Sarah: Tom, the Cardinals and Packers are about to play a preseason game where the two head coaches share the same last name and the same bloodline. This is not your typical exhibition football.
Tom: Sarah, you're talking about the LaFleur brothers, Matt and Tom. It's a family reunion on the sideline, and the Cardinals are looking to bounce back from that ugly loss to Dallas. This one's got a little extra juice.
Sarah: You're locked into Beatline, the number one daily sports podcast network. I'm Sarah, and as always, I'm joined by the sharpest football mind in the game, Tom. Cardinals fans, we've got a loaded episode for you.
Sarah: Today we're breaking down the preseason finale against the Packers, we're diving into the injury report that's got a bunch of big names questionable, and we're making our bold predictions for Saturday. Stick with us.
Tom: Let's start with the big picture. The Cardinals are 1-2 in the preseason, coming off a 34-13 beatdown by the Cowboys. Joe Milton III lit them up for two touchdowns in the first half. That was tough to watch.
Sarah: It was a rough one, Tom. But here's the thing, this is the dress rehearsal before the real games start. And now they get a Packers team that's also trying to figure out its roster. What's the biggest storyline for you?
Tom: It's got to be the LaFleur brothers. Matt and Tom coaching against each other, and they even had a joint practice earlier this week with the whole family watching. That's a unique dynamic, and you know both sides want to put on a show.
Sarah: Absolutely. And let's not forget, this is the last chance for a lot of these guys to make an impression before final cuts. The roster projection article that came out mentions the Cardinals have serious depth at running back and receiver. Tough decisions loom.
Tom: Exactly. Speaking of roster battles, the quarterback situation is interesting. Gardner Minshew II has been solid, but Carson Beck is listed as questionable. If he can't go, that's more reps for Kedon Slovis and Jacoby Brissett. Every throw matters.
Sarah: And what about the offensive line? They've got Paris Johnson Jr. at tackle, but there's a new contract for center Hjalte Froholdt that just got announced. Two years, twenty million bucks. That's a statement that they believe in him.
Tom: Yeah, that extension is a big deal. It shows the front office is committed to protecting whoever's under center. The Packers have a solid defensive front, so this will be a good test for the line, especially the backups trying to secure roster spots.
Sarah: Let's talk about the Packers. They're at home, they're the NFC North favorites, and they're going to want to send a message. What do the Cardinals need to watch out for on that side of the ball?
Tom: The Packers have a dynamic offense, but in the preseason, it's about evaluating depth. They've got a lot of weapons, and the Cardinals secondary has been suspect at times. If the front seven can't generate pressure, it could be a long day for the defensive backs.
Sarah: Right. And we saw that against Dallas, the Cardinals gave up big plays. Camden Brown had a 77-yard receiving day for the Cowboys. That can't happen again. Tom, what's your take on the defensive unit so far this preseason?
Tom: They've shown flashes, but consistency is the issue. Owen Pappoe had ten tackles against the Cowboys, and Eku Leota had a sack. But they need more from the pass rush as a whole. Josh Sweat coming off the PUP list should help, but he might not play much, if at all.
Sarah: So, Tom, bottom line for this game? What's the most important thing the Cardinals need to accomplish on Saturday?
Tom: It's about health and evaluation. They need to get a good look at the guys on the bubble, especially at running back and receiver, and they need to come out of this game without any major injuries. The score is secondary.
Sarah: Let's dive into the injury report, because it's a crowded one. James Conner, Jeremiyah Love, Trey Benson, Xavier Weaver, Carson Beck, and a bunch of others are listed as questionable or on IR. That's a lot of names.
Tom: Yeah, and a lot of them are skill players. James Conner is the bell cow, but he's questionable. Jeremiyah Love is a rookie who's been impressive, and he's questionable too. Trey Benson is on IR, so he's out. That leaves Evan Hull and Corey Kiner to carry the load.
Sarah: We said yesterday that Evan Hull would make the final roster, and he backed it up with 51 rushing yards against Dallas. He's making that prediction look good, Tom.
Tom: He really is. And Corey Kiner added a touchdown in that game. But with Conner and Love questionable, this is a golden opportunity for those guys to prove they can handle a bigger workload. The running back room is crowded, and every carry counts.
Sarah: At receiver, we've got Devin Duvernay, Simi Fehoko, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette all in the mix. Fehoko had 42 yards against Dallas. Who do you see stepping up in this one?
