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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
18

Arizona Cardinals 7-8-1

Last week: 2nd, NFC West
Last rank: 18th

Looking Back: Bruce Arians’ team was a major disappointment in 2016. From the erratic play of quarterback Carson Palmer to the disaster known as the Arizona kicking game, the team saw its wins cut nearly in half from a 13-3 finish a year ago. And even the Cardinals’ second-ranked defense faded as the season unfolded.

Looking Forward: There’s been some speculation and quite a few rumors that Palmer may be done with football. They appear to be completely unfounded…for now. But what is evident is that this is not the same player that set franchise records in 2015. The issues began late a year ago and seemed to carry over into this campaign. Head coach Bruce Arians needs to take a closer look at his veteran signal-caller and find out what’s ailing him as of late. Despite all their issues, the team still managed to finish sixth in the league in scoring. And there’s still plenty of support with weapons such as running back David Johnson and wideout Larry Fitzgerald.

Offseason needs: Yes, the Cardinals released wide receiver Michael Floyd after some off-the-field issues during the year. But this club wasn’t that much different than the one that managed 13 victories and got to within one game of Super Bowl 50 one year earlier. The clubs has a number of potential unrestricted free agents to make decisions on but in truth, this team looks like one that had an off-year and not a squad in need of major revamping. General manager Steve Keim has a large number of defensive backs that he may or may not opt to bring back. But Arizona’s biggest priority seems to be potential free agent defensive end Calais Campbell.

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