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Arizona Cardinals Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Which Rookie Will Have the Biggest Impact?

When the Arizona Cardinals take the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers it won't be established veterans like Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Karlos Dansby or Adrian Wilson who ultimately decide the game and it's not their goal really to do much outside of stay away from injuries. While the final score these preseason games doesn't really matter, the performance of the young guys, and especially the rookies, is important. This is were guys step out from the shadows and proclaim that they're ready to this game on the biggest stage. The Cardinals aren't expecting a great deal from their rookie class this year but they should all get plenty of playing time tonight, with the obvious exception of Chris Wells. With that in mind, which rookie will have the best performance tonight?

Here's a look at the candidates.....

Star-divide

Cody Brown: Brown might be the favorite here just because he should get plenty of playing time and he's playing a position that is designed to make plays. Given the quality of the Steelers offensive line, you'd have to think that Brown should be able to turn the corner against one of the backup offensive tackles. He'll also play on just about every special teams unit so you'd have to think that three or four tackles and a sack isn't too far out of reach.

Rashad Johnson: RJ's impact will likely depend on how much the Steelers decide to throw the ball with their second and third team QB's. It'll be interesting to see if Bill Davis decides to creap Johnson towards the line of scrimmage or if he just lets him play a deep centerfield but either way Johnson should have the opportunity to capitalize on an ill-advised throw or two from inexperienced backup QB's like Dennis Dixon and Mike Reilly.

Greg Toler: Toler's an interesting choice here because he's had a pretty rough camp so far. He's trying to adjust to the speed and sophistication of the NFL game but facing the Steelers fourth or fifth receivers should be much easier than lining up across from Fitzgerald or Boldin. We all know he's got the athleticism to play the position but it'll be very interesting how he handles his first game experience and hopefully we'll get to see him respond to at least a couple play action passes and/or double moves.

Will Davis: Davis, like Toler, has had a rough camp but he'll get a chance to redeem himself tonight. Basically everything we said for Brown above, also applies to Davis.

LaRod Stephens-Howling: LSH will get plenty of opportunties to make a big impact. He'll not only get his share of snaps at tailback, thanks to Wells' absence, but he'll also see him returning kicks and possibly punts as well. Most of his snaps with the offense will probably come with the third team so he'll probably have to wait until the second half but he'll see enough field time to make a difference.

Herman Johnson and Trevor Canfield: We lumped Munster Johnson and Canfield together because it's hard to judge the play of the offensive line, especially the interior of the line (Canfield). Both should play with the third string so keep an eye on the right side of the offensive line during the second half.

Michael Ray Garvin: MRG gets some consideration despite his status as a UDFA because he'll see time as a returner. He should get several shots as a kick and punt returner.

---------------------------------------------------------------

There are eight different choices but other undrafted rookies like Chase Bullock, Reggie Walker or Jameel Dowling could all do enough to earn some consideration here. Who get's your vote?

Poll
Which Arizona Cardinals' rookie will have the biggest impact tonight against the Steelers?
Cody Brown
31 votes
Rashad Johnson
24 votes
Greg Toler
5 votes
Will Davis
4 votes
LaRod-Stephens-Howling
68 votes
Herman Johnson or Trevor Canfield
8 votes
Michael Ray Garvin
12 votes

152 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 14 comments  |  Add comment |

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Comments

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I had to go with Rashad Johnson

He’s going to see plenty of playing time with the second and third string and with a little bit of pressure he’ll be able to make a play on a bad pass. I just hope that the Steelers try to go deep while he’s on the field. I want to see this kid play center field.

Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

by Bezekira on Aug 13, 2009 2:51 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

+1

I think RJ will have a decent game tonight and that other teams will doubt what he will actually is capable of on the field.

by kj197728 on Aug 13, 2009 5:10 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning!

I cant wait to watch the game. Very excited to see LSH, Brown, and RJ. I have a client that is wanting to see a house right at 5 though so I am going to have to tape and watch late.

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Aug 13, 2009 3:51 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

yes

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Aug 13, 2009 4:00 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah.... there's a lot of those around these days

perhaps we can talk some real estate when we get the madden 10 tourney rollin

ROTB REALTY!!!!

by CardsDefense on Aug 13, 2009 4:16 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1 So you're a realitor sc464?

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Aug 13, 2009 4:43 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes I am

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Aug 13, 2009 9:22 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

haha sounds good!

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Aug 13, 2009 9:22 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

The House

Big Herman Johnson got a tackle in the open field!
Pleasantly surprised

Loyalty is the only Commodity

by Jwit on Aug 13, 2009 10:51 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs


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