Broncos vs. Cardinals: 5 things Denver fans should know
1. Should we expect Cardinals starters to play much on Saturday?
I'm not sure. In the two previous years with this coaching staff, starters have not played in the preseason game following joint practices, but they have had two joint practices rather than one. I don't know if that will make a difference. (Editor's note: After we asked this question, Broncos coach Sean Payton revealed that Denver and Arizona will both rest most of their starters.)
2. Who is an underrated Arizona player that we should keep an eye on?
I'll go with a couple on offense and another on defense. On offense, on the second unit, watch second-year tight end Tip Reiman. He is a mauler as a blocker and has upside as a pass catcher. Also watch second-year receiver Xavier Weaver, who, of course, played at Colorado. He scored a touchdown, had a couple of catches and drew a pass interference last week. He made the team last year and can again.
On defense, watch safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. He will look a lot like Budda Baker in his play style.
3. Arizona got Baron Browning from the Broncos for a 6th-round pick last fall. How has he looked and what kind of role will he have this season?
He is likely the No. 3 edge guy in the rotation behind Josh Sweat and Zaven Collins. He will play a lot.
4. If you were starting the Cardinals from scratch and had to choose between Kyler Murray and Bo Nix, who would you pick?
I'm still a big Kyler fan and want to see if Nix has any higher ceiling than what he has shown already. I think Murray's ceiling is as high as the best in the league so I always take him.
5. The chances of the Broncos and Cards meeting in the Super Bowl this season are … ?
Not impossible! And that is saying something. The Cardinals have a shot at being good. So do the Broncos. So while unlikely, the fact that I don't just laugh means something. It's definitely not an impossibility.
Saturday's game will be nationally televised on NFL Network and available on these channels.
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