The Cardinals are playing a lot of people on defense. Backup corners Ralph Brown and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie played in nickel situations, as did backup safeties Aaron Francisco and Matt Ware.

Backup linebackers Bertrand Berry and Clark Haggans were in for about 20 plays apiece, and each made significant contributions. Rookie defensive lineman Calais Campbell, a backup, made a nice stop against the run.

Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast has preached that he really has about 18 starters, not 11, and he backed it up in the first game.

PLAYER NOTES

--WR Larry Fitzgerald caught only three passes but faced double coverage most of the day. One of his grabs was a 1-yard touchdown from Kurt Warner.

--RB Edgerrin James gained exactly 100 yards. It's his 56th career 100-yard game and his seventh with Arizona. James, however, could have some of his workload taken by rookie Tim Hightower, who has been impressive.

--OLB Travis LaBoy had 2 sacks, causing and recovering a fumble on one of them. Coaches thought he could make up for the loss of Calvin Pace in free agency, and LaBoy came through in the first game.

--C Al Johnson was placed on injured reserve last week and could end up filing a grievance against the team. Johnson was asked to take a cut in pay from the $3.5 million he is due this year. He was open to a cut but the Cardinals asked for too much, he said. The club likely will waive him in a few weeks when it deems his left knee healthy. Johnson might dispute that and file a grievance.

--WR Anquan Boldin's contract dispute with the team didn't affect his play. He had eight catches for 82 yards on Sunday and looked as good as ever.

--RB Tim Hightower will be the team's short-yardage and goal-line back. Hightower hits the hole quick and is powerful. He also has shown the speed to get outside.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Cardinals WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin vs. Dolphins corner Will Allen -- Allen appears to be the Dolphins' best corner, and he and the rest of the secondary will have their hands full stopping the Cardinals passing attack. If Kurt Warner gets time, the Cardinals receivers should dominate.

Dolphins running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown vs. Cardinals linebackers Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes: Williams and Brown are a nice combination, but so are Dansby and Hayes. 49ers RB Frank Gore hurt the Cardinals in the first half last week, so the Cardinals must be more disciplined about filling gaps.

Dolphins NT Jason Ferguson vs. Cardinals C Lyle Sendlein: Ferguson is a solid player, and Sendlein, in his second year, doesn't have much experience. The Cardinals must control Ferguson if they are going run effectively. It's not all Sendlein's responsibility. Sometimes it will be guards Deuce Lutui and Reggie Wells with the key blocks.

INJURY IMPACT:

--NT Alan Branch (ankle) practiced Wednesday and Thursday and should be able to play on Sunday. Branch missed last week's game.

--NT Gabe Watson (knee) practiced Wednesday and Thursday but it's questionable if he'll be able to play this week. Watson likely won't return until next week.

--TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring) probably will miss a second straight game. He's No. 3 on the depth chart but he's the club's best blocking tight end. His absence puts more pressure on Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick.