The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2021 season with the longest odds in the NFC West to win the division. This jives with the perception of the talent on their roster.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Ben Linsey in an article for ESPN, the Cardinals’ roster ranks only 21st in the league.
In terms of talent, that means missing the playoffs, something the Cardinals do not intend on doing.
Their greatest strength, according to Linsey, is their rushing attack because of quarterback Kyler Murray. They had a productive running game each of the last two seasons and have upgraded their offensive line.
Their cornerback room is viewed as their greatest weakness. It is the position with the most questions. They have Malcolm Butler, a proven veteran, but they are counting on more progress from Byron Murphy in his third season and also the health of Robert Alford, who hasn’t played in two seasons. After him, they have Darqueze Dennard and their Day 3 draft picks in Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan.
In terms of the rest of the NFC West, the Cardinals are the lowest-ranked in talent.
The Los Angeles Rams rank seventh overall, followed by the San Franciso 49ers at No. 11 and them the Seattle Seahawks at No. 15.
[listicle id=452737]
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
Latest show:
Previous shows:
and