2015 NFL Predictions: NFC West in-depth preview
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Mike Iupati (77) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals:
Key Additions: G Mike Iupati, DT Corey Peters, DE/LB LaMarr Woodley, DE Cory Redding, LB Sean Weatherspoon, T D.J. Humphries
Iaputi is a very good addition for a Cardinals line that really struggled in 2014. He will help the running game a lot and have a big impact on the offense. Corey Peters is a solid addition in a position of need. He didn’t have that good of 2014 season but if he can get back to his 2013 shape, he would be a big help. Woodley’s age showed in Oakland last year and this is likely his last chance in the NFL.
Redding had a great year in Indy last year and if he can duplicate that year he will be a big addition for the Cards defense. Witherspoon has been plagued by injuries, but when healthy he is a very good linebacker and should help the Cards. If Humphries can get a starting spot he would be a big help to the subpar line.
Key Losses: TE Rob Housler, NT Dan Williams, DT Darnell Dockett, DT Tommy Kelly LB Larry Foote, CB Antonio Cromartie,
While Housler wasn’t a big part in the Cardinals offense last year, losing him still hurts because they had terrible tight ends on their roster,prior to losin Gresham. Losing Williams, Dockett and Kelly all together will hurt.
While Dockett was hurt all of last year, he is still very good and Williams and Kelly both were solid role players for the really good Cards defense last year. Foote surprised everyone last year by being a key component of the Cards success. Currently he is part of the Cards coaching staff, but is considering maybe adding another year to his career. Cromartie was a No.2 CB, but with Jets vastly overpaying him, Arizona was forced to let him go, but he will be missed.
Verdict:
Palmer is a very average quarterback in the NFL. He is good enough to win a championship, but he won’t be the reason you win it. He is has a pretty good supporting cast around him. The Receivers Floyd, Fitzgerald, Jo. Brown and Ja. Brown are a good receiving corps and Ellington is a dangerous receiving back. I think the addition of Johnson will help the running game in Arizona and will give the offense more balance. The line will be a key for the offense. With the addition of Iupati and Humphries, Arizona’s line should be better this year than it was last year and that will really help the rushing attack.
After having a season ending injury last year, Campbell’s return will be great for the defense. Rucker is coming off a great year and will be solid on the line. The big question mark is the starting NT. It might be Alameda Ta’ amu or Corey Peters. Either the way the D-line should be quite good. At linebacker the Cards don’t look as strong. Okafor had a good year last year and should be able to continue that, but Schaugnessy playing opposite of him is not very good.
Witherspoon is a good ILB when healthy and Minter is solid on the inside. In the secondary Peterson stands out, but the No.2 corner, whoever it will be, won’t be that good, unless Dennard wins the jobs and plays like he did two years ago. Mathieu and Jefferson are a pretty good safety duo and should help whoever wins the No.2 CB job.
Prediction:
Best Case Record: 10-6
Worst Case Record: 6-10
Prediction: 7-9
Team’s Offensive MVP: WR Michael Floyd
Team’s Defensive MVP: CB Patrick Peterson
Rookie Standout: LB Markus Golden
The Cardinals really played great last year and I think they will take a step back this year. Without Todd Bowles, the defense won’t overperform like they did last year. The offense has good potential, especially if the line improves. Best case is that they start 6-2 and then get through a tough second half and go 4-4.
In this case the defense really needs to play great once again and on offense the running game needs to have a better YPC. Worst case is that the defense actually struggles to put pressure on the opposing QB and the second cornerback really struggles. Carson Palmer also still needs to prove that he can still play at a good level and lead the offense.
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