We covered the first half earlier today and while it wasn't amazing, there were plenty of areas that should give fans some hope. The Cardinals come out of the lockerroom with a 10-7 lead and for the most part, they're down to third team players and a good deal of these players are fighting for a roster spot instead of playing time. Here's a look at the second half action and we'll look at the who excelled and who struggled later this afternoon.

3rd Quarter:

  Cards 5th Drive: The Cardinals got the ball coming out of halftime and get a decent return from Jerheme Urban (23 yards) but they wouldn't keep it very long. A quick three-and-out would consist of a six yard run by Arrington, a drop by Ben Patrick and a one yard pass from St. Pierre to Rector.

Saints 5th Drive: The Saints offense got off to a fast start in the second half with the combination of Aaron Stecker running and Mark Brunell throwing. Stecker gained 37 yards on 6 carries and a touchdown on the drive but he also fumbled when Ali Highsmith wrapped him up (the Saints recovered obviously). Brunell only threw three passes but they were all complete and went for 29 yards. The highlight of the series though would be Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie lighting up tight end Mark Campbell. Campbell held onto the pass but had to be helped off the field.

Cards 6th Drive: The Cardinals would come out and have their second consecutive three-and-out series. Pierre would complete the first down pass for six yards and Arrington would pick up two more on second down but a third down incompletion would lead to another punt.

Saints 6th Drive: The Saints would bring in their 3rd string QB, Tyler Palko, and he'd lead the Saints to another three points. The big play of the drive was another long pass that Aaron Francisco couldn't stop Adrian Arrington from bringing down for a 33 yard gain. Calais Campbell was also flagged for 15 yard, roughing the passer, penalty but Joe Tafoya stalled the Saints drive when he sacked Palko for a 10 yard loss. 

Cards 7th Drive: First downs were hard to come by for the Cardinals in the second half but St. Pierre completed a 16 yard pass to Ben Patrick to pick up the first one of the half. Unfortunately a sack, an imcomplete pass and a dump off pass to Hightower would lead to another punt.

Saints 7th Drive: Palko couldn't duplicate his success on his second drive and three quick incompletion led to a three-and-out. Linebacker, Chris Harrington almost recorded his second pick of  the season though when he broke up a pass intended for Lynell Hamilton.

Cards 8th Drive: St. Pierre came back out for his final drive but couldn't do anything more than another three-and-out. Steve Baylark got his first carry of the preseason, picking up a yard, but an incompletion and a four yard pass to Rector would lead to yet another punt.

Saints 8th Drive: Two Saints runs netted four yards before Palko found Robert Meachem over the middle and a horrible display of tackling allowed Meacham to take the pass 60 yards to pay dirt. Several Cardinals had a chance to bring him down but the most blatant missed tackle was Michael Adams who had the last chance but dove into Meachem's legs instead of attempting an actual tackle.

Saints 9th Drive: Anthony Morelli was brought into the game in place of St. Pierre but the results would be pretty much the same. After a short run by Baylark, an incompletion and a sack, Dirk Johnson would be back out for another punt.

Saints 9th Drive: Palko would come back out and lead the Saints to a first down with a short pass and a seven yard gain from Hamilton. After a holding penalty on the Saints though, Palko would bobble the snap and Keilen Dykes would recover for the first turnover of the game.

Cards 10th Drive: Morelli's second drive would be a bit more successful but ultimately the result would be the same. After a false start penalty and an incompletion, Morelli completed his only two passes of the game for a total of 13 yards. Facing a fourth and two, the Cardinals went for it and Baylark rattled off his best run of the night with a seven yard gain. Three bad plays later though (2 incomplete passes and a sack) Dirk Johnson would be back out for his seventh and final punt of the game.

Saints 10th Drive: Eh, Palko and the Saints picked up two first downs then kneeled on the ball.

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All in all, not great but it could have been much worse. The Cardinals didn't have a single injury or turnover and that is enough of a reason to be thankful.

Obviously the game didn't turn out the way that we all hoped but it wasn't nearly as bad as the 14 point deficit would indicate. While the game wasn't pretty at times, I think it's about what you'd expect out of a first preseason game. There were plenty of sloppy, bone-headed plays but several players, young and veteran alike, had good games and flashed the abilities that we've heard so much about during training camp. The best thing about the game though, no injuries reported. Here's a recap of the first half of the game and we'll look at the second half and highs and lows, later today.

