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 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.
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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.
