For fans, the Arizona Cardinals’ 33-26 loss to the Oakland Raiders was mostly forgettable. The starters played terribly. They fell behind 26-0.
However, aside from the team result, there were individual players who stood out positively.
Here are five who deserve particular mention.
QB Brett Hundley
For the second week in a row, Hundley was the QB to steal the show. This won’t create any sort of QB controversy, as Kyler Murray is the starter, but Hundley’s play should make fans feel very comfortable about his spot as the backup. He completed 10-of-15 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. He showed throwing ability, good decision-making and athleticism to be able to make plays with his legs.
Trent Sherfield
Sherfield’s one catch was a big one. It was a 40-yard touchdown that looked a lot like his 22-yard score last week. He continues to show he deserves to be on the roster and to be in the conversation as a starter.
Pharoh Cooper
Cooper needed to make plays as a returner or as a receiver. He caught three passes for 40 yards, which he needed. The league knows what he can do as a returner. Because there are others on the roster who can also return kicks and punts, Cooper’s play at receiver becomes more valuable.
Joshua Miles
Miles stood out more for where he was in the playing rotation. After weeks of being the team’s third-string left tackle, he was moved up to the second team. He wasn’t perfect, picking up another holding penalty, but his chances of making the roster increased.
D.J. Foster
Foster did not do well in the preseason opener. He made some plays against the Raiders. He was big on special teams, making a pair of tackles and he had three rushes for 13 yards. After losing a yard on three touches in the opener, this was a step in the right direction as he tries to make the roster
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