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Arizona Cardinals

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SHIPP'S SHOT: The loss of RB Thomas Jones (hand) for the season shouldn't hurt the offensive productivity as long as Marcel Shipp stays healthy. Shipp was challenging for the starting job anyway, and he had received most, the carries in the second half of the two games preceding Jones' injury. Shipp has been impressive in recent outings, though lie has been hampered by several nagging injuries. Jones' injury leaves the club dangerously thin. Demien Anderson is the only backup, but the club must rely on its running game if it's going to salvage anything in the remaining five games. QB Jake Plummer is unreliable, and the club missing most of its top receivers. The game plan has be to control the clock and try to keep the fate of the game out of Plummer's hands.... As the season continues to spiral downward, coach Dave McGinnis will face increasing pressure to play backup QB Josh McCown, a rookie. Plummer is in the final year of his contract, and the club has made little effort to re-sign him. Playoff elimination is fast approaching, and McGinnis could decide it's time to play McCown.

SCOUTING REPORT:. Before the season, there were questions about the ability of CB David Barrett. The club signed Duane Starks to be its top corner, counting on Barrett to hold up on the other side. So far, he has played reasonably well. Barrett has good speed and plays the ball well. His major problems have been poor tackling and giving receivers too much cushion. Opponents like to throw short, in front of Barrett, and have receivers try to beat Barrett's tackle attempt. Overall, Barrett has held up and should be a solid contributor in the next few years.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: MLB Ronald McKinnon is playing better than he has in the past few years, partly because he has made a concerted effort to play closer to the line. McKinnon has had problems in the past when he has stayed too deep when taking on blockers. He made plenty of tackles, but too many were past the line of scrimmage. This season, he has done a better job of filling gaps, and he has made numerous stops on short yardage. McKinnon is a better player when he's on the move. At about 235 pounds, he doesn't have the bulk to take on blockers straight up. His strength is moving and navigating through traffic --Kent Somers

ON THE SPOT

WR Frank Sanders now is the club's No. 1 option. Opposing teams will use their best cornerbacks against him, and it's up to as Sanders to win his share of those battles. Sanders always has been a reliable receiver but usually has been the team's second receiver, working against lesser cornerbacks.