The NFC West has been a two-team race for the past three years. One of those teams is the Arizona Cardinals. In 2015, they played for the NFC Championship. However, 2016 was not as nice to them. They finished the season below .500 with a record of 8-7-1. How do they rebound in 2017?
The usual suspects return on offense. QB Carson Palmer will return for his 14th season in the NFL. His fifth as a Cardinal. Larry Fitzgerald leads the receiving corps for his 14th season. Running Back David Johnson returns after a stellar 2016. This three-headed monster is a group that will keep the Arizona Cardinals afloat.
The offensive line of the Cardinals offense still has questions. This has been an area of concern for years. Despite the attempted upgrades, their pass protection could still use some work. They allowed 41 sacks in 2016. Carson Palmer is a QB that cannot take many hits. The pass protection will need to improve in 2017 if the Arizona Cardinals are to climb back in the NFC.
Despite having a player like David Johnson, the running game of the Cards finished 18th in the league in rushing. They averaged 108 yards per game. This was a drastic change from 2015 when they finished 8th. This is where they will need to finish if they expect to be around for the playoffs in 2017.
The air attack of the Arizona Cardinals is its strength, and why not. With Carson Palmer under center, Larry Fitzgerald on the outside, and David Johnson catching passes out of the backfield, they have strength through the air. You add complimentary players like John Brown and Jermaine Gresham and you have one solid passing game. If the o-line can give them the time they should right back in the top 10 like in 2016.
The Arizona Cardinals offense can be one of the best in the league. Head Coach, Bruce Arians is one of the best offensive minds in the game. If he can get his offensive line to improve and his stars stay healthy, the Cards will return to the top of the division and maybe even the conference.
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