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NFL playoffs: How your team can make it

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second quarter at Levi
December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second quarter at Levi /

. NFC. West. Arizona Cardinals. 2. player. 32

In 2014, head coach Bruce Arians went through an injury-riddled nightmare and somehow made the playoffs. Arians watched as starting quarterback Carson Palmer played the season-opener against the San Diego Chargers before getting a shoulder injury and sitting out a month. After Drew Stanton played well, he was hurt briefly, leading to Logan Thomas coming in. Once Palmer came back, he tore his ACL against the St. Louis Rams, leading to Stanton’s return. The Stanton went down for the season only weeks later, leaving Ryan Lindley to finish the season.

Despite all that, the Cardinals went 11-5 and made the playoffs for the first time since the Kurt Warner era. Arizona was also without inside linebacker Daryl Washington (suspension) and running back Andre Ellington for much of the campaign. With both of them coming back, the Cardinals should have a potent offense and their defensive captain back to call the shots.

Palmer has a great group of weapons around him, ranging from Ellington to receivers Michael Floyd, Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown. With good health, it wouldn’t be out of the question for Palmer to have a terrific season, perhaps even landing him in the Pro Bowl. The signing of left guard Mike Iupati also bolsters the offense.

Arizona has a scary offense, a legitimate defense and one of the best coaches in the game. If the Cardinals can simply stay on the field, they should be one of the wild cards and perhaps push the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. Arians is a great motivator and schemer, so expect plenty of different looks out of Arizona throughout the season and into January.

Next: San Francisco 49ers

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