Keys to victory for Cardinals in Kansas City

The NFL preseason kicked off last night for 11 teams, but not for the Cardinals.

They, like the New Orleans Saints, already got their first game in last Sunday in Canton, Ohio, at the Hall of Fame Game. 

The Cardinals will do battle with the Kansas City Chiefs tonight in Kansas City, Mo., and will try to even up their preseason record at 1-1.

How do they accomplish that?

1. Get consistent QB play from all four quarterbacks.

John Skelton will get the start tonight. Let’s see if he can raise his level of play from the HOF Game.

He moved the offense well against the Saints when he was in. Can he move the offense even more against the league’s 11^th ranked defense from last year?

When Kevin Kolb does come in, is he going to be all there mentally and physically? We shall see…

2. We need to see a marked improvement in the blocking and tackling departments, especially on special teams, which looked awful against New Orleans last week.

This was a fact that even head coach Ken Whisenhunt couldn’t deny.

3. The defense needs to raise its level of play against the Chiefs offense.

If the defense can’t front Peyton Hillis, Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe and frustrate Matt Cassell and their other quarterbacks, then it could be a rough night for them.

4. Win the field position battle, and the battle of the mistakes (i.e. turnovers and penalties), and you have a great shot of winning the game.

The special teams have to step up big on that field position fight, and provide this advantage for the Cardinals. Get every advantage you can over the Chiefs, especially on the road.

5. Arrowhead Stadium is one of THE hardest stadiums in the league to win in. Hit some big plays early on offense and defense, quiet that Chiefs crowd, and a HUGE part of the Cardinals battle is already won.