The reality of the Arizona Cardinals 38-12 loss to the Denver Broncos in Sunday’s final preseason game is that many of the defensive players that logged a lot of snaps won’t be wearing the team’s uniform when the team returns to the practice field Wednesday at 11:05 am Arizona time.
Nineteen of the 45 rostered defensive players did not play, so there were numerous opportunities for the other 26 to make one more impression on the coaches.
Here are some that did.
Cam does it again
Edge rusher Cam Thomas had his third sack of the preseason on a third-and-2 play that was one of Denver’s two three-and-outs of the game. Thomas also had two quarterback hits to go with three tackles with his one solo being a tackle for loss.
One the sack, he beat Broncos third-team rookie tackle Frank Crum, who is an undrafted free agent from Wyoming. It’s doubtful he will have a uniform on Wednesday unless it’s on the practice squad.
Luketa also shines
In a battle for a roster spot, edge rusher Jesse Luketa made his case with a sack, two tackles with the one solo for loss, two quarterback hits, one forced fumble and a pass defensed.
The sack stopped the Broncos on third-and-goal from the 6-yard line and forced a field-goal attempt after the 6-yard loss. It also caused a fumble, but quarterback Zach Wilson was able to recover it.
Asked what he showcased in the preseason, Luketa said, “Consistency and the fact that I’ve been able to make positive strides in the right direction as far as being consistent with the run, just finishing my pass rush, and getting to the quarterback. Whatever this team needs, I’m willing to do (it).”
Get him a Hall pass
Versatile cornerback/safety Darren Hall has at least earned a spot on the practice squad after a solid offseason, although he left Sunday’s game with a hip injury.
Against the Broncos, he led the team with eight tackles, four of which were solo.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon said earlier in the week, “He plays like nickel safety for us. You see where he can cover people in the slot. Then when he’s in the core or even in space too, he can tackle backs, which is a good skillset to have. He’s doing a really good job.
“He’s a smart player. We asked him to learn a couple different spots. Fourth down as well. Handles it, flies around, plays with great energy.”
Booming Blake
Punter Blake Gillikin had another strong game, averaging 58.0 yards on four punts with a net of 49.3. He had punts of 71 and 60 yards with the longer one reaching the end zone, which negatively affected his net. The three other punts were returned a total of 15 yards and was helped by a holding penalty on Denver.
Kicker Matt Prater connected on field-goal attempts from 50 and 24 yards, while missing from 55. His three kickoffs all went into the end zone and were placed at the 30-yard line.
Wide receiver Issac Weaver had two kickoff returns for 32 and 23 yards and after that, the Saints landed their last three kickoffs into the end zone. Of the 10 kickoffs in the game, eight were touchbacks.
Weaver also had two punt returns for 16 yards and DeeJay Dallas one for five.
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