Notes from the Nest: Palmer rests, offense survives on Monday

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Cardinals got back on the field for the first time following their Red & White practice, but they did so without a couple of expected starters.

With no injuries reported, it’s safe to assume QB Carson Palmer and guard Evan Mathis got a veteran’s day off Monday, and though the Cardinals are certainly better with their starting quarterback on the field, the offense seemed to be OK in his absence during their afternoon practice.

That’s not to say the usual dynamic and potent down-field attack was there — it really wasn’t — but for the most part, it seemed as though things were moving along at a decent pace the entire way. Maybe there is extra energy because this is their first “game week” of the season?

The Good

– Though it was a little difficult to tell because there was no tackling, the running game was a bit more successful Monday than it had been.

– Running back David Johnson had a couple of receptions and also found some nice holes to run through.

– Receiver Jaxon Shipley had a nice day for himself, making a few excellent grabs, including one on a deep ball from Jake Coker on a play in which he was double-covered.

– Linebacker Kevin Minter came down with an interception of a Drew Stanton pass after the ball was batted around by a couple of different players.

– Cornerback Alan Ball picked off Matt Barkley early in the 11-on-11 work.

– Linebacker Alex Okafor continued to be a disruptive player, getting in the backfield for would-be sacks and completing some solid run stops.

The Bad

– Tight end Darren Fells failed to come up with a touchdown grab that, while not necessarily easy, was one Bruce Arians made sure to tell him he should have had.

After that, in all honesty, nothing really stood out as being particularly bad Monday. Sure, the deep passing game wasn’t what it normally is, but without John Brown and J.J. Nelson (speed guys) and Palmer (deep ball with accuracy guy), that is to be expected.

Notable

– With Mathis out, Earl Watford got reps at first-team right guard.

– With Palmer out, the depth chart was Drew Stanton, Matt Barkley and Jake Coker.

– Jaron Brown continued to see time with the first-team offense.

– Patrick Peterson did not see his normal allotment of reps, which paved the way for Alan Ball and Shaun Prater to see more action with the first-team.

Injury Report

No one who was practicing left the field early, so that was good. The PUP list guys (Tyrann Mathieu, Frostee Rucker, Justin Bethel and Zack Wagenmann) were still out, and they were joined by Taylor Boggs, Elie Bouka, John Brown, Alani Fua, Asa Jackson, Mike Jenkins, J.J. Nelson, Robert Nkemdiche and Corey Peters.

Quotable

“Just working every day to be consistent the same way every time. That’s what the greats do; the great offensive linemen do it the same way every time, and I think that’s the part of my game that I’m trying to develop now is that consistency in everything every time.” – D.J. Humphries on if he’s where he should be in his development

“I didn’t think Larry could get it there. I kind of joked on him and I didn’t think he’d be able to get it there, but it was a perfect throw — a really perfect throw — and I was just fortunate enough to make the catch.” – Jaron Brown on catching a TD pass from Larry Fitzgerald Saturday

“He’s a better football player. We knew what kind of an athlete we were getting, but he’s a better football player. You never know how mature a guy is going to be when you draft him, and he’s very, very mature and he’s very focused on what he wants to do. He’s starting right now and playing very, very well.” – Bruce Arians on if Brandon Williams is better than he thought he would be

Check these stories out, if you like good reading

Craig Grialou wrote about the incredible depth along the Cardinals’ defensive line.

Bruce Arians said the team’s initial depth chart is not exactly set in stone.

The CB job opposite Patrick Peterson? Right now, it’s Brandon Williams’ to lose.

GM Steve Keim was very pleased to get those contract extensions done last week.

Cardinals fans, you should be proud of one of the members of your ranks after Saturday’s practice.

Mmmm….

New food items headed to @UOPXStadium #AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/o1Vc11UQbP

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) August 8, 2016

Highlights

.@JaxonShipley with the impressive grab on this deep pass. #CardsCamp pic.twitter.com/BciTAvcLtx

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 8, 2016

.@LarryFitzgerald 🙌#CardsCamp highlights » https://t.co/XZrAmO6R92 pic.twitter.com/YG8a5Kj67t

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 9, 2016

Working in the trenches. #CardsCamp https://t.co/nC3IbVxB2J

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 8, 2016

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