Campbell making a name for himself

PHOENIX - When Cardinals DE Calais Campbell assumed a starter's role on the defensive line following Antonio Smith's departure, the former Miami Hurricane wanted to make a name for himself and justify the team's faith in him.
Four games into the 2009 season Campbell has made quite a name for himself, but more because of his special teams heroics.

Sunday against the Texans he blocked a field goal, his second of the season. Campbell, who told Sports 620 KTAR's Gambo and Ash Monday that he had never blocked a kick before this season, said he would prefer knocking down the quarterback instead of knocking down the ball.

"For the team a blocked field goal is a bigger play because you're taking points off the board and it's a big momentum swinger," he said, "but from a personal, what I want to get, I'm a sack-machine in my mind, so I definitely want to get sacks."

Campbell, who also saved a possible touchdown by chasing down Texans punt returner Jacoby Jones, has impressed people with his effort on the field.

"It's just playing balls to the wall, full go, every play, and that's what I always try to do," he said. "When I'm on the field I just give my all."

Of course, had the Cardinals built on their 21-0 halftime lead instead of let the Texans back in the game, Campbell's special teams heroics may not have been as necessary as they ultimately became.

"The Texans are a good team, they made some plays to get back in the game, and we made a couple mistakes," Campbell said about what happened. "When you do that to a good team they're going to find a way to make plays."

But the Cardinals defense made the last play, stuffing the Texans on fourth and goal from the one yard line, preserving a seven point lead.

Campbell helped push the pile back on the play and, even though he's making plays on the field, he feels like he has much more to offer.

"I feel like I can play so much better," he said, "I'm definitely playing good enough where the coaches don't have to bench me or anything like that, but I'm not playing as good I could or I know I can.

"I'm really just starting to get comfortable and come into my own."



(ktar.com)