What I want to see Saturday from the Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota
Aug 15, 2014, 4:06 PM | Updated: Apr 28, 2015, 2:00 pm
After every practice, I’ve been writing what I’ve seen at practice. Today, I want to focus on Minnesota. Here’s what I hope to see Saturday night.
RUNNING GAME:
It’s ridiculous to find fault in the Cardinals incredible offensive efficiency against Houston. Nothing even rose to the “concern” level after the game. However, the running game didn’t come close to looking like a strength, either. The Cardinals have weapons all over the passing game depending on Arizona’s ability to protect Carson Palmer. The best way to slow down an opposing pass rush is to run right by it. Although there’s plenty of time this preseason, the Cardinals haven’t proven a strong ground game is a weapon.
PASS RUSH:
There’s no chance Todd Bowles is going to lose any sleep game planning to defeat the Vikings. Bowles will call his defense and evaluate individual player’s ability to execute. He will have little interest in showing any of his blitzes. None of that means that one player shouldn’t be able to simply beat his man and hit the QB. The Cardinals need more people than Abraham that can pressure the QB without a coaching scheme.
JOHN BROWN:
Just keep the show going. No critiques, just continue to prove yourself.
JAY FEELY:
There’s real pressure for the kicker spot. The worst would be to release Feely, only to have it proven that was a mistake to take a rookie kicker. Not only does Jay have to be perfect to match Chandler Catanzaro, but he also must prove his kickoffs will be much deeper into the end zone to set up better field position. Jay will win any tie because he’s a veteran. Right now, Jay is not tied.
