The Arizona Cardinals play a real football game Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. It is a preseason game — the team’s first of the year — so it will mostly be played by backups and players battling to even make the Arizona and L.A. rosters.
Who are the Cardinals to watch in this game?
RB Chase Edmonds
David Johnson might not even play in the preseason opener, so Edmonds will get the carries at running back with the starters. While it will likely be a dumbed-down version of the offense against the Chargers, Edmonds has been the talk of the team’s coaches and front office for two seasons. Getting to see him in an offense that should make him look good, he should flash a little bit.
WR Hakeem Butler
Butler has had an up-and-down training camp and he is not expected to be a big-time contributor as a rookie, but playing against second- and third-team defenses, he should be able to make some plays and stand out.
CB Chris Jones
Jones has been praised many times for his work and practice in the offseason and in training camp. With the starters not expected to go long in the game against the Chargers, Jones should get a lot of playing time. See how he covers players he hasn’t seen every day for weeks.
Pete Robertson
Robertson has had a great camp and has gotten first-team reps at outside linebacker. Hopefully his play carries over to the game and that he shows he can be counted on as a pass rusher, run defender and special teams player.
Vonatrrius Dora
Dora made many plays in last year’s preseason. He got consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He finds himself on the roster bubble and will need to show up when the lights go on.
Deionte and Jalen Thompson
This will be the first extended look at the two safeties the Cardinals drafted this year. How will they look at the back end of the defense?
Zane Gonzalez
Gonzalez has been good all offseason but had some hiccups last weekend, missing three field goals in practice. However, the team has confidence in him at the moment. Keep an eye to see how the ball comes off his foot in games. Should the team maintain that level of confidence?
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