Arizona Cardinals: Flying Around The Round Table

Football is back, and Arizona Cardinals fans are happy about that for two reasons.

One of those reasons is that the Cardinals dominated in their first preseason game. Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton both threw touchdown passes, the defense blanked the Green Bay Packers and the Cardinals won 17-0.

It was a great game for the team, and it brings up reason for optimism. But how good was it? To answer that question, we turned to our staff. Here are some answers.

Sean McConnell

The new guys looked great. One that especially impressed was what I saw of Jonathan Cooper. His man, or sometimes multiple defenders, would be the last ones to even see the quarterback. Defense also seemed to open up a can on the Packer offense. I know it’s the preseason but we look like we are ready to surprise this year.

Lucas Robbins

The Cardinals performance over the Packers was impressive. There are some things to get about on both sides of the ball. One of the most impacting sequence of plays came early in the first quarter when Patrick Peterson intercepted a pass thrown by Packers quarterback Graham Harrell. Immediately after Carson Palmer threw a touchdown bomb to wide receiver Andre Roberts. Gotta love coach BA’s new exciting brand of downfield deep passes.

Brenton Johnson

At first glance the Arizona Cardinals fared extremely well in their first preseason game. Especially, since there is a new GM in place, a new head coach and staff on board and a host of new players. The offensive line did an adequate job but do need to work on their running game (push up front). However their pass protection was outstanding. Let’s see if they can continue to impress.

The quarterback play was a huge surprise; especially when they’ve spent minimal time (QB’s/WR’s) together to develop chemistry and to develop the idiosyncrasies of the offense (in the new regime).

As far as the defense goes; what can I say, a shut out is a shutout. However it was the first preseason game.  Aaron Rogers only played one series and he was able to methodically move the pigskin down the field until the Cardinals defense was able to slow them down and turn the ball over on downs inside their own 5 yard line.

Furthermore, we also know how generic the offensive and defensive game plans are usually in the preseason (for most teams). Most teams are very conservative and do not want to show (their hand) anything before the regular season starts. As most teams do not game plan or study (film) their opponents in the preseason.

Finally, even though the preseason game plans are extremely vanilla; there were some very impressive and positive signs during the Cardinals debut win on both sides of the ball.  Now let’s see how the rest of the preseason plays out.

Baily Deeter

I was very impressed by the Cardinals’ performance. Jaron Brown looked great, Carson Palmer and Stepfan Taylor impressed, and the defense turned in a gem. It’s only the preseason, but Cardinals fans should be optimistic about this game.

Matthew Gay

In general I was excited to see the new regime in action. I’m not sure if a pre-season win is adequate for the work that the front office did in re-building. It was nice seeing a clean pocket 90% of the time for the quarterbacks. Time will tell if it stays a common attribute though. The defense looked like last seasons with a few turnovers which was a pleasant surprise and a attribute I hope the team keeps for years to come. Defense wins championships and that’s what the Arizona Cardinals finally need.