Arizona Cardinals Stock Report: Preseason Week 2
The preseason game against the Oakland Raiders was an opportunity for players to enhance their stock.
The Arizona Cardinals faced the Oakland Raiders in their second preseason matchup. With starters sitting out the Hall of Fame Game against the Dallas Cowboys, this was the first opportunity to see the first team units in action. As much as fans enjoyed seeing the starters, preseason games are really about the players on the bubble who are trying to make the roster – or use their playing time as an audition for another roster.
With this in mind, this inaugural edition of the Arizona Cardinals Stock Report will focus on two players who are vying for a roster spot.
Stock Up: Linebacker Josh Bynes
Inside linebacker is quietly one of the Cardinals’ more competitive position battles , with Deone Bucannon, Karlos Dansby, and Haason Reddick at the top of the food chain, and players like Scooby Wright, Zaviar Gooden, Philip Wheeler and Josh Bynes fighting for roster spots.
Amidst this vigorous competition, Josh Bynes added to an already strong camp by leading the Cardinals with seven tackles against the Raiders. He also had one tackle for loss, and a half of a sack for good measure. He still has work to do in order to secure a roster spot, but for now Bynes’ stock is trending up.
Stock Down: Wide Receiver Jeremy Ross
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In a vacuum, Ross’ stat line against the Raiders wasn’t bad – three receptions for 36 yards on four targets. The problem is that, despite the uncertainty currently surrounding the Cardinals’ wide receiving corps, Ross’ best chances to make the active roster are contingent upon his ability as a return man – especially with running back and returner T.J. Logan sidelined for at least half the season.
Unfortunately for Ross, his single kickoff opportunity resulted in a paltry 14 yard return. Dropping a catch in the endzone certainly didn’t help his chances either. There’s still a lot of preseason football to be played, but Ross didn’t help himself this week.