Arizona Cardinals: Tyrann Mathieu to Get First NFL Start

Jul 28, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) returns a punt during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie safety Tyrann Mathieu has been remarkable for the Arizona Cardinals, and he’s finally being rewarded.

According to ESPN, Mathieu will start Saturday’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Mathieu, who registered a sack, a pass defense, a tackle for loss and a 24-yard punt return in last Friday’s game against the Green Bay Packers, will start in place of the injured Rashad Johnson.

This start should be the first of many for the gifted Mathieu, whose athleticism and talent should carry him far. His numbers Friday were astounding, and he will only get better. While he is only starting because of an injury, it’s only fair that he gets the starting job.

After all, it should be his permanently very soon.

Troubles off the field have plagued Mathieu, but if he can stay away from those problems, he could be a star. He deserves to be on the field, and as he gets better, he will ascend Arizona’s depth chart rapidly and form a formidable secondary tandem with star cornerback Patrick Peterson.

In other words, Saturday’s start could be only the beginning of an incredible career.