The Cardinals posted a 12-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday afternoon and left a lot of things to talk about in it's aftermath.
Even though the Cardinals were able to generate six turnovers on defense, which, means they have a total of eight turnovers in two preseason games and have only allowed seven points. Yes, you read that right..
Here are my thoughts on defense:
1) While the Cardinals gave up 342 yards on defense and at times looked like the Cowboys were moving the ball easily, they were able to keep the Cowboys out of the end zone for the majority of the game through turnovers. While I understand Bruce Arians said the defense will be judged on turnovers and points allowed, the easy movement concerns me only due to the fact that turnovers aren't something that are consistent every game on the level we're seeing them thus far. I think the defense has some concerns but it's hard to argue with the way they've handle the two preseason games thus far. When will it come back to bite us in the ass though?
2) Where was the pressure from the front line? Maybe the excuse of preseason football is what has been happening but I saw Abraham playing OLB with Campbell, Dockett, and Acho/Shaughnessy and I did not see much of any pressure on Romo. I hope this changes quickly because I'm not sure the secondary can hold up if we give opposing QBs a good amount of time to progress through their reads.
3) Mathieu, while not making any real splash plays, was solid at FS and continues to build on his performance from Green Bay. He did have one mark against him when he tried to jump a route and pick the ball. I saw that he got his fingertips on the ball but the Cowboys WR was able to catch it still and take it upfield for a 16-17 yard gain. He's going to gamble, this a part of his instincts.. but sometimes he needs to make the hit instead and he'll learn that as time goes.
4) Tony Jefferson probably still hasnt cracked the roster as it was one game and he was facing the lower end of the NFL quality spectrum but I think he has made a case for a bigger role in these final preseason games to evaluate him more.
5) Having Kevin Minter on the field with Daryl Washington was a sight to see. Speed and thumping, quite a combination. I think week 5 we'll see Dansby and Washington with Minter getting some rotation. I feel really good about the ILB squad even with Daryl missing time due to suspension.
Most surprising from this game is the fact that off of six turnovers, the Cardinals were only able to materialize 12 points. You simple cannot get that many turnovers from your defense and not put up at least double the points. Arizona was 0 out of 5 red zone attempts and their only points came from Jay Feely.
Here are my thoughts on offense:
1) Speaking of Feely, his inconsistency as a kicker is becoming prevalent and giving me cause for concern. He was able to hit a long 54 yarder today but still showed his struggles by shankapotomousing a 30 yarder.
2) Palmer looked erratic at times today but I think that's mostly the QB and WRs still learning the ebb and flow of their interpersonal dynamics.
3) Mendenhall, if given good run blocking, is the best back we have on the roster. Although, I did like some of what I saw from Ellington and would like to see more of him with the 1st unit. Stepfan Taylor is Stepfan Taylor... he'll churn out tough yards and occasionally get a good 7-10 yard gain.
4) I mentioned this on Twitter but, I really TRULY believe the WR corp will be: Fitz, Floyd, Roberts, Taylor, Brown, Hawkins — no Robert Gill. Unless Gill shows something amazing these last two games, I think he's missed too much time. Kerry Taylor showed me that he can be a #4 WR at the very least, as did Brown and Hawkins.
5) I worry and wonder about our tight end position. The blocking can be downright putrid at times and I have yet to see Housler show any promise of "emerging" during the regular season. It's preseason though so I will reserve absolute judgement until the season starts but I expect the team to scour the waiver wire or attempt to look at any free agents. I do not know who is available off the top of my head.
6) We have an offensive line. At least in pass blocking sets, as Palmer continues to get a pretty clean pocket. Levi Brown showed that he can still be Levi Brown at times, but he has done a pretty good job at giving Palmer time to throw. I don't think Potter is the answer and he is starting to look more like a depth guy that you don't want to throw in there but understand in a pinch, he can give you so semi-solid plays on the field.
