Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Arizona Cardinals
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | LA | SF | SEA
Arizona Cardinals
| 2015 Record | 2015 Finish |
|---|---|
| 13-3 | Lost in NFC Championship Game |
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Bruce Arians
Offensive Coordinator: Harold Goodwin
Defensive Coordinator: James Bettcher
Key Additions
- LB Chandler Jones
- DL Robert Nkemdiche (1st round)
- G Evan Mathis
- CB Brandon Williams (3rd round)
- DB Tyvon Branch
- CH Marcus Cooper
- C Evan Boehm (4th round)
Key Departures
- S Rashad Johnson
- LB Dwight Freeney
- RT Bobby Massie
- CB Jerraud Powers
- S Chris Clemons
- DL Cory Redding
- G Jonathan Cooper
Preseason Power Ranking - No. 1
Chandler Jones is the dynamic pass-rushing force the Cardinals desperately lacked in the past, and last year's second-ranked scoring offense should be much better with David Johnson destined for stardom. Arizona is in great position to capture its first Lombardi Trophy. More ...
Projected Starting Lineup
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| WR | Larry Fitzgerald |
| WR | Michael Floyd |
| WR | John Brown |
| LT | Jared Veldheer |
| LG | Mike Iupati |
| C | A.Q. Shipley |
| RG | Evan Mathis |
| RT | D.J. Humphries |
| TE | Jermaine Gresham |
| QB | Carson Palmer |
| RB | David Johnson |
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| DE | Calais Campbell |
| DT | Corey Peters |
| DE | Robert Nkemdiche |
| OLB | Chandler Jones |
| ILB | Kevin Minter |
| ILB | Deone Bucannon |
| OLB | Markus Golden |
| CB | Patrick Peterson |
| SS | D.J. Swearinger |
| FS | Tyrann Mathieu |
| CB | Brandon Williams |
Questions to Answer
- Can Palmer avoid another playoff letdown?
- Will the new-look offensive line live up to its potential?
- Does adding Jones to the pass-rush put Arizona's defense over the top?
Best-case Scenario
Anything short of a Super Bowl title will be a disappointment for the Cardinals this year. Arizona enters the 2016 campaign with arguably the NFL's most complete roster, where a talented defense provides the perfect complement to a high-powered offense. Palmer having another strong season and finally managing to carry that level of play over into the playoffs should be more than enough for this team to go all the way.
Worst-case Scenario
The only thing capable of holding the Cardinals back in 2016 would be a rash of injuries. Even then, though, a surplus in both top-end talent and depth has this team well-positioned to endure the rigors of a long season. A third consecutive playoff appearance figures to be a near-certainty, so the worst-case scenario would be a first-round exit.