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Arizona Cardinals: 5 Reasons They’re No Super Bowl Contender

By Ryan Phillips

Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) calls signals against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) calls signals against the Detroit Lions during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer reacts as he is taken off the field on a cart after suffering an injury in the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer reacts as he is taken off the field on a cart after suffering an injury in the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Injuries

Even if you leave out starting quarterback Carson Palmer going down with a torn ACL (we’ll get to him), the Cardinals have suffered major setbacks on the injury front. John Abraham and Darnell Dockett are on injured reserve, while Larry Fitzgerald is banged up, and Stepfan Taylor, Deone Buchannon, Dan Williams and Andre Ellington are all also on the injury list this week.

On top of those guys, Patrick Peterson has suffered a concussion already this year, Calais Campbell, Michael Floyd, Larry Foote and Rashad Johnson have dealt with knee issues and Bobby Massie has been bothered by both ankle and knee injuries. That’s a lot of key players who have missed time or played through injuries.

This is a banged up team that seems to get thinner by the week. Give the Cardinals credit for persevering so far but at some point all of those injuries are going to catch up with them. It doesn’t help that they play in the incredibly rugged NFC West. That should just make things worse. No one plays completely pain free late in the NFL season, but Arizona has dealt with more than its fair share of injuries this year and that will slow the team down as we head towards the playoffs.

Next: Drew Stanton isn't winning a Super Bowl

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