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Opinion
After a disappointing collapse ended their 2021-22 campaign, the Cardinals will be hoping for a better showing this season.
What they do well
The biggest strength of the Arizona Cardinals is their running attack. In 2021-22, they ranked third in the league for rushing touchdowns scored with touchdown machine James Conner and mobile Quarterback Kyler Murray forming a formidable duo on the ground.
What they don’t do well
The biggest weakness the Cardinals face is their secondary and their ability to defend the pass. Last season, they ranked 25th in passing touchdowns allowed despite being top 10 in passing attempts allowed.
Despite having Budda Baker, one of the best safeties in the league patrolling the back end, their cornerback group lacks depth and may struggle again.
Player to watch
The Cardinals traded their first round pick this year to bring in Marquise “Hollywood’ Brown from the Baltimore Ravens. Brown had 91 catches, 1008 yards and six touchdowns last season in the Ravens’ run-first offence.
With DeAndre Hopkins suspended for the first six games of the season and Brown former college teammates with Kyler Murray, I expect him to have a strong start to the season.
Who’s under pressure
Murray has shown in flashes that he can be a very good quarterback in the NFL, however, he struggled with injury last season and fell apart in the playoff game.
His off-season has been riddled with drama, with contract talk dominating the headlines. If Murray wants the massive extension that he has been demanding, he needs to prove to the Arizona front office that he is the man to carry them forward.
Prediction
The Cardinals are in a tough division, facing the LA Rams and San Francisco 49ers twice during the year. I have trouble trusting them, especially in the second half of the season, and the loss of Hopkins will hurt their offence.
Win/loss projection: 8-9.
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