Cardinals notebook: Warner reverts slightly to bad habits

In the past two games, Kurt Warner has made the sort of mistake that characterized his game in the past but not much this season. He made ill-advised throws that resulted in interceptions.

Rodgers-Cromartie a diamond in the rough

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In these situations, Warner has to throw the ball away.

“That’s hard for Kurt to do because he’s wanting to make things happened and he’s such a competitor,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

Warner has made progress this season along these lines and now, as the Cardinals prepare for the playoffs, “That’s something we’ll emphasize. We’ll make sure we discuss that.

“I know Kurt was upset about doing that. In the heat of the battle, sometimes trying to make a play, those things will happen.

“You certainly don’t want to take away Kurt’s aggressiveness to an extent because that’s why he’s so good. But … we can’t turn the ball over, obviously. Kurt is well aware of that.”

WADE RETURNS

Bobby Wade, the former Phoenix Desert Vista and Arizona star, will make a home-state appearance for the Vikings.

Wade leads the Vikings with 42 receptions, including a long of 46 yards.

He’s in his sixth NFL season, having also played for Chicago and Tennessee.

He played on the 5A 1998 championship team for Desert Vista.

INJURY UPDATE

For the Vikings, quarterback Gus Frerotte is doubtful; that means backup, and former starter, Tarvaris Jackson almost certainly will start.

Star defensive end Jared Allen (knee) is questionable, so he’ll likely play.

For the Cardinals, backup safety Matt Ware, a fixture on special teams, should return from a facial fracture.

Receiver Sean Morey, who has a sore shoulder, will be worked out before Sunday’s game to determine his status. Fullback Terrelle Smith, who had to miss practice time for personal reasons, likely will be available.

Linebacker Clark Haggans (foot) and special-teamer Pago Togafau (knee) are doubtful.

EASING UP? NOT REALLY

Less contact in practice but not necessarily more rest for regulars in games.

That seems like the Cardinals’ likely mode of operation down the season’s stretch.

“I think we’ll err to the side of laying off contact this late in the year,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

“I don’t think our guys need to necessarily focus on hitting. They’ve been a physical group all year.

“The most important thing for us that we’ve learned is we have to stay focused on the details and the preparation as far as being disciplined. ”

As for rest during games, that’s not likely in Sunday’s game vs. Minnesota, which could decide who gets the NFC’s No. 3 playoff seed.

But maybe this could be true in the final two games: at New England and at home vs. Seattle.

Whisenhunt said like many teams entering the postseason: “I really believe we want to keep our foot on the gas as far as how we’re operating as a team … I know we have a number of guys who are having very good seasons who are playing at a very high level right now. You don’t want to scale it back and risk them not playing well in a playoff game.”

At the same time, “You are always concerned about this being late in the year, with the potential for injuries.

“But that’s not something we have to worry about right now. Certainly not going into Minnesota. Hopefully we’ll have a chance to do something the last week.”

EXTRA POINT

The NFL hit defensive tackle Darnell Dockett with a $10,000 fine for a prohibited celebration. Dockett ran into the goalpost, fell backward and then was “revived” by a teammate after returning a fumble for a touchdown against St. Louis.