1st Quarter: 

Saints 1st drive: The Saints got the ball first and it didn't take them long to punch the ball in the endzone going 80 yards in 13 plays. The Cardinals defense killed themselves with three penalties resulting in 25 total yards, including two penalties (for 20 yards) in the first 3 plays. The biggest penalty was a 15 yard face mask penalty (all face mask penalties are 15 yarders this year) on Darnell Dockett. The defense did a good job of bottling up Reggie Bush though allowing him just 10 yards on 5 carries during the Saints first drive but the problem was stopping Drew Brees who was 6 of 7 for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Cards 1st Drive: The Cardinals first offensive series only lasted seven plays and included another Cardinal penalty (delay of game on the punt team). The Cards tried to run twice with little success but Leinart did a good job of showing patience in the pocket and finding his receivers. He connected Rector on a 3rd and 8 that resulted in a 23 yard gain and the only first down of the drive. The downer of the drive though came when Levi Brown couldn't stop a blitzing linebacker from dropping Leinart for four yard sack. On the next play (3rd and 10) Leinart could only find a check down reciever and got 7 yards on a pass to Urban. 

Saints 2nd Drive: The Saints next possession lasted just three plays and was dominated by two holding penalties resulting in 18 lost yards. Other than those two plays the Saints managed two yards on a run by Bush and a short pass to David Patten. 

2nd Quarter:

Cards 2nd Drive: The Cardinals second drive actually started at the very end of the first quarter but most of the action was in the second. The drive started with consecutive passes to J.J. Arrington that totaled 5 yards (one complete, one incomplete) but the best offensive play of the night happened on third and five. Leinart took the snap and hung in the pocket until Breaston streaked across the middle and took a short pass for 34 yards up the sideline. The Cardinals got two more first downs behind six yard gains by Hightower and Fitzgerald and an impressive 15 yard reception by Terrelle Smith that got the offense down to the one. Hightower would score a Cardinals touchdown on first and goal from the one when he bounced outside and showed a good burst to get to the pylon.

Saints 3rd Drive: The second string Cardinals defense would shut down the Saints on their next drive after a big return on the kickoff. The Saints started at the Cardinals 42 but after three plays (one run, two passes) the Saints were facing a fourth and one from the 33. The Saints went for it but Kenny Iwebema fought through a cut block to sack Brunell and give the ball back to the offense.

Cards 3rd Drive: The Cardinals would take over at their 41 they'd quickly be in position to take the lead. After a quick mix of Hightower runs (two runs for 7 yards) and St. Pierre passes (3 of 5 for 25 yards) the Cardinals would kick a 30 yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead.

Saints 4th Drive: The Saints next drive would be dominated by the passing game again. Mark Brunell would take the offense from the Saints 20 to the Cardinals 3 in just five plays. The Cardinals stuffed the run again but Brunell would connect on three passes for 77 yards. The biggest completion took the Saints to the 3 when Aaron Francisco couldn't seem to find the ball in the air and Robert Meachem brought down a 49 yard completion. The Saints would ultimately get shut down on the goal line though and after a couple of runs, a pass and a false start penatly, they failed to punch it in on fourth and goal from the one. Ali Highsmith was the first defender to hit the ball carrier on fourth down but a host of Cardinals took him down including Francisco.

Cards 4th Drive: The Cardinals would get the ball one more time in the first half with 2:27 left on the clock, but they'd have to start from the one. Brian St. Pierre would bring the offense out midfield before the clock expired with a combination of decent scrambles (2 carries for 15 yards) and several passes. He completed three short passes to Breaston, Urban and Morey but couldn't get a pass over 10 yards.

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Ultimately it's hard to get too excited or too disappointed with the first half. The offense looked decent but the defense didn't answer many of the questions that we had going into the game. I was encouraged by Leinart's confidence in the pocket and Hightower's quickness, but the offensive line didn't do much to inspire confidence. The stories about Steve Breaston being improved as a receiver certainly seem to ring true. As for the defense, the first drive was pretty brutal and they'll have to play better against top offenses if they want to be a good defense. The Saints are pretty good at keeping Brees upright though (just 16 sacks last season) and they got pressure on him at least once during that drive (Chike's pressure led to the only imcompletion). Adrian Wilson and Chike certainly looked healthy and Wilson had a nice play when he shut down Bush behind the line for a one yard loss. So what did you guys think about the first units? Impressed with Leinart or want to see more before you feel comfortable?

That's right sports fans, the preseason is upon us. It's not quite real football but hey it's better than practice. The Cardinals take the field and battle someone other than themselves. Cheer, yell, cuss and discuss everything related to Cardinals versus Saints right here.

