NFL playoffs 2016: Contenders in trouble
We usually see lots of change when it comes to the NFL playoff field each year. That could be the case again if these six clubs don’t figure things out.
We are certainly used to seeing our share of turnover when it comes to the 12 playoff teams in the NFL from year to year. However, we have seen a bit of stability in recent years.
The New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers have been to the postseason seven straight years. The Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals have made five consecutive appearances. The Seattle Seahawks are on a four-year playoff run and the Carolina Panthers have won three straight NFC South titles.
But what’s worth noting when it comes to this list is that half of these clubs have been to the postseason at least three straight years.
What can each team count on and what’s gone wrong to date? We will take a look at the good and the bad when it comes to these half-dozen franchises (in alphabetical order).
Do we have any solutions for these teams? And how likely is it that one or two get on a roll and still manage to reach the postseason? All six have their work cut out for them.
More importantly, could we see some changes next offseason if a few of these teams fall flat on their facemasks from here on out? Stay tuned.
Arizona Cardinals (4-4-1)
One year after setting a franchise record with 13 regular-season victories, the Cardinals will win no more than 11 games this year. And that’s only if they run the table, which is not impossible but certainly would be extremely difficult. The Cards play five of their final eight games on the road.
What’s Right: The defense is pretty solid. Only the Baltimore Ravens are giving up more total yards per game. The Denver Broncos are the lone team in the NFL allowing fewer passing yards per contest. Arizona is among the league leaders with 16 takeaways, not bad considering James Bettcher’s defensive unit has allowed only 15 offensive touchdowns this year. And thanks in part to newcomer Chandler Jones (7.0), the Cards have already totaled 24 sacks in nine outings.
What’s Wrong: Quarterback Carson Palmer has been an enigma dating back to the latter stages of last season. In 2015, he threw a personal-high and franchise-record 35 touchdown passes (tied for second in the NFL) compared to only 11 interceptions. He was sacked 25 times and lost only two of his six fumbles.
This season, he’s been almost polar opposite. He’s taken a beating, having been sacked 26 times in eight games. Palmer has just as many touchdown passes (11) as turnovers (11). He’s already fumbled 10 times this year, losing three of those miscues. He’s been a hard player to get a gauge on this season.
Meanwhile, Bruce Arians’ kicking game hasn’t done him any favors. Chris Cannizzaro has been erratic to say the least. His misses late in games and overtime cost them chances to beat the visiting New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks early in the year.
Next: Are These Cats a Scratch?