It is only the beginning of the preseason and the starters for both teams only played in the first quarter. However, things did not go well for the Cardinals early with Kevin Kolb starting with the first team. The defense looked awful, missing several tackles as the Saints rolled down the field for a touchdown. Kevin Kolb was intercepted and left the game with an injury. But thanks to
Drew Brees, the $100 million, took New Orleans down the field in 10 plays to score a touchdown. Mark Ingram took the ball into the end zone from one yard out.
Then Kevin Kolb had three series of ineffectiveness. His first pass was intercepted. In the second series, he underthrew Andre Roberts and had to throw away a third down pass running away from pressure up the middle in the end zone. On the first play of the next series, he was hit by Sedrick Ellis as he got the ball off and he landed awkwardly, causing a rib contusion. He left the game.
John Skelton finished the drive but got nowhere. On the next one, he was effective and got help from the running game, going against the Saints' backups. 14 plays and 90 yards led to a four-yard scamper by Alfonso Smith into the end zone to tie the game. Smith ran for 46 yards on the drive.
After that, Chase Daniel, Drew Brees' backup at quarterback, showed some promise. He led the Saints to 10 points and threw for 203 yards.
That would be it for the Saints.
Ryan Lindley would lead the Cardinals to a third quarter field goal and almost got the tying touchdown late in the game, but was intercepted at the goalline.
Key Cardinals stats:
Kevin Kolb 1/4 4 yds, 1 INT
John Skelton 4/6 32 yds
Ryan Lindley 10/21 118 yds 1 INT
LaRon Byrd, four catches 54 yards
Rob Housler, three catches 51 yards
Cardinals injuries:
Kevin Kolb, ribs
Paris Lenon, ankle
Arizona will travel to Missouri to practice with the Kansas City Chiefs, whom they will play on Friday.
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