The four-game exhibition season in the National Football League is meaningless and likely to be cut in half during the next collective bargaining negotiations, but Game 3 is about as good as it gets.

When the Packers (2-0) play the Cardinals tonight at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., the starters will play into the third quarter. (They'll probably play about a series in the preseason finale).

This is a barometer for progress, but everything is taken with a grain of salt because, well, it's the preseason and the Lions were 4-0 in the preseason last year.

The game will be on in living rooms and bars across the state, so here are a handful of things to watch:

Underdog: Undrafted rookie Tyrell Sutton, who has been impressive during camp, will get some reps with the first offense tonight. Sutton has shown good burst through the line in his first two games, but he was also playing against second- and third-string defensive players. This test will be tougher, but Sutton seems determined to win the third running back spot over DeShawn Wynn and Kregg Lumpkin. Wynn hasn't seen much action in the first two games, but that likely will change tonight.

Safety dance: The Packers' secondary will be tested tonight and safety Atari Bigby will be in the spotlight. Bigby hasn't been explosive thus far in the preseason after undergoing ankle surgery. If he doesn't show a little spark, the coaching staff may take a look at Anthony Smith.

Performance anxiety: There is no nice way to say it. Quarterback Brian Brohm has been terrible in camp. He looks jittery and confused, has shaky footwork and launches interceptions at an alarming rate.

With Matt Flynn sidelined by a shoulder injury, Brohm will get a chance to play tonight when Aaron Rodgers leaves the field. He may not be in grave danger of being cut, but he needs to play well for his own sanity, if nothing else. A horrible performance may prompt the Packers to scour the waiver wire for another No. 3 quarterback.

Even TV analyst Rich Gannon will be under the gun tonight. Gannon's pointed criticism of Brohm's shaky play made news last week. Gannon played the position for 17 years, so he should know when a guy is struggling.

Health watch: Extended playing time means more injury risk for the starters. The Packers likely won't use linebackers Clay Matthews or Nick Barnett in the game.

We're all in this together: Now that the Packers have named their starters along the offensive line, we'll get a look at how the unit performs together. Keep an eye on Josh Sitton, who has been impressive during camp.

Man in the middle: Rookie defensive tackle B.J. Raji played 12 snaps in his debut last week against Buffalo. Look for that total to double.

Are they special? The Packers have revamped their special teams under new coach Shawn Slocum. That kicking teams will be tested tonight by LaRod Stephens-Howling, a seventh-round pick who had two long returns last week against the Chargers and is trying to earn a roster spot. The Packers also will focus on the punting game. There is a strong sentiment that the team's 2009 punter hasn't appeared in camp yet.

Been there, done that: Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner is experienced against the 3-4 defense and likely won't be rattled by the blitzes the Packers throw his way. The Packers coaching staff will look for continued penetration from the defensive line and aggressive play from linebackers at the point of attack. The first two games in the new scheme couldn't have gone more smoothly, but this will be a good test.

Dress rehearsal: The Packers return to Arizona in the final weeks of the season, so this trip -- even if the game goes badly -- should help them get used to the hotel and stadium surroundings for that game.