Arizona Cardinals Positional Battles: How Does The Depth Chart Look After Game One?

Although the game between the Saints and Cardinals was not as pretty as we would have liked it to have been, there are many positives to take out of it. As a team, the Cardinals performed so-so, but there were certain individual performances that could have players moving up the depth chart or about to break through.

Let's take a look at a few of the players I think could find themselves higher on the chart by the time the Seahawks come to University of Phoenix Stadium.

John Skelton:

John Skelton and Kevin Kolb are obviously in the biggest and most publicized depth chart battle of them all. For Skelton, I am not saying that he necessarily should be higher already; it's just too early to proclaim that. What I am saying is that he could find himself as the starting QB once the regular season begins.

Stewart Bradley:

Stew had himself quite the game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. When Paris Lenon left with an ankle injury, Bradley took full advantage of his extra time by raking in 6 tackles, a sack and even giving fans a sweet dance that we can watch over and over. Will he take the starting inside linebacker job alongside Daryl Washington? That is the hope, but he will need to show that he can be effective consistently.

Cornerback:

For this position, there really isn't just a competition between two players. William Gay started across from Patrick Peterson in the Hall of Fame Game, but Greg Toler, A.J. Jefferson and even Jamell Fleming will still vie for the job. This one is going to come down to the wire and I am going to stick with my prediction of Toler getting that #2 spot locked down.

Right Tackle:

Bobby Massie did not look so good against the Saints. Then again, neither did Jeremy Bridges. I definitely believe Massie has more potential, but I think because of his veteran ability and mean streak, Bridges will retain that job.

Third String Quarterback:

Lastly, we have to look at the battle between Ryan Lindley and Rich Bartel. In my eyes, Lindley outperformed Bartel by a mile, but I don't think he will overtake him on the depth chart just yet. Once again, consistency will be the key. If he can continue to show up and move the ball down the field, he will get the job permanently.

These are just some of the battles, but this Friday's game against the Chiefs will undoubtedly give us a better look into who has the edge over their teammates/opponents.

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