Preseason Week Two: Who proved themselves worthy?
By Kim Praser
Now that the first game jitters have, hopefully, worked themselves out, the players had to prove themselves despite the cheers and jeers.
September second marks the final round of reducing the team to the final 53. This is the first year that there is no cut deadline down to 73 players Who started to prove themselves worthy of a spot on the final roster?
Tarik Cohen
Despite the Cardinals stopping the Bears’ drive twice in the first quarter, rookie running back Tarik Cohen had three rushes for 28 yards. With 2 minutes left of the first quarter, he ran the outside edge for 13 yards making the first down. This drive continued into the second quarter with Cohen moving down the field under Mike Glennon’s direction…until Cardinals’ Tyrann Mathieu’s interception. By the half, Cohen carried 11 for 77 yards, longest play 25 yards. Not bad.
Cre’von LeBlanc
In the second quarter, defensive back Cre’von LeBlanc picked up a loose ball for a 77-yard touchdown. Even though this play was reversed, given that the Quintin Demps killed the initial play, LeBlanc made something happen. He took the ball and ran without hesitation, question, second thought.
Good instincts.
Deonte Thompson
With one second left leading up to the half, Cardinals’ made a poor decision to attempt a 63-yard field goal. But with one unfortunate choice, fortune is found when wide receiver Deonte Thompson caught the ball. He ran the 109 yards for a touchdown. Beautiful.
Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris
Although defense overall did well, a few players stood out. Defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard was the man of sacks, getting his smack down on twice with the help of Jaye Howard and Sam Acho. By the third quarter, Roy Roberston-Harris got in two unassisted back to back sacks as well.
To compare these players to others you should have watched, refer to “Five Bears to Watch Preseason Week Two.” Altogether this season appears to be on the upswing filled with promise of potential that keeps the fans waiting for the next game.