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NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-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 /

Overview

If there is anything that can be said about the 2014 Arizona Cardinals, it is that they were a resilient bunch. Arizona had to watch three different starting quarterbacks take the field, including the overwhelmed Ryan Lindley down the stretch and into the playoffs. Yet, head coach Bruce Arians was able to coax an 11-5 record out of this group and the first playoff appearance since the Kurt Warner era.

Coming into 2015, the Cardinals are simply hoping to have a healthy Carson Palmer. The front office made strides toward ensuring that goal with the signing of left guard Mike Iupati and drafting of right tackle D.J. Humphries in the first round. Palmer is not mobile at this stage of his career, so building up a legitimate offensive line was the top priority.

Major Battle

The secondary is crowded the for Cardinals, giving them plenty of options. Tyrann Mathieu will start at free safety, but there is plenty of competition next to him between Deone Bucannon, Chris Clemons, Rashad Johnson and Tony Jefferson. On the outside, Patrick Peterson and Jerraud Powers will start on the outside, with Justin Bethel and Alfonzo Dennard competing for the nickel spot.

Expectations

The Cardinals have one of the most complete rosters in the game. Arizona had a chance to go to the Super Bowl last year before Palmer and Drew Stanton went down with season-ending injuries. The Cardinals have to be aiming for an NFC West title followed by some success in the playoffs. The talent is there for Arizona to reach the Super Bowl for the second time in franchise history.

Next: San Francisco 49ers

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