TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: QB Kyler Murray (right) is with the Cardinals for the foreseeable future after signing a $230.5 million, five-year deal during the offseason. Entering his fourth season, he’s already a two-time Pro Bowl selection and is one of the league’s most exciting players with his ability to scramble and extend plays. RB James Conner is back after scoring a career-high combined 18 touchdowns last season and WR DeAndre Hopkins — when he returns from a six-game suspension — is still among the league’s best pass catchers. Tight end is a deep spot with Zach Ertz, Maxx Williams and rookie Trey McBride. DE J.J. Watt is still a potent pass rusher who other teams must account for in the game plan.
Weaknesses: It’ll be interesting to see how the Cardinals adapt without Hopkins during the first six games of the season. The Murray-Hopkins combo has been crucial to the team’s success the past two seasons and when Hopkins was hurt last year, the offensive production took a nosedive. The defense must figure out a way to make up for the loss of Jones, who had 71 ½ sacks over the past six seasons. There isn’t much depth at cornerback after Byron Murphy Jr. and second-year player Marco Wilson.
Expectations: The Cardinals have steadily improved over the past three years, making the playoffs last season after going 11-6. Another jump is expected after locking down Murray to a long-term extension. However, it’s unclear how realistic those expectations are considering Hopkins will miss a big chunk of the season with a suspension. It’s also hard to point to any spot on the roster and say the Cardinals got better during the offseason.