The Arizona Cardinals played their starters for the first time in the preseason on Saturday night
With the Arizona Cardinals starters sitting out last week in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Dallas Cowboys, they got their 15-snaps in on Saturday night and looked good. Their one drive resulted in a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders.
A 14-play 70-yard drive constructed by quarterback Carson Palmer resulted in a touchdown pass to receiver Brittan Golden. Palmer went 4-8 for 39-yards. He missed receiver Jaron Brown on a deep pass that appeared catchable in the end zone.
Running back David Johnson’s night ended even earlier during the drive. He ran the ball three times for 16-yards. His last run went for 10-yards off a run right.
The run was classic Johnson. He appeared to be in mid-season form. That was enough for him. He had taken a big hit earlier. No need to see more at this point.
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Receiver Larry Fitzgerald started but did not catch a pass. Tight end Jermaine Gresham caught one pass for nine yards. He dropped one as well,
Apparently Gresham has been dropping some passes as well in practice. That is something he will need to get under control. The team decided to bring him back in the offseason.
Another tight end, Troy Niklas did catch a touchdown. He caught a pass from backup quarterback Drew Stanton for a score.
As for the defense, it appears they are still looking for someone who can play opposite Patrick Peterson at corner. Brandon Williams was burned again for a long Raiders pass completion.
Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche played very well. He appears ready to be the player the Cardinals expected last year when they drafted him. For the second week in a row he has looked dominant on the defensive line.