NFC. (NFL: First Quarter Reports).(National Football Conference, National Football League)

Arizona Cardinals

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FIT AGAIN: SS Adrian Wilson is close to full strength after coming back quickly from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the preseason. Wilson was tentative for the first few weeks and didn't display his usual tenacity. He says he's ready to be a force now and is over the mental challenge of worrying about reinjuring the shoulder.... The club is hoping to nurse RB Thomas Jones through an ankle injury for one more week, then rest him during the open week. Marcel Shipp is the only other running back on the roster. Shipp played a key role in last Sunday's win over the Giants, running for 92 yards and scoring two fourth-quarter touchdowns--the second coming two plays after he sprained his knee. With both running backs banged up, the club might bring in Damien Anderson from the practice squad.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: The run defense is improved. DTs Russell Davis and Barton Tanner have held up well, but much of the reason for the improvement is DE Kyle Vanden Bosch's return to the lineup. He played in only three games last season before suffering a severe knee injury. Vanden Bosch's strength is stopping the run. He's tough at the point of attack and relentless when he has to pursue from the back side.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: QB Jake Plummer is off to another slow start. Now in his sixth season, Plummer should be beyond burying the team early with mistakes. He still plays great in the fourth quarter, but too often his mistakes put the team behind in the first place. Coach Dave McGinnis insists Plummer is his quarterback, but when asked recently whether Plummet could take the team to the next level, McGinnis dodged the question.

SYSTEMS CHECK: The defensive schemes continue to be very conservative. It's hard to argue that coordinator Larry Marmie should take more chances. The team doesn't have a pass rush, and Marmie is reluctant to compensate by blitzing. That limits the types of coverage he can use and would cause the defense to give up too many big plays. The best cover man, CB Duane Starks, has had nagging injuries. Offensively, the game plans have been sound. The running game is helped by a one-back set featuring two tight ends or three wide receivers. That spreads the defense and opens things up for Jones or Shipp. TE Steve Bush can go in motion and be a blocking back while also serving as an effective receiver.--Kent Somers

FIRST QUARTER GRADES