I like to believe, or at least hope, there is a degree of freedom of speech on this board. Because I have an opinion that is going to be unpopular with some bettors and professional handicappers.
The NFL preseason kicks off today with the Hall of Fame Game. Usually this is the worst game of the season being the first exhibition. This one is played nearly a week before Week 1 of the preseason begins. It’s the Cowboys versus the Cardinals.
Some people can’t wait to fire away on an NFL game even if it’s a total crapshoot, which this one is. If someone says otherwise, they are more than welcome to come here to state their reasons why they like a certain side, or total. Currently the game is lined Dallas minus 1 1/2 with a total of 35.
Neither team is going to play their starters. Not only are the Cardinals not playing Carson Palmer, but second-string quarterback Drew Stanton also isn’t going to see action. Third-string quarterback Blaine Gabbert is going to play probably half the game. The only other quarterback on the Cardinals roster is rookie Trevor Knight.
That’s how little the Cardinals think about this game. The Cowboys’ thoughs are the same. They’re treating this matchup as more of a scrimmage than a game. In fact, the Cowboys said this game replaces their annual Blue-White scrimmage that is held during training camp.
Kellen Moore, on the comeback trail from a broken leg, could be the quarterback. Cooper Rush, an undrafted rookie out of Central Michigan, figures to see a lot of playing time in this matchup. Maybe veteran Luke McCown will play even though he didn’t sign with Dallas until this past Saturday.
Gabbert, Moore and McCown are proven stiffs. Knight and Rush are total unknowns.
I can’t say for sure if winning is even the top priority for either coach. Their goal is to look at how their reserves play and determine who could possibly be a starter and who shouldn’t make the team.
So I’m in total disbelief if someone tells me they have a strong play here.
