Cards notes: Whisenhunt happy with D-line depth

If a defensive line wears down, the opposition's points are sure to go up. That's why Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt says he feels encouraged about the depth on his defensive line, a group that grew less productive as the 2007 season wore on.

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So the team drafted Calais Campbell and Kenny Iwebema and signed veteran Bryan Robinson,

"I feel a lot better," Whisenhunt said. "We were thin in that area before the draft. We were able to address it.

"We also were able to get a veteran player in Bryan Robinson, who's looked very good.

"Last year, it was a position of strength for us early in the year. As those guys wore down, because they were getting so many snaps, it hurt us a little bit.

"So now I think maybe we've got some guys where we can get a rotation going. You see a number of teams have success with that."

Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett acknowledged he probably wore down physically.

"Yeah, I think so," he said.

"It's funny. In the battle of a game, when you're trying to win, you don't think of the wear and tear on your body. You don't feel that until after the season.

"We definitely need help, especially with the goal we have set of winning the division.

"Look at any defense that plays well in the playoffs and during the season, they have a rotation."

SECOND TIME AROUND

The minicamp that concluded Sunday means that Whisenhunt's second season is in full swing.

In running his operation for the second year, Whisenhunt senses everyone is more comfortable and up to speed.

"Last year, we would have said, 'Follow the veterans.'

"But the veterans didn't know where to go.

"This year, everybody is more comfortable with how we're going to practice, where they have to be on the field.

"That makes the competition a little faster ... I see a significant improvement."

Running back Edgerrin James agrees.

"The second time doing something, you usually do it better, he said. "Last year ... everything was new for everybody. This year, the practice tempo is so much better because we know exactly what to do.

"It's moving so well, you don't realize how fast practice went. It's, 'Damn, it's over already?'

"That's the feeling."

FITZ THE TOUGH GUY

Larry Fitzgerald has been knocking some of the cornerbacks around on pass routes.

Whisenhunt gives this development an enthusiastic thumbs up.

"One of the things we've talked about is being a little more physical," particularly after catching the ball, he said.

NO DEAL YET

Quarterback Kurt Warner indicated nothing is imminent in talks with the club regarding a new contract.

Warner, whose contract is up after the 2008 season, has indicated he wants to play two more years beyond this.

The Cardinals seem agreeable, though they'd probably want to lower his salary for the '08 season.

EXTRA POINT

The team's voluntary organized team activities start in two weeks at the team's Tempe training complex.