Martin hyped as ‘most improved’

Although days rather than weeks separate the Cardinals from the end of their trial run in the preseason, key decisions loom for team brass before the deadline to trim the roster to 53 on Saturday.

But one position on the depth chart that doesn’t need to be resolved before then is the third outside-linebacker spot, a job that’s been locked down by Kareem Martin during a praise-worthy summer.

“There’s no player on our team who’s worked harder this offseason than Kareem,” said General Manager Steve Keim Monday during his weekly radio appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “I will tell you Kareem Martin, in my opinion, is the most improved football player on our team.”

On the brink of his fourth year after getting drafted in the third round in 2014, Martin has solidified a role amid flux with the position.

The Cardinals signed Jarvis Jones during the offseason to back up Markus Golden and Chandler Jones, but Jarvis has been mostly sidelined with a back issue. They also brought in Philip Wheeler, but he’s been able to participate in only a few more practices than Jones due to a foot injury and has moved ahead of Jones on the depth chart, coach Bruce Arians said.

Arizona could place Jones on injured reserve or cut him, perhaps reaching an injury settlement in conjunction with his release. That would potentially enable the team to bring him back when he’s healthy.

Regardless, Martin has provided the Cardinals with depth, and his work ethic is a major reason he’s impressed.

“You look at his body of work, how far he’s come,” Keim said. “When we drafted him, he was a long, lanky athlete that had some speed and straightline ability. But he’s grown into his body. He’s spent tons of time in our weight room and when you do that, you become more confident as a player from a physical standpoint.’’

“I’m so proud of the way he has worked because it truly shows the rest of the team if you put in the time and the effort, you can get better.”

Johnson’s future

How much of a factor running back Chris Johnson figured to be in the Cardinals’ offense was a question that persisted throughout training camp.

And the answer still isn’t clear after Johnson fumbled twice in Saturday’s preseason game against the Falcons.

“He’s a pro’s pro,” Keim said during his radio interview. “He gets it, and it’s not just his performance in one preseason game that’s going to make a difference. It’s a body of work throughout camp that coach and I will look at, and we’ll determine the best 53.”

Asked if he’d seen enough from Johnson for him to earn a job, Arians said: “Yeah. I mean, they’re still battling. It’s going to be a tough decision for that spot.”

Johnson said he doesn’t expect to play in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Broncos.

Challenge accepted

Being anointed the Cardinals’ starting corner opposite Patrick Peterson was Justin Bethel’s reward for a solid showing in training camp.

But the title isn’t without its risks, as Bethel is in position to become a perennial target for teams shying away from Peterson – a reality of the job that undoubtedly increases the opportunity to fail but also, in Bethel’s eyes, brings the chance to succeed.

“You call it getting picked on,” Bethel said. “I call it a chance to make plays. I’m definitely excited. I think it’s going to be a good year. I think it’s going to be a good year for the whole secondary.”

Peterson praised Bethel’s technique and ability to locate the ball in the air and believes Bethel has the ability to be an elite cornerback.

“Now it’s all about getting the game experience under his belt,” Peterson said, “making those plays and grow that confidence in himself. He’s going to have a lot of opportunity. We’ll see what he does with it.”