Cardinals fail to rebound after bye

Football Betting Lines

11/14/2006 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Arizona had an extra week to rebound, get prepared and come out swinging against a team coming off a disappointing loss two Sundays ago.

But instead, it was the same old Cardinals who dropped to 1-8 after a 27-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, who were coming off a heartbreaking last-second loss to Washington.

It was a similar story for Arizona this week. No ground game and turnovers coupled with no big plays or takeaways defensively. It marked the second straight week that the Cardinals failed to force a turnover.

The focus now shifts from head coach Dennis Green, probably in his last season as the club's head coach, to rookie quarterback Matt Leinart. Leinart has struggled mightily the last three games, throwing five interceptions to just one TD pass in that span. He hasn't topped 225 yards throwing either.

"I've got to get better as a player," said Leinart, who picked up his first career rushing touchdown in the loss. "I'm real disappointed in the way I'm playing right now and I've just got to keep working to get better."

Down 13-3, Leinart was intercepted on his first drive of the second half and one play later, Dallas QB Tony Romo hit Terrell Owens for a 51-yard touchdown to put the game away.

Leinart didn't respond well either, as he was again intercepted, leading to a TD for the Dallas ground game.

"I have high expectations for myself as a player, as a person," Leinart said. "I feel like I can still go in an compete at a high level. I'm struggling right now, it's obvious. I just can't seem to get it going right now, but I'm trying."

Leinart didn't want to use the rookie quarterback excuse after the game, but that is what he is. Winning came easy for the USC product at the collegiate level, and it must be frustrating to go from success to the bottom of a division in just one year.

But Leinart and his critics must realize he is a first-year player who is learning and adjusting to the most difficult position on the field. Leinart has the tools, he just needs the experience and the help.

One way to help would be to establish a consistent running game, something Arizona hasn't done all season. Edgerrin James ran for 68 yards on 15 carries, but a subpar offensive line and playing from behind takes the Edge out early.

"We didn't get a chance, I guess because of the circumstances, to run the ball as much as we would have liked to in the second half," Green said.

Wow, heard that one before.

LARRY'S RETURN

Leinart did receive a boost on Sunday in the form of Larry Fitzgerald. The Pittsburgh product returned after missing three games because of a hamstring injury, and led the team with six catches and 80 yards.

His return is also sure to help Anquan Boldin, who finished with two catches for 53 yards.

However, even Fitzgerald couldn't stop the Cardinals' current eight-game losing skid, their longest since 1991. The loss also kept Leinart winless as a starter.

ROSTER MOVES

Arizona did make some roster moves over its break.

First, the club signed middle linebacker Gerald Hayes to a five-year contract extension. Hayes has 62 tackles, a sack, and two interceptions so far this season.

The club also placed linebacker James Darling on injured reserve because of a calf injury. He had played in just three games this season. To replace Darling on the roster, the team signed linebacker Monty Beisel to a one-year contract.

CARDS HONOR A HERO

The Arizona Cardinals added former safety and Army Ranger Pat Tillman to their ring of honor during halftime against the Cowboys. Tillman's name and number was added to the ring as part of Arizona's Veterans Day weekend.

Tillman's story has been well-documented, as he turned down a lucrative contract from the Cardinals prior to the 2002 season to join the Army following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was tragically killed by friendly fire in April of 2004 in Afghanistan.

The Cardinals honored Tillman with a bronze statue of the former Arizona State product and a video tribute at halftime. The club also named the plaza that surrounds the stadium the "Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza."

Tillman's No. 40 was already retired by the franchise on September 19, 2004.

NEXT UP: BATTLE WITH THE LIONS

Arizona next hosts the Detroit Lions. The Cardinals trail the all-time series, 19-31-3.

The Lions defeated Arizona 29-21 last season to record their third straight win over the Cardinals. Prior to that losing skid, the Cardinals had won five straight over Detroit.

The Lions are coming off a 19-13 loss to the 49ers that saw San Francisco further itself from Arizona, which sits at the bottom of the NFC West.