The Arizona Cardinals are one of 16 teams, exactly half the league, that have played every week of the first 10 of the season. They are also one of only 14 teams with winning records, including eight in the NFC. Seven teams qualify for the playoffs in each conference.
The collective bargaining agreement calls for players to have Thursday through Sunday off, but also creates a “bonus” practice day when teams reconvene on Monday. Following head coach Jonathan Gannon's press conference the day after Sunday's win over the Jets, there are no further media availability during the week.
Gannon said Monday: “Honestly, everyone has a slightly different schedule. We worked today and then they have this week off, but a lot of our guys will be here to train, rehab and run. It's time to take a little break, but we don't want to deviate too much from the routine.
“Everyone is a little different. Coaches work on different things depending on what they felt was needed at different stages. I like the plan and we need to do a lot better this week.”
One player who will be working hard is edge rusher Baron Browning, who played 18 snaps against the Jets (31 percent) just six days after being acquired in a trade from the Broncos.
“He’s going to have a tough week here,” Gannon said. “He knows he’s going to study.”
It's often said that farewell can be a big week for self-exploration, and while there will be some of that, Gannon noted, “You know how we do that. We do self-scouting every week, so no, but yes, we look at things. We look at everything.
“I'm going to work on a few things I want to study and look at and take a little time off, but (I'll be) ready to get back here on Monday.”
Tight end Trey McBride is excited to be back and watch Colorado State play against Wyoming on Friday, the first time he will be at a game since arriving in the NFL in 2022.
“It will be a lot of fun to see my school, I’m really looking forward to it,” McBride said. “I'm not looking forward to the snow and being cold when I get back, but I'm looking forward to seeing my family and enjoying a few days off.”
Meanwhile, Gannon had a succinct message for his team: “You can take a little break, but don't let it distance you from the game in Round 11 on Monday.”
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