Arizona Cardinals rookie report: Preseason game three

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 19: Budda Baker #36 and Tramon Williams #37 of the Arizona Cardinals break up a pass intended for Zach Miller #86 of the Chicago Bears during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 19: Budda Baker #36 and Tramon Williams #37 of the Arizona Cardinals break up a pass intended for Zach Miller #86 of the Chicago Bears during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals rookies, as a whole, didn’t have their best game against the Chicago Bears

The starters got their longest look yet in the Arizona Cardinals third preseason game. The first team played much more against the Chicago Bears than they did last week. This left somewhat less time for most of the rookies to show what they could do.

The Cardinals lost to the Bears by a score of 24-23 in a game that featured an exciting finish. However, coaches had little to be excited about overall. Not only did the starters struggle, but the rookies didn’t fare all that well either.

First round draft pick Haason Reddick once again got caught over-pursuing and running himself out of plays. He recorded one tackle, but was pretty much a non-factor for the second week in a row. The only time he was mentioned was when he was called for a blatant late hit on the quarterback.

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Budda Baker has been the team’s best performing rookie, but even he was more down than up this week. He had two tackles and was in on a few pass breakups, but he was out of position a few times, gave up a touchdown, and got flagged for pass interference.

Wide Receiver Chad Williams nearly had the play of the game. He was open in the middle of the field for what seemed to be a sure long touchdown, but the pass was high and incomplete. He did record one catch for 15 yards. He did get plenty of playing time.

Two other rookie pass catchers had at least one catch as well. Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones took a short reception and turned it into a 41 yard gain. Krishawn Hogan caught two passes for 32 yards.

On defense, linebacker Tre’Von Johnson had a couple of nice plays and a total of three tackles. Safety Ironhead Gallon also had three tackles.

Overall, it was a pretty poor showing from the entire team. The starters should get even more playing time next week, so the rookies will need to play even harder to make an impact.

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