DT Nkemdiche earns a spot with 1st team
He’s been getting compliments from coach Bruce Arians almost every other day, and now, Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche is getting rewarded with a field promotion.
The second-year pro, whose rookie season was more like a blur because of injuries and inconsistency, is officially practicing with the first-team defense.
Nkemdiche has been getting regular rotation work there the past two days and is expected to see time with the starters during Saturday night’s preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium.
“You work hard to get better and keep progressing, so that’s the main goal,” Nkemdiche said Thursday. “I’m happy about it, but I’m going to keep working hard.”
Asked if practicing with the first stringers is a boost to his confidence, he said, “Yeah, of course. It’s one thing to believe in yourself, but it’s another when people who have been around this game believe in you, also. That’s another thing.”
Wetzel steps up
With starting left tackle D.J. Humphries nursing a sore hamstring all week, backup John Wetzel has been practicing with the first-team offense and probably will be in the starting lineup Saturday against the Raiders.
Arians said Humphries is “iffy,” adding, “It’ll go to the wire, and if it’s even close, I’ll hold him (out).”
Wetzel, the team’s second-year pro out of Boston College, has been getting reps at both tackle positions since the start of training camp. He said practicing against the first-team defense is helping him get better every single day.
“This is giving me a good feel for what I’d see in a regular-season game as opposed to what I’ll see throughout the preseason, so it’s good to get that right now,” Wetzel said. “It’s been going good. I just need to work more on the technique because I’ve been swinging around to both sides. There are certain things at left tackle that I do better than at right, but that’s what I’m using training camp for. I’m trying to make sure I’m just as good on both sides in all aspects.”
Palmer nearing 300
With just 15 touchdown passes this season, quarterback Carson Palmer will reach the 300 milestone, and with it, he'll pass or tie three Hall of Famers in Johnny Unitas (290), Warren Moon (291) and John Elway (300).
Asked about passing those greats, Palmer was a little at a loss for words.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m honored to have played as long as I have and had the opportunities I’ve had. Those are three guys that – not so much with Unitas just because of my time – but the other guys I loved watching play and am a fan of all three of them, obviously. So it would be a great honor to get past those guys.”
Star of camp?
Normally, it’s a rookie or a new addition that catches the eyes of observers in Cardinals camp. According to Palmer, though, there’s no reason why a trusted veteran shouldn’t hold the mantel as the player who’s performed better than just about anyone.
And in Palmer’s opinion, that player so far has been cornerback Patrick Peterson, who is entering his seventh NFL season. According to Palmer, “It’s the best camp I’ve ever seen him have.”
Asked for specifics, Palmer said, “Just performance. It’s the best I’ve seen him, there’s no doubt. I told him that the other day. I think it’s his seventh year, and like a fine wine, he’s aged well in those seven years. He’s just had great practice after great practice. He’s contested every single ball. Not that he’s broken up every single pass, but he is right on top of it. He’s just looked really, really good.”