Rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling, in his first NFL game, got the start along with Tim Hightower in the Cardinals' backfield. His story has been an impressive one, coming from a backup role in college his final two seasons to lowly seventh-round pick to making the roster.

But there is a problem: His bulky name. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has the same problem, but DRC rolls off the tongue. LSH doesn't. Some fans (who passed it on to me) wanted to go with "The Howler," but suggesting that to Stephens-Howling drew a chuckle and shake of the head. "I'm not a big fan of that one."

So I brought up "The Hyphen," which apparently some teammates have used. Stephens-Howling smiled. "I've been hearing everything," he said. So did he have any nicknames before coming to the Cards? "Well, Rod, LaRod," Stephens-Howling said, knowing neither would qualify as nicknames. "My mom says, 'Boy.' There's 'Hey you,' " Stephens-Howling said. "I answer to a lot of things around here."