Does it mean anything? Not really.
But it still feels nice to head into the games that count with a victory.
After three straight losses, the Arizona Cardinals wrapped up the preseason Thursday night with a 38-17 victory over the defending champion Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Here are three big takeaways from the Cards' preseason finale.
1. Barkley bounces back
Well, Matt Barkley had a full game to make his case to remain on the roster, and he made a strong one.
The 25-year-old third-string quarterback struggled through most of the preseason, but he had by far his best performance Thursday by completing 20 of 29 passes for 262 yards, two touchdowns and, most importantly, no interceptions. He looked poised in the pocket and made some tremendous downfield throws under pressure.
Barkley is far from a lock to make the 53-man regular-season roster, as the Cards may choose to carry just two quarterbacks: Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton. But Barkley did absolutely nothing to hurt his cause against the Broncos.
2. Penny for your thoughts
Other than dropping a pass on what would have been a sure first down, undrafted rookie running back Elijhaa Penny was stellar Thursday. The 6-foot-2, 247-pounder rushed for 113 on 23 carries and scored a touchdown and two-point conversion to seal the win in the fourth quarter.
Penny doesn't have a realistic shot to make the roster, as the Cardinals are deeper at running back than perhaps at any other position. But the Idaho alum might have earned himself a spot on the practice squad after Thursday's performance.
Okay, I see you, Penny, knocking off helmets & things!!! ?? #beredseered #azpride #protectthenest
— Jordin Sparks (@JordinSparks) September 2, 2016
And as it turned out, Penny dropped pass led to this 59-yard field goal by Chandler Catanzaro.
Because 59-yard FGs are ALWAYS awesome... #DENvsAZ https://t.co/BSZwLuMguM
— NFL (@NFL) September 2, 2016
3. Linebacker injuries a concern
The Cardinals have not been injury-free during the preseason. On Sunday, they lost veteran cornerback Mike Jenkins for the season with an ACL tear. On Thursday, the injury bug bit a pair of their linebackers.
Second-stringer Kareem Martin left in the second half with a left knee injury and didn't return. That came after third-stringer Tristan Okpalaugo left in the first half with a right knee injury. Okpalaugo is one of those players who looks to be on the bubble to make the 53-man roster.
After the game, Arians said Okpalaugo is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Martin has an MCL issue that could sideline him for 2-3 weeks.
Bonus!
Check out this interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Gabe Martin in the fourth quarter. Martin is another one of those players likely on the regular-season roster bubble.
Uh oh. This @PaxtonLynch pass did not go as planned...
PIIIIIIIIIIIICK-6! #DENvsAZ https://t.co/R5F3wby5iU
— NFL (@NFL) September 2, 2016
