NFL power rankings: Training camp edition
By Brad Weiss
Arizona Cardinals
, NFC West
After the 2015 regular season, the Arizona Cardinals played their way into the NFC Championship Game. While they would eventually lose to the Carolina Panthers, they showed that they were a team to beat in the NFC the following season, though it did not play out that way. The Cardinals just could not win the close games, and finished the regular season out of the playoffs.
Despite the fact that it looked like Carson Palmer would not be back under center for the 2017 season early in the offseason, he will in fact return for another go with the team. Also back is veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who still is incredibly productive at his age. Running back David Johnson is arguably the best young back in the NFC, giving the Cardinals more than enough firepower on offense.
Not only is this team loaded on offense, but their defense should be tough in 2017 as well. The linebacking combination of Karlos Dansby and Chandler Jones will be very tough, as will be their elite secondary. Teams are going to find it hard to pass against a unit consisting of Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson, and Antoine Bethea, which could prove to be the difference in them making the playoffs, or not.
The Cardinals could very well be a playoff team in 2017, and if things fall their way, could make a serious run towards the Super Bowl. Their schedule is not overly tough, and by the time they hit their bye week in late October, we should have a better idea of where they stand. Palmer is still a very good quarterback, and if he stays healthy, this team could be tough to beat late in the season.