Cardinals Look to Start Off On the Right Foot Against Packers

Jul 29, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) prepares to take the snap during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the Cardinals travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in their preseason opener!

Being the first of four preseason games, the Cardinals stars and starters will likely not be playing too much. That certainly doesn’t mean this game doesn’t have implications.

For the Cardinals rookie class, this will be their first chance to prove themselves. Players like Tyrann Mathieu, whose instincts have made him one of the most impressive players at the Cards training camp, will finally square off against other pros.

Other players primed for breakout seasons will likely be looking to get off on the right foot tonight.  Rashard Mendenhall, Stepfan Taylor and Alfonso Smith will be running for Arizona, all three of whom are eager to impress.

For some, this game starts a make-or-break time. Quarterback Ryan Lindley has been struggling in camp, which is a bad sign for him given that as a rookie he threw 7 interceptions and no touchdowns. Bruce Arians has hinted that Lindley may be released, and the Cardinals would head into the season with only  two quarterbacks on the roster.

Now to check out the Cardinals opponents. The Packers are a talented team with a star at quarterback,  but they have their own new additions and positional battles. Their offensive line is struggling, and they have to solidify who their offensive weapons will be.

Both teams will be deciding who stays and who goes. Both teams have playmakers and both want to get started right.  However, both should be careful,  because both have been plagued by the injury bug during camp.

It should be an interesting start of 2013 for the Packers and Cardinals.

Prediction: 21-14 Packers