2022 Offseason Review Series-- Arizona Cardinals

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Prepare for the ride the Arizona Cardinals is!

Arizona Cardinals Offseason Review

Division: NFC West

Division: NFC West (11-6, 2nd in the 2021 NFC West)

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Coaching Changes

Shawn Jefferson- Associate head coach C

In my opinion, Shawn Jefferson is a okay wide receivers coach but did not deserve the title of Associate head coach. The Cardinals needed a someone to help Kliff but, Jeff Rodgers should've been it or even Vance Joseph! The only reason why this was so high was, the need for a other for Kliff Kingsbury but Shawn Jefferson just was not the guy.

Spencer Whipple, Cam Turner- Co-Pass game coordinators A-

I don't totally like the idea of Co-coordinators for the pass game but besides that, These are great choices for coordinators. Cam Turner is currently the Quarterbacks coach and is doing fine job so it was obvious choice for him. Spencer on the other hand, is a interesting but wise choice by Kliff. He was the playcaller when Kliff was out with COVID last season and the Cardinals scored 37 points while the browns were favored. Young guy with proven upside. Maybe one day he will become a Cardinals offensive coordinator. Nah Kliff will always be the playcaller no matter what.

Matt Burke- Defensive line coach B-

This Defensive line needed lots of help even before Brentson Buckner left for the Jacksonville job. Matt Burke is an former Defensive coordinator and has 18 years of coaching experience. A person like him is needed even with J.J Watt leading them. He has also been a linebacker coach three times before. The reason for the grading is because he has no experience working with the defensive line but time will tell for him.

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Free agency changes

Players cut/left

Player	Position	New team
Christian Kirk	WR	Jaguars
Chandler Jones	EDGE	Raiders
Max Garcia	G	Giants
Jordan Phillips	DL	Bills
Chase Edmonds	RB	Dolphins
Jordan Hicks	LB	Vikings

The biggest loss for the Cardinals is obvious Chandler Jones. The Cardinals could not afford Chandler Jones but, He was old and inconsistent which is not what the Cardinals need right now.

Christian Kirk was the slot receiver and he was decent but very overpaid. Rondale Moore is expected to take the slot role he was mean't for.

The rest were replaceable in some circumstance. Darrel Williams for Chase Edmonds, Will Hernandez for Max Garcia, etc.

Notable players added

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Player	Position	Contract
Marquise Brown	WR	5th year option
Will Hernandez	G	1 year, $1,187,500
Nick Vigil	LB	1 Year, $1,770,000
Darrel Williams	RB	1 Year,, $1,187,500

The Cardinals did not have a very big offseason compared to the last two but did add a big player. Marquise Brown played with Kyler Murray while at Oklahoma and was his number one target there. He was mainly added because of this connection and, that they add a feeling Deandre Hopkins would get suspended which did happen. Great decision by them, B+.

Darrel Williams is an excellent backup job as James Conner can get hurt a lot. I would give it a B.

The Will Hernandez signing has something with Sean Kugler, the head coach who coach Will in college and now offensive line coach and run game coordinator of the Cardinals. I feel like Sean could change him and go back to his form at UTEP. For now, the signing is a C+ Could be a good signing if Will gets back into his form.

Nick Vigil is mainly a depth signing. Steve Keim can't get enough Linebackers! D+

Notable players resigned

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Player	Position	Contract
Zach Ertz	TE	3 years, $31,650,000
A.J. Green	WR	1 year, $3,500,000
James Conner	RB	3 years, $21,000,000
Colt Mccoy	QB	2 years, $7,500,000

Zach Ertz was traded during the deadline and had one of the best seasons in Cardinal tight end history. Yes this is very sad that the Cardinals have never had a good tight end. Zach Ertz was a must need resign for the Cardinals. It will be interesting how they use him this season, as they drafted Trey Mcbride in the second round. I would give this signing a A-.

A.J. Green seemed like a risky signing last season and it was. He had decent stats so it seemed understandable to resign him, until you look at the wide receiver room. The Cardinals already had Deandre Hopkins, Rondale Moore, and secret weapon Antonie Wesley. If they didn't plan to add Marquise Brown, it would've made sort of sense but now, It is just a lot. C- signing.

James Conner was a low risk, high reward signing and boy did it pay off. Sure he only got 752 yards but, He only started 6 games and had Chase Edmonds sharing the backfield as well. The biggest part of his game was the 15 Touchdowns he had. 3 years might seem like a lot for a injury prone running back but if it works out, it might look like a steal for the Cardinals for $7 million a year. B+ Signing.

