NFL Grades: Report card for each team after first quarter of 2018

By Randy Gurzi | Oct 2, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Running back Todd Gurley #30 and quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams enter the stadium through the tunnel area of their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 30: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals stiff arms defensive back Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Arizona Cardinals (0-4): D-

It’s hard to hate on the Arizona Cardinals for how the season is going. They had to replace two fixtures in head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer. Replacing Arians is Steve Wilks, who was a respected defensive mind from the Carolina Panthers coaching staff. So far, he’s not getting the results he wants and despite issues with players, that falls on him.

Their other replacement was simply a bad decision. They decided to go out in free agency and pick up Sam Bradford, which was a mistake. Sure, Bradford has shown some skill in his career, but the fact is he’s too injury prone and can also fall in love with the check down.

What’s worse is the Cardinals gave him $20 million for this season. And before the third game was over, they benched him. So now, he’s making a ton of money to watch rookie Josh Rosen. The first round pick is much more affordable and has more upside. Sure, they lost in his first start, but he shook off a slow beginning to nearly get them a win against Seattle in Week 4.

It’s been a bad start to the season in the desert and it doesn’t look like it will get easier anytime soon.

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