The Arizona Cardinals offense has yet to click through two preseason games
Arizona Cardinals fans should not put a lot of stock into preseason games. The games are for the most part an audition for rookies and undrafted free agents. There are 90 players on the roster. Only 53 of those players will make the final roster.
Nevertheless, as a fan, you’d rather the team’s starting offense is at the least efficient if they’re not scoring points. That hasn’t really been the case for the Cardinals through two games.
Quarterback Carson Palmer has thrown a couple of nice balls but for the most part has looked less than mediocre. His very first pass attempt in the preseason opener versus the Oakland Raiders should been picked but fortunately was dropped. He then threw a pick-six against the San Diego Chargers that had observers scratching their heads.
For the record, it’s worth mentioning that although Palmer’s been shaky, he has remained healthy. His backup, Drew Stanton, has looked every bit like a journeyman. In two games he’s been absolutely terrible, high on almost every throw while throwing two interceptions along the way.
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The running game was impressive in the first exhibition game. In the second game it took a step backwards. Guard Evan Mathis has brought to the desert with him high expectations for the run game. Work needs to be done before the season’s opener. Money has been invested to improve the run game.
There also are injury concerns at wide receiver. There wasn’t a big deal made out of the concussion suffered early in camp by receiver John Brown. But three weeks have passed and he hasn’t been able to return. His availability for week one is up in the air.
Another injury at wideout surfaced when it was announced that future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald has a sprained MCL. Thankfully it doesn’t appear to be serious and the Cardinals legend shouldn’t miss much time.
The 2016 Cardinals offense has a lot to live up to after it’s number one ranking last season. Next week, the third and most relevant “dress rehearsal ” of the preseason is being played against the Houston Texans. The starting offense will likely play into the third quarter of that game. So that unit still has time to quell some fears before the season opener.
Again, the preseason does not matter whatsoever when it comes to wins and losses. However, as Cards fans, it’s all we have to measure our team with right now.
A couple of touchdowns in the upcoming game would go a long way in providing some peace of mind for the die-hards. Here’s hoping the boys provide that .