1 reason every NFL team can win the Super Bowl

Arizona Cardinals

Head coach Bruce Arians had the Arizona Cardinals in the playoffs almost solely through defensive effort because the quarterback position was a dumpster fire once Carson Palmer went down. That the team was able to win the NFC West and make the playoffs with an 11-5 record.

Think of what could have been if Palmer hadn’t been hurt?

That’s what we’re doing now, because Palmer makes an offense that was No. 24 overall, No. 14 passing in 2014 much better.

His presence will also help a ground attack which was almost dead last in 2014, because teams can’t load the box up on him the way they did against Drew Stanton, Ryan Lindley and Logan Thomas. Palmer makes Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd greater threats and that pulls the safeties away from the interior, as they need to help the corners lock down on the two excellent receiving threats.

The Cardinals have to keep Palmer healthy this year, and to do that they continued to improve the offensive line, signing guard Mike Iupati and drafting D.J. Humphries in the first round, likely to step in at right tackle sometime this year. Jason Veldheer should be fine at left tackle, but they are hoping for more from 2013 first rounder Johnathan Cooper at right guard.

All this to keep Palmer on his feet and off injured reserve. At 35 the former USC Trojan is closer to the end of his career than the beginning and as we saw from the players behind him, when he goes the championship window might clam shut.

If they can keep Palmer healthy though, the Cardinals could be winners this year.

Next: Carolina Panthers