In Search of Success, Cardinals Enter New Arena

Times NFL writer T.J. Simers poses--and answers--the burning questions for this week’s games:

Question: Why are things looking up in Arizona?

Answer: The Cardinals have signed an Arena League quarterback, which appears to be the quickest way to gain NFL success, next to signing someone who has played in Europe.

The Cardinals signed Sherdrick Bonner, 31, who had been playing for the Arizona Rattlers, a la Kurt Warner, who played for the Iowa Barnstormers before moving on to St. Louis.

“I think Sherdrick Bonner is a better NFL prospect than Kurt,” Rattler Vice President Gene Nudo told an Arizona newspaper. “I’ve always said that. And I think the kid’s heart has been set on going to play for the Cardinals.”

Isn’t every kid’s?

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Q: Why should everyone watch Kordell Stewart’s eyes Monday night when the Steelers play the Falcons?

A: Atlanta cornerback Ray Buchanan, ignoring the football truism that you should never challenge an opponent before a game, explained why the Steeler quarterback plays so poorly.

“He looks where he is throwing the ball,” Buchanan said. “I don’t know what’s going on with their offense, but he’s pretty easy to read.”

Stewart’s reply: “I can’t knock him for seeing that and recognizing that. Now I have to go out to practice and not stare down my receivers so he can’t use that to his advantage.”

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Q: Are the 49ers on the verge of something big?

A: Yes. If they lose to Minnesota, it will be the first three-game losing streak in a non-strike year since 1980.

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Q: Which team is glad not to be home today?

A: Cincinnati. The Bengals are 2-11 at home in October, and have lost three home games this season by a combined score of 92-20.

How bad is it? When Cincinnati wide receiver Darnay Scott was carted off the field in the last home game, he said two fans wearing Bengal jerseys made obscene gestures at him.

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Q: What about the Raiders?

A: They aren’t much at home, either. Since returning to Oakland in 1995 and starting 4-0 at home, the Raiders have gone 11-19.

That explains, in part, why this week’s game will be the 18th consecutive in regular-season play blacked out locally because of no sellout.

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Q: What’s the NFL’s version of being unlucky?

A: Signing with the Super Bowl-bound Jets, only to discover they are going to fall apart, and you have left the Rams, who have yet to lose, after hanging in there for eight losing seasons. That makes you linebacker Roman Phifer.

“I can’t really explain it, but I still think this was a good move and it’s going to turn out great,” Phifer said. “It doesn’t appear that way now, but I’m a strong believer in faith.”