The Arizona Cardinals will take on the Indianapolis Colts in their second preseason game. Coming off a somewhat encouraging preseason opener, they’ll look to continue that momentum towards the regular season. These are three storylines to keep an eye on as they taking on the Colts, with kickoff around 4:00 P.M. MST.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1. Backup Quarterback Battle
Desmond Ridder got the opportunity to take the field first against the Saints. He struggled, completing just four of nine passes for 43 yards. He added 39 rushing yards on the ground. Two plays that stood out in his first game opportunity were his final two dropbacks. He missed a receiver breaking open at the goal line on a third-down dropback and then missed a walk-in touchdown on a 4th & 2.
Clayton Tune had better command of the offense in the second half, leading a pair of touchdown drives and better movement of the ball. His final meaningful pass of the night was a 10-yard catch-and-run score to Tony Jones Jr. that put the Cardinals up 14-13 at the time. Tune played a more conservative approach on the offense, trying to get the ball out quickly and keep the offense ahead of the chains. He struggled to complete passes when trying to take shots down the field.
It will be interesting to see how the Cardinals approach the second game of the preseason with their backup quarterback candidates.
2. Starting defense continues momentum
In the second to last preseason game, we might see the most snaps from the starting offense and defense in preparation for the season. In the case of the starting defense, they had a good start to the game. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and head coach Jonathan Gannon are looking for the defense to take on a “motor and violence” identity. That was on display against the Saints starting offense.
One player who has epitomized that identity has been first rounder Darius Robinson. Robinson has looked excellent in his first game action, being disruptive and making solid open-field tackles. His lower body strength, explosiveness, and impressive length should make him a tough block for a time in the league.
They’ll have a chance to show that the first game was not a fluke when they take on Anthony Richardson and the Colts.
3. Better situational football on defense
The Cardinals were burned against the Saints for poor situational defense. In each half, they gave up three points in the final minute. In their second preseason game, they’ll need to do a better job of executing once the games count.
Some of the mistakes by the defense last week are easily correctable. Elijah Jones was caught looking in the backfield on a double move for a deep pass in the first half. In the second half, it was penalties that put the defense in tough situations.
The Cardinals’ ability to execute late in the half will be paramount if they want to add to their win total in 2024, especially given how many games in the league are decided by one score.
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
