Matchups to watch in Arizona Cardinals tilt versus the New Orleans Saints

Cameron Jordan vs. Andre Smith - Jordan is one of the most feared defensive ends in the National Football League — and for good reason. He moves with the speed and agility of a linebacker, but has the strength to go straight through offensive linemen if needed. Andre Smith played well for the Cardinals in limited snaps against the Chargers last week, but Jordan is a whole different animal.

The pass protection will need to be strong, especially when rookie quarterback Josh Rosen enters the game. Coach Wilks has already noted that Rosen will get some time under center with the first team offensive line this week, and it takes him much more time to go through his progressions and get the ball out than it does for Sam Bradford at this stage of his career.

Marshon Lattimore vs. Larry Fitzgerald - This will be my personal favorite faceoff of the night. Fitz, the future Hall of Fame wide receiver, going against one of the best young corners in the game in Lattimore. Lattimore, the defensive rookie of the year from 2017, has excellent ball skills and technique for a player only 22 years old. He faces off against some of the best wide receivers in the league in his own division with Julio Jones and Mike Evans, which only makes what he accomplished last year even more impressive.

But this matchup will be his first time going against Larry Fitzgerald, one of the most skilled route runners to ever play the game. Fitz may not have the speed to get by Lattimore, but his technique should give the sophomore corner some issues. I am looking forward to seeing those two battle it out for positioning on the line of scrimmage.

Michael Thomas vs. Patrick Peterson - On the flip side, you have another great receiver going against another great cornerback. Thomas has blown past 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first two years in the league. The last time he played Arizona (2016), he had 7 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. Typically, we see Peterson hold opponents to far lesser numbers, so it will be interesting to see how he plays Thomas this time around if he is asked to shadow the Saints’ top receiving threat.

Robert Nkemdiche vs. Max Unger and Larry Warford - Nkemdiche has been getting rave reviews all throughout training camp and looked great in his game against the Chargers. In preseason game two, the former Ole Miss Rebel will have his hands full against two good interior linemen in Unger and Warford. Will he be able to facilitate the same pressure against Drew Brees that he was able to last week against Cardale Jones and company?

Which matchups are you most looking forward to watching? Let us know in the comments below.