Go Cardinals

It's been just over seven full months since we saw the Black and Gold run out onto the field and battle an actual opponent but tomorrow will bring an end to all of our waiting. Since the ill-fated playoff game against the hated Jaguars we've been in a holding pattern not-so-patiently waiting to see football return the Burgh and tomorrow at 7:30 PM (EST) the Steelers kick off their preseason schedule against cross-state-rival Philly Eagles. Now of course we can't get too excited because it's a preseason game and several prominent Steelers won't be on the field very long, if at all, but it's still Steelers football, right? Anyways, here are things that I can't wait to see tomorrow night:

Rookies: Obviously all eyes will be on Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed when the ball is in their hands but I'm just as interested to see how they respond and execute the finer points of the game. With Mendenhall I want to see if can recognize and pick up a blitz and with Sweed I want to see how well he blocks for his backs. Bruce Davis should see his share of playing time with the second unit and also on special teams and I can't wait to see if he can hold the point of attack and shed blocks. Tony Hills has had a rough camp and might not get into the game until the third unit takes the field but I still want to see how well he holds up.

Other Youngsters: I'm just as excited about seeing second year linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons. It'll be interesting how long Woodley plays
considering that the first unit may only go a couple of series but hopefully he'll be in there long enough to make a couple of plays. Timmons on the other hand should get more playing time on both the second unit and on the nickel or dime defense.

Ryan Clark: We all saw how much Clark meant to the secondary when he was out last year and I can't wait to see him back on the field. By all accounts he's fully recovered and back to his playing weight. I'm sure we all have our doubts about his ability to go 'full-bore' but I for one will feel alot better after I see him lay some hits and make a couple tackles.

Fast Willie Parker: The question is simple: Is he fully healed and is he still FWP?

Offensive and Defensive Line: We all know the question marks with these two units so there's no need to rehash them. Mahan will start at center this week and Hartwig will start next week so we can compare "apples to apples" very soon. Marvel Smith will play so we'll be able to gauge if he's back to his normal healthy self. We'll see if Starks will play both right at left tackle at some point and if Colon really is quicker this season.

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Man we're so close to an actual football game, I can't hardly stand it. Who's going to the game? What else is everyone else waiting to see?

This is exactly what it sounds like, a place to make any prediction that you want concerning tonights game. You can be an realistic, off-the-wall or down-right ridiculous as you want. It's game day so we're all allowed to act a little crazy today. You think Matt will come off the bench in the fourth quarter to ensure Whiz's first preseason victory?....put it down on paper..err the computer. You think Rolle will return four interceptions for touchdowns?....put in on the record.

My predictions:

Leinart leads the 1st string offense to a TD on their first (and his only) drive.

Hightower has most rushing yards of anyone in the game.

Dockett and Okeafor get a sack despite limited playing time.

That's all I got for now but I'm sure I can come up with some better one's before the days out.

It's finally here fellas, GAMEDAY. The best day of the week and what we've been waiting for since the final day of 2007. One of the great things about SB Nation is that it's a network with so many other NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA among other blogs and new blogs are added all the time (case in point the newest blog covering the Arizona St Sun Devils). In what will hopefully be a weekly feature, I exchanged some questions with the Saints blogger, Saintsational, of Canal Street Chronicles in an effort to better understand our opponent each week. You can also check out my answers to his questions and let me know if I'm completely off base.

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The Saints have loaded up on Pro Bowl talent this off season with the additions of Jonathon Vilma and Jeremy Shockey, which of them will have the biggest impact for the Saints and what other additions have flown under the radar? Do they offset the players that have departed?

Thats a tough question. I would say they both have the opportunity to make a very large impact on their respective sides of the ball. Vilma is back in a 4-3 where he should thrive again. His knee seems to be fine and he has been participating in all training camp activities since it started. As far as Shockey is concerned, the tight end position figures to be a large part of Sean Payton's West Coast offense, and with a quarterback like Drew Brees, I expect him to get a lot of touches. We know what a threat he can be with the ball, but it's also the fact that he takes some defensive pressure off our other receivers like Marques Colston that should also make him incredibly valuable. As far as other additions that might have flown under the radar, I would maybe say Bobby McCray. He gives us a lot of speed at the end of the defensive line. The biggest loss the Saints suffered this offseason was Jeff Faine, but with Jonathan Goodwin looking like a solid replacement, I don't see his loss as too great.

Sean Payton's had one magical season in which he seemingly could do no wrong followed by season that they just couldn't seem to put it all together. Which Saints team will show up in 2008 and which team is closer to reality?

