The Arizona Cardinals won, but the rookies and the return of their star running back were the big stories from the Cards' preseason opener Saturday night.
Most of the starters -- including Larry Fitzgerald new starting quarterback Sam Bradford -- made an early exit in Saturday's preseason opener between the Cards and Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium, but plenty of storylines are to be found in Arizona's 24-17 victory.
Fourth-string QB Charles Kanoff provided the game-winning TD, and the Cards were able to keep the Chargers out of the end zone in the final seconds to preserve the victory. Here are three big takeaways from the Cards' win -- Steve Wilks' first game as the team's head coach.
1. Rookies make their mark
The Cardinals' top five 2018 draft picks made significant impacts on Saturday's game, with varying degrees of success. Their first-round pick, quarterback Josh Rosen, struggled but made some decent throws while under immense pressure. Second-round pick Christian Kirk had a nice punt return and fourth-round pick Chase Edmonds showed a ton of heart on a first-quarter touchdown run.
Read more about how the Cardinals' rookies did Saturday night here.
Second effort.
Third effort.
Fourth effort.
Touchdown.A+++ for effort, @ChaseEdmonds22. #LACvsAZ pic.twitter.com/hVrcpNY4EI
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2018
2. Welcome back, David Johnson
David Johnson only carried the ball twice Saturday, but that was all he needed to reassure Cards fans that he's back in peak condition.
After missing nearly the entire 2017 season with a wrist injury, the 2016 All-Pro selection reeled off back-to-back 14-yard carries on the Cardinals' first possession of the game. Nice to have you back, sir.
That. Burst.
Good to have you back, @DavidJohnson31. #LACvsAZ pic.twitter.com/T8MHzuuMH8
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2018
3. Some big plays on defense
The Cardinals' reserves on defense made some terrific plays in the second half. In the third quarter, cornerback Bené Benwikere forced a fumble that was scooped up by linebacker Jeremy Cash for a touchdown. Cash added a sack, though he would later be carted off the field with a knee injury and did not return to the game.
Also in the second half, linebacker Cap Capi recorded three sacks and a forced fumble, and safety A.J. Howard intercepted a pass deflected by Benwikere.
Will any of these guys be on the Cardinals' regular-season roster? Stay tuned.
Ca$h money.@TUoffTOz causes the fumble.@jaycash_16 takes it home. pic.twitter.com/Iy91gEL2dc
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 12, 2018
Together we can do more.@TUoffTOz with the tip. @aj25howard with the pick! pic.twitter.com/5ONBuBXHV9
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 12, 2018
