The Arizona Cardinals’ preseason game against the Denver Broncos provided valuable insight into the team’s roster depth. With most of the starters resting, the focus shifted to evaluating the rest of the team.
Several rookies, including Denzel Burke and Kitan Crawford, saw significant playing time, while Kei’Trel Clark also made his presence felt. Burke, a fifth-round pick, had moments of brilliance but also struggled with coverage on certain plays. Coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized the need for improvement in technique, citing both positive and negative aspects.
The defensive unit faced stiff challenges from the Broncos, who outgained the Cardinals 562-135. The secondary struggled to contain Troy Franklin’s touchdown catches, which gave Denver a 14-7 lead with 2:39 left in the first quarter. The Broncos’ defense was led by backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who threw for 323 yards in the first half.
Despite the loss, Gannon praised the team’s growth and emphasized the importance of game experience. “The greatest form of learning is game reps,” he said. The coaching staff will review individual performances on video to identify areas for improvement. Burke acknowledged that it’s a day-by-day process, adding, “I control what I can control.”
Injuries also played a role in the game, with Hayden Conner suffering a knee injury and several other players sitting out due to existing injuries or not being part of the expected depth chart.
Source: https://www.azcardinals.com/news/much-to-learn-from-cardinals-preseason-loss-in-denver