4-Down Territory: Arizona Cardinals

As the beginning of the 2018 NFL preseason is a little over a month away, we look ahead to the 2018-19 season. We’re kicking off a segment entitled “4-Down Territory,” where we answer four burning questions for each team heading into the season. Just a few years ago, the Arizona Cardinals were a legitimate NFC title contender. Now, they are in danger of being one of the league’s worst teams. The franchise is dealing with two retirements in quarterback Carson Palmer and head coach Bruce Arians. They had to cut star defensive back Tyrann Mathieu because he was too expensive to keep. There is still some talent left on both sides of the ball, but will it be enough to be competitive? We answer that and more on “4-Down Territory” with the Arizona Cardinals.

1st Down: Who will be playing quarterback?

Arizona realized they needed to address the quarterback position this offseason, following the retirement of Carson Palmer. So, they went out and signed Sam Bradford to a 1-year, $20 million deal. It’s clear they were either desperate or they think very highly of Bradford. Then, on draft night, things got a little interesting. UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, who was widely regarded as one of the top QB prospects in this year’s draft class, fell to No. 10. This was just too good to be true, and the Cardinals didn’t hesitate. It’s safe to say they want Rosen to be the quarterback of the future, but it remains to be seen if he’ll start Week 1. Bradford may have the early edge, but we will see Rosen at some point this season, if not early on.

2nd Down: What will the secondary look like?

The departure of Tyrann Mathieu leaves a major void in the defensive backfield that needs to be filled. Of course, those are pretty big shoes to fill though. The unit is let by Patrick Peterson, who is one of the rare true shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL. Budda Baker appears to be the guy they want as Mathieu’s successor. The Cardinals are aiming to use Baker in the nickel position, as he plays his best when close to the line of scrimmage. Antoine Bethea returns and will play a vital role in Arizona’s defensive efforts. I’m sure they would love to bring veteran Tyvon Branch back, but there are some injury concerns there. Jamar Taylor, who they acquired from Cleveland, is slated to be the other starting corner.

3rd Down: How much does Larry Fitzgerald have left in the tank?

It’s rare that 34-year-old NFL players perform at the level which Larry Fitzgerald has been performing. The 2017 season was a big one for Fitz, who passed Marvin Harrison, Steve Smith, Tim Brown, Tony Gonzalez, Isaac Bruce and Randy Moss, to have the third most receiving yards in a career. Next up, Terrell Owens — whom Fitzgerald should pass in 2018. He also now ranks third all-time in receptions. Every season, people speculate about his retirement, but he hasn’t really showed many signs of slowing down. Of course, Father Time is undefeated, but it appears that Fitzgerald has another couple good seasons in the tank.

4th Down: How will David Johnson bounce back from his injury?

David Johnson quickly rose up the ranks as one of the league’s elite players, following his spectacular 2016 season. His 2017 campaign was over before it really got started, as Johnson went down with a wrist injury in Week 1. He and the Cardinals haven’t been able to agree to a contract as of yet, but I see no reason why they shouldn’t give him what he wants. With a roster that lacks talent at multiple positions on offense, they need not make their star running back unhappy. When healthy, he is a dynamic playmaker, both on the ground and catching passes out of the backfield. I expect a big year from Johnson, as he’ll likely be playing with a chip on his shoulder.