The Cardinals' offseason free-agent signings and draft picks have made minimal impact this season, including right guard Adam Snyder. That's one of several factors in the club's current struggles. (US Presswire)

Here are some news and notes from around the Arizona Cardinals...

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  • The Arizona defense has been tested time and time again, by some of the top quarterbacks in the league. In wins and in losses, the Cardinals have come up big, at least in the passing game. As Josh Weinfuss of AZCardinals.com notes, Arizona is one of three teams that has held four quarterbacks to 50 percent or less passing. Among those four quarterbacks? Aaron Rodgers, Michael Vick and Sam Bradford. Arizona will face another star on Sunday, as it heads to Atlanta to square off against Matt Ryan.

    "Any defensive guy would want to play against the best of the best,” linebacker Daryl Washington  told Weinfuss. “I love the challenge. I’m a competitor. You have to love those moments, love those hostile environments. That’s the motivation right there."

     
  • The Cardinals' offseason was not exactly a bonanza, Kent Somers of AZCentral.com wrote. Arizona's signings of guard Adam Snyder, outside linebacker Quentin Groves, cornerback William Gay and safety James Sanders have been solid, but not spectacular.

     
  • After a 4-0 start shocked most of the NFL, the Cardinals' five-game losing streak has been a disappointment, but perhaps not a surprise. Craig Morgan of Fox Sports Arizona believes that if the Cardinals are to salvage this season, an 8-8 record is about the best that can be hoped for given the club's myriad injuries, offensive woes and current record.

For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Jon Gold, follow @CBSCardinals on Twitter.