Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. We kick it off with the Arizona Cardinals.
2015 in a nutshell: The offense was often unstoppable and the defense was outstanding as they won a franchise-record 13 games. And yet they were stuck in Carolina’s 15-1 shadow, falling to the Panthers in blowout fashion in the NFC championship game.
Why 2016 could be different: Superstar defensive back Tyrann Mathieu should be back from a torn ACL, and they’ve spruced up the pass rush.
Major additions: They traded for Pro Bowl pass-rusher Chandler Jones, who had 12.5 sacks last season in New England.
Major losses: In order to land Jones, they dealt away former first-round guard Jonathan Cooper. The offensive line remains in good shape, but Cooper has a lot of talent and is only 26.
Breakout watch: Linebacker Deone Bucannon looks primed to have a huge third season in the middle after showing flashes as a sophomore in 2015. The 23-year-old really came on late last season and had a phenomenal effort in Arizona’s divisional round victory over Green Bay.
Position to watch: That pass-rush had just 36 sacks last season despite recording eight in one game. Jones should help in a big way and top pick Robert Nkemdiche could give the front seven a boost, but top 2015 sack man Dwight Freeney remains unsigned. That likely indicates the Cards feel strongly that 2015 second-round rusher Markus Golden can bust out in his sophomore campaign.
Prediction: Evan Mathis should help the interior offensive line in front of the aging Carson Palmer, who is in for another big year. If he can stay healthy at the age of 36 and Mathieu and that D can keep rolling, the Cards should give Carolina a run for its money. I think they win 13 games again and get to the Super Bowl this time.
