Preseason opener measuring stick for Cardinals

The numbers weren’t of consequence, because Lyle Sendlein got the point:

Of the Cardinals’ eight losses last year, six were by seven points or fewer.

Along that thread, the team finished at or near the bottom of the NFL in total penalties. The flags cost the team nearly 1,128 yards last season, or 94 fewer yards than Edgerrin James’ season rushing total (1,222).

“Some of those penalties might have made the difference,” said Sendlein, who is temporarily replacing the injured Al Johnson at center.

Of course, coaches and players have known this since last season, and they have made mistakes — or striving for a lack thereof — a top priority through training camp.

The first chance for progress comes today in the preseason opener against New Orleans on national TV.

"There’s going to be mistakes, I’ve said it before,” quarterback Matt Leinart said.

“Everyone knows there’s going to be mistakes. We just have to limit those mistakes and penalties, and it starts in preseason: The snap count, all the guys getting lined up, all those little things.”

Coaches said they’re looking forward to several live cameos:

With Anquan Boldin sitting out this game, how will Steve Breaston fare as the No. 2 receiver? How well has Antrel Rolle grasped the move from cornerback to safety and as a possible kick returner alongside Breaston?

Who among a makeshift collection of rookies and recent free-agent acquisitions will make a good first impression along the offensive line?

How does the team respond to (finally) getting to hit someone else?

“I’d like to see the guys out there under the lights and see how they react in different situations,” defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast said. “It’s obviously different in practice.”

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has talked this week of a better camp thus far compared with last year, when players and coaches were still getting accustomed to one another’s philosophies and playbooks.

Whisenhunt said he’s seen quicker, more efficient practices, and, with most of his players in their second go-round with this coaching staff, fewer errors and less hesitation.

“I think the guys get it,” Leinart said. “(Penalties) are going to happen, but if we can clean it up … . It starts in practice and it starts Thursday night.”

It’s also why they play these games, the first of four designed to take stock of this roster and grease up any squeaky wheels.

“That’s what preseason is for, to get mistakes and those things out of the way,” Sendlein said.

“That’s why preseason is good. Get it out of your system.”

Saints at Cardinals

What: NFL preseason game
When: 5 p.m. today
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium
TV/Radio: ESPN and KTVK (Ch. 3)/KTAR (92.3 FM)