Cardinals Vs. Raiders: Position Battle Predictions

Throughout training camp, the storylines tagged with the Arizona Cardinals have seemingly been never ending. You have the quarterback controversy, the running back health, the offensive line's status, etc.

All of that will be put under the spotlight once again as the Cardinals host the Raiders tonight at 7 PM MST in University of Phoenix Stadium. The things we really want to be watching are which players will step up and make a case for moving up the depth chart.

Skelton Vs. Kolb:

The biggest battle is obviously between the two starting quarterback contenders, Kevin Kolb and John Skelton. Kolb will get the start tonight and I think, and hope, that he does well. I see him finally leading the team of a touchdown drive during what I think will be a full half of play. Unfortunately, based on what I saw at training camp, I see him also running for his life the whole time, too.

Skelton will then come in and play solid, scoring a touchdown as well. From that, we will get no resolution as to who will be the starter once the season begins.

Bridges vs. Massie vs. Batiste:

Coach Whisenhunt announced that D'Anthony Batiste will get the chance to start at right tackle for tonight against Oakland. Jeremy Bridges held down the job before, but he was having major issues in pass protection, so Coach decided to move on to Plan B.

If Batiste fails to improve the right side, one would have to think that Massie gets a shot, despite his rookie status. However, I think Batiste will be an improvement over Bridges and he should hold on to the job for at least a couple more weeks.

Ryan Williams vs. Beanie Wells:

Williams is scheduled to start at running back tonight. He is feeling much better and the soreness in his knee has gone down, according to both him and Whisenhunt. Wells, on the other hand, is doubtful for tonight's game. If Williams can show up and run well (which I fully expect him to do), he could make a case for leapfrogging Wells on the depth chart.

Michael Floyd vs. Andre Roberts:

The battle is on for the #2 wide receiver position. Roberts is currently the incumbent, but rookie Michael Floyd is coming hard and fast, gunning for the job across from Larry Fitzgerald. He looked absolutely amazing at training camp this week.

Also of note is that Coach Whiz didn't rule out the possibility of him starting the season as the #2. He said the level of his involvement is up to him, so it doesn't sound like being a rookie is going to hold him back.

Honorable Mentions:

#2 cornerback spot between William Gay, Greg Toler, Jamell Fleming and A.J. Jefferson (yes, I see them all in the running).

Inside linebacker battle between Stewart Bradley and Paris Lenon. Lenon is not expected to play tonight as he did not practice all week with a bad ankle.

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