Leinart impressed with offensive line

FLAGSTAFF - Russ Grimm has been called the savior who is going to deliver the steady offensive line that has been missing in Arizona for a number of seasons. Grimm, an assistant coach in his first year with the Cardinals, says he is no such hero and that one is not needed.

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While coach Ken Whisenhunt said the group still needs to develop cohesiveness, particularly in pass-blocking schemes, quarterback Matt Leinart has already seen a difference 10 days into training camp.

“Those guys have been doing a great job,” Leinart said Monday between the Cardinals’ two practices at Northern Arizona University. “They’re so much better than they were last year. … It’s something you can’t really explain but you notice it on the football field.

“You can see those holes are huge for Edge (running back Edgerrin James) and we didn’t see that a whole lot last year.”

As for Saturday’s two fumbled snaps between Leinart and center Al Johnson, Leinart dismissed them as aberrations.

“Obviously, you can’t have that happen, but I’m not worried about it with me and Al,” Leinart said. “We’ll be fine. We hadn’t had a mistake like that all camp.”

LOCAL KID

Rookie Lyle Sendlein, who graduated from Scottsdale Chaparral High School before going on to play at Texas, has impressed Whisenhunt. Sendlein, listed as the third-string center, will also get looks at guard, where he played his first two years as a Longhorn.

“He’s doing a good job. I’m excited about the progress he’s made,” Whisenhunt said. “He’s shown us enough that we need to see him at guard.”

DEPTH CHART

With the team’s preseason opener looming, Whisenhunt released his first depth chart. There were a couple noteworthy decisions.

Aaron Francisco is listed as the starting free safety ahead of free-agent acquisition Terrence Holt.

Eric Green, limited Friday and withheld Saturday because of a sore quadriceps muscle, returned Monday and is listed ahead of Roderick Hood, another free-agent signee. As expected, first-round pick Levi Brown is listed behind Oliver Ross at right tackle.

Marcel Shipp is listed as the top kick returner, while rookie Steve Breaston is the No. 1 punt returner.

PLAYING TIME

Whisenhunt did not say how much his first teams will play Saturday against Oakland, but he did say it will depend on their performance — particularly for the offense — all the while trying to keep a balance.

“We have to get a feel for how they’re playing together,” the coach said. “If we come out disjointed — we’re jumping offside, we’re making mistakes — they’re going to play until they can get it resolved.”

EXTRA POINT

Wednesday’s morning practice will be closed to the public. The Cardinals will hold a 7 p.m. practice that day at Lumberjack Stadium.