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Arizona Cardinals: Making moves after losing Golden, poor offensive line play

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Offensive guard Earl Watford #78 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals and Seahawks tied 6-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Offensive guard Earl Watford #78 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals and Seahawks tied 6-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals tinkered with their roster on Monday after a costly loss to the San Francisco 49ers

As feared, the Arizona Cardinals lost their leading sack rusher from last season in linebacker Markus Golden.  They had to make a few adjustments to the roster.

To replace Golden, the Cardinals are going to re-sign linebacker Scooby Wright.  He’s been on and off the roster since the season began.  How long he stays we will see.

The Cardinals released offensive lineman Vinston Painter on Monday as well.  Painter was added from the practice squad after guard Mike Iupati went on injured reserve over the weekend.

The offensive line of the Cardinals had another bad day at the office on Sunday.  Quarterback Carson Palmer was sacked six times by the San Francisco 49ers, matching the number of sacks he endured from last Monday night in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

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To replace Painter, the Cardinals brought in a familiar face.  Earl Watford returns to the team he left during free agency back in March.

Watford signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent.  However, he was cut at the end of training camp.  While the move isn’t Earth-shattering, it does give the Cardinals someone who knows the offense well.

Right now some familiarity with the Cardinals schemes and playbook could do the offensive line some good.  The Cardinals were forced to start rookie Will Holden on Sunday a little sooner than they had hoped.

Watford may not be the best answer in the long run but he is the best answer now.  Somehow the offensive line needs to step up.  Not only is Palmer getting sacked, he was hit 16 times in all on Sunday.

Every quarterback gets hit but the times Palmer is being thrown to the ground or has to hurry a pass is bordering on the ridiculous.  Let’s also hope this week is the week the Cardinals get left tackle D.J. Humphries back.

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