With the Arizona Cardinals just days away from trimming their roster down to the final 53 players, the team’s recent preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts has sparked plenty of discussions. And let’s be honest, when you're this close to the regular season, every play, every decision, and every player evaluation feels like it's under a microscope.
Breaking Down the Preseason Matchup
First things first, the Cardinals didn't come out on top against the Colts, but preseason scores often don't tell the full story. It's more about individual performances, and there were definitely some standout moments—and some not-so-great ones—that caught our attention.
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the game. On the bright side, linebacker Cameron Thomas showcased some solid play. This guy was flying around the field, making you think he’s not just looking to make the roster, but maybe even earn himself some significant snaps in the regular season. Similarly, guard Isaiah Adams brought his A-game, solidifying his case to be a part of that final 53. Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson also made some noise, showing he can be a reliable option in the secondary, while running back Trey Benson displayed the kind of explosiveness that could make him a weapon in the Cardinals' backfield.
But not everything was sunshine and rainbows. The performance of tackle Christian Jones was, to put it mildly, concerning. When you're fighting for a spot on the roster, you can’t afford to have the kind of struggles Jones experienced. It’s one of those situations where a player can find himself on the outside looking in, especially when the roster cut deadline looms.
Quarterback Controversy: Desmond Ridder’s Future
One of the more pressing topics Seth Cox and I tackled on the latest podcast was the performance of quarterback Desmond Ridder. Now, Ridder is in a bit of a precarious position. After this game, there are genuine questions about whether he’s done enough to secure his spot on the roster. When a player in such a crucial position underperforms, it can send ripples through the entire team. Could Ridder's struggles in this game be the nail in the coffin for his time with the Cardinals? It's a storyline that’s definitely worth keeping an eye on as the final cuts approach.
The Great Debate: To Play or Not to Play Starters?
Another hot topic of discussion was the Cardinals’ strategy of keeping their starters out of preseason games. It's a bold move, and it’s something that has the fanbase and analysts divided. On one hand, you get it—why risk your key players getting hurt in games that don’t count? But on the flip side, there's the concern that these players might not be in full game shape when Week 1 rolls around.
Imagine going into the first game of the season and your starters are rusty, missing assignments, and just not in sync. That’s a real risk, and it makes you wonder if the Cardinals might end up regretting this decision. Seth and I spent a good chunk of the podcast debating this very issue, and it’s one of those situations where only time will tell if it was the right call. But let’s be clear: if the Cardinals stumble out of the gate, you can bet this strategy is going to be scrutinized heavily.
Potential Surprise Cuts and Trade Candidates
As the roster cut deadline looms, we couldn’t help but speculate on some potential surprise cuts. Every year, there are always a few names that shock you when they don’t make the final roster. We tossed around a few possibilities, and while it’s never easy to predict, the writing is often on the wall for certain players.
Could someone like Christian Jones be on the chopping block? Based on his performance against the Colts, it wouldn’t be a shocker. And then there’s the possibility of the Cardinals making some moves via trade. When you’re trying to get down to 53, sometimes the best option is to get something in return for a player rather than just cutting them loose. We discussed a few names that could potentially be trade pieces, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how the front office navigates these waters.
Roster Moves: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Cardinals have already made some roster moves, and it’s given us a glimpse into how the team is shaping up. But with more cuts on the horizon, there’s still plenty to think about. Every move has a ripple effect on the rest of the team, and it’s clear that the coaching staff is meticulously evaluating every position.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of depth. Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL, and the teams that succeed are often the ones that have quality backups ready to step up. This preseason has shown that the Cardinals have some depth, but there are still some positions where they could be vulnerable if the injury bug hits.
The Podcast: Where to Catch All the Action
For those of you who love diving deep into these topics, our latest podcast episode is a must-listen. We cover all of these points and more, giving you a comprehensive breakdown of where the Cardinals stand as the regular season approaches. Whether you’re tuning in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform, make sure you don’t miss an episode. And hey, if you like what you hear, don’t forget to give us that five-star rating—it helps other fans find the show!
Pointers to Remember:
- Quarterback Desmond Ridder: Is he on the bubble after a shaky performance?
- Cameron Thomas and Trey Benson: Two names to watch as potential impact players.
- Cardinals' preseason strategy: Could resting the starters backfire when the games start to count?
- Surprise cuts and trades: Who might be on the move as the roster deadline approaches?
Final Thoughts
As the Arizona Cardinals inch closer to the regular season, every decision, every roster move, and every play in these final days of preseason will be under the microscope. The pressure is on, and it’s going to be intriguing to see how it all unfolds. The roster cuts are imminent, and for many players, it’s crunch time. The performances we’ve seen, both good and bad, will shape the team’s final roster and, ultimately, their success in the upcoming season.
So, grab your popcorn, tune in to the latest episode of the podcast, and get ready for what promises to be an exciting—and possibly nerve-wracking—final stretch of the preseason.
Login