ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler holding himself to ‘highest standard’

Jul 30, 2013, 1:27 AM | Updated: 6:51 am

With a competent quarterback (Carson Palmer) under center and a head coach (Bruce Arians) with a penchant for airing it out calling the shots, most believe Arizona Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald stands to benefit the most from two of the organization’s biggest offseason moves in 2013.

But he might not be the only offensive weapon who reaps the reward.

Both in Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, a prevalent theme in Arians’ offense was the use of the tight end down field.

From 2007-2011, Steelers tight end Heath Miller caught 217 passes for 3,012 yards to go along with 20 touchdowns, and also made his first Pro Bowl appearance.

And last season, Colts’ rookie tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen caught 71 combined balls for 802 yards.

It’s a trend that Arians is apparently trying to continue in the Valley.

“I won’t complain when there are three tight ends on the field, because we can run a lot of plays out of that,” Cardinals tight end Rob Housler said. “We didn’t do that too much in the previous years, we kind of started sprinkling it in. But now it’s definitely a staple of our offense and you can definitely see it on the field.”

While Housler isn’t the only talented receiver in a deep stable of tight ends — Jeff King, Jim Dray, D.C. Jefferson, Mickey Shuler and Kory Sperry — going into his third season, the former third-round pick knows that with increased opportunity comes increased responsibility.

And, it’s something the former Florida Atlantic standout isn’t taking lightly.

“It’s a big year for me, completely internally,” said Housler. “I’m not worried about what anyone else is saying about me because if I don’t have the highest standard, I’m not doing right by myself. I have really high standards and really high expectations going into this year.

“It’s great to some into this year with some fresh faces and kind of restart. There’s been a lot of good, positive energy so far.”

In 2012, Housler led all Cardinals tight ends in catches (45) and receiving yards (417) but was held out of the end zone.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

22 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

1 day ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler holding himself to ‘highest standard’