Arizona Cardinals: Reviewing the Offensive Line
By Scott Allen
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Jared Veldheer (68) against the Houston Texans during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
If there is one spot that looked better for the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason, it was the offensive line. After the 53-man roster was announced on Saturday you really couldn’t argue much about it with one exception.
Jared Veldheer – The new acquisition is just what the doctor ordered for Cards quarterback Carson Palmer. He comes as advertised.
Ted Larsen – Versatile. That’s the best word to describe Larsen. He stepped in admirably for the disappointing Jonathan Cooper. He can play tackle, guard and even center.
Lyle Sendlein – He’s about as steady as they come in the NFL. He’s consistent and as long as he’s healthy is one of the better center’s in the NFL.
Paul Fanaika – I don’t think there was anyone more confident about winning his position that Fanaika was in the preseason. You have to like a guy who exudes the confidence he did.
Bobby Massie – Massie exuded almost the same amount of confidence in winning his spot as Fanaika. I like the progress he’s made over his three seasons. I’m looking forward to watching Massie succeed.
Bradley Sowell – Lucky to still be in Arizona. He had a very poor preseason. I’ll just leave it at that. He was in a fight with Nate Potter, who quite honestly did not have a good preseason either but he got hurt and was released, so by default, Sowell stays. He shouldn’t get too comfortable though. He’s one bad play or one better player being available from being dropped.
Jonathan Cooper – Last year’s first-rounder, who broke his leg in the 2013 preseason, did not impress in the preseason. Having the medical clearance to play, he developed a toe problem and also just didn’t play very well. Coach Bruce Arians was not happy with his performance. Now Cooper must play as a backup until he can prove he’s ready to be the guy the Cards drafted last year.
Earl Watford – He’ll backup Fanaika. I expect to see him a bit though. Kind of a mixed bag of results from him. Clearly strong enough to make an NFL roster but whether he can turn into a consistent performer to where he can be a starter, we’ll have to wait and see.