NFC WEST CARDINALS 2014 STRENGTHS: • Good running backs, great receivers, superhuman defensive backs Cardinals Offense The 34-year-old Carson Palmer has become as dependable a quarterback as they come, pretty much putting up 60-percent, 270-yard, 80-rating passing performances annually for either the Raiders’ or Cards’ lackluster offenses. However, in 2014, Palmer has reason for playoff optimism. With Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and Andre Ellington, Palmer has three of the most complete all-around skilled players who may help the team start generating closer to 400 yards. The 30-year-old Fitzgerald is the face of the franchise, but is also the heart and soul of the team, as its hardest worker, most consistent performer and the man who is as likely to be voted to the Pro Bowl team for his blocking as his pass-catching skills. The 24-year-old Floyd is the Cards’ third-year pro who became the team’s 1,000-yard receiver last season, finally giving Fitz—and Palmer—some relief. Don’t be surprised if Fitz & Floyd become the top receiving tandem in 2014—replacing the Bears 2014 WEAKNESSES: • Special teams, iffy offensive line and new players on D ARIZONA Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery—with many believing the Cards rushing game— featuring Ellington, Stepfan Taylor and Jonathan Dwyer—is now strong enough to give signal-caller Palmer options. Left tackle Jared Veldheer leads a line that should be improved, but still has a lot to prove in this soon-to-be-stellar season. The main thing that stopped Arizona in 2013 was too many turnovers (31, which ranked 26th in the NFL). With young stars coming into their own and old stars hanging on, in hopes of one more Super Bowl, don’t count out this house of Cards just yet. Offensive Player To Watch CHRISTIAN PETERSEN/GETTY IMAGES SPORT In the second half of the 2013 season, Ellington went from passcatching third-down back to featured full-time running back when the 25-year-old memorably replaced injured Rashard Mendenhall by gaining 154 yards on 15 carries versus Atlanta. From that point on, Ellington got his fair share of handoffs, averaging 4.3 yards per rush on 11.3 carries per game. ProFootballFocus.com said only Donald Brown had more yards after contact per carry (100 minimum) than Ellington, who also rated fifth in PFF’s Elusive Ratings, just below Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch. With a better offensive line in front of Ellington in 2014, and a better corps of substitute running backs behind him—not to mention a good passing game—look for the 5-9, 199-pound Ellington to make a big name for himself all season long. Cardinals Defense The advanced analytics crowd knew something was special about these 2013 Cardinals when their team defense numbers Larry Fitzgerald
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