iRobot
Veteran
Was going to do this on Friday but ended up writing it today..
http://azbirdgang.com/?p=102
Last week, the Cardinals faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in their week two preseason match-up. Coming off a win, preseason or not, is always a good feeling for a team and the Cardinals had a lot of positives come from last week. The defense was able to force many turnovers, despite the offense being unable to build a large point deficit off those turnovers, and at times it appeared we had a run game. The entire objective of the preseason is player evaluations for those whom are not the starters and to give the starters time to gel with each other and build what is hopefully a team that will be competitive for the playoffs or ultimately the SuperBowl.
However, we're on to week three of the preseason now and the Cardinals are welcoming the San Diego Chargers into the valley with hopefully a healthy heaping of points scored and a defense to give the Chargers QB a sack attack.
When the Cardinals took the field in week two, they looked flat in their opening and even were unable to move the ball adequately enough on their second possession despite the defense delivering the football on the outskirts of the red zone. In order for the Cardinals to truly compete, they're going to need to show that they're adept in regards to their playbook and game plan by executing plus scoring when in the red zone (which they failed to do against the Cowboys). The pass protection has been nearly perfect for Carson Palmer and it's been evident that the current starting unit for the offensive line is likely the unit we'll see come week one against the St. Louis Rams. The run blocking has been below average and unacceptable, but at times, has shown potential when the line has been effective and we've seen chunks on the ground. To have a healthy 4-5 yards per carry average in this match-up while the starting unit is on the field would be great indicator that the offense is improving and will be ready for the season.
When Arizona takes the field against the Chargers, my attention will be locked in on how well the offense moves the ball against a Chargers defense that has allowed seven touchdowns (3 rushing, 4 passing) and only managed 3 sacks thus far through two preseason games.
How will Rob Housler fair against this Chargers defense? Thus far, Housler has been a non-factor in the preseason and he has been hyped through the offseason as a player to watch for a large breakout this year. In two games thus far, he has been without a catch and has been having mixed reviews in terms of his run blocking. One of the first plays in his game against the Cowboys, he motioned from the left of the formation to the right as an H-Back, and once the ball was snapped ran to the second level without blocking a single person even thought he had his sights on Sean Lee coming free to tackle Mendenhall for a 1-2 yard loss. If House gets the block and seals Lee inside, I think it's possible Mendenhall could of had a 5-15 yard run since Fitz was sealing the DB outside on the play and the only person in the equation was the free safety.
Will Andre Ellington receive some carries with the starting unit? While his 2.4 yards per carry average from the Cowboys gave initially leaves much to be desired, he had an explosive/quick 24 yard scamper that showed some of what Ellington brings to the table. As a change of pace to Mendenhall, he would be quite possibly the only true home run threat on our roster at running back. I would like to see him get a shot at showing what he can bring in pass protection and what he can do against a starting caliber defense.
Can Kerry Taylor continue his rise to the #4 receiver spot or will the newly acquired Mike Thomas give reason to consider a change? Taylor was a stud in the Cowboys game and I'm interested to see if he gets a chance to show more against the Chargers but in a 4-wide set with the starting unit. Andre Roberts has been held out of practice a time or two this week and Taylor may find himself sitting third on the depth chart for this match up while Roberts could be held out to rest. Although, as of Wednesday, Roberts has come back to practice.
While most of my interest lies with the offense and how their outing against the Chargers looks, the Cardinals defense thus far has had mixed feelings. I know Bruce Arians has iterated that the defense will be judged on points against and turnovers, but there have been quite a few explosive plays and a difficulty with getting off the field on third down. While posting a +7 turnover differential in two preseason games is impressive, opposing offenses have been able to move the ball quite easily at times. It's important to note that I'm not discounting the fact that this defense has been rallying to the ball and making it rain at the "strip club" but, turnovers can hit dry spells and then a defense has to be able to tighten up and defend the end zone. It would be easier for the defensive backs to cover, however, if there was more pressure being applied to the quarterback. Unfortunately, the pressure from the defensive line so far has been lackluster. The Chargers are struggling on the offensive line though and the Cardinals should be able to take advantage of that situation.
Will we see John Abraham, Calais Campbell, Sam Acho, or Darnell Dockett with a multiple sack game? The Chargers are fielding an offensive line that has been notably struggling. A rookie on the right side should give Abraham or Sam Acho a chance for at the very least, consistent QB pressure and the potential of a few sacks. Opposite of the rook is King Dunlap, who joined San Diego from the Eagles, has struggled in his career to be a consistent lineman. The pair of these two tackles should give potential for the outside rush to get to the QB.
Can Jerraud Powers keep the #2 CB position in his grasps or will someone step up and prove to be a better option? Powers struggled in coverage against the likes of Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, however, he did have an INT and strip in the game to make up for any struggles in coverage. I've always seen Powers as more of a slot corner than a true outside #2 CB. It will be interesting to see how Powers performs against a weakened Chargers WR corps.
This match-up against the Chargers will be the longest period of time we will see the starting unit on the field. Hence why I do not mention much of the position battles further down on the depth chart. I'll save that analysis for the week four game against the Broncos when presumably the starters may not see any time at all. While the Chargers have had their struggles so far, this should still be a good measuring stick for the Cardinals. A team firing on all cylinders should be able to stick it to another team on Sunday that has been struggling. If the game is close, then the offense and defense are not executing well and it's nearly time to hit the panic button. If the inverse happens, then I'll feel quite confident that getting 8-10 wins could happen this season and we will likely be in every game through the season.
http://azbirdgang.com/?p=102
