Cardinals vs. Raiders: Revisiting 5 Things to Watch

So...I live on the East Coast...and had to work this morning.

And I couldn't watch the game.

I did, however, see a few highlights and have seen the stats, so I feel like I can at least talk about this preseason game, although I welcome any comments that you all that watched it have.

In all, I think getting a win is nice, but it's not without its concerns for sure.

And for the record, do me, and everyone else, a favor.

Don't jump to conclusions on Kevin Kolb.

I've already seen people say they aren't impressed with him.

He had two possessions.

I understand if you're talking about Tavaris Jackson here, who had more possessions than that and didn't even cross midfield.

But Kolb has had less practice time and isn't as familiar as Jackson in the offense that he (Kolb) is running, whereas Jackson should be (former Vikings offensive coordinator???).

1. Kevin Kolb

Not having seen all of Kolb's throws, I can say that the two I've seen—both completions to Larry Fitzgerald—have to excite Cardinals fans. 

He put it where it needed to be both times, and gave Larry a chance on the 43 yard bomb to do his thing (go up and get the ball from smaller corners)—something I thought the Cardinals QBs just didn't do enough of last season. 

He also has more elusiveness since a Cardinals QB named Plummer manned the helm. 

And with the offensive line still taking form, I'd say that's a good thing. 

So in all, I don't think you could've expected much better from Kolb really. 

However, there are a couple of concerns I have.

One is that when he had success, he was playing against the backups for Oakland. 

That doesn't inspire a ton of confidence, especially considering that his one series against the starters went three and out. 

And a minor concern is that he's looking for Fitzgerald too much. It had been said that he's not good about looking at his other options after number one or two are gone. 

Still, in all, Cardinals fans really have to be excited. 

2. The Running Back Battle

From first glance, I'd have to say this battle goes to Williams. 

Yes, he's playing the backups. 

But his abilities shine through nonetheless. 

His first two touches? 23 yards on a catch and 11 on a run. 

Wow. 

Beanie Wells had to look good until getting stuffed at the goal line three times. 

Ouch. 

Beanie didn't do himself any favors in this game. 

At least he didn't fumble. 

3. The Pass Rush

Again, I'll have to go back and watch the game again, but to me, it seems like the pass rush is going to be a problem again. 

The good news is that new linebacker Stewart Bradley did have a sack. 

The problem is that other than a couple of hurries, the starters didn't do much. 

The Offensive Line

Again, on first glance, there is some concur here. 

Kolb was forced from the pocket a few times, although one time it was because no one was open downfield. 

And yes, Wells should be able to get into the end zone with two tries at the one. 

But if the blocking wasn't good enough for him to be able to run in against the backups, that's not a great sign. 

Hopefully they will gel in the preseason. But I still would've liked the Cardinals to try to find another tackle somewhere. 

5. Adrian Wilson and the Secondary

Wilson wasn't there, obviously. 

But great news for Cardinals fans?

Patrick Peterson led the team in tackles. 

Some of that is luck, but it's still a good sign. 

And from what I hear, A.J. Jefferson looked good. It'll be comforting knowing the Cardinals could go four deep at cornerback, especially with Michael Adams undergoing surgery.