(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

In what is thankfully the last of the preseason scrimmages ( as noted before I refuse to call these joke contests games) the Denver Bronco's back up's will be playing the Arizona Cardinal's second and third string in a contest of who can stay healthy or fight to be the last guy kept on the roster.

Despite the wasted aspect of this game from a fan's stand point, there are a few subplots and battles worth watching:

1. Will Antrel Rolle continue to struggle in his new position as the nickel cornerback? Last week I actually felt sorry for this former top 10 draft pick as he struggled badly in the nickel position covering San Diego's third, forth and fifth receivers. If he didn't have his former high pick status I don't think he'd be even the third corner right now, thats how bad his confidence is shaken. I hope he shows some fight and confidence during this game so he can be a contributor at the corner and not continue his slide toward potentially being cut. You could pay a lot of guys a lot less money for similar results right now so he's got to step up.

2. Is this the game where Buster Davis starts to show the potential that made him a 3rd round pick? I'm a big fan of Buster based on his play at Florida State but he hasn't really shown up in the first three games, which can just be a result of lack of snaps and playing time. Hopefully he gets some serious reps and gives some indication that he can be a solid NFL linebacker given some experience and time.

3. Can the offensive line continue it's growth and will the crop of free agent rookies show enough to make the active roster on cut down. All three of the undrafed rookies on the offensive line, C/G Lyle Sendlein, G Brian Johnson and T Elliot Vallejo have looked promising in their extended opportunities to play. It's unlikely all of them will make the active roster but Elton Brown and Brandon Gorin have shown very little to justify keeping them around other then their veteran status. Do the Cardinals gamble and keep these three rookies around and let Russ Grimm continue to build them along with Deuce Latui, Mike Gandy, Reggie Wells, Al Johnson and Levi Brown into a potentially powerful unit.

4. Can the defense win any one on one match up's using the based defense. The local media has been filled with stories about how the fan's and reporters shouldn't be worried about the defenses weak performance so far as they haven't shown any of their real defensive tactics. I'll hold some judgement until the season but you can't help but worry about the lack of playmakers other then Wilson and Dansby and how incredibly thin the defense is at linebacker, DE and corner.

5. Should Scott Player be looking over his shoulder with the surprise pick up of former Steeler punter Mike Barr? In a surprise move the Cardinals picked up Mike Barr to compete with Scott Player during this last week of camp. Maybe it's just a chance to look at another punter in case Player goes down during the season, but you have to remember that Player is 37 years old and is making $750,000 this season, his last year of a contract signed after his Pro-Bowl year. I'm hoping he stays as he's also the holder for special teams on top of being a very solid punter but you have to wonder what the staff is thinking bringing a punter in at this late date.

Check back for a re-cap after the game.

Original post by Eli Wahlstrom

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