Arizona Cardinals Positional Battles And Who Pulled Ahead

Although there are some positions where the starter(s) is/are set (Example: Kevin Kolb as the starting QB), there are some positional battles that are still going on.  After the game vs. the Packers, some players have pulled ahead in the competition for the starting job, and some have pushed forward to make the roster.

Who are they?  Hit the jump to find out.

1) Chris Beanie-Wells, RB

Yes, I know, Beanie Wells has the starting job locked up now since Ryan Williams is out for 9-12 months.  But Beanie-Well still showed flashes of his 2009 self against the Packers.  One such play was when he laid out A.J. Hawk with a shoulder chuck.  He had 11 carries for 44 yards, and although those aren't the most incredible numbers in the world, he still looked good.

2) Andre Roberts, WR

Andre Roberts made a big case for being the #2 WR Friday when he made two crucial catches for 1st Downs.  Roberts got to start the game opposite Larry Fitzgerald, so maybe the Coaches are thinking the same thing too.  His longest play was 17 yards, which is definitely encouraging.  I'm starting to understand why the Front Office didn't go after a Free Agent or trade for a #2 WR.

3) DeMarco Sampson, WR

With Stephen Williams looking shaky (Although he did catch a TD), 7th Round pick DeMarco Sampson made a bigger push to make the team.  Making 3 catches for 68 yards, with the longest play being 45 yards, Sampson made it clear that he intends to carry over his great Training Camp performance onto the field.  

4) Robert Housler, TE

Although the Cardinals acquired All-pro TE Todd Heap through Free Agency, rookie TE Robert Housler showed that the starting TE spot isn't locked up yet by making 5 catches for 68 yards, the longest play being 17 yards.  Although I personally think that Todd Heap will still be the starter on Opening Day due to Coach Whiz's preference to start veterans first, Housler still showed that if needed, he can step it up.

5) Richard Bartel, QB

Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are practically locks to be the Starting and Backup QB's, but the team currently has a battle going on for the 3rd String QB job between Richard Bartel and Max Hall.  Completing 13 of 19 passes for 169 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, Bartel made a great argument for himself.  Considering the fact that Hall only completed 2 of 4 passes for 13 yards, Bartel seems to be in the lead at this point.

If I missed anyone you think should be included on this list, feel free to comment below.