Arizona Cardinals Preview 2021

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Sep 3

Our Arizona Cardinals preview 2021 observes that this team has not had a winning season since 2015 when they went 13-3. Consequently, the Cardinals won the AFC West and made it to the conference championship. Unfortunately, they lost that game to the Carolina Panthers 15-49. Since then, Arizona has not done better than posting an even mark. Last season, the Cards finished 8-8. Thus, they ended the 2020 season in third place. Will 2021 be different?

Cardinals Offense

Quarterback Kyler Murray (558 ATT, 375 COMP, 3,971 YDs, 26 TDs, 12 INTs) is a dual threat. Along with his 26 passing touchdowns, Murray rushed for 11 more scores while averaging 6.2 YPA. Both were team bests. Although the Cardinals featured the seventh-ranked ground offense, their passing offense came in 17th. In 2020, the O-line was overall solid. However, at center, Mason Cole was a problem. Now, former Kansas City center Rodney Hudson, a solid veteran, anchors line. That should help.

The receiving unit includes one of the best wideouts in the game, DeAndre Hopkins (115 REC, 1,407 YDs, 12.2 AVG, 6 TDs). Christian Kirk, who caught six TD passes last year, has more potential than he revealed last year. Rookie draft pick Rondale Moore (Purdue) could make a difference immediately. With the departure of Kenyan Drake, who scored 10 times last season, third year running back Chase Edmond (97 ATT, 448 YDs, 4.6 AVG, 1 TD) will be asked to step up.

Arizona Cardinals Preview – Defense

Last year, the Cardinal defense was inconsistent. Although they posted 48 sacks (T-4th), the secondary grabbed just 11 picks (T-18th). Their pass defense was ranked 10th. However, Arizona’s rush D came in 22nd. The arrival of veteran end J.J. Watt offers an instant upgrade to the line. Our Arizona Cardinals preview 2021 finds that three young linemen, NT Rashard Lawrence and ends Zach Allen and Leki Fotu, possess a lot of potential.

The linebacking unit is the best group on this side of the ball. Last year, in his rookie season, LB Isaiah Simmons was used sparingly. However, this year we expect this premium talent to start. The rest of the starting group is comprised of veterans, including sack-master Chandler Jones. In 2020, he appeared in just five games. If he stays healthy, Jones could record double-digit sacks. Free safety Budda Baker (118 TCKLs, 2 SCKs, 2 INTs) is a prime talent. Second-year strong safety Jalen Thompson, who struggled through an ankle injury last season, has potential. The corners are question marks.

Arizona Cardinals Special Teams

Veteran and ultra-dependable placekicker Matt Prater comes to Arizona from the Lions. He’s a major upgrade over the inconsistent Zane Gonzalez. Returning are two reliable talents, punter Andy Lee and long snapper Aaron Brewer. Returns may be handled again by Christian Kirk. However, rookie Moore will likely get a shot at bringing back kicks and punts.