This years team should look much more like the 2006 team, only better!

Duece is coming off his second ACL surgery in three seasons, Reggie's success in the NFL has been spotty but last season Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas looked like they had something. How would you describe the Saints  backfield at this point and how do you see it playing out during the season?

Good questions. I am a big Pierre fan and I am hoping the team gives him his due. I think the health of Deuce will pretty much determine how much of Pierre Thomas we see. Deuce is looking okay after a minor scare with his knee about a week and a half ago. He may not get as many touches as he used to, but he should definitely be able to contribute. Reggie will probably get used more for screens, pitches, quick slants etc. and not as a between the tackles, every down back. As far as Stecker is concerned, if I am being honest, I have no idea where he will fit in, but I am confident that he can shine if he needs to.

The Saints draft class took a hit when Pressley was lost for the season with a fractured foot, how will the rest of the class play out? Is Ellis a day 1 starter?

Losing Pressley was disappointing, but not heartbreaking. He wasn't blowing anyones socks off while he was healthy and he probably wasn't going to see much time, if any, this season. The rest of the class is actually looking pretty darn good. 7th round pick Adrian Arrington is looking like the next Marques Colston and might actually make this team. K Taylor Mehlhaff also has a shot to beat out Gramatica for a spot and offensive lineman Carl Nicks has also been a bright spot during training camp. Tracy Porter is also doing a good job battling for a spot with the other cornerbacks. Sedrick Ellis got to camp late and just this week got reps with the first team. I think he starts week 1.

What position battles are raging in Saints camp this year who are the front runners? Who is a guy that no one outside of the Big Easy has heard of that will be a breakout player for the Saints this year?

Wide receiver and cornerback are the two major battles going on. Colston, Patten and Meachem should have spots at receiver locked up with Terrance Copper, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, Adrian Arrington, Skyler Green and Todd Blythe all battling it out for the last remaining spots. It will inevitably come down to their ability to contribute on special teams.

At cornerback, the race is wide open. Mike McKenzie are Randall Gay are sure things, but Tracy Porter, Aaron Glenn, Usama Young, Jason David and Jason Craft all are fighting for their jobs.

I would keep my eye on WR Adrian Arrington, CB Usama Young and LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar.

What are Saints fans expecting out of their team this year and what are they expecting out of this game, if anything? How many starters won't play at all?

I think Saints fans are expecting a trip to Tampa this year, seriously. They are very excited and optimistic, and I think they should be. As far as this game is concerned, it will not be an accurate gauge of how this team will perform during the season. Fans will really be looking at the position battles and seeing who is going to win a spot on this team. Personally, I will be checking out our secondary and making sure it looks vastly improved from last season. Shouldn't be too difficult to do.

The starters that aren't playing for certain on Thursday are: Jeremy Shockey, Deuce McAllister, Tracy Porter, Mike McKenzie, Jonathon Vilma, Brian Young, Josh Bullocks and Devery Henderson. Colston probably won't play either just to be on the safe side with his knee.

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Well it's obvious that neither team will be at full strength but the Saints will still be a decent measuring stick. Thoughts? Any questions that you've got about the Saints?

Its seems that with the preseason creeping up on us everyone else is cleaning out their offseason notebook so there are a ton of Cardinals related stories out there. With thoughts of an actual game so close, I'm having a hard time doing much more than day-dreaming so here's what everyone else is talking about:

• Kent Somers lays out the depth chart according to today's walk through but there aren't any major surprises. The only positions of note are the second string wide receivers (with Boldin and Doucet out) Jerheme Urban and Jamaica Rector. The makeshift second unit offensive line will consist of (from right to left) Elliot Vallejo, Brandon Keith, Pat Ross, Elton Brown and Kelly Butler. If you're counting, only Brown and Butler have taken a snap in the NFL and less than a week ago Ross and Butler didn't even have a job.
  
• Somers also talks about how Larry Fitzgerald can improve his game. That almost sounds like blasphemy for a guy with two Pro Bowls, multiple 1,000 yards seasons and 34 touchdowns in four seasons until you consider the fact that he's still only 24 years old (he'll turn 25 at the end of this month). It's hard to believe that a guy with so much on his resume is still not old enough to rent a car.
  
• The East Valley Tribune says that if you liked Calvin Pace last year, just wait until you see Chike Okeafor this year. Even an average season for Okeafor would be an upgrade over Pace's 6.5 sacks from last season and there are some who think that Okeafor should reach double digit sacks in the 3-4.
• Lyle Sendlein was an undrafted rookie this time last year but he could be preparing to open the season as the starting center this year, depending on how Al Johnson bounces back from knee surgery. His limited playing time as a rookie could have him in a position for a breakout season if he's given the chance, says the Tribune.
  
