player’s based on our 2011 expectations. For now read our review of each player’s 2010 season and where they rank overall. Enjoy!

To read our rankings of players 43-35, click here.

34. Tavares Gooden LB Baltimore Ravens: The knock on Gooden since his college days has been his inability to stay healthy and 2010 unfortunately was no exception as Gooden played in 10 games, he did not start any and only tallied 18 total tackles last season. He was used by the Ravens on obvious passing situations because of his speed and coverage skills, but missed six games due to injury and was not able to secure a starting spot. At one point the Ravens saw Gooden as Ray Lewis’ successor but his inability to stay healthy has put that in doubt. It would be great to see him be able to play an entire season, hopefully 2011 will be the year.

33. Kelly Jennings DB Seattle Seahawks: Jennings under new Head Coach Pete Carroll had a solid mini camp which translated to him starting 14 games for the Seahawks and tallying a career high 13 pass deflections. Jennings also had his first interception since his rookie season in 2006, was far more consistent this year and wasn’t pushed around as much by opposing receivers. Jennings will be a free agent, but look for him to draw interest from teams including the Seahawks.

32. Rashad Butler LT Houston Texans: Butler who has been activated for all 16 games the last two years for the Texans started four games this past season and performed quite well at left tackle. Butler as a matter of fact opened the eyes of opposing coaches with his solid play and most probably will be snatched up by a team in need of a starting left tackle this offseason.

31. Phillip Buchanon DB Washington Redskins: In his first year with the Redskins, Buchanon, who played in all 16 games and started 5 had a career high in pass deflections (18) and recorded two interceptions. Overall, Buchanon had a solid year, but was at times inconsistent and found himself in Shanahan and Co.’s doghouse on several occasions. Buchanon didn’t contribute as much as was anticipated on punt returns but is still a threat on special teams as well. With one year under his belt with the Redskins look for Buchanon to have a bigger impact in 2011.

30. Calais Campbell DE Arizona Cardinals: There were high expectations coming into the 2010 season for Campbell as he was expected to record double digit sacks and more than adequately replace free-agent departee Antonio Smith. Unfortunately in 15 games Campbell only recorded six sacks, 1 less than the 2009 season though he did have more total tackles (60). The 2011 season will be an important one for Campbell to prove that he can be an elite pass rusher in the NFL, because most expected him to already be one.

29. Darryl Sharpton LB Houston Texans: Sharpton in his rookie season with the Texans was a surprise contributor on defense as he started 6 of the 12 games he was active for before sustaining an injury which ended his season prematurely. When playing though, Sharpton was solid both on special teams and defense where he accumulated 34 tackles and a sack. Look for Sharpton to work his way up the Texan depth chart and eventually become a full-time starter, if not in 2011 then 2012.

28. Vernon Carey RT Miami Dolphins: Carey battled a knee injury for most of the 2010 season but still started 12 games for the Dolphins before being put on injured reserve. Carey playing with a below average Dolphins offensive line was one of the few bright spots. Carey has been solid throughout his career and talk of him moving to the guard position is unfounded. Carey, though still recovering from his knee injury should be 100% by the start of the season.

27. Roscoe Parrish WR Buffalo Bills: Parrish was having the best season of his six-year career as through eight games he had career-high receiving yards, rushing yards and receiving touchdowns. Parrish was the Bills’ #2 wide receiver after finally being given opportunity to shine on offense while he continued to be a threat on punt returns as well. Unfortunately his season was cut short in week 8 after he sustained a season-ending wrist injury, but look for him to return as a starter to the Bills’ offense despite the emergence of Steve Johnson last season.

26. Frank Gore RB San Francisco 49ers: Gore was on pace to have another stellar season for the 49ers with their new-found dedication to the running game. Through 11 games Gore had 853 yards on the ground and over 450 yard receiving along with five touchdowns before fracturing his hip and being placed on injured reserve. It was the fourth consecutive season that Gore was unable to play in all 16 games, but when Gore is healthy, there are few in the league that are better than him especially with how involved he has become in the passing game as well.

Check back tomorrow to see which proCanes were ranked 25th through 16th!

