Takeaways from the Cardinals’ 17-10 preseason loss to Chiefs
The Arizona Cardinals fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 Friday night at State Farm Stadium. It is only the preseason, of course.
In the game, there were a number of things worth noting.
What can we takeaway from the game Friday?
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The offensive starters struggled
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
It was discussed in another article, but nothing good can be said about the starters' play on offense. The starters went three-and-out on all three series. They actually had a net minus-1 yard total. Kyler Murray completed only one pass. He was sacked twice. Christian Kirk dropped a pass. Murray was off target once. Rondale Moore and Murray weren't on the same page. It was nothing short of disappointing. That said, they were playing without DeAndre Hopkins, Maxx Williams, and Justin Pugh. They don't gameplan for opposing teams. It doesn't mean anything. But it will certainly raise the level of concern for fans.
Young linebackers looked good
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Both Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons made plays in their limited action. They moved well and looked good in coverage. Each had four tackles. Their athleticism was noteworthy.
Byron Murphy made a great play
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Cardinals believe Murphy is their best cornerback. He looked like it on Friday, picking off Patrick Mahomes in the end zone.
No pass rush again
The Cardinals had as many sacks and quarterbacks as you and I did last night. It was the second week in a row they lacked pressure. Devon Kennard forced Mahomes to flee the pocket and forced the interception Murphy got, but without Chandler Jones, J.J. Watt, Jordan Phillips and Markus Golden, the Cardinals didn't do much.
Many players out with injuries
Patrick Breen-The Republic
The Cardinals had many players out. 14 notable players sat out Friday's game, in addition the two players on PUP and three on the COVID reserve.
Rondale Moore given return duties
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Moore is listed on the depth chart as the backup at both return jobs. He did not return kicks or punts in the preseason opener. He did both on Friday and appears to be the guy will handle those duties in the regular season.
Josh Jones, Marco Wilson played on two units
Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports
Most players had one role during the game. Wilson and Jones played multiple positions. Jones played right guard with the starters for three series and then kicked out to right tackle with the second unit. Wilson played outside cornerback with the second-team defense and then moved to the slot on the third-team defense.
Eno Benjamin, Demetrius Harris moving up depth chart
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Benjamin was solid again after shining in the preseason opener. He has been listed as the fourth-string running back all offseason. However, he got into the game before Jonathan Ward, suggesting he might have passed up Jonathan Ward. Harris was listed as the No. 4 tight end this week. He was the second tight end in the game after Darrell Daniels while Maxx Williams was out ill. He was behind Ross Travis as well last week.
No plan yet for starters in preseason finale
After the game, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said they don't know yet how they will handle their preseason finale next Saturday in New Orleans. He doesn't know how long the starters will play, if at all, and indicated the playing surface in Mercedes-Benz Superdome will not play a factor in the decision.
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