Here’s what went down Friday on G&A…

Return to the Nest…The Cardinals are back at the University Stadium Saturday night taking on the Chargers in their pre-season home opener. This will be the first time the Red Birds have played a home game since beating the Eagles. Ash knows Cardinal fever has hit the Valley-especially with several thousands people watching a summer scrimmage in Flagstaff. John thinks the Cards, similar to the Suns, have a four-year window for success and he expects more this season with a repeat trip to the Super Bowl certainly not out of the question.

How Much Has Changed?…The Cards are creeping closer to the regular season and Gambo feels, for the most part, the position pieces are in place for success on both sides of the ball. John has been impressed with new corner Bryant McFadden and second-year defensive end Calais Campbell who will both be starting this season. Mark knows this is a confident team with high (Super Bowl champion) expectations. The biggest question is can this team handle the inflated expectations in 2009.

We caught up with University of Arizona head football coach Mike Stoops who previewed the Wildcats season and discussed the upcoming UA alumni kickoff lunch at the Biltmore Saturday, August 29th at 12:30. $50 tickets are still available at www.arizonaalumni.com. Stoops said Willie Tuitama’s replacement at quarterback has yet to be determined between Matt Scott and Michigan State transfer Nick Foles.

Thanks, But No Thanks…Nationwide sporting goods store Dick’s will not carry any Michael Vick jerseys in any of their 400 franchised stores. While others have had no problem stocking their shelves, Dick’s is taking a stand and G&A applaud them for it. The same can’t be said for the NFL who will be releasing Michael Vick jerseys for your dog for the low, low price of $39.99. G&A feel the NFL are being total hypocrites. Mark feels the issue is still far too sensitive to go down that road.

Seeing Red…The Cardinals are gaining popularity around the world, both on the field, and with the fans, in terms of merchandise sales. Larry Fitzgerald’s jersey is the 14th-most popular in the NFL, while Kurt Warner’s is 21st. The guys know the Cardinals break through Super Bowl run has propelled the club’s popularity to unseen heights. Mark was stunned when Gambo told him Jay Culter was the most popular selling jersey around and believes Fitz will eventually become the most popular pro athlete in Arizona because he is “one of our own”-unlike Steve Nash, Randy Johnson, and other stars who started their pro careers elsewhere.

Steamed Rice…Recently inducted HOF’er Jim Rice was the latest baseball legend to take a shot at the mystique surrounding today’s modern stars. John says all the players he mentioned (Manny Ramirez, A-Rod) fall into the category of poor role models, but the same can’t be said for squeaky-clean Derek Jeter who has always played the game the right way. Mark isn’t shocked another “old schooler” has stepped forward and vented their frustration to the myriad of problems surrounding today’s players.

Lost his Edge?…The Cardinals are playing, but former running back Edgerrin James isn’t. Edge is still looking for work, along with established vets Warrick Dunn, Derrick Brooks, and Marvin Harrison. The guys are stunned a running back-strapped team hasn’t taken a flier on James. Gambo is certain he wants to keep playing, even for around $1 million a year. Mark is stunned Harrison is out of work because “older” wide receivers can still put up productive numbers in the right system.