Fansided

Playoff grades for every NFL team

By Andrew Ross

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass over Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass over Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals: D

A grade this low might seem a bit harsh for a team that was facing so much adversity, but it’s hard to look past such an early playoff exit for a team that was 11-5 playing a team that was just 7-8-1.

The Cardinals ended up losing 27-16 to Carolina in the first round, but the victory never really felt in doubt for the Panthers.

Arizona held a surprising 14-13 lead going into halftime, but the Panthers dominated the second half and squashed any remaining hope the Cardinals had.

The Panthers’ strong defense was probably drooling over the idea of playing an Arizona offense that was led by Ryan Lindley, and Carolina dominated that matchup as the Cardinals’ offense turned the ball over three times and had only 78 total yards.

Although the Cardinals crawled into the playoffs and had no shot once they got there, Bruce Arians has proven to be an elite coach in this league and he should have the Cardinals in great position next season if they can avoid devastating injuries.

Next: Ravens saved their best for the playoffs

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