It was suspected that with the passing of Gary Wichard, many of Pro Tect Management’s clients would be venturing to new agents and agencies.  While Wichard had been suspended by the NFLPA at the time of his death, it was speculated that he was still operating for his clients behind the scenes, which is why very few clients had left his firm.  Now that he is no longer around to advise the clients he recruited, it is likely that many of those clients will seek out new representation.  Calais Campbell has done just that.

The former University of Miami and current Arizona Cardinals defensive end has switched from Pro Tect Management to Ben Dogra and Tom Condon of Creative Artists Agency (CAA).  Since joining the Cardinals in 2008, Campbell has logged 13 sacks and 136 tackles.  Calais’ brother, Severin Campbell, is a 2011 NFL Draft eligible outside linebacker from Montana.  He has also signed with CAA for representation.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(sportsagentblog.com)

The final day of full pads practice took place Wednesday at the Senior Bowl, and all that remains is to play the game on Saturday. Many of the coaches and scouts in attendance now head for home better informed on the players they hope to select in April. Just like the initial two days of practice, several prospects impressed future employers on the field and there was plenty of draft related news off the field.

One topic of conversation at the Senior Bowl is the marginal performance of the Miami Hurricane players. The once-proud program that placed a half-dozen players into the draft's first round in 2004 has fallen on hard times. Only five Hurricanes were selected in the past two drafts. Most believe the prospects are not properly developed and enter the league poorly coached. They point to players such as Sam Shields and Calais Campbell, underachievers in college who are developing fine NFL careers. The most glaring case this year is defensive lineman Allen Bailey. The once highly-touted prospect, who looked a chiseled 278-pounds during weigh-ins, has been nothing but ordinary the past three days in Mobile, Ala. Scouts are hopeful this will quickly change with Al Golden taking over the program.



(cnnsi.com)

Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell played his best game of the season Sunday against the Panthers, finishing with 11 tackles, including a sack. But that doesn't make up for a disappointing overall season, at least in coach Ken Whisenhunt's eyes.

"I'm not really going to get into how Calais has played or hadn't been playing," he said. "I just think the last game, it was nice to see Calais play the way that he did. What he's got to do is establish some consistency and do that, week-in and week-out. He's a good young player. On this team, where we are now, we need our guys like him to play that way more consistently."

Campbell had seven sacks in 2009, his first year as a starter, and much was expected of him this season. But he didn't play well in the first month and started splitting time with Alan Branch at right end.

Campbell believes he started playing better at midseason but that an ankle injury in late November set him back.

"I had the confidence I was going to dominate the rest of the season, but the ankle injury held me back a little bit," he said.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(azcentral.com)

Calais Campbell played what appeared to be his best game of the season for Arizona. He was credited and led the Cardinals with 11 tackles, a sack and four tackles for loss.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

After finishing 2009 with seven sacks, Campbell appeared primed for a monster season. He looked great in training camp and during the preseason. It didn't seem outlandish to think he could equal Darnell Dockett's production. But Campbell has struggled through much of the season and has been sharing time with Branch over the past month. In his third season, Campbell is young, but he hasn't taken the step expected of him.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(azcentral.com)

Arizona DL Calais Campbell had his best outing of the season in Week 8 against Tampa Bay. He recorded a season-high six tackles, giving him 29 on the year. He also has two sacks to his credit half way through the season.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said earlier in the week that DE Calais Campbell has played better since some early season technique mistakes. 'The one thing you forget about Calais is he's a young player (24),' Whisenhunt said. 'He came out as a junior. I think he's got a great future.'

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(fantasysp.com)

Granted, it has been four years. But Pro Football Weekly hears the Cardinals are hardly complaining about how long it has taken DE Alan Branch to live up to the billing they expected when they traded up to get him at the top of the second round in the 2006 draft. "He's finally showing why they made that move," one team insider said of Branch, who had his best game as a Cardinal with two sacks, four QB hits and a forced fumble in Week Seven. "He's finally getting it. He's really keeping his weight down and providing steady penetration." It's been a much different story, however, for struggling starting DE Calais Campbell, who talked about registering double-digit sacks this past offseason but has only two entering Week Nine. "The way he looked this summer, we thought he could be as good or better than (Darnell) Dockett," the insider said. "But he has been a disappointment. Poor technique - playing too high - has hurt him in run situations."

