NFL Preseason Preview: Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals, Can Quarterbacks Step Up?

Aug 14, 2015 05:08 PM EDT
Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles
Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the football en route to a touchdown on a 21-yard pass reception against free safety Rashad Johnson #26 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 26, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona."

1. How will Jeremy Maclin play?

Can Jeremy Maclin become the primary threat for the Kansas City Chiefs? The Chiefs did not have a touchdown to a wide receiver last season and that is a gigantic cause for concern. Now that Andy Reid has one of his old Eagles back will he scream at Alex Smith to throw it deep to Maclin or will he just let the chemistry build on its own?

2. Which running backs will lead the way for Arizona?

Andre Ellington will return for the first preseason game and he wants to keep his job as the lead running back in Arizona's committee. I still see Arizona being cautious with Ellington while he is a little dinged up. Backup David Johnson is still injured from practice so he could be held out of the game that would leave Stepfan Taylor and Kerwynn Williams to handle the majority of carries in the Arizona offense.

3. How will Eric Berry preform?

Eric Berry is returning from going through cancer treatment earlier this year. Berry has looked phenomenal in practice and may just signify that the old, dominant, Kansas City secondary is back and ready to roll.

4. Will the Cardinals offensive line be better in 2015?

The offensive line needs to protect Carson Palmer hands down. Palmer suffered a season ending injury last year so his current health is something that should be on the minds of every offensive lineman the Cardinals have.

5. Will Alex Smith play better?

Smith is a great game manager, but not throwing a touchdown to a wide receiver on your team for a whole season is cause for concern. Smith has never been a gunslinger so it will be interesting to see how he will respond to having a weapon in the passing game. Will Smith continue to throw short passes and attempt to crawl his way up the field or will this open up the offensive flood gates?

 

 

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