Antrel Rolle Update

After a trying rookie year in which Antrel Rolle battled a knee injury, the former first-round pick returned for his second season with the Cardinals determined to prove his worth as the eighth player selected in the 2005 NFL Draft. Despite being matched up against the opponent’s top receiver, Rolle responded with a solid season, and as a 16-game starter he collected 87 tackles, one pass interception, 10 pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

In the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Rolle led the team with eight tackles and two pass defenses in the Cardinals’ 34-27 victory.

In Week 5 Rolle had a stellar performance with a season-best eight solo tackles and one pass defense against Kansas City.

The following week against Chicago on Monday Night Football, the former Miami Hurricane logged two pass defenses and three tackles.

As the season wore on, Rolle continued to work hard and improve his overall game. In Week 12 at Minnesota, Rolle tied for second on the team with nine tackles and also added one pass defense.

The following week at St. Louis, Rolle posted three solo tackles and recorded his first forced fumble of his career in the Cardinals' 27-21 victory over the Rams.

In the home finale vs. Denver, Rolle recorded a new career high with 11 tackles and added a pass deflection against the Broncos.

Arguably the best performance of 2006 for Rolle was the final divisional game against the 49ers in Week 16 as he recorded two tackles, one pass defense, one forced fumble and snagged a key a fourth-quarter interception as the Cards defeated San Francisco 26-20.

With a full 16-game season now on his resume, Rolle will return for his third season in 2007 and has the tools and proven track record to be a solid contributor in the Cards secondary.

(azcardinals.com)