Cards notebook: Whisenhunt takes blame for failed fake FG

Coach Ken Whisenhunt took full responsibility for the failed fake field goal on a fourth-and-15 situation late in the first half of Sunday's 27-23 loss at Carolina.

James losing grip on starting running back job

On such surprise plays, "When they work, they're good calls. When they don't work, they're bad calls," Whisenhunt said.

"It was a bad call because it didn't work. I accept that."

At the same time, "I don't think it changes my perspective on whether we should run it or not.

"The only thing I will say is fourth-and-15 is probably a little long to run that fake. I have to do a better job of making sure I understand how far I think the fake can go.

"I thought we could get it because of the way they were rushing.

"Unfortunately, we didn't (convert), so I should be criticized for that."

SURPRISE APPROACH

Whisenhunt expressed surprise that the Panthers concentrated on taking away the running game, even as the Cardinals were picking them apart with a short passing game.

At times, "They were giving us seven or eight guys in the box," Whisenhunt said.

"I was surprised at the approach the Panthers took as far as trying to take our run game away."

Anquan Boldin noted that he had a linebacker covering him on his first touchdown catch.

"We were surprised," Boldin said. "Sometimes, they didn't match up."

That the Cardinals were missing their top two tight ends - Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick were injured - contributed to their pass-dominated approach.

MAKE THE TACKLE

The Cardinals continue to believe that Panthers receiver Steve Smith stepped out of bounds right in front of them on his long touchdown play. But Whisenhunt acknowledged that game tapes don't show this.

"We can't see it ... because Antrel Rolle is diving across, missing a tackle, kind of blocking that angle."

Rolle and Rod Hood missed a chance to tackle Smith or knock him out of bounds.

"Our feeling on the sideline was he stepped out," Whisenhunt said. "But we have to make the tackle. If we make the tackle, it's not an issue."

STAT NOTES

The Cardinals are averaging an NFL best 28.6 points per game.

The Cardinals have the league's No. 2 passing offense at 288 yards per game. Kurt Warner is No. 1 with a 70.2 completion percentage and is No. 3 with a passer rating of 102.1.

Boldin leads the NFL with seven touchdown receptions.

Boldin has caught touchdowns in his last four games.