The Arizona Cardinals won their first preseason game under Ken
Whisenhunt by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-17. Well lets get
right into it…
Kurt Warner got the start and I think he made the most of it. Kurt was 6 of 9 passing for 54 yards while leading the Cards down the field for a touchdown. Warner hasn’t lost anything from his great 2007 season and didn’t do anything to lose his job, so it’s unfortunate that he won’t be the starter. When you look at most quarterbacks that start hitting the wall at an old age they’re guys that lose their athletic ability and lose their arm. Kurt was never a good athlete to begin with so he hasn’t lost much in that area, and his arm looks as strong and as accurate as ever. It’s frustrating to watch a guy that deserves the starting job sit on the bench. Which is what will be happening unless Leinart gets off to a start like he did last season.
Matt Leinart did play well yesterday, well enough to at least keep his starting job. Matt was 7 of 11 for 62 yards with one nice touchdown pass to Steve Breaston. Like I said before, Matt is going to have to lose the starting job, because at this point Kurt can’t do enough to win it. The problem with that is I think Leinart will be just good enough to not lose his job this season, but not do good enough to lead the Cardinals to the playoffs. But hopefully Matt lives up to the hype and potential and can get the job done.
The defense held Kansas City to no touchdowns till the final seconds of the game but they still have lots of room for improvement. The run defense is just awful and it really reminds me of the Cardinals old. Darnell Dockett didn’t play and Gabe Watson was still out but there is still no excuse for some of the runs Arizona allowed yesterday. It’s starting to become a legit concern, Alan Branch keeps showing flashes but he’s going to need to get it done on every down while Gabe Watson is out. 2nd round pick Calais Campell started at DT yesterday and he did a very nice job. The problem is he’s more of defensive end than a defensive tackle but it was good the Cardinals tried him out in the position. Campell looks like he could make an immediate impact on the team both on defense and special teams. But it still might not solve the problem the Cardinals have with their run defense.
I know this is something on a lot of Cardinals fans mind and I think it’s even more important than we think it is. Neil Rackers kicked a ball out of bounds last night and missed a PAT. This wouldn’t be too concerning had Rackers not single handily cost the Cardinals any chance of making the playoffs last season by missing multiple game winning kicks. I’ve been more patient than anyone when it comes to Neil but at this point it’s just ridiculous. How could the Cardinals not draft or pick up a kick in free agency to at least compete with Neil during training camp? How many times can a guy cost you a game before you cut him? It’s really blowing my mind right now and I pray that Neil can find his 2005 form. If he doesn’t we could be seeing some more heartbreak.
A few players deserve to be talked about…
Tim Hightower is really showing us something. This guy was a AA college football player which means it should take him a long time to get use to the speed of the professional level. But Hightower continues to show great burst of speed good vision. I was somewhat sceptical that he could be the back of the future for the Cardinals but he might be the real deal.
Travis LaBoy had a great game recording 8 tackles and 2 sacks. This is very comforting knowing that we have a back up that can come in and make some plays on defense.
Ali Highsmith had another great game. I’d be very surprised if this undrafted free agent didn’t make the 53 man roster. Speaking of undrafted free agents, last years undrafted free agent center Lyle Sendlein has been doing as good if not better than Al Johnson. Sendlein had to go up against first round pick Glenn Dorsey and the massive Tank Tyler in yesterdays game and he was pushing those guys all over the field. He’s very impressive and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes the starter eventually.
Fullback Tim Castille had a breakout game. Well as much of a breakout game you can have while playing FB. Castille caught 4 balls for 45 yards including a touchdown from Briand St.Pierre. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Cardinals cut Terrelle Smith and made Castille the starter. Tim has looked great in training camp and now during the preseason games. Cutting Smith would save some money that could go towards an Anquan Boldin contract.
J.J. Arrington had the best game he’s had in a while. Maybe Arrington is starting to realize his career was in jeopardy and decided to make some plays. Who knows maybe J.J. will actually make the team and be the 3rd running back behind Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower. If you would have asked me a couple months ago if Arrington was going to be a Cardinal this season I would have definitely said no.
Alright, another solid game but much to improve on. Next week the Cardinals get the Raiders in Oakland. It should be another thrilling preseason game!