With the preseason underway, the 2017 version of the Arizona Cardinals will soon start to take shape, and after some solid performances by key players, there is a lot to look forward to as the regular season is ever-closer.
Blaine Gabbert. Over the last 7 years, that name has been synonymous with adjectives like “mediocre,” “terrible,” or “bust.” And with career stats like a 9-31 record, 56% completion percentage and a TD-INT ratio of 38/37, rightfully so. But after a few weeks digesting the Cardinals’ playbook and taking snaps for the first half of the Hall of Fame game, Gabbert looked like none of those.
Calm. Poised. Accurate. Those were the adjectives that came to mind when watching Gabbert work his way down field, commanding the offense, going 11-14 and 185 yards passing. I know, I know – it’s the preseason. But Gabbert, with his performance last night, showed he’s ready for his shot at resurrecting his career. And maybe, with some stability, great coaching and mentoring, he can establish himself in the desert.
Young defenders shine under the bright lights
Robert Nkemdiche is ready for his breakout season. At least it seems that way after the young defender pushed his way into the Dallas backfield all evening. Great jump off the snap, quick, strong and relentless. That’s the player the Cardinals were hoping to get when they drafted Nkemdiche in the first round out of Ole Miss in 2016.
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“I just felt like I was myself,” the second-year tackle said. If that is what the real Robert Nkemdiche looks like, by all means…do you. James Bettcher, I’m sure, would appreciate it as well.
Another bright spot for the Cardinals defense was the play of rookie Safety Budda Baker. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound rookie out of Washington saw significant playing time and took advantage of the opportunity. I’d be remiss if I did not bring up the comparisons to Tyrann Mathieu. Playing near the line of scrimmage, getting in on tackles, playing the ball and breaking up passes, certainly Baker looked like the Honey Badger flying around out there.
Baker will mold into his own as a Cardinal. And playing in a scheme that complements his abilities, it will be quite a treat to see how he develops as a professional.
Chapter one of the preseason is in the books. Let’s see what chapter two has in store as the Raiders come to town.