Cards notebook: Fast start usually means better finish for Cards

The Cardinals need to break a habit. They need to hit the ground running Sunday at New Orleans instead of getting off to their traditional slow start.

Johnson making presence felt

Read Mike Tulumello's blog, Bird Watching

Certainly, they can’t expect to overcome a 24-0 deficit like the one they had Sunday at Seattle.

“It’s obviously important to play well early,” quarterback Kurt Warner said.

“The great thing we’ve done all year, though, is we’ve fought and given ourselves chances no matter what’s happened.”

That said, “The games we win or we put a more full game together are the ones where we start out quick and build off that. …”

Quick starts are important, “especially when you go on the road.”

Agreed coach Ken Whisenhunt, “It makes it a lot easier and we certainly seem to be more competitive when we start faster.

“But really, what it comes down to for us is whether we turn the ball over.

“If we don’t turn the ball over, especially early, we seem to play better. Or if we get a big play early … That’s the way we look at it.”

NO COMMENT

After he cost the Cardinals four points Sunday at Seattle with a penalty for ripping the helmet off an opposing player’s head, Darnell Dockett made it a point to say, “Talk to me Wednesday” about the play.

Well, on Wednesday, Dockett was asked about the play.

He said … nothing.

“That play is over. It’s done with. I’m looking past it. My total focus is on the Saints.”

He said he wasn’t assessed a fine on the play.

INJURY UPDATE

• Safety Aaron Francisco is starting to practice on a limited basis. If he can play effectively Sunday — he’s been out with a sore knee, then a sore calf — that would be a big boost as the safety position has been depleted.

• Receiver Anquan Boldin did not practice as the Cardinals wanted him to have recovery time for his sore toe after his pregame workout Sunday (he did not play). The Cardinals are hoping he can play Sunday in New Orleans.

• Saints coach Sean Payton said running back Reggie Bush (knee) isn’t necessarily out for the season, as had been widely reported. But Bush didn’t practice Wednesday and most observers don’t expect him to play Sunday.

DOME SWEET DOME

Warner makes no bones about his preference in stadiums — he loves playing indoors.

“I’m always excited to play in a dome,” he said.

In addition to his years indoors in St. Louis, he said he has fond memories of the Louisiana Superdome.

“I have good memories of that place as well.

“I love the environment inside. I’m excited to play inside any chance I can get.”

EXTRA POINTS

Tight end Leonard Pope had surgery on his dislocated ankle Wednesday. He is out for the season. Whisenhunt said, “I’m disappointed for Leonard because he made a lot of strides for us this year. … But I’m also excited with the progress he made.” …

Warner said he’ll continue to play with a brace on his left elbow.