Arizona Cardinals: Preseason Week 1 Preview

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

On Friday the Arizona Cardinals will open up the preseason against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay. Bruce Arians said he’s shooting for the starters to get 15 plays according to azcardinals.com. Fans will be anxious to see Carson Palmer under center for the first time in an actual game.

I expect Arians to have Palmer throw some deep passes to Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd. It will be interesting to see just how far they have come since the first practice of training camp. This game will be more for those trying to earn a job than the starters.Alfonso Smith, and Stepfan Taylor will get their chances to maybe push for the starting job if Rashard Mendenhall and Ryan Williams can’t get themselves onto the field.

With Mendenhall and Williams not likely to suit up on Friday it will be Smith’s and Taylor’s time to shine. Injuries are a big concern for Mendenhall and Williams, and it’s not a good sign for them to be dealing with nagging knee injuries this early in the season. Mendenhall is only signed for a year and Williams knows he can’t afford to be on the sideline just watching with three guys behind him on the depth chart.

Fans are also excited to see the new defense under Todd Bowles, and newly acquired pass rusher John Abraham. Tyrann Mathieu has been a training camp all-star causing turnovers left and right, he just always find a way to get his hands on the ball whether it be an interception or forced fumble. With the Packers losing their left tackle Bryan Bulaga for the season Calais Campbell should get a sack or two on Friday. Facing Aaron Rodgers will be a great first test for the defense, and I’m sure they are looking forward to the challenge.

Keep an eye on Charles Hawkins, the running backs, and Ryan Lindley. Lindley is also fighting to stay on the roster as most teams don’t carry 3 quarterbacks. Being the third string Lindley will play most of the game Friday night. So far Lindley has shown potential with some great passes, but then goes back to his terrible inaccurate ways.