Call them king-sized tablets. Call it the new instant replay. Call it technology re-introduced. Whatever it is, the coaching staff seems to like it. The Arizona Cardinals are using their stadium JumboTrons for a new use: practice instant replay.
The coaching staff is able to see what just happened on the practice field via usage of the stadium’s watchful eye. The jumbo screens at each end at State Farm Stadium are doing replays this summer.
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The result is that coaches are able to view what just happened, or didn’t happen. Usually, instant replay is only available on game days, but this year, with a new head coach and all, the stadium crew simply connects the computer to the broadcast, and then plays are video taped in real time, then into the DVSport program, and instantly, the last play is thrown up on both boards.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur took the idea from his former bosses, the Los Angeles Rams, who did the same thing every training camp. It works well, and the teaching is accomplished in real time.
As far as players, WR Marv Harrison returned after leaving Sunday’s practice with leg cramps. Now that QB Jacoby Brissett has his new deal signed, he was inserted into the lead spot in most drills as Gardner Minshew was relegated to the QB2 position. He is expected to have a breakout season this year with a new offensive coach and utilizing the Rams’ offensive scheme which makes league stars out of guys like him.
But the Cardinals have a lot of talent in the receiver room, and Harrison will have to distance himself from Michael Wilson, who is clearly the #1 receiver at this point. The coaches are allowing them to play fast and do what they do well. So far, Wilson is killing it and is a very good deep threat.
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Arizona‘s first preseason action will come on Thursday, August 6 in the Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers.
It doesn’t look like rookie RB Jeremiyah Love will be the starting running back just yet. Veteran James Conner has looked very good and has been getting the majority of the first-team reps instead of Love. Conner’s foot injury from last season seems to be a distant memory as he can cut and accelerate. Conner has taken a mentorship role with Love and gave the young buck some encouragement when he dropped a short pass.
LT Paris Johnson came off the PUP list, although in his first practice back, the coaching staff didn’t seem too eager to get him into much. Those reps will come.
DT Roy Lopez was back to practice as well. Another DT, Walter Nolen, appears to be completely healthy, and so far, nobody has blocked him, or perhaps they aren’t trying too hard. Just know that he is showing a very good pass rush, which was one of his selling points before he was drafted in the first round. Hopefully, he will remain vertical all year. New LG Isaac Seumalo can’t handle him, which is good and bad news. Seumalo was the main splash in this year’s free agency period, and will need to provide a good anchor along the interior.
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Both Isaiah Adams and the rookie Chase Bisontis have been taking right guard reps. Like last year, Adams is holding his own and will slide inside more.
There is a decent pass rush with both Baron Browning and Zaven Collins coming off the corners. We will see when the real hitting begins if that holds up, and hopefully get Josh Sweat back.
The offensive line at this point needs a lot of work. Obviously, the offensive guys have to memorize plays while most defensive front players just snap and go. So, there’s that. And there are three new guys out there trying to meld with the others. Center Hjalte Froholdt looks solid as always, and eventually we’ll see Johnson back out there. But for now, the line looks lost more times than they have found their way.
