Few absolutes so far in preseason

Few absolutes so far in preseason
by Kent Somers - Aug. 17, 2008 05:25 PM
The Arizona Republic

FLAGSTAFF - There is always the temptation during the NFL's preseason to read too much into practices and games that don't count. Outside of proving that Flagstaff is still cool in the summer and Kansas City still has great barbecue, the Cardinals preseason has provided few absolutes.

Still, there are things to be gleaned from the first two preseason games. Hunches have been formed, opinions have sprouted and yellow cones placed on a couple of potential trouble areas.

Here is what we think we've learned:

Offense

The quarterback competition appears closer than many thought. Matt Leinart remains the starter, but Kurt Warner, who played well in Kansas City on Saturday night, is pushing him.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt is trying to watch the simmering pot to make sure it doesn't boil over into a full-fledged controversy. He thinks Leinart plays better when he feels some tension over job security.

The best guess is that Leinart holds off Warner and starts the season opener. But Leinart can't afford a slow start.

The most positive development on offense has been the play of rookie running back Tim Hightower, who has shown surprising speed and explosiveness. He is a quick and decisive one-cut runner who provides a nice contrast to starter Edgerrin James, who slips, slides and glides for many of his yards.

The Cardinals are trying to improve the execution of draws and screen plays. It appears progress has been made on the draw with James gaining 15 yards on one play in the victory over the Chiefs. But the screens aren't going to scare many defensive coordinators.

The depth on the offensive line remains frightening, especially at tackle. The Cardinals are trying to shore it up, acquiring Kelly Butler and trying to bring along young players such as Brandon Keith. But a long-term injury to starters Levi Brown or Mike Gandy could be devastating.

Defense

Much has been made of the improved depth on the front seven, and there are pass rushers nearly everywhere you look: at outside linebacker with Bertrand Berry, Chike Okeafor, Travis LaBoy, Clark Haggans and Karlos Dansby. At strong safety with Adrian Wilson. At end with Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith.

Coordinator Clancy Pendergast has enough talent to concoct some creative game plans, but so far the schemes have been as plain as bottled water. It would be encouraging to see the starters put some heat on the quarterback Saturday in Oakland. The Chiefs' Brodie Croyle wasn't pressured much on Saturday.

The Cardinals also have yielded some long drives, continuing a troubling trend from last season.

This appears, however, to be the most talented defense the team has had in years. And part of the Cardinals' strength is using versatile players such as Dansby and Wilson in creative ways. Pendergast isn't going to show that in the preseason.

Antrel Rolle's move from cornerback to safety should pay big dividends. At the least, it will be a big upgrade over last year's starter, Terrence Holt, who was usually in the right spot to make a play but rarely did.

Special teams

Whisenhunt has professed his faith in Neil Rackers, even though the kicker hasn't come close to replicating his 2005 season.

Rackers is the only kicker on the roster, but he wisely realizes that his competition is really all the unemployed kickers out there. Guys such as Jay Feeley, who made 21 of 23 field goals for the Dolphins last year.

Rackers had looked good this preseason until putting the opening kickoff in Kansas City out of bounds and missing an extra point. Holder Dirk Johnson, also the punter, took the blame for that, saying the ball spun out of his hands before Rackers kicked.

Johnson rebounded from an inconsistent performance in the first preseason game to punt well against the Chiefs. The return teams were excellent in Kansas City, with returners Steve Breaston and J.J. Arrington breaking nice runs.





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