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(gridironfans.com)

PHOENIX - It isn’t always the big events that make us turn our head when we hear about politicians, celebrities and athletes.

Sometimes, we just want to know that when you boil it down, they’re all ordinary people like us.

What's in their fridge? What are they reading? What do they do in their off time?

Each Tuesday, ABC15.com is asking the same 10 questions of a newsmaker.

But don't jump to any conclusions these aren't the typical interview questions.

They are not meant to be probing or controversial. Instead, they're fun questions that let you get to know the person – in ways you probably don’t already.

This week, we're getting to know Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell.

Campbell started dominating the football field at South High School in Denver, Colorado.  He was widely regarded and ranked as one of the nations top defensive end prospects.

Campbell was also an All-State high school basketball star.

After turning down at least a half dozen football scholarship offers, Campbell chose the University of Miami, where he was named MVP in 2006.
Following his junior season at Miami, Campbell was drafted to the Arizona Cardinals.  At 6'8", he was the tallest lineman ever to suit up for the Hurricanes and was the tallest defensive lineman in the 2008 draft.

Campbell, #93, wouldn't mind turning his success on the football field into a career in Hollywood.  Read more...

10 Questions for Calais Campbell:
1. What is your all time favorite movie or song?
The Matrix or Forrest Gump

2. Do you have a Smartphone? If so, what's your favorite app?
I think the one I use the most is Lumosity or Brain Toot 2. It is kind of cool to keep my brain sharp and play the different games to see how smart I am.

3. Who do you count as your mentor(s)?
Growing up it was my father. Ray Lewis is one of my favorite people to watch and then outside of football I like Jay-Z on the business side about how he took entertainment and made it a business.

4. What was your very first job?
I worked at a small construction site during the summer time in college but really I consider the NFL to be my first job.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be ?
I like who I am right now so I wouldn’t change anything.

6. What do you consider your greatest success?
It is definitely making it to the NFL. I worked so hard for it my whole life and for it to come true is huge.

7. Tell us something about you most people don’t know?
I have scoliosis. I think that probably helps me on the football field. My spine is kind of twisted. They call me big tilt because sometimes my shoulder is higher than the other.

8. If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?
Barack Obama, Michael Jordan, and Halle Berry

9. What is in your fridge right now?
A lot of fruit, some turkey bacon and then steaks and frozen burritos in the freezer part and probably some kind of frozen fish for when my mom cooks. For drinks I have Gatorades and Vitamin Waters.

10. If you could have a different career, other then what you’re doing now, what would it be?
I am going to get into movies when I am done playing. I think it would be kind of cool to be a movie star but it would also be kind of cool to be a basketball player. I think I would be pretty good at basketball. I like football a lot more then basketball but if football didn’t work out I think that is what my next goal would be.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(abc15.com)

Judging from preseason, I thought defensive end Calais Campbell was ready to take a step into stardom. But now he's splitting time with Alan Branch. From what I hear, Campbell was one of the chief culprits of trying-to-do-too-much syndrome. When that happens, his technique fails. At 6-8, Campbell needs to play with good technique or else he gets too high and loses leverage. Campbell is a smart , diligent guy and coaches think he will make the necessary adjustments.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(azcentral.com)

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford achieved a lot of firsts last Sunday in his NFL debut against the Arizona Cardinals. First completion, first touchdown pass, and first interception among them.

Now from the NFL office in New York comes word of another first -- first player fined for an illegal hit on Bradford.

The league has fined Big Red defensive end Calais Campbell $5,000 for roughing the passer.

The play occurred on the second possession of the second half, on what looked like a helmet-to-helmet hit by Campbell on Bradford.

On the play, Bradford completed a short pass to Daniel Fells.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(stltoday.com)

Outside The Huddle

Each week, The Republic spotlights a Cardinals player for a series of on-the-spot, off-beat questions.

Today: Calais Campbell, Defensive End

Question: What's one place in this world you are dying to go visit?
Campbell: Maybe the pyramids in Egypt, just because of all the history behind them. That, and Larry Fitzgerald went and showed me a bunch of pictures, told me all about it, and now I'm dying to go.

