Preseason games are often a hotbed of excitement and tension, especially among players fighting for a spot on the final roster. The recent Broncos vs. Cardinals game was no different. From the very start, it was clear this game would be more than just a showcase of skill. Things heated up literally as numerous fights broke out, making this maybe the most fiery preseason game in recent memory. Let’s get a little more in-depth into what occurred and how it may affect both teams going into the regular season.
Broncos-Cardinals Preseason Game
As usual, the last game of the preseason allows players to leave their final good impression before the cuts are made. The other big item was at outside linebacker, where the Cardinals didn’t do anything with rookie Xavier Thomas while Victor Dimukeje didn’t get a lot of playing time. Jesse Luketa and Cam Thomas played the entire game. Both made big cases for themselves with a sack apiece. For Luketa, it felt like you could never tell the moment was too much for him. “I’m knackered,” he admitted, showcasing just how much this game meant to him.
With key players like BJ Ojulari out for the season, the tough decisions begin for the Cardinals. Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck are in the lineup to start, but Thomas and Dimukeje will also be in the mix. The team might keep five or even six at the position this year. All of these decisions are huge with getting the correct experience versus the potential mix.
Undrafted rookie Xavier Weaver can turn into a wild card in this wide receiver battle. Now, with a spot open because of the Zay Jones suspension, Weaver’s performance will do enough to solidify his place. His speed and ability to make contributions in return games are big pluses.
Injuries Muddle Things
Injuries were a big issue in this game. The offensive line was hit the hardest, with Christian Jones, Elijah Wilkinson, and Tony Jones all leaving the game. The quarterback, Desmond Ridder, had to be placed in the concussion protocol too, along with another player who couldn’t make it to the end due to a hip injury—the safety, Darren Hall. These may affect the team’s decisions as the roster is finalized.
Amidst all of the mess, there were a few bright spots. Matt Prater nailed a 50-yard field goal to remind everyone that he’s still here and reliable for the Cardinals. While he failed to connect on a 55-yarder later in the game, the consistency behind Prater remains a bright spot for this team.
Tight End and Quarterback Situations
Tight End Sage Surratt, however, was on the field when a teammate fell on him and his ankle got twisted. The thing is, Surratt wasn’t likely to make the team anyway. However, that injury complicated his chances of getting a chance elsewhere. At quarterback, Clayton Tune’s night was mixed. His numbers were better—no fault of his beyond that—but he was sacked multiple times, and he threw a Pick-6 after Ridder’s injury. That raises the sack count, and it is something that the team needs to clean up.
The Broncos vs Cardinals preseason game was more than just another preseason game; it was quite high-pressured and full of fights, injuries, and critical roster battles. This puts into perspective for the Cardinals the intensity of this final preseason push and how the story of every player is important. The team will need to get through such challenges in the regular season and make some tough calls to field a good roster. Fans and analysts are going to track the future course of this team with interest in light of how things are taking shape for them.
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