Emari Demercado made a notable impact during the Arizona Cardinals’ preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Entering the game in the second quarter, Demercado caught a short pass and ran 43 yards for a touchdown.
“I wasn’t thinking,” Demercado said about his scoring play. “I was just reacting. It was a big confidence booster for me.”
Despite being less discussed compared to other running backs like Trey Benson, Demercado has found his place on the team. “I’m not that guy, ‘I need more carries, I need more carries,'” he said. “Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be here.” He reflected on nearly giving up football during college before finding an opportunity with the Cardinals as an undrafted rookie under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
“He’s a good football player and he wears a lot of hats,” Gannon said. “He’s quiet, but he competes every day, he goes about his job. He’s a pro. He showed up tonight.”
The Cardinals’ running back group includes Benson, James Conner, DeeJay Dallas, and Michael Carter. Last season, Carter was left out of the rotation while Demercado continued to contribute.
In other observations from the game:
Rookie cornerback Will Johnson drew a pass interference penalty in his first appearance but played with the starting defense.
James Conner played only one series before Benson took over. Benson finished with 29 rushing yards on nine attempts and added a 20-yard reception.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter after coming off the bench.
Defensive back Darren Hall recorded an interception and broke up another pass as he tries to secure his spot among several secondary candidates.
Dante Stills stood out on the defensive line by drawing a holding penalty and making disruptive plays against Kansas City’s offensive front.
“I told him on the sideline, when he got here as a pup, he’d have a good day then a bad day,” Gannon said about Stills. “Riding a roller coaster. And he’s been steady this camp. As steady as I’ve seen him. That’s typically a good sign.”
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis experimented with defensive lineman L.J. Collier dropping into coverage during one play.
Rookie linebacker Jordan Burch performed well in his debut appearance at camp.
Backup center Jon Gaines II did not play due to injury but participated in pregame drills with reduced hand protection.
Rookie cornerback Denzel Burke saw extended playing time ahead of third-round pick Elijah Jones from 2024. Rookie safety Kitan Crawford intercepted a pass in the end zone while competing for special teams duties.
