After a disappointing performance in the Hall of Fame game last Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals will look to improve their execution during their second exhibition game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, August 10. Because of the short practice week, the Cardinals traveled directly to St. Joseph, Missouri after their 17-10 loss to the Saints in their preseason opener. When asked about traveling straight to Missouri after Canton, OH, Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt said, "Logistically it makes a lot of sense since we play Sunday night in Canton and then Friday night at Kansas City, but I've always found there's also great value in getting work against another team in a setting like this." The Cardinals have been training all week at Missouri Western State University, and even participated in a combined practice with the Chiefs on Tuesday.
The Cardinals have focused on tackling this week, as the first team defense and special teams struggled miserably in their first game. Asked about it during Wednesday's practice, Coach Whisenhunt said, "I think what you really have to do is work on technique. Tackling is one of the toughest things to shake the rust off during camp because there is so little of it during practices." Regarding tackling, Linebacker Daryl Washington said, "Coach (Ray) Horton definitely put more emphasis on that this week."
John Skelton is scheduled start this week against the Chiefs as planned. Kevin Kolb is also expected to play his allotted time, even after suffering a rib contusion last Sunday. Ryan Williams is questionable, and Beanie Wells will probably not play, since he was only activated on Tuesday, August 7.
The Chiefs are making their 2012 preseason debut this week after posting a 7-9 record in 2011. Quarterback Matt Cassel has looked impressive during camp, and according to NFL analyst Bucky Brooks, "The Chiefs should be the overwhelming favorites to win the AFC West based on their personnel. They are the most talented team in the division on both sides of the ball."
With that said, this game should be another good test for the Cardinals, even though this is only the second preseason game of the season. Following the game, the Cardinals will return to training camp in Flagstaff, until they make their home debut next Friday, August 17 against the Oakland Raiders.