Players to Watch out for in Cardinals’ Preseason
Players to Watch out for in Cardinal’s Preseason: The Arizona Cardinals would not risk presenting most of their set starters on the field in Friday’s preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
But the game is meant to be an evaluation opportunity for those battling for positions.
Training camp highlights some of Arizona’s younger talent considering injuries, veteran days off, and off-the-field situations due to which many players have been kept out.
“This is a culmination of a lot of hard work for a lot of these young guys to get out there and show what they can do. So I really enjoy the preseason games,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said.
The Bengals will be relying on their young depth Friday.
There are six players to keep a close eye on:
CB Marco Wilson
Wilson was healthy as a rookie last season, but Kingsbury clearly states the corner won’t regain his role without a fight.
Kingsbury challenged Wilson, saying the jury is still a hindrance to the defensive back.
There were hiccups when Wilson performed in his rookie season. Kingsbury watched on tape every time he got defeated by a receiver to fix his imperfections.
Wilson is a rare 2021 starter who will be suiting up to prove he is the guy for Arizona on the outside. He is set to line up alongside Antonio Hamilton. This information is according to the team’s depth chart for the game.
ILB Zaven Collins
Collins was not able to get much run at the end of his rookie year in 2021. He received shoulder injuries in the middle of the season. He lost his role to Tanner Vallejo.
The Cardinals put their hopes in him to step up in Year 2. He was not exempted from playing in preseason games.
Though he has not been a pure Mike linebacker during training camp, he is lining up sometimes on the edge.
“I learned multiple positions at the end of last year, and then also in OTAs and minicamp, so being able to know those other positions kind of accommodates what you do now,” Collins said.
RB Eno Benjamin
If there were a Cardinals offseason MVP, RB Eno Benjamin would be on the short list of candidates.
Kingsbury has been praiseful of the third-year running back. Benjamin looks for an ideal complementary piece to starter James Conner.
Benjamin did not play as a rookie in the year 2020 nor did he get a preseason. RB Eno was impressive during his preseason debut last year. The preseason was played against the Dallas Cowboys with five carries for 50 yards and a touchdown.
His training camp performance staged him firmly in the battle for the second spot on the running backs depth chart. The preseason is his chance to cement that role.
“I felt like a lot more has slowed down for me and just getting on the field to get those opportunities definitely builds that confidence,” Benjamin said.
WR Greg Dortch
Dortch has received numerous opportunities to demonstrate his skillset during the team competition.
The receiver position has been in flux and is amidst inconsistency.
DeAndre Hopkins has been easing back in after last year’s injury. Marquise Brown and Antoine Wesley are the ones who dealt with injuries. A.J. Green and Rondale Moore have had multiple days of no participation beyond individual drills.
This has opened doors for Dortch. WR Greg has consistently made plays throughout the camp. His performance was commendable even against starting defenders.
Dortch managed to catch five passes for 71 yards in the previous preseason.
WR Andy Isabella
Isabella managed to catch one pass in the last year. This was his third pass on the Cardinals after getting picked in the 2019 second round.
His agent reportedly was given permission to seek a trade for him this offseason. Yet here he remained.
CB Christian Matthew
The Cardinals have been searching for answers at cornerback. They used a sixth-rounder on Matthew out of Valdosta State.
Kingsbury highlighted Matthew describing him as someone who is diligent with a good work ethic. The 25-year-old rookie possesses long arms and shows speed.