Ralph Brown News

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic sizes up the Cardinals' accomplishments during their 24-17 victory over the Giants.

If the Cardinals were truly going to rid themselves of any real - or perceived - hangover from getting to the Super Bowl and then losing in the waning moments to the Pittsburgh Steelers, they had to let something go.

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.

The Cardinals claimed a watershed victory to reaffirm their status as the team to beat in the NFC West, in case there were still doubters.

Much has been made of the Cardinals possibly suffering from a Super Bowl hangover this season after somebody spiked the punch with success last season.

Mention to an NFL coach that his team has enjoyed good fortune when it comes to the health of players, and he likely will look at you as if you have injected him with the H1N1 virus.

Jacksonville JaguarsO Nate Hughes misses a pass under heavy pressure from Arizona CardinalsO Ralph Brown during fourth quarter action of their NFL football game in Jacksonville, Florida September 20, 2009.

Anquan Boldin, who had only two catches last Sunday, says the Cardinals offense has only itself to blame for a sloppy opener.

Immediately after their loss to the 49ers last week, several Cardinals players pointed out, correctly, that the football season was young and 15 games remained.

Despite their small size, both LaRod Stephens-Howling and Michael Adams made the Cards' roster.

Two years away from a possible NFL lockout of players, and both sides remain divided over what franchise owners are trying to do.

Two years away from a possible NFL lockout of players, and both sides remain divided over what franchise owners are trying to do.

The final installment of a positional analysis as the Cardinals prepare to report to camp tomorrow.

Cardinals players Greg Toler, Sean Morey, Rashad Johnson and Cody Brown make their way up Camelback Mountain last week.

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. likes the Seahawks' chances in the NFC West because he thinks there's no way injuries will strike Seattle as hard this season.

Randy Moss calls himself the best receiver in NFL history. Such claims are difficult to evaluate given that rules changes have made life much easier for receivers over the last 30 years.

Edgerrin James isn't the only player the Cardinals released Tuesday. The team also parted with veteran cornerback Rod Hood and pass rusher Travis LaBoy , players the team signed in free agency before last season.