Arizona Cardinals: Take Aways From Friday’s Game

Aug 9, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Loyce Means (35) stops Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Charles Hawkins (89) after a gain at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Friday night the Cardinals’ offense showed potential with Carson Palmer airing out a 38 yard bomb to Andre Roberts for a touchdown. Palmer under threw the ball two times, One on a deep throw to Roberts which fell incomplete and another to Larry Fitzgerald, but was completed for a first down. I really hope it’s not a reoccurring theme in the season.

While the passing game looked pretty good the running game is a whole other story. Alfonso Smith couldn’t find a hole if his life depended on it, but it’s still early in the preseason hopefully it can be fixed by week three in the preseason. Stepfan Taylor showed some flashes, but only ran for 64 yards on 20 attempts which isn’t real good.

The offensive line kept Palmer’s jersey clean, and Levi Brown held his own against Clay Matthews. Brown did commit a false start, but Palmer picked him up by throwing for a first down  on the very next play. Keeping Palmer off his back will play a huge role in how many games the Cardinals win this season.

Charles Hawkins and Jaron Brown are really pushing each other for the last wide out spot. Both have had a very impressive camp and it translated over to their games last night. Tight End D.C. Jefferson had a terrible night dropping two wide open passes and ended up hurting his hip last night.

John Abraham blew past the starting right tackle to force a fumble. Steve Keim has to be ecstatic because that is the reason he brought him here to be a turnover causing machine. Abraham has on a chip on his shoulder to prove he still has something left in the tank.

Tyrann Mathieu is who we thought he was, a playmaker. He batted down a pass which was almost intercepted, and punched the ball out of a wide receivers’ hands for an incomplete pass. He played coverage, blitzed, and handled punt returns. He returned one for a 26 yard return after making some a shifty move to dodge the gunner. Also recorded a sack, fans have to be encouraged with him so far, and there is no reason to believe he can’t carry this into the regular season.