Cardinals notebook: Cards focus on team, not James' request

The Cardinals preached team first in reacting to Edgerrin James' recent request to be released.

"It's the same answer we've said all along: We're interested in doing what's best for this team and what puts us in the best position to win," coach Ken Whisenhunt said Thursday.

"There are a lot of guys on this team who have worked hard to get us in the position that we're in. We're excited about where we are.

"We've got a chance to do something that hasn't been done around here in a long time. Over the course of the next six weeks and into the playoffs, it's going to take a commitment from every one of these guys. We're focused on that right now.

"Edgerrin, I'm sure, is unhappy. I understand that. But that happens a lot in the NFL. That happens a lot in life. The mark of being a professional is continuing to work. We expect Edgerrin to be a professional.

"I think that's only reasonable based on the significant ... financial obligation that we've made to Edgerrin. I expect him to be professional. That's what he's been."

James' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, asked for James' release two weeks ago after he was demoted and didn't see action Nov. 2 at St. Louis. His request became public this week.

The Cardinals, who may need James in case of an injury, have declined the request.

James would only say, "I'm practicing, working and doing what I'm supposed to do."

The Cardinals had a similar situation in the offseason when Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett - unhappy with their contracts - skipped voluntary workouts.

Boldin blasted the Cardinals' management a couple of times at training camp but has been quiet during the season.

The Cardinals have played as though they haven't noticed. They're on their way to their first playoff appearance in 10 years.

"There are a number of guys who are hungry for this," Whisenhunt said. "We're focused on being a team.

"The unselfishness is a big part of this team. ... Guys are focused not so much on what's in it for me, but 'What can I do to help the team?'"

INJURY UPDATE

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, who has a sore knee, practiced on a limited basis on Thursday.

Coach Tom Coughlin has indicated he thinks Jacobs has a good chance of playing Sunday at the Cardinals.

Receiver Plaxico Burress, however, sat out with a hamstring injury. Safety Sammy Knight, who has a hip problem, also did not practice.

For the Cardinals, linebacker Clark Haggans sat out with a sore foot. Cornerback Rod Hood missed practice to attend a funeral.

THE SPREAD

The Cardinals are trying to figure out how to best run from three- and four-receiver sets.

"It's an evolving process," Whisenhunt said.

With spread formations, defenses can be limited in how many players they use near the line to stop the run.

From the offense's standpoint, some receivers may not be used to running plays.

Though the Cardinals didn't run much at Seattle, "There were some better runs in the Seattle game that we did out of different sets," Whisenhunt said. "We're getting better at that."

J.J. Arrington has said he likes to run out of the spread formation.