The Arizona Cardinals might have lost 20-9 to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday but there were plenty of things to like in the game. The starters overall played better. There were some solid individual performances as well.
Whose stock went up in the game?
WR KeeSean Johnson
His stock didn’t really need to go up but it did. He continues to show he deserves playing time and was the leading receiver on Saturday. He caught seven passes for 85 yards. He made a couple of nice grabs and also made a nice move on one play to get yards after the catch. If Michael Crabtree is not ready to be a starter in Week 1, Johnson could be in the starting lineup.
WR Damiere Byrd
Fighting for perhaps the final receiver spot on the roster, Byrd showed up in two phases of the game. He had two catches for 51 yards, including a 33-yard play showing off his speed. He also returned a punt 28 yards. It appears it might be a battle between him and Pharoh Cooper. Byrd appeared to win it on Saturday.
DL Michael Dogbe
Dogbe got playing time with the starters and picked up a sack of Kirk Cousins. He just blew by the offensive lineman. He also added a tackle for loss and a QB hit. The sixth-round pick showed he should do more than make the roster. He should get some playing time.
DE Zach Allen
Can a starter’s stock rise? It sure can. Allen, thrust into the starting lineup because of circumstance, is showing he deserves to be there. He picked up a half sack, hit the quarterback twice, tipped a pass and forced a fumble.
The team drafted him in the third round but had a first-round grade on him. He played like a first-round pick.
S Deointe Thompson
Thompson led the team in tackles with nine. He showed why the Cardinals liked him so much. He showed off some physicality and range. He still probably will not see much playing time on defense as a rookie but his stock went up.
LB Joe Walker
Walker was put into the starting lineup. He appears to now be ahead of Dennis Gardeck. Walker was part of the problem on the Dalvin Cook 85-yard touchdown run, but he recovered after that. He had four tackles and a tipped pass.
OLB Brooks Reed
Reed, whose name is among those players who could be cut because of the salary cap and the players behind him playing well, put together a nice game against Minnesota. He had four tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, a QB hit and a forced fumble.
OLB Pete Robertson
Robertson continues to do well. He picked up another half sack on Saturday but also made two special teams tackles. His stock continues to rise as he shows value on defense and on special teams.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
