NFC. (NFL).

Arizona Cardinals

www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/cardinals

SHIPP COMES IN: Coach Dave McGinnis is a firm believer that a team needs a definite No. 1 running back. Though Thomas Jones is that player, he'll likely share the position with Marcel Shipp for the rest of the season. Jones has been hampered with a high ankle sprain since the second game, and it's an injury he'll likely have to deal with for the remainder of the year. Shipp is too good to keep on the sideline. He's an instinctive runner and, although he isn't the breakaway threat Jones is, he runs well between the tackles and is an excellent receiver.... It won't be easy for rookie first-round pick DL Wendell Bryant to break into the starting lineup this year because the front four is playing well. Bryant plays end in the base defense and backs up LE Fred Wakefield, who has improved greatly this season.... The passing game must develop if the team is going to challenge for a .500 record, much less a postseason spot. The running game has been the strength of the offense so far, and the passing game is lagging behind. WR David Boston is dropping passes, and QB Jake Plummer is throwing interceptions. As a result, the offense is moving in fits and starts.

SCOUTING REPORT: At 6-3, 346, DT Barron Tanner's duty is simple: stuff the run. He has done a workmanlike job of that this season. He's strong and holds the point of attack well. He's not athletic and not much of a pass rusher, so he often comes out in nickel situations. But for a team that has struggled to stop the run the past few years, Tanner's improvement is a pleasant development.

OFFENSIVE LINE ANALYSIS: LT Lk. J. Shelton, who was inconsistent in his first three seasons, is having his best year. LG Pate Kendall is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Kendall is one of the league's smartest players, but he's also athletic enough that the Cardinals frequently use him to pull and lead on running plays. C Mike Gruttadauria has shown grit while playing through a painful back injury. He's small (6-3, 284) but is intelligent and has great technique. RG Chris Dishman, who is starting because of an injury, has played well. RT Leonard Davis, who moved from guard and cleared the space for Dishman when Anthony Clement got hurt, has struggled at times with speed rushers. But Davis (6-6, 370) overpowers defenders in the running game. John Fina and Raleigh Roundtree give the team considerable depth. --Kent Somers

WELL-KEPT SECRET

Reserve TE Steve Bush has become an indispensable player. He also has played as an H-bask and has filled in at fullback because of injuries. His versatility allows the team to use the one-back formation that has been so productive. Bush can go in motion as a lead blocker or use his sure-handed receiving skills.