Arizona Cardinals
Offense
Bruce Arians is again proving to be one of the NFL’s best offensive coaches after helping Carson Palmer return back to relativity and getting the most out of players like Michael Floyd and Andre Ellington.
In 2014, those players are going to be counted on to take another step forward now that they’re familiar with the system. Floyd may be on the verge of passing Larry Fitzgerald as Arizona’s top wideout, while rookie John Brown has turned heads this offseason. Ellington is now going to be counted on to be an every down back for the first time in his career.
Defense
It’s hard to overlook what Arizona lost defensively this offseason. Daryl Washington is suspended for the year, Karlos Dansby in now in Cleveland and Darnell Dockett is out for season due to injury.
Those are major losses to overcome, especially when aging Larry Foote and youngster Kevin Minter are being counted on to play bigger roles.
Still, the Cards boast of the league’s top secondaries, with top corner Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, and the additions of veteran Antonio Cromartie and first-round pick Deone Buccanon.
Outlook
After just missing out on the playoffs a year ago, there’s definitely a mixed bag when it comes to their 2014 campaign. They play in arguably the toughest division in football, and with the losses you can say the team regressed before this season even started.
Still, it’s hard to count out Arians’ offense, which could be among the NFC’s best. If the 49ers take a step back, the Cardinals could leap them in the standings. But certain parts of the team must exceed expectations in order for that to happen.
