The fourth preseason game for the Arizona Cardinals was far less about the actual result of the game — a 20-7 loss to the Denver Broncos — and more about player evaluation.
So how did some of the Cardinals’ bubble players on the roster perform on Thursday?
TE Ricky Seals-Jones
Seals-Jones helped himself and hurt himself. He had two catches for 43 yards including a nice 31-yard play, showing how he can be a mismatch in the passing game, but then also lost a fumble. He also only played three snaps on special teams.
CB Brandon Williams
Williams made a great play on an interception off a deflected pass, as he dove for it and caught it just above the ground. It was a great play. However, he also gave up a touchdown in coverage.
OLB Pete Robertson
For the first time in the preseason, Robertson did not have a sack. He did pick up two tackles, including one tackle for loss.
OLB Vontarrius Dora
Dora has not made a lot of noise in the preseason but did on Thursday. He had a sack, five tackles, one for loss and three QB hits. He might have been a longshot for the roster but might be more on the bubble than before.
CB Nate Brooks
The undrafted rookie vying for a spot on the team helped himself. He played 51 defensive snaps. He had an interception, six tackles, a broken up pass and a forced fumble.
LB Tanner Vallejo
Vallejo probably was on the outside of the roster entering the game. He might have done enough to get past Dennis Gardeck, whose stock has fallen. Vallejo had four tackles, two for a loss, an interception and broke up a pass. He also had a return off a blocked field goal.
LB Dennis Gardeck
Gardeck played a ton against the Broncos, getting 53 defensive snaps. He led the team with eight tackles and he broke up a pass.
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