Q: What NFL team and player did you enjoy watching the most as a kid?
A: The Denver Broncos. And my favorite player growing up was Shannon Sharpe.

Q: Shannon had a bit of big mouth, didn't he?
A: Yeah, he definitely did. (laughs) But because if him, I wanted to be the best tight end in the world when I was like 6. But then I realized it was better to hit then to be hit, so I chose to play defense.

Q: What hobbies do you have and if you don't have any, which ones might you like to pursue?
A: I've tried to pick up golfing and it's definitely a hard sport. I'm very competitive, so it's been a real challenge for me. But I also like to play pool and I'm a big cards player. But I'm also from Denver, so I've done some rock climbing and I've been snowboarding.

Q: Seeing you on a snowboard seems kind of scary. I mean, you're 6 feet 8, right?
A: It's definitely a sight to see. I'm not the best snowboarder, but I have fun with it."

Q: Do you play any musical instruments?
A: Growing up I played the trumpet from like fourth to eighth grade. But I gave it up in high school because you couldn't play football and be in the marching band, so I chose football.

Q: Good career move. So have you checked yourself out on Madden 2011 yet?
A: Yeah, but I'm a little disappointed. I thought I'd have a better rating in the game. They made me a lot better than they did the year before. But I want to be higher, especially on their Swagger Scale. (Darnell) Dockett is a 90 and mine is 87, so I can't live that down. I want to be even or higher than him.

Q: What sort of things did you do for fun as a kid besides sports?
A: I was on the chess club growing up so we always used to play in chess tournaments. I'm a big movie guy and I did a lot of that. And my dad put us in this outdoors club in the summertime to keep us busy. It was a lot of fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, a lot of outdoor stuff and it was fun.

Q: What dream car do you want in your garage right now?
A: I told myself if I get 10 sacks this year, I'm going to buy myself a nice little Jaguar XA. It's nothing too crazy. It costs like $110,000 with all the extras.

Q: Your favorite meal of all time?
A: My mom makes the best fried tilapia with sweet potatoes and maybe some mac and cheese. And she makes this amazing pie. It's kind of like a banana-cookie cream thing and it's the greatest.

Q: Now name me one teammate I should watch this Sunday when you guys play the Rams and why?
A: I think Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie always has a big game against the Rams. He creates problems out there and with the pass rush we're going to be putting on (Sam) Bradford, I think he's going to make some plays.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(azcentral.com)

2. Andre Johnson - Houston Texans
Comment: Johnson has provided an explosive threat on the perimeter and has put up elite numbers. He has a rare combination of size, speed, athleticism and receiving skills. He has the speed to stretch the secondary deep as well as the route-running skills and size to be a threat on underneath routes across the middle or to the sidelines. He is explosive off the line and can overpower or avoid cornerbacks trying to jam him at the line of scrimmage. Johnson can sink his hips to get in and out of his breaks with a burst to separate and shows a second gear to pull away from most defenders once he gains a step on them.

14. Ed Reed - Baltimore Ravens
Comment: Reed was banged up some in 2009 and missed four regular-season games. Reed has rare instincts that enable him to be around the ball often. He has elite range and is one of the few backend defenders whom quarterbacks truly fear. Reed is a game-changer from his deep center-field position and allows the Ravens to be very aggressive with their schemes. Not only is he a supreme ball hawk with rare anticipation and ball skills, he is an extremely dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands and is an immediate threat to score. He is also a superb kick- and punt-blocker when used in that capacity. Reed has been a mainstay in the Ravens’ secondary and there is a noticeable drop-off when he is not in the lineup.

32. Reggie Wayne - Indianapolis Colts
Comment: With the departure of Marvin Harrison before the 2009 season, Wayne became the Colts’ No. 1 receiver and responded with a big year. He has good size for the position with excellent deep speed, quickness, agility and body control. He can sink his hips to get in and out of breaks with a burst to separate from defenders and has the extra gear to maintain the separation. He does a good job of reading coverages and finding the soft spots in zone to provide a good target for the quarterback. He is effective after the catch and shows vision as well as elusiveness in the open field.

