NFL power rankings: Who is biggest threat to Patriots?
By Brad Weiss
Arizona Cardinals
, NFC West
After the 2016 NFL season, there were plenty of questions about the future of the Arizona Cardinals. The team did not know whether veteran stars Carson Palmer or Larry Fitzgerald would be back, leaving gaping holes on the roster. Well, both men are back for another go at a Super Bowl, as they fell one game short only two years ago.
With Palmer and Fitz in the fold, the Cardinals know they have the talent needed to make a serious run this season. Running back David Johnson is one of the best at his position in the NFL, and could just be tapping his potential. Arizona also has a solid offensive line, so there is no reason why they cannot hang with any team for four quarters this season.
On defense, the team brought in two very exciting players via the draft this past April. Linebacker Haason Reddick and safety Budda Baker were two of the best players available at this positions, and they only make this defense stronger. Safety Tyrann Mathieu is back healthy as well, so this team is quite dangerous on both sides of the ball.
The issue with this team last season was closing out close games, which led to them missing the playoffs after getting to the NFC Championship Game the year before. Head coach Bruce Arians is one of the best in the game, and he has to be happy with having all of his stars back for another run. The NFC West will come down to the Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks, though both could find themselves in the playoffs.