Football season is upon us and it kicks off with a great matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints in Canton, Ohio. In case you didn't know, kickoff is at 5 PM MST and is set to air on NFL Network and KPHO channel 5 in Phoenix.
There are many storylines heading into this game and the Cardinals volunteered to play in it for several. The team has some things to figure out before the regular season begins and this extra preseason match may just help them do that.
The quarterback position highlights what many will be looking for in this game. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are deadlocked in a competition for the starting quarterback job. Although Kolb will be getting the start later tonight, look for Skelton to possibly still get some time with the first team offense.
Besides Kolb and Skelton, the third spot is up for grabs as well. Rookie Ryan Lindley will be looking to knock Rich Bartel off of his throne.
The offensive line has to be the next biggest question mark surrounding the Cards. Will this slightly revamped group be able to keep the pressure off of whoever the quarterback is? Can they stay effective in the run game, despite the team not putting it's best soldiers on the field?
Ryan Williams will not be playing in this game and Beanie Wells is still nursing his knee injury, so the depth is going to be a bit thin. Look for LaRod Stephens-Howling, Alfonso Smith, Thomas Clayton and William Powell to get plenty of carries.
The defense is being hyped up to be very good this season. Even defensive coordinator Ray Horton believes they can be a top 10 unit. Will they be able to live up to all the fuss against a top flight offense powered by Drew Brees?
Lastly, how will the other receivers look to take pressure off of Larry Fitzgerald? Will Andre Roberts do well as the second receiver or will we see Michael Floyd or Early Doucet take his spot sooner than anticipated?
There is more than enough to keep an eye on in this game, but the best part is that football is finally back.
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