36. Vince Wilfork - New England Patriots
Comment: Wilfork is coming off his sixth year in the league where he had another solid season before sustaining a foot injury late in the season. He has the size, strength and natural leverage to be productive versus double-team blocks as well as penetrate gaps when in a stunting mode. He can locate the ball after contact quickly and feels pad pressure well to restrict running lanes. Wilfork is a very good athlete for his size showing lateral agility between the tackles. He can push the pocket with a bull rush technique from the inside, but his production as pass-rusher is average at best. Wilfork is a good football player who continues to be the centerpiece for the Patriots 3-4 defensive front.

42. Jon Beason - Carolina Panthers
Comment: Beason has started all 16 games for three consecutive seasons and led the team in tackles in 2009 with 141. He has arguably become the face of the Panthers’ defense and provides leadership both on the field as well as in the locker room. He is a tackling machine
who brings instincts, effort and competitiveness. He is not the biggest linebacker, but does bring a lot of pop and explosion to his tackles.
He is more effective when protected by a big defensive line, but flashes the ability to step up and shed blocks in time to make the play. He gets good depth in his drops and is quick to pull the trigger both against the run and when closing on the pass.

58. Frank Gore - San Francisco 49ers
Comment: Gore has been a quality back who has consistently produced over the five years he has been in the league. He has gained in excess of 1,000 yards in each of the past four years, including 1,120 yards in 2009 with an average of 4.9 yards per carry. He is a compact runner who does an excellent job of running behind his pads and has the kind of balance that consistently gains yards after contact. Gore fights for yards and does a good job of finishing runs off but lacks the premier top end speed that makes him a big home-run threat. He is a good receiver out of the backfield as well as on downfield routes and knows how to read coverages and adjust his routes. He is a patient runner who does a good job of letting his offensive line create run lanes.

72. DJ Williams - Denver Broncos
Comment: Williams rebounded in 2009 after missing five games during the 2008 season due to injuries. He is an extremely gifted athlete who possesses great lateral range and the kind of quickness, agility and body control to be a factor in coverage. He can come off the edge with an explosive burst of speed or can slip through small creases when blitzing the quarterback. Williams has enough upper-body strength to take on and shed blockers and shows the ability to unload with a good pop when making the tackle in the hole. He lacks the top bulk and power to squeeze blocks down and force the ball carrier to bounce it to the outside. He has improved on his route recognition and can close on the ball with a good burst once he pulls the trigger when in zone coverage. He is still improving and appears to be on the verge of becoming an elite linebacker.

91. Kellen Winslow - Tampa Bay Buccanneers
Comment: Winslow is a former first-round draft pick who can be a franchise tight end when healthy. He is a big matchup problem as he is generally too fast and too athletic for linebackers to cover and can overpower most safeties. He can stretch the secondary down the middle and will often line up wide to match up against smaller cornerbacks. He is a willing blocker who shows effort and tenacity, but lacks the size and power to be a dominating inline blocker.

111. Vernon Carey - Miami Dolphins
Comment: He is the most versatile offensive lineman on the Dolphins roster because he has played four positions at one point or another. Carey has settled in well at the right tackle spot. He possesses a nice combination of size and strength for the position. He is a good overall athlete. He has left tackle-quality feet and athleticism. He does a good job of protecting the edges in pass protection and adjusts well versus double moves. Carey will ride the defender wide and allow the QB to move up into the pocket. He plays with good leverage in the run game. He is a solid player on an underrated offensive line.

119. Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens
Comment: Lewis, entering his 15th year, is coming off another extremely productive season. He has diminishing skills, but his experience, toughness and instincts enable him to be a force in the middle of the Ravens’ defense. He is a powerfully built player with outstanding tackling power between the tackles. His ability to wrap up and tackle with jolting force is still evident. He has excellent instincts and vision to react quickly to the run and pass. He has outstanding football intelligence and is able to make all the checks and adjustments needed in the complex Ravens scheme. He uses his hands to work through trash and has natural power to run through blockers. Lewis is a crafty veteran who takes great angles in pursuit and maintains leverage on the ball carrier. He is a solid pass defender primarily because of excellent anticipation and route recognition. Lewis has been remarkably durable over his career, but he clearly is on the backside of his career.

