The NFL preseason has always been a critical period for teams to develop and fine-tune their rosters. This year, the spotlight is on evaluating young talent and those at the edge of the roster, all in preparation for finalizing the essential 53-man lineup. Arizona, in particular, saw some noteworthy performances and strategic decisions during their matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Cardinals' Quarterback Showcases
In a bold move, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon opted to rest many starters, providing second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune an opportunity to shine. Tune took advantage of the moment, completing four of his five passes during a methodical nine-play, 70-yard drive. This drive culminated in a touchdown, highlighted by Michael Carter's 11-yard run.
Tune’s consistent performance continued throughout the game, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr. By the end of the game, Tune had racked up 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals narrowly fell to the Saints with a final score of 16-14.
Meanwhile, Desmond Ridder started the first half for the Cardinals, completing four of nine passes for 43 yards. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. also saw action, completing nine of 16 throws for a total of 104 yards, though the Cardinals faced another defeat, this time against the Miami Dolphins with a 20-13 outcome.
Roster Moves and Injuries
The preseason was not without its share of setbacks. Arizona was particularly concerned when DeMarcco Hellams was carted off the field with a left leg injury. This incident underscored the unpredictable and physically demanding nature of preseason play.
Taylor Heinicke’s performance was also underwhelming, completing just four of 11 passes for a mere 11 yards. On a more positive note, first-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins showed promise, allowing only two completions for a scant eight yards.
Preseason League-Wide Highlights
Across the league, action was fierce and illuminating. The Ravens experienced a close loss to the Eagles, finishing at 16-13, after head coach John Harbaugh opted for a 21-yard field goal on a crucial fourth-and-goal situation. The Bills were handed a substantial defeat by the Chicago Bears, with a final score of 33-6, where rookie Caleb Williams completed four of seven passes for 95 yards for the Bears.
The New England Patriots managed a solid 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers, while Cincinnati Bengals saw the return of key players Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, only to narrowly lose to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17-14. In another competitive game, the Cleveland Browns were defeated by the Green Bay Packers, but wide receiver Jamari Thrash stood out with three catches covering 43 yards.
Notable Performances
In a high-scoring affair, the Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts 34-30, with Bo Nix impressively throwing for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing. The New York Giants celebrated a 14-3 win over the Detroit Lions. Significant contractual news also surfaced, with Jordan Love securing a four-year, $220 million contract with the Packers, including a substantial $75 million signing bonus.
Elsewhere, the Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12, and the Jaguars managed a 26-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Las Vegas Raiders battled hard but ultimately lost to the Minnesota Vikings in a narrow 24-23 decision. The Seattle Seahawks achieved a 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Rams managed a tight 13-12 win against the Cowboys.
Challenges and Reflections
Another intriguing subplot emerged when Derek Carr, in a candid moment during the game’s broadcast, revealed that "New Orleans didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff." This comment underscores the often chaotic and unpredictable nature of preseason football.
While preseason outcomes do not count towards regular-season standings, they provide crucial insights into player potential and team dynamics. These games are essential as they inform coaches and management about the readiness and performance levels of their athletes, setting the stage for the official NFL season.