Cardinals 23 - Broncos 29

That was probably not the situation fans and players envisioned for themselves going into the regular season, but the great thing about the preseason is that these games do not count. There will be no catching up to do right now as the slate is whipped clean.

The one thing I really had wanted to see was the Cardinals defense shutting down the Broncos running game, unfortunately that did not happen. The Broncos gained 187 yards on the ground on only 29 carries for a sickening 6.4 average per carry.

They were not much more impressive against the pass as Jay Cutler and Bradlee Van Pelt threw for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jake Plummer did not play, which was something I was looking forward to. Once again Edgerrin James barely saw any action, getting no carries at all although he did catch two passes for 11 yards. Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin did impress however and have my hopes up for a very good passing game this year.

On defense not many starters played or stayed in the game long and the reserves looked over-matched in almost every single aspect of the game. Cardinals fans should be praying for health this year because the second team and beyond will not be able to help this team win at all - At least not most of them.

Finally, the worse news of the day was Matt Leinart. Despite performing well when he was in the game (10 for 15, 125 yards and 1 TD), had to leave in the third quarter with what is now being called a sprained shoulder. An MRI is planned for today, but it appears to only be precautionary. If Leinart was the starting Quarterback he would likely sit out week one, but since that is not the case there is no real reason for Cardinals fans to worry. Not to mention the injury was not on his throwing shoulder. So barring any freak injury to Kurt Warner in weak one everything should be fine.

But now it is time to look ahead. Week one is around the corner and the Cardinals will begin to focus on the 49ers.