NFL Preseason 2010: Five Lessons From Cardinals Game Against Redskins

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Despite the fact that it was the final preseason game, and the Washington Redskins didn't really play any starters (including Rex Grossman, although I heard he threw a pick on the sidelines somehow), there is a lot we can glean from this game. 

The reserves got their chance to showcase their talents, and make a case to make the final roster. 

Matt Leinart got one more chance...maybe. 

And Donovan McNabb finally made it to Arizona!

Too bad he was in a Redskins uniform. 

Kidding aside, here are five things we can take from the game.

1. Max Hall Continues to Impress

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Max Hall may have just landed himself a backup job. 

That is, if Matt Leinart is leaving. Which is not confirmed yet. 

Either way, Hall was the more impressive of the two rookie quarterbacks in the preseason, and last night confimed that. 

Let's see...

Have an accurate game. 

Check (7-9, 126 yards).

Score points. 

Check (1 TD rushing and throwing). 

And run over defensive back. 

Check. 

What else does he need to do?

Seriously though, Hall did what he had to to make the team. 

Roster cuts will be intriguing this year (as of the time of this article he's still on the team.)

2. Daryl Washington Was Worth The Investment

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

A few months back, the Cardinals traded up in the second round to get a linebacker from TCU who had gotten some good things said about him, but nothing too monumental. 

They may get a huge return on their investment. 

Washington may be the defensive MVP on the preseason, making plays all over the field when he was given the opportunity. 

If you go back and watch the game (that is, if you have DVR), listen to how many times the announcers say Washington's name in the first quarter. 

For those of you who can't, I'll give you the answer: a lot. 

Washington's speed has been on full display this season, and it's no wonder, considering he was the fastest linebacker at the combine this year. 

And on top of all this, Gerald Hayes was put on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he has to sit out the first six games of the season. 

If Washington does not begin the season as a starter, it will truly surprise me. 

3. Matt Leinart Did Not Improve His Stature

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Now let me clarify. 

He didn't necessarily hurt his cause. 

But he certainly didn't help it either. 

Going 3-5 for 14 yards is not impressive in the least though. 

Leinart once again thrived on check down throws, and didn't look comfortable in the pocket. 

And he was sacked again. 

Granted, Leinart hasn't thrown any interceptions this preseason. 

But it's kind of hard to throw picks when you don't throw but five yards past the line of scrimmage. 

4. Max Komar Made The Team...Maybe As The Punt Returner

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The Cardinals may still go back to Steve Breaston. 

But Max Komar put himself in the preverbal hat last night. 

It wasn't overly impressive, as he returned three punts for an average for seven yards. 

But he didn't fumble (like Justin Miller) and looked the part. 

He may have made the team already, but if he can fill the punt returner duties until possibly Andre Roberts fully returns, he'll be a huge asset for the Cards this year. 

5. Cuts Were Made Obvious

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Nobody that was on the fringe really stood out (although Monty Beisel was cut and got a sack and an interception). 

But as of today (and this will change tomorrow), guys like Anthony Becht, Stevie Baggs, and Alfonso Smith were cut. 

The only surprising cuts were Cody Brown, the second round pick from last year, and Herman Johnson, also a 2009 draft pick. 

But other than that, there were no surprising or noteworthy cuts. 

 

Well that concludes the preseason for the Cardinals. Stay tuned next week as myself and other writers here on Bleacher Report prepare you for the opener versus the Rams.