The Arizona Cardinals finally got a win in this year’s preseason. Last week, they had a late lead only to lose in the final seconds. New head coach Mike LaFleur had to wait a week to get his first NFL victory as they slayed the Las Vegas Raiders 27-14 on the road.
Playing under a dome certainly helped with the stagnant heat in Nevada, where it is hot under a shade tree at night. A good crowd of 61,683 showed up to see their new quarterback, first overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza.
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LEAVES GAME WITH KNEE INJURY
The first string offense only played one series, but that ended in seven points. Keep in mind, this is only preseason, and this game was against the Raiders, who only won three games last year. Both teams finished with identical 3-14-0 records last year, and both teams sport new head coaches.
So, who played well for the Cardinals? Who didn’t?
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BEAKS
Play calling – It is just the preseason, and vanilla is pretty popular. But what we have seen from the new ball coach and his ability to run an offense has been impressive in both games so far.
QB Jacoby Brissett – Okay, so maybe a quarterback that goes to work and hasn’t shown up for the last several months can indeed learn a new system quickly. He was in command and led his one drive for early points. The touchdown to WR Marv Harrison in the back right of the end zone almost appeared like it came off his hand as a Hail Mary, but was on the money with a step to spare in the back corner in double coverage. Amazing throw. Early in the first quarter, facing a third-and-11 just inside Raiders’ territory, Brissett found WR Michael Wilson for 18 yards down to the 28-yard line. Several plays later, he hit WR Kendrick Bourne for 12 yards to the seven, with the TD pass to Harrison the very next play. Brissett went 5-for-5 for 101 yards, one TD, zero picks, and was not sacked a single time. His QB rating was 142.9.
QB Gardner Minshew – Let’s just continue with the quarterback room. Another excellent performance. Minshew took over the second series like an old pro. At one time was 10-for-10 and finished 14-for-16 for 102 yards with two touchdowns and zero picks, with a 132.8 QB rating. If Brissett is named the Week 1 starter, Minshew doing well in live games is such a great sign for this offense. The Minshew vs. Carson Beck debate can sizzle all year, but we know if something happens to Brissett, this offense will still compete. Two good efficiency performances from two quarterbacks is a LaFleur trait.
WR Jalen Brooks – Second impressive game out of two. Get this: targeted six times, had six receptions. Great hands and is a fearless receiver. Just go ahead and name him on the final roster. Led all receivers with 52 yards, and his touchdown was with just 17 seconds left in the first half.
LB Karson Sharar – Had a great game and seemed to be everywhere, even when he wasn’t making a tackle. Big hit on special teams. Led all Arizona defenders with five total tackles and one tackle for loss.
First down and third down – This offense netted 23 first downs, which is a great sight to see. Then on third-down efficiency, they went 8-15. Take both every game.
Zero turnovers – When is the last time you saw a team in preseason not turn the ball over?
Kicking team – P Blake Gillikin had only two punts all game, but he had a 51.5 average per kick. Both times he flipped the field position. Last year he led the league in punting average with 51.7, so he is keeping his consistency going. K Chad Ryland went 2-for-3 in field goal attempts but nailed on for 56-yards.
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GEEKS
Preseason injuries that affect the regular season – We all know that the preseason has its place in the lives of every player in training camp. 90 players have to be pared down to 53. But lordy, when a promising rookie, such as OG Chase Bisontis, goes down and is holding his knee, it makes you want to scream. We will see just how bad, or perhaps the bullet he dodged, very soon. Afterwards, LaFleur told the media, “Not good.” Already lost another rookie, DT Kaleb Proctor, for the year.
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette – With a thick receiving room full of talented young guys, Smith-Marsette only has a few games to show he is the Wild Card in this group to make the final roster. Despite looking really good in practices against his own teammates, he needs to show out in live action. One reception for seven yards isn’t going to get it done. He also had one kickoff return for 24 yards. Yawn.
CB Sean Murphy-Bunting – Playing in the nickel position, he does not contest his receivers close enough. On the touchdown toss to Raiders WR Jack Bech, Murphy-Bunting just watched the receiver float on by and then acted confused as to how his man got so open. For all his game snaps, he had just two tackles.
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Bird Seed: You can learn more character on the two-yard line than anywhere else in life
RB Jeremiyah Love – For the record, the rookie’s first carry was the first offensive play of the game for three yards with the tackle by the Raiders’ Taron Johnson. Impressive run for 14 yards right before the first half two-minute warning, and then the very first play after the break for 16 yards; he ran like he had been there before. The rookie looked good for the most part. He left the game with an apparent ankle issue, so we will see where that goes. 11 carries for 58 yards, with a long run of 16 yards. Also caught three balls for 14 yards. He displayed the juice; now let’s not get him hurt before Week 1.
WR Marv Harrison – One target, one reception, one touchdown, and then drew a pass interference call. Call this one sold.
WR Reggie Virgil – The rookie continues to impress. Had only two catches on four targets, but that 24-yard one-handed grab to deep left was a thing of beauty. Two receptions for 43 yards and a 21.5-yard-per-catch average.
DT Walter Nolen – Played well and didn’t look like he had any issues for a change. Got a great shot on the Raiders QB for the sack and played the run well.
C Jon Gaines – Had several good blocks on NT Benito Jones that sprang Love on those two good runs, plus another nine-yarder earlier in the second quarter.
