Arizona Cardinals V Minnesota Vikings: Players To Watch
By Tony Fischer
Quarterback Ryan Lindley will be fighting for his job during the Arizona Cardinals v Minnesota Vikings preseason game 2. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
When second preseason game kicks off outdoors in Minneapolis, several players will be vying for a post on the roster. For the Cardinals most of the starting and back-up spots have been settled but the coaching staff will be watching to determine which players will fill in the remainder of the depth chart.
Most pundits find the process of picking the 3rd and fourth teamers mind numbing but these decisions can make all the difference to a team when the injury bug bites. Good depth could keep a minor bump in the road from turning into a gigantic season swallowing sink hole.
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The process of filling out the depth chart, while not particularly interesting for fans will have the coaching staff working overtime to breakdown tape. Tape is the name of the game when evaluating player. Coaches and players alike agree that you are (as a player) who your tape says you are.
With that in mind here are a few players that need to lay down some good tape tonight in the Arizona Cardinals V Minnesota Vikings preseason game 2.
- Ryan Lindley is in a battle for the third string quarterback spot with Logan Thomas. Lindley will get his chance to impress tonight but some say he is in an uphill battle considering Bruce Arians and Logan Thomas share the same alma mater. Not to mention Logan Thomas turned in an impressive performance last Saturday against the Texans. To overcome all of that, Lindley will have to rise to the occasion tonight in Minneapolis.
- Lost in last weeks lopsided victory was Andre Ellington’s less than impressive performance. Ellington, who is expected to contribute in a big way for the Cardinals this season, rushed twice for only seven yards against the Texans. Look for the Cardinals to give Ellington the rock early and often to see if they can get him moving against the Viking first teamers.
- The starting roles for the wide-outs have been determined. All that remains to decide is who will get the fifth spot on the roster. Jarod Brown, Walt Powell and Brittan Golden are all in line for the fifith spot. That means every rep (whether on offense or special teams) will be vitally important for these guys.