Coaches are very pleased with the development of the two drafted defensive ends, Calais Campbell (second round) and Kenny Iwebema (fourth round). Both made nice plays in the preseason openers, and look like they can at least be rotational players this year.

TE Leonard Pope looks rusty after missing all of the off-season work while recovering from a dislocated ankle and fractured leg. He doesn't look like he's running smoothly, and he had a false start in the preseason opener. Pope had seven false starts in 13 games last year. Ben Patrick could overtake Pope for the starting job.

WR Steve Breaston solidified his hold on the No. 3 job with a good performance against the Saints. Breaston made two nice catches, including a 34-yard run gain on a short crossing route. He has more speed than the starters, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, and could stretch the field for the Cardinals.

DL Bryan Robinson, a 12-year veteran, is one of the most important additions of the off-season. He's starting at the nose with Gabe Watson out and he can also play defensive end. His versatility gives the club more depth than it had last year.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Tim Hightower appears to have overtaken J.J. Arrington as the backup to starting running back Edgerrin James. Arrington is the team's fastest back and the club would like to see him take more advantage of it. Arrington needs to prove he can run between the tackles to be more than a third down back. Hightower, a rookie, appears to be a tough runner with a nice burst.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Antrel Rolle solidified his spot as the starter at free safety. Aaron Francisco, who had battled him, didn't play well against the Saints, giving up a touchdown and a long pass that nearly set up another score.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: QB Matt Leinart was sharp in the opener, completing 8 of 9 passes for 91 yards, including a 34-yarder. Leinart held in the pocket when pressured and delivered a couple of nice throws.

ROOKIE REPORT: OL Brandon Keith, a seventh-round pick, is having an impressive camp. He moved from tackle to guard last week because of injuries there and played well in the preseason opener.

DE Kenny Iwebema, a fourth-round pick, could figure into the rotation on first and second downs. Iwebema is strong, according to the team's offensive lineman. Iwebema had a sack in the preseason opener.

DE Calais Campbell, a second-round pick, is moving from end to tackle in nickel situations. Coaches hope Campbell, at 6-8, could bat down some passes.

CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the first-round pick, might be the fastest player on the team. His speed is eye-popping. He needs some technique work, but his speed will allow him to recover from some mistakes.

INJURY REPORT: C Al Johnson recently underwent knee surgery and could miss a month or so. The club is hoping he can return in time for the opener or at least by the second game. ... Lyle Sendlein will start in his place. ... WR Anquan Boldin has slight strain in his right hamstring but was cleared to practice this week. ... NT Gabe Watson probably will miss all of training camp while recovering from a fractured kneecap in the off-season. Watson is progressing well, but the medical team wants him to build the muscles around the knee. Watson has kept his weight down. He weighs 323, the least amount he's weighed since high school. ... LB Monty Beisel is recovering from back surgery and hopes to begin practice soon. ... WR Early Doucet has a hamstring strain but it's hoped he will return to practice in time to play in the second or third preseason game. ... FB Dionte Johnson has a high ankle sprain and could miss more time.