Following uncharacteristically minimal pregame buildup, the NFL’s first preseason game was played Sunday. The Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints (why has that name not taken on a bit of irony?) played their D-teamers in Canton, OH.
The star of the show, Drew Brees, played one drive (for a touchdown, of course). However, preseason is not about starters. Early week preseason is when the names like Victor Cruz first pop up. It is when that sixth-round guard outworks an aging veteran. And while some enjoy hearing the story of nothing to something after it happens, diehard NFL fans prefer watching the development take place in real time.
That is why we scour box scores for Hall of Fame Game standouts. Here’s the list:
Travaris Cadet, RB, New Orleans Saints
Undrafted out of Appalachian State, Cadet is 6’1″, 210 pounds. The running back went backward on the ground, 6 carries for -3 yards, but caught eight of the nine balls thrown his way. The 23-year-old finished with 80 receiving yards and a touchdown. Cadet also impacted the return game, with a 21-yard punt return and a 28-yard kick return. Cadet caught 34 balls for 333 yards last year in college. With Mark Ingram, Chris Ivory, Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas already on the roster, Cadet may have to work his way through the practice team.
Martez Wilson, LB, Saints
The third-round pick of the 2011 draft, Wilson recorded 10 tackles in his rookie campaign. The University of Illinois product finished with 1 sack in the regular season, but finished on a high note with 1.5 sacks against the 49ers in the playoffs. Wilson picked up where he left off, as he again recorded 1.5 sacks against Arizona. The athletic 252 pound Wilson is expected to become a dangerous pass-rush threat.
Lawrence Wilson, LB, Saints
The former Panthers and Titans practice squader made three tackles and returned an interception 46 yards.
LaRon Byrd, Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals
The undrafted University of Miami receiver caught a team-leading 4 ball for 54 yards. At 6’4″, 220 pounds, Byrd possesses the size to dominate out wide. Could the 22-year-old catch on?
Steve Skelton, Tight End, Cardinals
The nepotistic Cardinals signed quarterback John Skelton’s brother shortly after passing on him in the 2011 draft. The 6’5″, 250 target caught two passes for 35 yards. He will likely serve as a practice squad player again this season.
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