Arizona Cardinals vs Houston Texans: Preview, prediction

The only starting spot still up for grabs is the cornerback spot opposite Patrick Peterson. Currently, the job is rookie Brandon Williams’ to lose. Like all rookies, there have been growing pains with Williams, but the third round pick has shown potential.

As of now it seems unlikely that Mike Jenkins or Justin Bethel will take the starting role from Williams. With Williams still relatively new to the cornerback position, the Cardinals may look to get him comfortable to the role as soon as possible.

Robert Nkemdiche returned to practice earlier this week and has impressed the coaching staff. While he’s still being cautious on his ankle. Arians said Nkemdiche would see heavy minutes against the Texans.

Safety Tyrann Mathieu is expected to make his return to the field. Mathieu said that he was at 80 percent, and is looking to get back to 100 percent before taking the field in an extended role. PUP players like Mathieu and Justin Bethel are only expected to be on the field for 10 or so plays.

Odd:

Houston -1

O/U: 42

Prediction: 

As always with preseason games, the results do not matter. With the lack of production on offense, I expect the starters to come out with a sense of urgency to put points on the board. With the possibility of the starters getting extra time, Palmer will most likely get into a rhythm and move the offense down the field.

Drew Stanton is not worried about his lackluster performance and seems confident that he will bounce back. Matt Barkley has made improvements so far and this is his best chance to convince the coaching staff that Arizona needs three quarterbacks on the roster.

Arizona’s defense has a lot of new faces stepping onto the field and that could be the deciding factor in what it will take to stop Brock Osweiler and the Texans’ offense. With the subpar performances the last two weeks, the Cardinals finally show up to play.

Arizona Cardinals 23, Houston Texans 21