The Arizona Cardinals kick off voluntary OTAs today, beginning the first of four weeks with full practices of offense vs. defense. There are some storylines to watch during these voluntary practices over the next three weeks and then one of mandatory work.
Here are four to pay attention to:
Will Patrick Peterson show up?
Peterson has said he will be at mandatory minicamp but he has suggested that he will stay away from voluntary work. Will he change his mind and show up for any of the 10 voluntary practices? He says he is spending time with his daughter while his wife works.
Who steps up in Peterson’s expected absence?
Peterson’s expected absence gives reps to other players, and that isn’t a bad thing, as Peterson will be suspended the first six games of the season. Robert Alford was already expected to be a starter opposite Peterson, but the other side is wide up. Will it be the veteran in Tramaine Brock, who is expected to get the first shot at the job? Will David Amerson start like he did the last half of last season? What about rookie Byron Murphy?
How will Kyler Murray look?
The biggest offseason storyline will be the rookie quarterback. Does he make plays in practice? Does he make good throws? Does he look like he is making the right reads? Will he turn the ball over? Of all the storylines of the season, how he looks is the most important because he is the guy they drafted first overall.
What does the offense look like?
Practices during OTAs will not be open to the media except for the first 20 minutes on a couple of days. However, media members could get their first look at what Kliff Kingbury’s offense will look like. He has been very vague about what the offense will look like, always saying it will be built around the talent he has. OTAs and minicamp will give some a look at the actual types of plays and formations there might be in the season.
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