The Arizona Cardinals 2017 season is finally upon us, kicking things off this Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
The grueling summer is in the rearview. OTAs, minicamps, training camp and those “pointless” preseason games are on the back-burner and our favorite time of the year is now in sight.
For the Arizona Cardinals, it was a hit-or-miss end to training camp and the preseason. First things first, no major injuries occurred to key players, which is what we all hope for. T.J. Logan is starting the season on injured reserve with a designation to return, but other than him, it’s been a healthy start to the season. Robert Nkemdiche (calf strain) and Deone Bucannon (ankle) status’ for Sunday are in doubt, but the possibility to suit up is still alive.
Putting the focus on those that will play we look at three bold predictions for Arizona’s Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
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3. Haason Reddick records a turnover
One of our favorite parts of the new season is seeing the new guys in action. Typically none have more eyes on them than their first-round pick.
Haason Reddick, regardless if Bucannon is active or not, will see the field for a majority of the defense’s snaps. Arizona’s first-round pick this past April, Reddick has been playing first team snaps ever since June in preparation for Bucannon not being ready to go. Now, just a few days away from kickoff, it appears as if the former Temple Owl defensive end will be one of the key components to victory for the Cardinals on Sunday.
While Reddick didn’t turn any heads in Arizona’s five preseason games, he also didn’t do enough for head coach Bruce Arians to bench him. That’s exactly why I think he’ll come out, guns a-blazin’, and make a big play in his first career start.