Thank God the preseason is over! No more pointless games, no more risk of injury, no more 3rd string players that can’t run, pass, or tackle. Most importantly no more preseason broadcasters! If you were like me you had to stay away from sharp objects while listening to the analyst on channel 15 in Phoenix call those Cardinal games. I’m not saying I would be any better and the guy might be the nicest person in the world for all I know, but he’s simply the worst sports broadcaster I have ever seen/heard. I’m hoping he won’t be back for next years preseason or I might not be.

Sorry I had to get that off my chest. As far as the football game itself, it was a real barn burner. In the 21-3 lose the Cardinal starters all went out after about one series on offense and defense. They did well, even though they played against Denver’s 2nd string, the rest of the game was for the guys fighting for roster spots.

After the game head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that no one stood out to him in this game. But he also said that’s what tapes are for. I agree with coach, no one did anything last night to prove they should be on the roster so it’s going to come down to the game film. No matter who gets cut look for the Cardinals to pick up a few guys off waivers. Especially in the cornerback and O-line positions.

One thing did concern me a lot in last nights game. Neil Rackers was perfect in the preseason for field goals and extra points until he missed a 50 yard field goal at the end of the half. I know 50 yard field goals are not gimmies but in the thin Denver air Rackers shouldn’t have missed, especially not by as much as he did. If kickers get out of their comfort zone it can really mess with their heads. Having new Punter Mike Barr hold field goals instead of Scott Player could end up costing the Cardinals a game or two for all we know. I know im panicking over just one missed field goal but if Neil feels uncomfortable with the new holder we might see the Neil Rackers of 2006 again instead of the 2005 pro bowl Neil. Hopefully with more reps in practice Rackers will gain confidence with Barr as his holder.

Yes the Cardinals did go 0-4 in the preseason and its true it doesn’t matter what your teams record is during the preseason. But it would have been nice for the team and new coaching staff to get a win or two but o well. The Cardinals are 0-0 now and tied for first place in the NFC West. The next game will be on Monday night football against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s the start of a new season. All that matters right now is all fans have hope for their teams to make a run at the playoffs. As I sit here watching The Shawshank Redemption I quote Andy Dufresne, “hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” I’m not sure what Andy’s talking about because year after year my hope dies after about week 6 in the NFL season when the Cardinals fall to 1-5. But for now I hope and pray that the ArizonaCardinals might have what it takes to at least make a run at the playoffs in 2007.

Original post by Eli Wahlstrom

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