Cardinals at Vikings
Game Info
Kickoff: Saturday, August 24th, 2019, at 1:00 PM
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Betting Odds: MIN -4.5 via Oddsshark
Network: NFL Network, KPNX
Arizona Cardinals
Pace of play
Since the moment he was hired we’ve heard speculation about what new head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense would look like in the NFL. As off-season activities began reports out of players have been glowing, re-energizing the franchise. Even shrouded in secrecy, one thing is clear: the team wants to play fast. Rumors of 90 plays per game sound ridiculous, no NFL team has even averaged 80, but one thing we know is the pace of play will be furious. Kyler Murray, the Cardinals rookie quarterback, should see extended time in his dress game before the regular season opens. While Kingsbury has been secretive, keeping his plans close to the vest, this third preseason game should give us the best indication of what is to come; spread offense, no-huddle, limited substitutions and three wide as the base. The offense should be exciting.
Offensive Line the Key to the Season
If the Cardinals are to have any success this season, the offensive line may be the key. The unit struggled with injuries throughout 2018 and was unable to field the same starting unit for much of the season. The Cardinals took the off-season on fixing the problem and we will get another look at the revamped squad. Marcus Gilbert will start at one tackle, signing this off-season from the Pittsburgh Steelers and D.J. Humphries will man the other tackle. J.R. Sweezy came over from the Seahawks and will man one guard, joining Justin Pugh. And at the center, the team expects another step forward for 2018 selection Mason Cole. The first-stringers should play throughout the first half and the team needs them to develop chemistry quickly.
A Defense with More Questions than Answers
While the Arizona offense is expected to put up points, the defense may just give them right back. The team will be missing star corner Patrick Peterson to open the season, he’s been suspended for the teams first six games. Linebacker Haason Reddick was moved to inside linebacker this season but is currently on the shelf with a knee injury. While he is expected back before Week 1 the depth is thin. Just this week cornerback Robert Alford went down with an injury leaving a void in the secondary. Arizona has been known to deploy interesting position groups in the nickel and dime, with safeties lining up at linebackers or the nickel corner spot. The deployment of the linebackers and secondary this weekend will give us a glimpse of what we can expect heading into the season.
Minnesota Vikings
Draft Picks in Action
The Vikings missed the playoffs last year, a disappointing outcome for a team that was expected to make a deep playoff run. The Vikings strengthened their already strong roster via the draft and Saturday’s game will give these young players a chance to get ready for the season. Garrett Bradbury was selected with the 18th pick in the first round, a move that the Vikings expect to solidify the offensive line. Irv Smith Jr., the team’s second-round pick, has drawn rave reviews from beat writers and caught a touchdown pass last week. Both players expect to be key contributors this year. And for a team that wants to run the football, the health of the running back position has been a thorn in recent seasons. Alexander Mattison was selected in the third and looks ready to go. All three will be key contributors to the team and should see action in Saturday’s game.
Offensive Line Cohesion
Minnesota surrendered 40 sacks to opponents in 2018, on 27 pressures. The team set out to revamp the line in the offseason, letting several players walk and replacing them in the draft. The Vikings spent three draft picks on the offensive line, including Bradbury who will immediately start at center. The team struggled with pressure up the middle, and this pick along with moving Pat Elflein to guard will go a long way in correcting this. The team is hoping that correcting the issues on the interior will allow young tackles Riley Reiff and Brian O’Neill to thrive. This week they will all be on the field together for extended snaps.
-Marc Salazar (@DingWog)