Running back Evan Hull is in his feelings after a 47-yard touchdown run for the Cardinals against the Packers in Green Bay on Friday night.
Running back Evan Hull is in his feelings after a 47-yard touchdown run for the Cardinals against the Packers in Green Bay on Friday night.
THE STORY: GREEN BAY, Wisconsin -- Under the Friday night lights at Lambeau Field, the 42-38 defeat in the preseason finale against the Packers felt secondary.
It was an evening full of wholesome storylines between Mike and Matt LaFleur competing for the first time as head coaches, Max and Bo Melton being the lone captains, and the opportunity to play at a historic venue.
There was also the harsh reality that this is going to be the final time all 90 players share the Cardinals sideline with cut down day looming.
It was an important opportunity for players on the bubble to make their case for the 53-man roster. Players like Jalen Brooks and Simi Fehoko, who have been battling all camp long, made their presence known throughout the outing. Brooks had 57 yards on four receptions. Fehoko and quarterback Gardner Minshew II connected on a 41-yard bomb for a touchdown. He scored another touchdown late in the fourth.
Minshew finished the night 7-of-9 for 126 yards before Kedon Slovis took over early in the second quarter.
While there is certainly a push to make the Cardinals roster, the tape is for all 31 other teams as well. Good players will get released, a byproduct of loaded position rooms like running back. Evan Hull, who the Cardinals added in the middle of training camp, broke free for a 47-yard rushing touchdown and finished with 107 yards on 16 carries.
Eku Leota and BJ Ojulari are two defensive players hoping to make the 53-man roster. It was a welcome sight to see the two combine for a third-down sack. Leota had multiple free rush chances and was credited for two quarterback hits. Ojulari added another sack later in the game.
The Packers capitalized off turnovers and special teams mistakes to get their scoring opportunities. Slovis had an interception inside the 30, which turned into a Will Sheppard touchdown. Sheppard then took Jake Browning's first punt as a Cardinal back for an 81 yard touchdown.
Over the next 48 hours, decisions will be made on who makes the initial 53. LaFleur said he wanted his team to peak by Sept. 13 when they play the Chargers. Friday night was the last step in the preseason.
More to come on azcardinals.com