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The Cardinals figure to be a team to avoid in 2015, unless several unlikely things happen:
- Carson Palmer returns to 100%.
Unfortunately, the last time Palmer suffered a major injury, it took him nearly five seasons to return to his top 10 form; in fact, one could argue he struggled to be a top 20 quarterback during that time. And at age 35, Palmer doesn't have five more seasons.
- Bruce Arians utilizes Troy Niklas' pass catching ability.
For whatever reason, the Arizona offense doesn't favor the tight end, as we recently watched Todd Heap, John Carlson, and Jeff King waste the last few years of their careers; Rob Housler also has moved on to Cleveland where he figures to be a big contributor. That leaves Niklas set to take over the starting job, but don't expect very much production, as he will mostly be used as a blocker.
- Ryan Spadola makes the team.
Looking at the roster, Spadola is easily the 3rd or 4th best receiver on the team. However we've all said that before, just as he was being cut from the Dolphins and Jets. Funny how no NFL team has any use for a 6'2 200 lb. receiver, with 4.4 speed...
- Either Josh Mauro or Glenn Carson or both start on defense.
Mauro can play either DE or OLB, Carson is strictly an ILB. The starting D-line is likely set with Campbell, Peters, and Redding. All three are decent players, but they are also old and overweight, which means Mauro will be heavily involved in the rotation, at worst. At OLB, Shaunessy is a bum, I wouldn't bet money on Okafor, and suddenly Lamarr Woodley can't touch a QB to save his life, so I'd call OLB an open competition. As for ILB, Weatherspoon, while a decent player, can't seem to stay healthy, and will likely start the season on the PUP list. Daryl Washington, is still suspended, and the odds of him staying out of trouble are slim. So really, the battle for the ILB spots is between Carson, Kevin Minter and Daryl Sharpton.
- Carson Palmer returns to 100%.
Unfortunately, the last time Palmer suffered a major injury, it took him nearly five seasons to return to his top 10 form; in fact, one could argue he struggled to be a top 20 quarterback during that time. And at age 35, Palmer doesn't have five more seasons.
- Bruce Arians utilizes Troy Niklas' pass catching ability.
For whatever reason, the Arizona offense doesn't favor the tight end, as we recently watched Todd Heap, John Carlson, and Jeff King waste the last few years of their careers; Rob Housler also has moved on to Cleveland where he figures to be a big contributor. That leaves Niklas set to take over the starting job, but don't expect very much production, as he will mostly be used as a blocker.
- Ryan Spadola makes the team.
Looking at the roster, Spadola is easily the 3rd or 4th best receiver on the team. However we've all said that before, just as he was being cut from the Dolphins and Jets. Funny how no NFL team has any use for a 6'2 200 lb. receiver, with 4.4 speed...
- Either Josh Mauro or Glenn Carson or both start on defense.
Mauro can play either DE or OLB, Carson is strictly an ILB. The starting D-line is likely set with Campbell, Peters, and Redding. All three are decent players, but they are also old and overweight, which means Mauro will be heavily involved in the rotation, at worst. At OLB, Shaunessy is a bum, I wouldn't bet money on Okafor, and suddenly Lamarr Woodley can't touch a QB to save his life, so I'd call OLB an open competition. As for ILB, Weatherspoon, while a decent player, can't seem to stay healthy, and will likely start the season on the PUP list. Daryl Washington, is still suspended, and the odds of him staying out of trouble are slim. So really, the battle for the ILB spots is between Carson, Kevin Minter and Daryl Sharpton.