140. Eric Winston - Houston Texans
Comment: Winston has been the Texans’ starting right tackle for the past four years and has done a good job of solidifying his side of the line. He has excellent dimensions for the position with good initial quickness, body control and balance. He has a good understanding of blocking schemes and angles and is quick to engage and work his blocks. He shows good recognition of games up front like twists and stunts, and he plays the game smart. Winston is a good knee-bender who can keep his pad level down to leverage blocks and does a good job of keeping his feet moving to sustain and finish blocks off. He will overextend and let his weight get too far forward when in space and struggles to react and adjust to counter moves by the pass-rusher. Overall, he is a solid right tackle who still has potential to grow in technique and strength.

148. Jonathan Vilma - New Orleans Saints
Comment: Vilma is a slightly undersized middle linebacker who can be a disruptive playmaker thanks to rare speed, agility and a very good nose for the ball. He is a student of the game who understands blocking angles, defensive schemes and how to leverage his way to the ball. He has excellent range laterally and shows a good burst to close on the ball. He pretty much needs to stay protected by the defensive front as he lacks the size and power to take on blockers and squeeze the play down. He gets very good depth in his drops and shows good route recognition as well as the ability to read the quarterback to get a jump on the ball.

162. Brandon Meriweather - New England Patriots
Comment: Meriweather had another productive season in 2009 and has settled in as the Patriots’ starting safety. Meriweather has adequate size with very good athletic skills for the position. He displays good instincts, speed and range. He shows good versatility as he is used in a variety of alignments. Meriweather still has some inconsistencies in coverage. He struggles to maintain leverage on wide receivers and has taken poor angles out of breaks. He’s aggressive and active in run support and has been one of the most consistent players on the New England roster.

196. Calais Campbell - Arizona Cardinals
Comment: After spending his rookie season as a situational backup with the Cardinals, Campbell earned a starting position and played in all 16 games, starting 15 and finishing with 48 tackles and seven sacks in 2009. He has rare size for the position, and he is quicker and shows better speed than you’d expect for someone with his length. He shows a good feel for the position as he recognizes blocking schemes and will fight through pressure with good hand use. He must work on keeping his pad level down to leverage blocks and could use more upper-body strength to control and disengage. He has a lot of potential and has become a quality starter.

200. Devin Hester - Chicago Bears
Comment: Hester has become a larger part of the Bears’ air attack and was utilized less as a pure return specialist in 2009. He is an excellent athlete with outstanding speed, burst and quickness. He has developed as a route-runner and has made marked improvement in this area. Hester can eat up a defender’s cushion quickly with deceptive push off the line of scrimmage and can stretch deep zones with a second gear downfield. Hester is an explosive player with the ball in his hands because he can distort angles in the open field. He has average size, struggles to break tackles downfield and can get rerouted at times versus press man coverage. Hester continues to be utilized as a punt and kick returner but has lost some of his edge in this area.

Click here to order any proCane Rookie Card.

The 6-foot-8 Campbell, well known among Cardinals fans, had seven sacks last season as a starter yet should have been in double figures. He let several quarterbacks wriggle out from his grasp, something that still sticks in his head. Very physically gifted, he works hard and plays with excellent leverage, despite his 6-foot-8 height. Campbell says he is determined to become a perennial double-digit sacker and appears right on course to accomplish that goal. His long arms should allow him to force more fumbles.

This could be a breakout year for him, especially since Arizona got stronger at nose tackle with the addition of first-round pick Dan Williams. With Campbell at one end and Darnell Dockett on the other, the Cardinals figure to be a worrisome sight for opposing quarterbacks.
The first of those quarterbacks will have a lot on his mind. It's St. Louis rookie Sam Bradford, who opens the regular season Sept. 12 against Arizona.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(rotoworld.com)

Pat Kirwain of NFL.com picks Calais Campbell to have a 2010 Breakout Season:

Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals, DE:  He is a rare athlete and a guy that went from zero sacks to seven last season, four of which were half sacks. He also had five passes defensed at 6-foot-8. In talking with him about this article, he's so humble and focused on being great that he might be my lock to make it.

Click here to order Calais Campbell's proCane Rookie Card.