Colt McCoy. The classic Texas Quarterback. When Kyler got injured against the Packers last season, Colt MCcoy came in and won two games against the NFC championship losers the 49ers, and the Seattle Seahawks. Colt McCoy is the perfect insurance and veteran player to mentor Trace Mcsorley and also be a team leader.

Draft

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Round and number	Player and postition	School
2, 55	Trey Mcbride TE	Colorado State
3, 87	Cameron Thomas OLB	San Diego State
3, 100	Myjai Sanders OLB	Cincinnati
6, 201	Keanotay Ingram RB	USC
6, 215	Lecitus Smith G	Virginia Tech
7, 244	Christian Matthew CB	Valdosta State
7, 256	Jesse Luketa LB	Penn State
7, 257	Marquis Hayes G	Oklahoma

Trey Mcbride: B-

So we resigned Zach Ertz? That didn't stop Steve Keim from drafting him. So why did we draft him? The potential at a 2 tight end group is very possible this season. Zack Ertz is aging and will probably retire at the end of his contract. Trey Mcbride is a very good run blocker, something Zach Ertz can't do well anymore. There was a reason why Trey won the Mackey award for being the best tight end. There must be a reason why Steve couldn't wait another year or 2 to draft a tight end. I have some hope in him but only if the scheme changes to a 2 tight end, 3 wide receiver scheme.

Cameron Thomas: A

Cameron Thomas was considered a first round pick to some so, it was impressive he fell into the third round. Cameron Thomas is reportedly going to be a Outside Linebacker which the Cardinals need after losing Chandler Jones. Cameron gives his all on plays and will be a prefect fit for the Cardinals. Cameron Thomas has potential to become a unexpected starter like, Marco Wilson for the Cardinals this season. He will be a great addition to the Cardinals defense.

Myjai Sanders: C

I am a bit sceptic about this pick. He is a raw player and I am not sure if the Cardinals can develop him. He can be good but not great unless something changes with the Cardinals coaching staff. He has a nice pressure rate though. He will be a third down guy for the Cardinals. He might have a Dennis Gardeck role. I am just not excited about this pick no offense to him.

Keaontay Ingram: B+

Usually I wouldn't be excited for a 6th round pick but, he is a running with good catching skills which the Cardinals need from a running back. He never seemed like the main running back, being the starter for only 1 season. He is a little old for a running back but if he makes the roster, he could contribute in special teams and maybe on offense? He is one of the better picks the Cardinals took.

Lecitus Smith: B-

Rodney Hudson has not been at any offseason workouts which begs the question, is he going to retire? If he does retire, Justin Pugh will be trying to get that job which means, the guard position will need depth. Lecitus is a big guy weighing at 315 pounds. He is kind of old being 23 years old but, the enitre o line room is old so having some younger guys would be cool. Fun fact: he was born in a town named Fitzgerald.

Christian Matthew: C

Christian Matthew had the fifth most pass breakups last season and was the first team all conference. I have a feeling he won't make the roster, but could make the practice squad. He seems good enough but he will have the prove it.

Jesse Luketa: B-

Jesse Luketa has options as he played both defensive end and Linebacker at Penn State. He also has a option, as he was drafted in the CFL in the second round. I don't think he will make the roster but, could be a good player at one point.

Marquis Hayes: B

Basically the same as Lecitus Smith but Kyler Murray played with him so he could stay with the Cardinals. Nothing much after that really.

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Notable Team News

Kyler Murray contract negotiations

As of July 23rd, Kyler Murray signed his new 5 year contract while still keeping his other two years locking him with the Cardinals through 2028. But that hasen't stopped people from speculation on his situation with the Cardinals before then. This started with of course him wiping his Instagram on February 7th. This mean't nothing as Kyler Murray spoke out saying that all the stuff said about him is nonsense. This was also confirmed by his agent and Michael Bidwell that conservations are well and is willing to take Arizona a Super Bowl.

Deandre Hopkins suspension

On May 2nd, Deandre Hopkins was suspended for 6 weeks for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy. This was a shock to everybody including Deandre Hopkins besides the Cardinals organization. In November, Deandre Hopkins tested positive for a drug called Ostarine. Deandre stated that it was contamination and he had 0.1% in his system. Deandre Hopkins suspension was the main factor into the Marquise Brown trade so, the Cardinals knew that this could be coming.

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Projected starting lineup

QB: Kyler Murray. With Kyler Murray signing his new contract, I expect him to have a great year if he clicks with Marquise like at Oklahoma. I want him to have a MVP season but you can't get everything in life. If he doesn't get injured, he will the Cardinals to the playoffs

Rb: James Conner. Like Kyler, James Conner signed a contract extension this offseason. Compared to Kyler, I don't expect him to have a great year like last year. His talents showed with his touchdowns but his injuries worry me. He'll have a down year but will rise back the next year.

