Edge Peeved at New Role

The Arizona Republic reports though he fully supports RB Tim Hightower, Cardinals RB Edgerrin James privately is peeved about his new role - as a potential Hall of Fame player being phased out of the equation and likely being released after this season. Cardinals HC Ken Whisenhunt, when pressed Monday about the running-back controversy on his 5-3 team, said it is his hope that James responds like RB Jerome Bettis did in Pittsburgh when the Steelers were getting ready to unleash RB 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.

(ffmastermind.com)