Tom: I'm watching Kendrick Bourne. He's a veteran who knows how to get open. And with Xavier Weaver on IR, there's a real opportunity for someone like Reggie Virgil or Harrison Wallace III to make a claim for a roster spot. It's a deep group, but only so many spots.
Sarah: And what about the tight ends? Trey McBride is the star, but there's a battle for the backup spots. Tip Reiman, Elijah Higgins, and Teagan Quitoriano are all in the mix. What's the vibe there?
Tom: Trey McBride is the guy, no question. But behind him, it's about who can block and catch consistently. Tip Reiman has shown promise as a blocker, and Elijah Higgins has some receiving chops. This game could decide who gets that number two spot.
Sarah: On the offensive line, Paris Johnson Jr. is a cornerstone, but there are questions at guard and tackle. How do you see the line shaping up?
Tom: Isaiah Adams, Jon Gaines II, and Hayden Conner are all competing for spots. And with the Froholdt extension, the center spot is locked. The key is finding the right five to protect the quarterback and open holes for the run game. This game is a big test for the second-teamers.
Sarah: Defensively, we've got some guys coming back. Josh Sweat was activated off the PUP list. What does that mean for the pass rush?
Tom: It's a huge boost. Sweat is a proven edge rusher, and he should help the defense create more pressure. But he's likely to be limited in this game, so the other guys have to step up. Eku Leota, who had a sack last week, needs to keep that momentum going.
Sarah: And in the secondary, we've got some injuries too. Zion Childress and DJ Rogers are questionable. Who's going to step up at corner and safety?
Tom: It's going to be a committee approach. They need guys to be versatile and communicate well. The Packers have a lot of weapons, so the secondary will be tested. I'm looking for some of the younger guys to make a play and earn a spot.
Sarah: So, Tom, with all these injuries and roster battles, what's the one unit you're most excited to watch on Saturday?
Tom: I'm excited to see the running back group. With Conner and Love questionable, we're going to see a lot of Evan Hull, Corey Kiner, and maybe even Bam Knight or Tre Stewart. That's a lot of talent fighting for a roster spot, and I think one of them is going to make a strong case.
Sarah: Alright, Tom, let's get into the keys to the game. What does Arizona have to do to come out of Lambeau with a win?
Tom: First, they need to establish the run. If they can get the ground game going, it opens up play-action for the quarterbacks. We said yesterday that they'd rush for over 150 yards against Green Bay, and I still think that's the formula.
Sarah: Second, they need to protect the football. Minshew threw an interception last week, and they can't afford turnovers, especially on the road. What's the third key?
Tom: Third, they need to create pressure on the quarterback. Whether it's the starters or the backups, they need to get to the passer and force some mistakes. If they can get a couple of turnovers, that would be huge for the defense's confidence.
Sarah: And what about special teams? Chad Ryland has hit a couple of field goals this preseason. You made a prediction that he'd be the kicker for the regular season. How's he looking?
Tom: He's been solid. He nailed a 38-yarder and a 31-yarder against Dallas. But he needs to be consistent. The Packers have a strong special teams unit, so field position will be important. He needs to make every kick he gets.
Sarah: Alright, Tom, time for our bold prediction for Saturday. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Cardinals defense forces two turnovers against the Packers.
Tom: I like that, Sarah. I'll double down and say they also hold Green Bay under 17 points. The defense needs a statement game, and this is the perfect opportunity.
Sarah: And what about the offense? I think Minshew bounces back and throws two touchdowns, just like he did against the Cowboys. That would be a nice way to end the preseason.
Tom: That's a solid prediction. But I'm also watching the running game. If they can get to 150 yards on the ground, that would be a great sign for the regular season. Let's see if they can do it.
Sarah: So, Tom, bottom line: what would a win on Saturday mean for this team's confidence heading into the regular season?
Tom: It would be huge. A win, especially on the road against a quality opponent, would give everyone a boost. But more importantly, it would show that they can execute on both sides of the ball. That's what they need to build on.
Sarah: Alright, that's a wrap on today's show. We talked about the LaFleur brothers, the injury report, and our bold predictions. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and share it with your fellow Cardinals fans.
Tom: And as always, we'll be back with you after the game to break it all down. Until then, stay hungry, Cardinals Nation.
Sarah: Beatline, out. Go Cardinals!