Cardinals' Preseason Loss Raises Concerns Ahead of Roster Cuts

ARIZONA — The Arizona Cardinals' 34-13 preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Aug. 22, provided a sobering contrast to the optimism that had built through training camp. With head coach Mike LaFleur resting the majority of starters, the game offered a long look at roster hopefuls—and a concerning glimpse at the team's depth.

Sloppy Play Mars Backup Audition

LaFleur, who had hinted earlier in the week that only a mix of players likely to make major contributions would take the field, watched his team commit eight penalties, including two false starts. Two would-be touchdowns were nullified by flags, compounding a frustrating evening for the Cardinals' offense.

"We had a sloppy week of practice... And I thought this was, tonight, a summary of that week in general," LaFleur said, per The Arizona Republic.

Receiver Simi Fehoko echoed that sentiment, saying, "It's definitely not up to what our standard was... There were a lot of mental mistakes."

Fehoko was a rare bright spot, hauling in a 37-yard back-shoulder fade from quarterback Gardner Minshew. Rookie wideout Reggie Virgil added two catches for 26 yards, while Jalen Brooks chipped in two receptions for 14 yards before an early exit.

Defensive Standouts and Quiet Nights

While the Cardinals rested veterans like linebacker Jack Gibbens and safety Andrew Wingard, the game provided extended run for other players. Cody Simon and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson each started, though neither could spark a consistent pass rush. Defensive lineman Darius Robinson and edge rusher B.J. Ojulari both played but did not start; Ojulari logged no pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

LaFleur said of Robinson's workload, "We just thought we needed to get a little bit more time with him in real football."

For the Cowboys, quarterback Joe Milton completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona's secondary.

Roster Battles Take Shape

With the regular season approaching, several position battles are coming into focus. Offensive lineman Jon Gaines has a clear window to claim an interior role following an injury to second-round pick Chase Bisontis. Gaines has been working at center with the second team but brings versatility to play either guard spot. He's competing with Hayden Conner, Oli Udoh, and Matt Pryor for a roster spot.

At running back, Bam Knight found himself a healthy scratch, a decision LaFleur explained: "Just wanted to make sure that we were taking care of him at this point and where we're at in that running back room." With Trey Benson sidelined, Knight's path to the 53-man roster may hinge on his ability to contribute on special teams, according to Sports Illustrated.

Brooks and Ihmir Smith-Marsette are locked in a tight race for the sixth receiver spot. Brooks appears to have the edge at the moment, but Smith-Marsette's value as a returner could tip the scales.

An edge rusher battle is also brewing opposite Josh Sweat, with Eku Leota having a strong camp and earning first-team snaps, while Ojulari has yet to recapture his rookie form.

The Cardinals will close out the preseason next week against the Green Bay Packers, their final chance for players to make a case before final roster cuts.