Boldin addresses controversy, status of team

Phoenix, Ariz. - Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin has been a controversial figure on the team in the past few weeks in regards to his injured ankle, not dressing for the Chicago game and his fractured relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Much of the controversy has centered around Boldin's post-game comments he made after being declared inactive for the game against the Chicago Bears. He complained he wasn't told of being declared inactive and had to find out when he realized his equipment had been removed from his locker. Boldin had been nursing a sprained right ankle the previous couple of games.

Boldin said he made the critical comments because of the way the situation was handled and not because he was forced to sit out.

"If somebody had come to me beforehand and let me know the situation, although, I probably wouldn't have agreed with it, I could have respected it, but to find out the way I did was disheartening," Boldin said on Sports 620 KTAR's Doug and Wolf show on Tuesday.

However, Boldin said he has gotten over his frustration and won't allow any distractions to affect his play on the field.

"I don't let situations going on around me dictate how I approach the game of football or how I play," said Boldin.

Boldin and Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt have had a tumultuous relationship the past few years as they have battled through the media.

Despite this, Boldin still has respect for his coach and their disagreements doesn't affect their ability to work together.

"I respect everybody in the building. Obviously, you have different respect levels for everybody in there. For me and him, there's a working relationship," said Boldin.

The three-time Pro Bowl receiver returned to the field last week against the Seattle Seahawks and had one of his better games catching eight passes for 105 yards. His injured ankle didn't seem to affect him in the game.

"I'm feeling pretty good. Probably as good as you're going to feel during this season," said Boldin.

Despite playing on an injured ankle for parts of the season and his one-game absence, Boldin is having another solid season for the Cardinals making 43 catches for 509 yards.

Boldin said the key to the Cardinals comeback against the Seahawks was simply to calm down and play their game.

"We didn't really have to make too many adjustments. We had to make the plays that were out there. It was just a matter of taking care of our own business," said Boldin.

Boldin said the Cardinals demonstrated they are growing up by getting a win at home against a sub-par team.

"We're maturing as a team and developing that killer instinct," said Boldin.

Boldin offered his take on why the team has been so successful on the road this season.

"We play our best on the road because we feel like the whole world is against us."

Even though the Cardinals have the same 6-3 record as they did last season, Boldin believes this year's team is better in numerous areas and can make another run at the Super Bowl.

"Our defense is getting us the ball back with short fields by getting turnovers. Special teams is playing a lot better this year and we're running the ball a lot better than last year," said Boldin.

In addition, Boldin said this year's team is more ready to go all the way because they know what they are capable of.

"There's a lot of resolve in our locker room. No matter what we're going through on the field at any given time, we know that we have a good enough team to overcome whatever the situation is," said Boldin.