• Just in case you haven't gotten enough talk about the potential QB controversy/battle/competition, Scout breaks it down again. I, for one, am just ready to see it play out on the field instead of reading about it. 
• We haven't covered the special teams unit very much, although with the questions surrounding Neil Rackers and Dirk Johnson, we probably should in the near future. The official site gives you a preview of how the two are working together to improve one of the weakest units on the team.
  
• The wide receiver position might be the deepest unit on the team, especially considering that the top four spots are seemingly set in stone. Coach Whisenhunt is still calling it a free-for-all competition with as many as six players vying for the final three or four rosters spots and it'll likely take all of the preseason to sort it all out.

That's it folks. Tomorrow is gameday meaning that the oh-so-long offseason is nearing an end and we'll finally be able to relax on a Sunday afternoon and watch the greatest game on earth. All that being said, I've only got one question for you: Are you ready for some football?

The clock is ticking down to the official start of the preseason for the Arizona Cardinals. The Saints will be in town tomorrow and the two teams will lock up on national television. Now granted, this is just a preseason game so it'll have very little baring on the regular season but to see the Cardinals run back on the field for the first time in eight months will be enough to give me chills. Keeping in mind though that this will be a game played predominantly by guys who won't make either roster, here are some things to keep an eye on:

Rookies: There haven't been many bad reports about the draft class or undrafted rookies from camp so far but this will be the first chance to see how they respond to being hit by a true opponent. First round pick, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will likely be a starter tomorrow night since Roderick Hood isn't going to play because of a bad foot. Other defensive rookies like Calais Campbell, Kenny Iwebema and Chris Harrington should see plenty of playing time with the second and third units. Seventh round pick, Brandon Keith will likely see time on both guard and tackle with the recent injury to Carlton Medder. I can't wait to see how early Tim Hightower gets into the game either. I would imagine that if Edge plays at all, it won't be much and that could open the door for Hightower to get reps with the first team. Early Doucet is the only rookie of note who won't play. There are several undrafted rookies who could stand out as well including Lance Long (who's had a great camp), Ali Highsmith, Hercules Satele and Keilen Dykes. I also can't wait to see how Anthony Morelli looks in his first game action. I'd imagine he'll play at least the whole fourth quarter if not part of the third as well.

Vets Returning from Injury: We all know how many veterans ended the season on the IR last year and it'll be great to see the defense back at full strength. Of course guys like Adrian Wilson, Chike Okeafor and Bertrand Berry won't play much more than a single series but it'll be nice to see them back on the field. Leinart also recently said that he's looking forward to his first hit to reassure everyone that his shoulder is fully healed. Hopefully he'll be able to keep his jersey clean during the one or two series that he plays, but a hit or two won't be the end of the world.

Antrel Rolle's New Role: Ok if you can forgive me for a horrible and painfully obvious play on words, I'm sure nearly every Cardinals fan can't wait to see how Antrel Rolle will handle the move to free safety. Much has been made of the move this offseaon and even though we'll see a very 'vanilla' defense, it should still be an indication of things to come. Coach Whisenhunt also said recently that he'll try Rolle out as a punt returner, which should be worth watching.

Steve Breaston: Breaston's almost developed a 'cult-like' following this offseason with countless stories chronicling development as a receiver. He's the favorite to win the #3 receiver job and he'll certainly get an opportunity to take a step in the right direction tomorrow night. With Boldin and Doucet out, he'll not only be starting opposite of Larry Fitzgerald but could stay in the game longer than if the receiving corps were at full strength.

Tight End Position: There wasn't supposed to be much of a battle at tight end this season but Ben Patrick has had a great camp and he's starting to put some pressure on Leonard Pope. Pope partially opened the door since he was limited at the start of camp but both tight ends have been standing out in practice. It's rare to read a practice report that doesn't include a great catch by one these two. Pope will start but both should see a couple of series of action.

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I might be making too much of the first preseason game of the year, but hey we're all craving some football, right? It's worth remembering that no matter how bad or good someone or the entire team looks, it's just preseason. No one is going to win a job or lose a job with their performance in this game but it is another step towards the start of the regular season. Also remember that if you're watching the game close to your computer, you can log on to ROTB and comment in the live game thread and discuss the game as it happens with fellow Cards fans.