Alan Branch News

No, it's not quite draft time.A There are eight games left to be played, and rookie Chris Wells is just starting to edge his way into the type of game he was drafted to play.

Understanding rosters takes a little work. I'm happy to do some of it for you through the files I make available periodically.

South Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando Power Rankings: Preseason: 17. This week: 10.

Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals Nov. 1, 2009 10:22 AM azcentral.com Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale TV: 10-HD Radio: KTAR-AM , KMIA-AM Series: Panthers lead regular-season series 6-2. Last meeting: Cardinals won NFC divisional playoff game 33-13 last season.

Since moving to defensive end this season, Alan Branch has given the Cardinals some depth in stopping the run and pass rushing.

Paul's Call . It's the sawed off shotgun of sports. It's a Football Friday with Paulie Pigskin.

Cardinals defensive lineman Alan Branch is doing more with less this season. He dropped 25 pounds or so in the off-season, down to 335, and it's led to him playing a key role as a backup end.

The Arizona Cardinals coveted Alan Branch so much that they traded up to get him with the first pick in the second round of the 2007 draft.

Heading into play on Sunday, if you asked most experts or fans who the elite teams in the NFC were, you'd get a short list of answers.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' defense is gaining in confidence.

They call it the Super Bowl crash, the loser of the game falling much harder than the winner the following season.

Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt gave his players the day off on Monday. No doubt they deserved it.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning is taken down in the 3rd quarter by Arizonas Alan Branch in the 3rd quarter.

I didn't envision it like this. I thought the Cardinals would dominate the Texans, and for the first half I was right.

The Cardinals didn't advertise the new amusement ride they have installed at University of Phoenix Stadium, apparently deciding that a "soft" opening for the public was more appropriate.

Relevancy, not stardom, was a realistic goal for Cardinals defensive lineman Alan Branch this season, and he appears well on his way to reaching it.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando The facts: The Cardinals fell to 1-2 with a 31-10 home defeat to the Colts in Week 3. The upside: Even the worst defeats tend to feature a bright spot or two.

4 - Banks, private equity houses and investors in Europe will be paying keen attention this week to see how a Chinese wireless company fares in the first listing on the Germany's primary stoc... More Cardinals lead Colts 3-0 after 1st quarter Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner looks to pass as Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis ...

Rookie running back Beanie Wells has a few hundred good reasons for carrying a football high and tight around the Cardinals' Tempe training facility this week.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to the start of the 2009 regular season.