The Arizona Cardinals are one of the more intriguing teams heading into the 2020 season. I am getting major 2019 Cleveland Browns vibes from them, which is why I am probably so attracted to the Cardinals this season.
2019 Record: 5-10, 4th in NFC West
Key Additions:
WR: DeAndre Hopkins (Trade with Houston)
Obviously this is the biggest addition to the team. Hopkins is arguably the best WR in the NFL and he was traded by Houston, a team that was in the playoffs, for a RB??? Adding a talent like Hopkins to a promising young QB is the recipe for a darkhorse playoff team.
EDGE: Devon Kennard (FA signing)
Kennard is coming over from Detriot to play alongside Chandler Jones. While he is very talented and has had some big games, he has yet to really burst on to the scene. He is very athletic but is easily beat by tackles on the rush.
LB: De’Vondre Campbell (FA Signing)
Campbell is one of the best tacklers in the league with only 23 missed tackles in 291 tackle attempts. He is very average in coverage, but he is a solid addition to this defense.
DL: Jordan Phillips (FA Signing)
The 341 pound DT is more of a lane clogger than anything. He did have 10 sacks last season but his run defense leaves a little bit to be desired.
Notable Draft Picks:
LB: Isaiah Simmons
Simmons is the real deal athletically. He can play anywhere on the field. Simmons was a lot of people’s best prospect in the draft and that is because of his ability to play anywhere. He is the perfect fit for this team and will help a defense that needs some reinforcements.
OT: Josh Jones
Jones is far from a finished product, as evident from his subpar pass-protection skills. But many experts believe he can be one of the steals in the draft at a position that was very top-heavy. The Cardinals were in desperate need of some protection for Kyler Murray and they finally addressed it.
DT: Leki Fotu
The Cardinals did a good job in this draft addressing all areas of need. Fotu is another player that will provide some much-needed depth at a position of need.
Season Outlook:
The Arizona Cardinals started a massive rebuilding effort after the 2018 season, but they are moving in the right direction and it all begins with Kyler Murray.
Hopkins was the main acquisition of the offseason and he will compliment organization icon Larry Fitzgerald nicely. Hopkins will likely draw a lot of double-teams, opening things up for Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. A young that also includes Andy Isabella, KeeSean Johnson, Hakeem Butler and provides depth and a dream come true for Murray.
Running back Kenyan Drake will be under his first full season with the Cardinals after rushing for 643 yards in eight games. He and Chase Edmonds each complimented each other well and will add Eno Benjamin to that very talented room.
After adressing their offensive line, I think we are looking at one of the better offenses in football. All the pieces are there, the question now is will they live up to expectations.
Defensivley is where there are some major concerns. They gave up 402 YPG last season, which was the worst in the league.Outside of Chandler Jones Patrick Peterson, and Budda Baker, this team has some real holes defensively.
They were able to add some young depth, most notably is Simmons. But I think this defense could derail a promosing season before it begins. The question will be, can their newly added young depth provide a spark? If not, they will be playing in a lot of shoot-outs.
Win Total: 7.5
I have the Cardinals wiining eight games this season but this is a tricky bet. Again, it will all come down to that defense.
Fantasy Player To Watch: Kyler Murray
Murray is going to be one of the favorite late-late round QB selections in fantasy drafts. After a very promising rookie season, he will be in a much more improved Arizona Cardinals offense. The question is, will we get an improved Murray in year two, or will we get a repeat of Baker Mayfield.
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