(nfl.com)

It hasn't taken long for Calais Campbell to acknowledge the hard realities of life in the NFL, where star players come and go with increasing regularity.

Entering his third season with the Cardinals after exceeding expectations in 2009 as the replacement at right end for free-agent departee Antonio Smith, Campbell has wasted no time coming to grips with the loss of key defenders Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle, who signed with the Dolphins and Giants, respectively, on the first full day of this year's free-agent period.

"Players are always out to make a lot of money, Every year key people are going to other teams. It's kind of become expected," Campbell told PFW during a break in his participation in the Cardinals' offseason workout program.

"I'm happy for Karlos and Antrel. They were great players who contributed a lot to our team. But we've brought in some really good players like Joey Porter. He is a huge pickup."

As important as anything in the Cardinals' offseason workout program is the bonding experience it provides, especially with new additions to the team.

Campbell has really enjoyed bonding with Porter, a four-time Pro Bowler who is expected to provide a big boost both on and off the field.

"He's going to help us tremendously," Campbell said of Porter, who didn't send the best early signal when he was arrested on a number of counts in his hometown of Bakersfield, Calif., just eight days after signing with the Cardinals (the charges were later dropped). "He's the kind of guy you want in the locker room. He's very funny. And he's sure going to make my job easier with the way he can rush the passer."

Campbell did his job quite well in his first full year as a starter, tying linemate Darnell Dockett for the team lead with seven sacks. But he won't be totally happy until he's racking up double-digit sacks on a yearly basis.

"That's my goal," he said. "I have the potential to be a double-digit pass rusher and one of the best in the league every year."

Campbell played with a special cast to protect a fractured left thumb late in the '09 season and in the playoffs.

"It's about 85 percent healed," Campbell said of the thumb. "But I'm not limited at all and can do everything in the weight room."

Click here to order Calais Campbell's proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballweekly.com)

PHOENIX - As a second-year pro, Calais Campbell needed to step in for the departed Antonio Smith on the defensive line.

Entering his third year, Campbell plans on stepping into a new role: Team leader.

Campbell joined Sports 620 KTAR's Gambo & Ash Monday and said he has always thought of himself as someone who could lead the team.
"I think, definitely, now that I'm more comfortable and I feel a lot more confident to speak up and get on guys and stuff like that," he said.

Campbell said there are other leaders on the defense, including safety Adrian Wilson and defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, so there will not be a void in that area this season.

Another person who could fill a leadership role is veteran Joey Porter, the team's top free agent acquisition.

"That's a big pickup, a very critical pickup," Campbell said of his new teammate. "I think he'll help make my job a lot easier, commanding more double teams and stuff."

Campbell is coming off a year in which he tallied seven sacks, establishing himself as one of the up-and-coming defensive linemen in the NFL. But, Campbell said there is still room for him to improve.

"This is the most critical time of the year as far as getting in shape and trying to get your body to respond," he said of spending time in the offseason. "I hit the gym real hard to make sure I'm physically in the best shape I can be in both as strong as I can be and as fast as I can be at that weight."

And while Campbell is doing what he can to be ready for the 2010 season, the questions that surround the team going forward seem to come up at every turn. One of the biggest questions, how Matt Leinart will do replacing Kurt Warner, is one Campbell said he is not worried about.

"I think Matt has all the potential to be a great quarterback, he has all the mechanics, he's a winner," he said. "He has the ability to play the game and I think this is a good opportunity for him."

Click here to order Calais Campbell's proCane Rookie Card.



(ktar.com)

As a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008, Calais Campbell showed promise as a pass rusher. The promise turned into production in his second year, as the budding star racked up seven sacks as the left end in Arizona's 3-4 defense. Campbell talked to Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer about the team's offseason losses on defense, the strength of the scheme and the correct pronunciation of his first name:

Q: How has your team reacted so far to losing some of its key players to free agency and trades? A: It's tough, but at the same time we know with success comes constant change. I was a good friend of another former Hurricane, Antrel Rolle, and we'll also miss him as a player. But you're happy for him, too, for being rewarded for what he's done. Hopefully, we will bring in some other guys to help us, and we've got some young players -- Cody Brown, Will Davis -- that will only get better.

