ARIZONA CARDINALS

Sam Bradford plays one drive, leads Cardinals to a touchdown

Aug 11, 2018, 7:40 PM | Updated: 11:07 pm

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the f...

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Maybe the decision was to ensure health. Maybe the Cardinals wanted to see rookie quarterback Josh Rosen as much as possible.

Or maybe head coach Steve Wilks was just satisfied with what he saw from Sam Bradford.

Arizona’s starting quarterback only played one series in the first preseason game, completing the only pass he attempted for a modest six-yard gain. This completion helped set up a touchdown run from rookie running back Chase Edmonds.

A defensive offside penalty offset what would have been Bradford’s first completion, a three-yard pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Both of Bradford’s throws came out of the shotgun in the drive.

The 5:41 drive by the Cardinals was started by a 38-yard punt return by rookie Christian Kirk. The Saguaro High School product tripped over himself, ending what could have been an even longer return — or perhaps a touchdown.

Cardinals fans immediately got a look at David Johnson, returning from a wrist injury after missing 15 games last season.

He quickly showed he was back in form.

Both of Johnson’s rushes went for 14 yards, prompting Wilks to pull him and use Edmonds for the remainder of the drive.

Edmonds rushed the ball five times for 11 yards and a score in which he fought through several tackles and extended for the early 7-0 lead.

Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals, injury report...

Arizona Sports

Cardinals-Patriots injury report: RB Demercado, P Gillikin out

Here is the Week 15 injury report from the Arizona Cardinals and the New England Patriots before they meet at State Farm Stadium this Sunday.

16 hours ago

ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham celebrates with players after winning the Big 12 Championship...

Tyler Drake

ASU’s Kenny Dillingham gleaned a thing or 2 from Cardinals, Jonathan Gannon

It's not hard to see the similarities between Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and ASU lead man Kenny Dillingham.

18 hours ago

San Francisco 49ers' De'Vondre Campbell walks to the locker room during the second half of an NFL f...

Arizona Sports

49ers’ De’Vondre Campbell refuses to play, teammates suggest he should be cut

San Francisco linebacker De'Vondre Campbell refused to enter Thursday night's game after losing his starting job when Dre Greenlaw returned.

23 hours ago

Rams, 49ers...

Associated Press

Rams outlast 49ers on Thursday Night Football, top 2 NFC West teams creating separation

The Los Angeles Rams survived a slugfest against the San Francisco 49ers 12-6 on Thursday night in a key game for the NFC West race.

1 day ago

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

Can Kyler Murray, Cardinals kick near-yearly tradition of late collapses?

Traditions are common during the holiday season. The Cardinals, however, are hoping to avoid one that's been attached to the franchise for years.

2 days ago

TE Trey McBride is one of a handful of Cardinals who could make their case for an NFL Pro Bowl Game...

Tyler Drake

Which Cardinals have earned 2025 NFL Pro Bowl honors?

With NFL Pro Bowl Games voting ramping up, which Arizona Cardinals have made their case for the All-Star festivities in February?

3 days ago

Sam Bradford plays one drive, leads Cardinals to a touchdown