Three Position Battles to Keep an Eye On

Jul 26, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) huddles with offensive tackle Levi Brown (75), guard Chilo Rachal (73), center Lyle Sendlein (63), offensive tackle Paul Fanaika (74), tight end Jim Dray (81), tight end Rob Housler (84) and tight end Jeff King (87) during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

There is always turn over when you bring in a new general manager and head coach in the same year. They don’t always like the current roster and want to get “their guys” in place as soon as possible. The Cardinals are going through this transition and have a few training camp battles you will want to keep your eye on.

Left Tackle

The battle for starting left tackle on the offensive line is by far the most important of the preseason. The Cardinals have pinned their hopes on Carson Palmer at quarterback and protecting his blind side is key to keeping him healthy. Incumbent starter Levi Brown is coming off an injured tricep muscle that kept him out all of last year. Nate Potter is a 7th round pick from 2012 that has good feet and has bulked up this offseason in preparation for this competition. Coach Arians has had high praise for Brown in the offseason, but Brown has not performed up to par in the first week of camp leaving the door open for Potter to take the starting role.
Right Tackle

As of last week the starter at right tackle was penciled in as Bobby Massie, but the Cardinals went out and signed former Kansas City Chief, Eric Winston for some competition. The competition will be good for Massie, who seems to perform better if challenged. Winston will be the favorite to take the starting right tackle job, as he has performed well since entering the league, but Massie could surprise and fight him off. Either way, adding Winston will add much needed depth to the Cardinals offensive line.
Cornerback
The Cardinals added some cornerbacks this offseason to compete as the starter opposite Patrick Petersen. The front-runners look to be Javier Arenas, Jerraud Powers and Antoine Cason. All have been solid in camp to this point and will look to separate themselves once games begin. Powers is probably the slight favorite to win the starting job, but don’t count anyone out in this competition. With more teams using three wide receiver sets in their offense, it will be important for the Cardinals to be deep at this position, and it seems that they like what they see so far.