Kicking game solid in season-opening win

The Cardinals' kicking game wasn't quite "down the middle" Sunday. But it wasn't wide of the mark, either.

New punter Dirk Johnson had a great debut. He averaged 45 yards net, including two punts that pinned the 49ers deep (one at the 9-yard line and one at the 1).

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He got lucky on one. The ball landed at about the 3-yard line, but then went almost dead as the Cardinals covered it at the 1.

"You'd like to get them to land at about the 5," Johnson said. "If you get them too close, you need a good bounce.

"And we got one. We'll take it."

Kicking at Candlestick Park is difficult because of the windy conditions, he said.

"But the guys were covering and protecting well. It was a good all-around day."

Kicker Neil Rackers had a great "pooch" kick that the Cardinals recovered in what might have been the game's biggest play.

But he also missed a 35-yard field goal.

"I was just too quick on it," Rackers said of his approach. "My plant foot was in front of the ball."

For Rackers, the best time to start his approach is when Johnson, who is also the holder, catches the ball.

"If I'm before that, I'm in trouble. I just overran the ball.

"I'll just work on slowing down."

Coach Ken Whisenhunt's diagnosis: "He's an emotional kicker and has a tendency to be a little too quick because he gets so geeked up, if that's the right word.

"We've been working on that this year, to slow down a little bit so he's not as quick."

2,000 TICKETS REMAIN

About 2,000 tickets remain for Sunday's home game against Miami, including some tickets returned by the Dolphins.

The Cardinals have sold out every game in Glendale and expect to do so again this week.

CENTERS WANTED

Expect the Cardinals to add a center, at least to the practice squad, with the departure of Al Johnson to injured reserve.

Whisenhunt reiterated the Cardinals' position that the team didn't know when Johnson, who has had continuing left knee problems, would be available.

"There was a question of how long it was going to be, worrying about the 53-man roster and carrying a guy you don't know how long before he plays.

"More importantly, when you have a young guy like Lyle (Sendlein) who's playing the way he is, it all factors into the decision."

Johnson's agent did not respond to calls on the matter.

TRICKS UP his SLEEVE

The Cardinals could repeat at some point the surprise play they ran Sunday with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie lined up as a receiver.

The high-leaping rookie, who failed to come down with a long pass Sunday from Kurt Warner, is a cornerback.

Whisenhunt smiled and said, "I think there's a definite possibility. ... I thought he should have made the catch."

Overall, "For a young guy in his first game, he did a solid job."