A crowd of reporters around his locker, Robert Nkemdiche was asked

GLENDALE Kyler Murray Arizona Cardinals Jerseys , Ariz. (AP)what he learned the first two years in the NFL.”I learned I was terrible,” he said.He was joking. Everyone laughed.But, with a new coaching staff giving the big defensive tackle a clean slate, this is a big season for the former first-round draft pick to prove to the Cardinals that they were right to select him 29th overall out of Mississippi in 2017.There have been no breakout performances, just a big play here and there – he returned an Eli Manning fumble for a TD last season – and there have been too many mistakes, including way too many offside penalties. In 17 career games, he has 12 tackles, four of them solo, and zero sacks.He knows it is time to show he’s better than that or risk forever being saddled as a ”draft bust.”If the mammoth player – 6-foot-4, 296 pounds – harnesses his raw skills and attends to the little things, maybe he’ll even find himself starting up front.”I try to stay away from the analogies of guys who are busts because everybody has their own projection of how they see guys,”Cardinals first-year head coach Steve Wilks said after Monday’s practice Womens Kyler Murray Jerseys , the team’s first in pads. ”In a short period of time of being around Robert, I think he’s a tremendous player. I think he’s locked in, he’s focused. I think he’s doing well and I think he’s going to be a good player for us this year.”Nkemdiche won’t call this a make-or-break season, but he has learned a lot about what it takes to succeed in the trenches at the game’s highest level.”It’s a big step,” he said of this coming season. ”It’s not really technically pressure. It’s just me wanting to be good, me wanting to give back to these guys, and all the guys who put in work for me, and give back to the coaches, people who believe in me and really just resting that case and being the player I know I can be.”There’s really no pressure, just `come on, take a step forward.”’Nkemdiche has his quirks, including colorfully braided hair and a nose ring.He likes shopping at Goodwill.Nkemdiche is not that stereotypical growling monster of a human that people believe play defensive tackle in this violent game. But he wants to be good and insists he is a severe critic of himself.He blames his two unproductive seasons on injuries and ”some things I could have did better.””Just being a more polished player, as in the whole perspective and really just growing as a dude https://www.thecardinalslockerroom.com/authentic-kyler-murray-jersey , as a person,” he said. ”It’s cool. Things have slowed down a little bit and it’s fun. I can actually see what’s going on. It’s not like a blur.”He should take some solace in the case of Arizona teammate D.J. Humphries. The Cardinals drafted the big tackle out of Florida in the first round (24th overall) in 2015 but he didn’t even suit up for a game as a rookie- the Cardinals coaches were convinced he didn’t have the maturity yet to play in the league. But the next season he was the starter at right tackle and eventually was moved to the left side. Injuries limited him to five games last year, but he has evolved into the Cardinals’ best offensive lineman and anchors that unit at left tackle this year.Wilks has said he doesn’t mind players with a few quirks, that he would ”let Robert be Robert” as long as he continues to work hard to get better. So far, so good.The coach said after Monday’s workout that he’s encouraged.”His commitment,” Wilks said. ”He’s trying to do it our way. Change sometimes is hard for everyone and I think he’s embraced that. He meets a lot with coach (Don) Johnson. His energy on the football field is phenomenal and he’s trying to pay attention to details. You just got to make sure he’s consistent and concentrates and doesn’t jump offside. That’s one of the concerns.”So it’s details, details, details for Nkemdiche, and, most importantly, some production when he’s on the field.”Do it on Sunday,” he said. ”When it’s game time, show up and play ball. It’s a very simple concept Kyler Murray Jerseys White , just go out there and be a dog, be a disruptive force, play every play at extreme capacity.”And don’t jump offside.—Bird Droppings: Markus Golden and Jermaine Gresham could be back, Arizona Cardinals sign linebacker, big shake up on depth chart and more Happy Thursday one and all.The Arizona Cardinals are a couple of days away from taking the field at State Farm Stadium against the Chicago Bears.There is plenty of information to help get you ready for the game, so let’s take a look around the web on the Arizona Cardinals.Cardinals Add Linebacker Joe WalkerPlucked off Eagles' practice squad; Elijhaa Penny signs with GiantsCardinals Hope Markus Golden, Jermaine Gresham Can Add SparkNotes: No changes at wideout; Fitzgerald misses practice but will playPotential Changes Breathe Hope Into Cardinals' OffenseAfter two poor games, Wilks still confident in unit's mental stateFor Gerald Hodges, it's been a hairy journey to learn patienceDeone Bucannon, Haason Reddick and the linebacker rotationWilks - 'We're All In This Together'Head coach Steve Wilks meets the media on Wednesday following practice.Bradford - 'You Look At It As A ChallengeQB Sam Bradford talks to the media following Wednesday's practice.Larry Fitzgerald calls for backup but Cardinals WRs aren't answering - Arizona Cardinals Blog- ESPNThe Cardinals have some of the worst pass-production numbers so far. Finding reliable targets besides Fitzgerald would help.Bickley: Suddenly, Valley's bright sports future feels like its pathetic pastAfter a summer of optimism, the play by the Cardinals and Diamondbacks over the last few weeks have sobered Valley sports fans' hopes.Cardinals fill open roster spot with former Eagle Joe WalkerAfter releasing defensive tackle Garrison Smith on Tuesday, the Arizona Cardinals have signed linebacker Joe Walker from the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.Who wants Maroon 5 to perform the Super Bowl halftime show? NobodyReally Kyler Murray Limited Jerseys , who listens to Maroon 5 anyway? Apparently, the NFL thinks enough people for them to perform at halftime of Super Bowl LIII.Cardinals looking for spark from Golden, GreshamAfter a rough start to the season, the Arizona Cardinals will soon receive a boost from a returning player on each side of the field.Cardinals remain steadfast in support of wide receiversChad Williams pressed his index finger to his thumb. That, the second-year receiver promised, is how close the Arizona Cardinals are to figuring this thing out.Arizona Cardinals reportedly to sign LB Joe Walker from Eagles PSThe former seventh-round pick started three games in 2017.Arizona Cardinals replace Haason Reddick with Gerald Hodges in lineupGerald Hodges is now a starter at linebacker instead of the second-year Reddick.Arizona Cardinals sign LB Joe Walker, add RB Jalen Simmons to PSThey add LB depth and replace Elijhaa Penny, who signed with the Giants.‘No question’ Larry Fitzgerald plays vs. BearsHe sat out practice with a hamstring injury but Steve Wilks assures everyone he will be fine for the game.AZ Cardinals injury report Week 2: Jermaine Gresham fully practicesThe first injury report of the week is out. The list is longer, but there is good news.Chicago Bears injury report is exactly one player longOnly a backup safety is listed as limited.