The snap clap is still going to be part of the Cardinals' offensive execution, and Kliff Kingsbury remains confident his team and the NFL will find common ground in its use.
"I feel we are in a good place with it," the coach said Saturday. "It's just something new and there is some subjectivity to it, but I think we have come to an understanding."
Kingsbury said the Cardinals have talked to the league and NFL senior vice president of officiating Al Riveron. Kingsbury has kept up a dialogue with officials before games – his discussion with referee Carl Cheffers was seen on video before the Raiders games – but that didn't stop quarterback Kyler Murray from being flagged twice for false starts in the game.
Murray's snap claps were flag-free in the preseason opener against the Chargers.
"Just an abrupt motion without the actual clap is what we have to avoid," Kingsbury said. "We've come to that place and we understand that."
Kingsbury did say he thought faux claps were a form of a hard count, similar to verbally changing voice inflections during a cadence. But he said at this point, he thinks the league understands the Cardinals' point of view on the subject, and the Cardinals understand the league's view.
"It's new at this level so we have to adjust, and we'll do that," he said.
VANILLA IS A DIFFERENT FLAVOR FOR KINGSBURY
As the regular season draws closer and the Cardinals get ready to play the third – often thought of as the most important – preseason game, Kingsbury remains guarded with what his offense might look like come the regular season.
"You can't give away the trade secrets just yet," he said.
In the context of Thursday's rough game against the Raiders, the Cards continue to stay about as vanilla as possible offensively. It's been a change for Kingsbury, who as a college coach never had any games that didn't count.
"It's a different mindset than I have ever had," Kingsbury said. "As far as every gameplan I have ever had, it's full attack mode, trying to pick things apart and putting your best foot forward.
"For us right now, it's about execution. That is what was disappointing the other night. Regardless of what you're calling, you can't have that many penalties, you can't have that many negative plays."
PUGH COULD RETURN THIS WEEK
Kingsbury said starting left guard Justin Pugh, who has been out with a shoulder problem, could possibly play Saturday in Minnesota. Pugh was still not practicing Saturday, but Kingsbury said the team would have a better feel for his status Tuesday.
Linebacker Haason Reddick (knee) isn't yet ready to practice but Kingsbury said he has "come a long way" after his knee surgery. The Cardinals are still hopeful Reddick will be ready by the season opener.
LARRY FITZGERALD ATTENDS DRAKE FUNERAL
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was absent from Saturday's practice so he could attend the funeral in Tennessee of former Cardinals wide receivers coach Darryl Drake. Drake, who had been the receivers coach for the Steelers, passed away earlier in the week. Drake was with the Cardinals from 2013 through 2017.
Fitzgerald was scheduled to speak during the service. "We felt like it was an awesome honor," Kingsbury said.
