Cap Capi's preseason exploits are reaching mythological proportions after another dominant showing on Saturday night.
The Cardinals pass-rusher hopes this year's ending won't be another Greek tragedy.
Capi signed with the Cardinals only 10 days ago but looked fantastic in the 24-17 win over the Chargers in the preseason opener, registering three sacks and a forced fumble. It comes on the heels of a great 2017 preseason for the Cardinals, which many believed would secure him a regular season roster spot, but did not.
"I always have a good preseason, but always end up falling short of the 53-(man roster)," Capi said. "I'm hoping this year can be a little different."
The Cardinals have question marks behind Chandler Jones at defensive end, and despite only recently arriving on scene, Capi's preseason debut could vault him into the discussion. There is a new coaching staff this season and Steve Wilks is seeing firsthand what Capi can do in the preseason.
"He's making plays," Wilks said. "That's been his M.O. He did that last year, so we're going to hope he can continue to progress and move forward, not only in the passing game but also make some plays in the run game as well."
Capi said it was a surprise when the Cardinals released him a year ago, but he didn't dwell on it. He was picked up by the Giants after getting cut and later played for the Bills. The undrafted free agent out of Akron has been on six teams since joining the NFL in 2015. He had solid preseasons with the Jaguars as a rookie and the Falcons in 2016, but didn't make those rosters, either.
"I go out there and practice and put my best foot forward on the field," Capi said. "Control what I can control, and let the guys upstairs make those choices."
Capi could have been bitter when leaving Arizona, but chose to be positive.
"Every team I go to, I always try to leave a good impression, because you never know when that call will come," Capi said. "What do they say, never leave a door closed? I never try to do that. I was not surprised when I got the call back."
Capi is fitting in seamlessly again with his teammates, as cornerback Patrick Peterson and wide receiver Chad Williams shrieked his name with delight in the postgame locker room on Saturday night. As he spoke with reporters following the standout performance, Williams ambled over with a towel and wiped perspiration off Capi's brow.
"They got me sweatin', man," Capi said.
With continued preseason excellence, Capi can do the same to the Cardinals' decision-makers.
Images from the preseason opener on Saturday evening from University of Phoenix Stadium
Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds stretches the football across the goal line for a touchdown as Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kyzir White, left, defends during the first half of an preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is tripped up by Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins (25) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Jatavis Brown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) warms up prior to an preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of an preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Cardale Jones (7) scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders perform during the first half of an preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up prior to an preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson (21) warms up prior to an preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) warms up prior to an preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (29) celebrates his touchdown with teammate tight end Ricky Seals-Jones (86) during the first half of an preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen warms up prior to an preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks takes the field prior to an preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