Q: What did Karlos Dansby mean to the defense? A: He was the quarterback of the defense. You could count on him every game because he knew the system so well. He is a very versatile player, and you can't quite replace him. I think he's a good fit in Miami. I think he'll do well and like it there.

Q: So how will your role change as one of the Cardinals' remaining defensive standouts? A: We're fortunate to still have some great guys with experience here. The younger guys can still lean on Adrian Wilson, and on the other side of me, we've got Darnell Dockett. I felt more comfortable last season. There's more confidence that I can be a leader, too. We'll have a strong core in place.

Q: Defensive end in a 3-4 is usually more of a run-stopping role. What allowed you to have such good success as a pass rusher last season? A: Our scheme is built to rush the passer. We're dedicated to stopping the pass. I was more comfortable with our blitz packages and had a better feel for different moves. It's important to be at a good weight because how me and Darnell Dockett get to the quarterback is with a good, strong technique. We're set up to be aggressive, getting upfield to make plays and get turnovers.

Q: How is the offense getting along after Kurt Warner decided to retire? A: Kurt Warner is obviously a big loss. He worked hard for us and just knew how to win. That said, we have confidence in Matt Leinart as a starter. I'm also sure the front office will bring in a veteran behind him (former Brown Derek Anderson was signed Wednesday). Our team is built on competition, to help get the best out of your players. The challenge will be good for Matt. He's a potential Pro Bowl guy. It's just about working hard.

Q: What was your reaction to the trade of Anquan Boldin? A: I think the Ravens are a good place for him. As for our team, we've got Steve Breaston ready to step in. He's made a lot of big plays for us. Everyone also saw what Early Doucet could do the playoffs. We still have a very strong corps of receivers. Anquan is definitely hard to replace, but Early is built like him physically.

Q: There has been a trend toward shorter, more compact pass rushers. How is it different getting after quarterbacks when you're 6-8? A: It's an advantage for me to separate and shed blocks because I've got the longer arms. At the same time, when you're taller, you have less leverage and most offensive lineman have a lower center of gravity. It's a problem only if you don't use good technique. For me, it's natural to use a swim move to get past a blocker. You just need to know your body type well and where you can best make your move athletically.

Q: So what's the origin of your first name and what is the correct pronunciation? A: I come from a large family, with five brothers and two sisters, so many of us have unique names. I have a younger brother, Severin, who's playing defensive end at Montana. My first name gets mispronounced often -- even though it's based on a city in France, the "S" isn't silent.

Q: Have you ever been to France? A: I plan on going sometime when I get a break from OTAs. I would love to take my picture under a sign in Calais. Also I would love to get one of those plates you get at a carnival with my name on it -- they just don't have those here.

Q: What's your goal for this season? A: Personally, I would like to make it to the Pro Bowl. As a team, just keeping winning our division. We've done it back to back, and we have some great players to return to the playoffs again.

Click here to order Calais Campbell's proCane Rookie Card.



(sportingnews.com)

Calais Campbell posted on his twitter page today: "Finally got my cast all the way off. My arm is super hairy but I am the happiest man alive. Rehab in effect baby."

Campbell fractured his thumb in the Cardinals' final regular season game. Despite the fracture and surgery, Campbell still played in the Cardinals' Wild Card playoff win against the Packers and Divisional Playoff loss against the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.

Click here to order Calais Campbell's proCane Rookie Card.



(twitter.com)

Cardinals DE Calais Campbell plans on playing with his left thumb in a cast on Sunday.

Campbell doesn't have to practice in order to play Sunday, especially because he went over the Packers' scheme throughout last week as well. We'd tentatively expect Campbell, who had seven sacks this season, to be there for the Wild Card game.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(rotoworld.com)

The Cardinals are optimistic that Campbell will be able to play in Sunday's Wild Card playoff game despite a fractured left thumb. Campbell underwent surgery Monday to repair his fractured left thumb. Campbell says he still has a chance to play Sunday against Green Bay, but "nothing is certain.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(fantasysp.com)

Cardinals DE Calais Campbell fractured his thumb and might need screws put in there this week.

Click here to order Calais Campbell’s proCane Rookie Card.



(twitter.com/adam_schefter)