Cardinals notebook: Coach looks for consistency in players

The Cardinals’ improved depth this season can be seen in the tough position battles at receiver and linebacker.

That will make for some tough decisions after the final preseason game Friday vs. Denver.

Warner to start in Cards' exhibition finale

Battling for the backup inside linebacker spots are rookie Ali Highsmith and veterans Brandon Moore, Matt Stewart and Monty Beisel. Two likely will make the team, while Highsmith is eligible for the practice squad.

At receiver, veterans Sean Morey and Jamaica Rector and rookie Lance Long may be battling for the sixth and final receiver spot. That assumes rookie Early Doucet, the team’s third-round pick who had been injured much of August, and veteran Jerheme Urban are in.

“I hope we have all the information we need on the weekend we’re making the final cuts,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

In making the decisions, “What you do is go back and look over the entire preseason and the consistency of those players.

“Usually, you’ll end up picking the most consistent player. And that helps your team.”

The decisions will come down Saturday.

“There are a number of guys who will have an opportunity to make this club based on what they do Friday night,” Whisenhunt said.

“There are some other position battles where they aren’t necessarily fighting to make the team but they’re fighting to be the starter. That’s something that’s good for your team.”

THE REAL NO. 1?

The top quarterback so far has been none other than … Brian St. Pierre?

That’s right.

The No. 3 quarterback has been one of the hits of training camp and preseason.

He has a 118.7 passer rating, compared with 83.5 for Kurt Warner and 45.4 for Matt Leinart.

And he’s done it playing alongside backups and inexperienced players, where the timing can be difficult.

“If you look at any of the quarterbacks in that position, their stats in preseason generally aren’t good,” Whisenhunt said. “This is a big reason our quarterback position in general has been so good … that he’s played well.

“You can’t overlook the fact we feel very good about the third quarterback going in this year. Last year, we didn’t really feel we had that. It’s hard to ignore how well he’s played given the circumstances. If he’s called upon to play this year, like he certainly would have been last year had he been here, I feel very good about that.”

EYE ON DOUCET

Most observers think Doucet is a lock to make the team because he’s the third-round draft pick.

But he hasn’t played much because of a hamstring injury he sustained early in training camp.

“It’s important for Early to make some plays to show us how he can adapt to playing the game at this level,” Whisenhunt said.

“We’re going to try to get him some extended play time in this game so we can see what he can do.”