PFF Reveals Cardinals Best Players in Week 2

These were the top five highest-graded Arizona Cardinals in preseason play.

Aug 17, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger (4) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cameron Thomas (97) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports / Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals fell to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 of preseason action, and though these games ultimately don't count, head coach Jonathan Gannon still wants a win:

"I want to win a game. So do they. We play to win the game, so felt like we needed to do more on my end ... yeah, they matter. I know they don't count, but it matters," Gannon told reporters this week.

Still, the Cardinals had plenty of positives to take away from last weekend.

Here's Pro Football Focus' top graded players from their game against Indianapolis:

1. Jesse Luketa (93.2 PFF Grade)

Aug 11, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) celebrates over Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Luketa emerged as Arizona's top-graded player after four tackles against the Colts.

Though he didn't register a sack, he still was part of a strong Cardinals front seven that impressed the coaching staff:

"I thought actually the rush plan was pretty good on Saturday night. I really do. And even too on mixed downs I think we're doing a better job of converting from run to pass," said Gannon on his pass rush.

"I think guys are doing what they're coached to do, playing with each other at a high level, making sure that they're covering for each other if a guy makes a certain move - who has the freedom to do that, who doesn't - I think they understand that a little bit better. And some guys are winning one on one, which is good to see."

2. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (89.1)

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon talks to Arizona Cardinals rookie safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (42) during minicamp at Dignity Health Training Center on June 11, 2024. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Taylor-Demerson impressed in Week 1 and managed to carry over that momentum in Week 2, where he walked out of Lucas Oil Stadium with his first interception on top of two tackles.

"I think when you make plays and you consistently have some production, your confidence should go up ," Gannon said on his rookie safety.

"... that typically bodes well for young guys especially, that he can do those things for us. So I think the game's starting to slow down a little bit from that spot, because we put a lot on those guys back there. We really do. You gotta be able to think and process quickly. I think that part that he know-knows, those mechanics even before the ball is snapped, I think he's gaining confidence doing those things."

3. Cameron Thomas (86.6)

Cardinals defensive lineman Cameron Thomas (97) tries to shed a block and put pressure on Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Thomas flashed his ability to reach the quarterback with two sacks and another pressure that led to L.J. Collier reaching the quarterback.

"He's done a good job. We've mixed him different spots, particularly on pass downs. He had a good game, played well," Gannon said of Thomas.

4. Ben Stille (82.7)

Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Ben Stille (90) against the New Orleans Saints during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Still registered three tackles, one quarterback hit and one tackle for loss against the Colts.

5. Darren Hall (75.9)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver D.J. Montgomery (2) keeps the ball from Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) during a joint practice on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Hall continues to have an impressive preseason, leading the Cardinals last week in tackles with five to pair with two passes deflected.

"He's doing a really good job. He's a smart player. We ask him to learn a couple different spots, even on fourth down. Handles it. Flys around with great energy. He's doing a good job," said Gannon.