WR: Deandre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, A.J. Green, Rondale Moore

Deandre Hopkins will rise back to his top 3 status after his suspension is over. But that'll only happen if he gets back to his form. Marquise Brown will have a breakout year with his former Qb. This could be a deadly duo for the Cardinals. I have a feeling that this could be A.J. Greens final year and it won't be a good one. It came out of nowhere and it seemed like a last resort for A.J. Green. He might produce but he won't be like last season A.J. Green. Rondale Moore has a big chance for explosive plays. He sure has the speed and this could the best 3 wide receiver group in the league.

TE: Zach Ertz, Trey McBride

Zach Ertz got a new contract this spring after being traded from the Eagles mid-season. Zach Ertz has the chance to be the best Cardinals Tight End in franchise history. He will have a comeback season with the Cardinals being a regular target for Kyler. Trey McBride on the other hand, is a rookie who may not be from the best team but, he was the best Tight End last season in college football. Trey won't have a great year but will be used if Zach or Maxx Williams gets hurt.

LT: D.J. Humphries

D.J. Humphries is a veteran Tackle that is on a expiring contract. D.J. is a better tackle than some are but does have his flaws. For example, the Cardinals front 5 had a lot of penalties which can be traced back to him. For him to get another contract, he will need to step it up and be one of the main pieces of the offense.

LG: Justin Pugh

Justin Pugh for me, he is a okay guard. If he doesn't get injuried, he is desited to have a decent season. Nothing much for me to say.

C: Rodney Hudson

Rodney Hudson had a intresting offseason as there were rumors of retirement looming. Of course, this didn't happen as he came to training camp. This offseason might be a preview of next offseason as, he could retire. Rodney Hudson will have a good season and I am for sure he will. I exoect great things from him.

RG: Will Hernandez

Will Hernandez is one of the new addtions to the Arizona Cardinals and he will do well. With the power of sean kugler, his game will be transformed to new places. He is one of my favorite new addtions to this team.

RT: Kelvin Beachum

Kelvin Beachum seems like to be on its final ride. On a expiring contract for very cheap, 32 years old, the signs point to this. He'll do okay this season in my opinion.

DT/DE: Zack Allen, J.J Watt, Michael Dogbe, Rashard Lawerence

J.J. Watt. Future first ballot hall of famer. J.J. Watt was on track to have a comeback season last season until he got hurt. J.J. proved that he can still a valuable player for the Cardinals. I have high hopes for him also because he's on a expiring contract. Zack Allen has proved that he can be a starting Defensive End. He made a impact on the team when J.J. Watt got injured. He was one of the most underrated Cardinals last season. I expect good things from him this fall. It is tough rate Michael Dogbe and Rashard Lawerence becuase we haven't seen much from them. I expect the Cardinals to sign a new Defensive Tackle instead of starting these guys. If not, it won't end good for them.

LB: Isaiah Simmons, Markus golden, Zaven Collins, Devon Kennard

All of us Cardinals fans are hoping for a Isaiah Simmons breakout season but we can only hope. Isaiah plays a lot of postitons and only so many times he can make a impact. I blame most of this Vance Joseph and his scheme. I also blame Kliff Kingsbury for using random linebackers like Joe Walker instead of him. He'll be a core piece to this linebacking core. Markus Golden is my favorite Cardinals player because of a variety reasons but mainly his stats. He had 11 sacks last season on a very cheap contract. He will step it up with Chandler Jones gone. He is the man. Zaven Collins in my opinion, won't do much this season. It's not his fault, it's just Vance Joesph's scheme again. He has potential in the future, just not right now. Devon Kennard is been disapointing the last two seasons for the Cardinal's. I don't know why it has been this way but, it will continue that way as more variety enters the Cardinal's room. Not much how hopes for Devon Kennard.

CB: Byron Murphy Jr., Marco Wilson, Antonio Hamilton

Byron is a slot Cornerback and while he is good, they need one to go againest Cooper Kupp twice a year. I have hopes for Byron because its a contract year but slot Cornerbacks don;t get high praise from me. Marco Wilson was a person last season that stepped it up as a fourth rounder but, they need more from him. The Arizona Cardinals have the second toughest schudle in the whole league. We need him this upcoming season or else, the Cardinal's will crumble. Antonio Hamilton is a good Backup but, that's it from him. He was a midseason replacement for Robert Alford. I wouldn't have high expections for him.

S: Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson

Budda Baker has been the best player for the Cardinal's defense for sometime now. It will continue that way as he will make the pro bowl and other awards. He's just that good. Jalen Thompson is more on the underrated side of things and did very well last season. I think he will do well again for the Cardinal's.

