The Arizona Cardinals once stood atop the NFL last season, but couldn’t close out their campaign with a dominant run. Now back with a healthy Carson Palmer, the Cards are out to finish what they started. Can Palmer once again impress en route to a successful campaign? Or will Arizona continue to play second fiddle to the Seattle Seahawks? Read on as we break down the 2015-16 Arizona Cardinals season.
The Arizona Cardinals had a very big 2014 regular season, at one point leading the entire league with a 9-1 record. A big hit to the Cards’ regular season occurred in Week 10 when quarterback Carson Palmer suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The team went a disappointing 3-4 after Palmer’s injury with backup Drew Stanton failing to rise up to the occasion.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Despite Palmer’s injury, the Cards were very competitive thanks to their incredible defense. A dominant front seven returns to power Arizona in the 2015-16 NFL season. The Cards have a deep and fierce rotation of defensive ends with Calais Campbell and Frostee Rucker leading the way after racking up seven and five sacks respectively last season. They were backed up by a stud linebacker in Alex Okafor, who had a team-high of eight sacks last year.
The Cards also have plenty of talent in their secondary, particularly at safety. Rashad Johnson stood out last season with four interceptions, including two pick-sixes. Expect the Cards’ defense to be their lifeblood in the upcoming 2015-16 season after being the top five scoring defense last year, allowing just 18.7 points per game.
The Cards are +475 to wrest Seattle’s NFC West crown this season.
Offseason Review
Perhaps the biggest moves the Cards did as an organization was extending the contracts of general manager Steve Keim and head coach Bruce Arians. Having the two back in the front office should help ensure continuity in the direction the team’s heading. Aside from the two, Arizona was also able to resolve Larry Fitzgerald’s contract issues. Having Fitzgerald back isn’t too big of a boost to the receiving corps, but they’ll at least have his experience and leadership back.
Arizona lost a handful of players in free agency when cornerback Antonio Cromartie and two defensive linemen in Dan Williams and Darnell Dockett all left. But they did add a couple of pass-rushers through the draft in Markus Golden and Shaq Riddick. The Cards also drafted a potential elite running back in David Johnson, who could break out as early as this season.
Key Player – Carson Palmer
The Cards’ season will mostly depend on the health of quarterback Carson Palmer, who led the team to victory in each of his six starts last season. Palmer passed for 1,626 yards with 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions last year. Arizona improved its interior offensive line to help protect Palmer. The addition of All-Pro left guard Mike Iupati gives plenty of protection for Palmer, while right guard Jonathan Cooper should be a difference-maker if healthy.
Think Palmer can stand tall and lead his team to victory? Create a betting account now and back the Cardinals to soar high this season.
Key Game – vs Seattle (January 3)
Arizona’s biggest rival in NFC West comes in the form of the Seattle Seahawks, Super Bowl XLVIII champions and last season’s runners-up. The Cards get to end their season with a bang, welcoming the Seahawks to University of Arizona Stadium. Assuming both Seattle and Arizona remain dominant in the season, this end-of-season matchup may very well crown the division winner.
Best/Worst Case Scenario for the Season
Best Case
Palmer remains healthy and the Cards’ defense remains as solid as a rock. Arizona upsets the Seahawks to win NFC West and return to the playoffs.
Worst Case
Palmer is a shell of his former self after two ACL injuries. The Cards don’t manage to put on a strong running game to take some of the load away from their quarterback. While the defense remains solid, the Cards may not have enough firepower to score points to win games. Arizona finishes third as the Rams overtake them to finish second in NFC West.
Complete Schedule
WEEK
DATE
OPPONENT
TIME (ET)
1
Sun, Sep 13
vs New Orleans
1:05 PM ET
2
Sun, Sep 20
@ Chicago
10:00 AM ET
3
Sun, Sep 27
vs San Francisco
1:05 PM ET
4
Sun, Oct 4
vs St. Louis
1:25 PM ET
5
Sun, Oct 11
@ Detroit
1:05 PM ET
6
Sun, Oct 18
@ Pittsburgh
10:00 AM ET
7
Mon, Oct 26
vs Baltimore
5:30 PM ET
8
Sun, Nov 1
@ Cleveland
11:00 AM ET
9
Bye Week
10
Sun, Nov 15
@ Seattle
6:30 PM ET
11
Sun, Nov 22
vs Cincinnati
2:05 PM ET
12
Sun, Nov 29
@ San Francisco
2:05 PM ET
13
Sun, Dec 6
@ St. Louis
11:00 AM ET
14
Mon, Dec 10
vs Minnesota
6:25 PM ET
15
Sun, Dec 20
@ Philadelphia
11:00 AM ET
16
Sun, Dec 27
vs Green Bay
2:25 PM ET
17
Sun, Jan 3
vs Seattle
2:25 PM ET
Writer’s Prediction
The Cardinals fail to regain the same success they had last season. But still finish second in NFC West beating their regular season wins total odds of 8.5.
