Whisenhunt said “team chemistry” has kept the Cardinals rolling along despite the bumps.

“I think we have a number of guys that are hungry for this, and I think we’re really focused on being a team,” Whisenhunt said. “I think the unselfishness is a big part of this team, is what I’ve seen. Guys are not so much focused on what’s in it for me, but what can I do to help the team. When you’ve had a little bit of success, when you’ve done some good things, it’s easy to stay focused.”

But some of the credit has to go to Whisenhunt, who has made it clear that he will play the most productive players regardless of where they were drafted or how much they’re paid.

Graves credited Whisenhunt with creating an unselfish environment in the locker room.

“There’s a feel-good feeling about not only what’s going on right now, but for the future of our team,” Graves said.

Hightower, drafted in the fifth round out of Richmond last spring, appears to be the future at running back. But he might be James’ biggest fan in the locker room.

Hightower called James “a good guy, a good teammate and a good friend, a mentor.”

“He’s been supportive every step of the way,” Hightower said. “He’s really been a big inspiration as well as a major help to me as well.”

Hightower said James has not shown his unhappiness in practice, team meetings or in the locker room.

“Everybody wants to do well and succeed, and he deserves it and he has earned it,” Hightower said. “But if there’s any regret or any remorse at all, he doesn’t show it. He does a really good job of keeping his personal feelings away from the locker room and away from this environment.”

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Jose Yau / AP

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