Cardinals vs. Chargers final score: Arizona falls 12-9 in preseason finale

The Arizona Cardinals fell to the San Diego Charger 9-12 in the preseason finale. The offense struggled all game, while the defense bent on every drive, but never broke. Several players could not state their claims to make the 53 man roster, and with that will have their NFL dreams put on hold.

The biggest news coming into this game was the fact that Logan Thomas would play the entire game. Following a rough outing against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday, fans had no clue what to expect. He lead the team down the field on their first possession to score a field goal. This game is hard to judge him. If I had to grade him it would be an inconclusive. He made all the right reads during the game, but he either overthrew the player or the player could not hold on. There were three such occasions,  two drops from Brittan Golden which would have been first down plays, and a ball that hit Dan Buckner in the hands, bounced out, and was picked off.

When his receivers were not dropping passes, the third string offensive line looked like Swiss Cheese. Nate Potter and Bradley Sowell were non existent all game, and not the good kind for an offensive lineman.

Jonathan Cooper had a shay start to the game, but settled down. He made plays down field and blew players up, showing glimpses of his old self.

Kevin Minter was all over. He missed several tackles, but his athleticism allowed him to blow plays up, hold the guy for a second or two, before the rest of the defense could swarm. The pectoral injury is still bothering Minter, which is why he could not tackle, which could mean the Cardinals keep an extra inside linebacker for insurance.

Deone Bucannon showed up yet again. I was stuck watching the the San Diego Chargers broadcast for the first quarter and half, but they were talking about him non-stop. He made a play on the ball everytime it was near him, nearly making an incredible diving interception.

Tommy Kelly did not stand out in the game.

Glenn Carson was everywhere. He was in on nearly every tackle in the fourth quarter, he was excellent in coverage, nearly pulling down a pick that could have lead to the game tying drive. He could very well be in consideration for the 53 man roster.

Tommy Legree nearly had a pick six to end the first half, but was horse collard. That allowed Chandler Catanzaro to kick the field goal. Catanzaro had all the Cardinals points tonight (9), which is already more than Matt Leinart scored his entire career. (Too soon?)

The first few cuts will probably come tomorrow morning, with the harder decisions likely coming Saturday.