K: Matt Prater

Matt prater has tested time as he's 37 and still a very great kicker. He still can get pro bowl nods this season. He can prove that he ks not washed up to casual fans.

P: Andy Lee

Andy Lee is a old punter who is just a ok punter. Just pretty avrage. May have a bad season this year but thats ok.

KR: Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward has to fill a hole the Cardinal's need to with kick returns. Its a big role and reason why Jonathan is still on the team. However, he won't be the greatest returner.

PR: Rondale Moore

This is a role Rondale can do as well as slot receiver. When he did return, he did it well and that makes me feel good for this season. He well most certainly do better than last season if he doesn't get injured.

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Strength and Weakness

QB: Strength

The Quaterback Postion is a strength for the Cardinal's due to, Kyler Murray being a top ten Qb, and Colt Mccoy being a very well backup just in case. Trace Mcsorley is also not a bad thrid string Qb.

RB: Weakness

It's not because they are bad. It just doesn't compare to the other teams in the league. Just James Conner and Darrel Williams are not the best combo in the league

WR: Strength

This Wide Reciever room has a lot of depth to it. Deandre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, A.J. Green, and Rondale Moore is a insane combo.They have speed, Cemistery, New players. They got everything in this group.

TE: Strength

Nobody can argue that Zach Ertz is a top ten tight end but, its not just him in the room. Trey McBride and Maxx Williams and the perfect backups just in case Zach gets injured and they might get playing time even.

O-line: Both

Hear me out on this one. This O-line is a Strength at pass blocking but, a weakness at run blocking. There's a reason why James Conner has so much touchdowns. All from the goal line. If they go any futher, it will crumble. A lot of passing touchdowns though so that's good.

Front 7: Weakness

The thing with this group is, a lot of these are 2nd, 3rd year players. They can step it up but, for now i haven't seen enough from them

Secondary: Both

Here comes the both again. The Cornerback postiton has some work to do. While they have work, The safetys are a strength compared to the Cornerbacks.

Special Teams: Weakness

The only good thing about this group is, The man Matt PRater. The rest are just fine. Just a ok group.

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Schedule Predictions

Week one Chiefs- L

Patrick Mahomes is that good of a player. Even without Tyreek, the Chiefs are a very good football team still. It'll be a close game though.

Week 2 Raiders- W

This may be considered a upset to some. The Arizona Cardinals will rise up after that lost to the Chiefs.

Week 3 and 10 Rams- L

Its the Super Bowl defending champion Rams. The Rams the Cardinals as sad you think it is. I hope they win the other matchup but its hard to beat them. After all, its just a prediction.

Week 4 Panthers- L

Like how the Rams own the Cardinals, the Panthers own the Cardinals. This last year made me think, the Cardinals will always lose to the Panthers no matter what.

Week 5 Eagles- W

I don't think the Eagles are that good of a team compared to these Cardinals. The Eagles are just a what if team to me. No hate to them.

Week 6 and 9 Seahawks- W

The Seahawks are a rebuilding team and may get a top 5 pick. The Cardinals will easily beat them both times.

Week 7 Saints- W

The game that Deandre Hopkins will return to. Primetime. All the pressure on them to win this game. The Saints are just not that tough to me.

Week 8 Vikings- W

I don't trust Kirk Cousins enough to win this game for the Vikings, Anything can go wrong but the Cardinals should win easily.

Week 11 and 18 49ers- L and W

Week 11 is when the Cardinals play a home game in Mexico City. It's not a real home game so this game they'll prob lose in. Week 18 can tell a diffrent a story though. If the 49ers rest on this game, the Cardinal's will win easily. Its a hard game to predict though.

Week 12 Chargers- L

Justin Herbert is a top 3 QB. He has the defense, the weapons. They have every piece to beat the Cardinals. This will be a loss for them.

Week 13 BYE- W

Easiest game of the year.

Week 14 Patriots- W

It doesn't matter if its Monday Night Football or not. I don't totally believe in the Patriots beating the Cardinals. The Patriots are still a beatable team. That's a win for the Cards.

Week 15 Broncos- W

This may be a bad prediction but, the Cardinal's will upset the Broncos. I don't believe to hype for the Broncos sadly. It'll be a fair game though to be fair.

Week 16 Bucs- L

Even though its Christmas. Even though its a home game. Tom Brady and his weapons are unbeatable compared to the Cardinals. It'll be a L but the last the Cardinals take this season.

Week 17 Falcons-W

As stated above, I said that game will be the last L the Cardinals take this season. It will be new year, new team. The Falcons are a rebuilding team. That game may take the cake for the Falcons number one overall pick.

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Thanks for reading, that's it.