New Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt has shaped his team in many of the obvious ways since taking over in January. He has also shaped it in many ways that aren’t so obvious.

The post-practice contests between the offense and the defense are one example, from the linemen catching punts to the “every down” players trying field goals. Friday’s bowling trip was another. It is team-building, even if — in the case of bowling — it is hidden in funky shoes and second-hand smoke (edit: Oops. As Mr. Rage mentioned in the comments section, the alley must have been smoke-free).

But Whisenhunt has been building in the organization too. He has been making the effort to make sure everyone at the team’s Tempe facility feels part of his planned revival. Coaches don’t have to do that. The stories of how Nick Saban alienated people in the Dolphins’ organization were legendary. With the Cards, Dennis Green had trouble connecting with many people.

Whisenhunt doesn’t have any issues like that. And in the end, that can only help the team as a whole.

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