Arizona Republic: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, when pressed
Monday about the RB controversy on his 5-3 team, said it is his
hope that James responds like Jerome Bettis did in Pittsburgh when
the Steelers were getting ready to unleash Willie Parker. James
wasn't available for comment Monday, as Whisenhunt gave the team
the day off. But after Sunday's game, James said the decision to
not play him "was personal." And therein lies the difference
between him and Bettis. Three years ago, when the Steelers won
Super Bowl XL, Bettis already had decided he was going to retire
and make way for Parker. But James, who is under contract with
the Cardinals for another year, says he is nowhere near done
playing. Whisenhunt said for the Cardinals to reach the playoffs,
"the thing that has to be the most important in our players' mind
is the team, and I see tremendous signs of that with our football
team." Yes, but does he see that from Edgerrin James? "I have no
indication otherwise," Whisenhunt responded. Though the coach
claims James remains "a valuable part of this team," Hightower, a
5th-round draft pick out of Richmond, again will start Monday
night when the Cardinals host the 49ers (2-6).
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