2014 Week 1 NFC Power Rankings
Arizona Cardinals cornerback
Patrick Peterson. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
7. Arizona Cardinals (2013 record: 10-6) Last season finish: No postseason
Week 1 Matchup: vs San Diego Chargers 9/8 10:20 PM EST
The Cardinals improbable run did not end to their liking last year. A dominant defense pushed the team deep into the playoff race where unfortunately the 49ers late victory in Week 17 would seal for their fate to watch from their couches once again.
Arizona returns with high expectations, but the price they have paid this offseason is heavy. Darryl Washington has been slapped with a year long suspension for repeated violations of the performance enhancing policy. Darnell Dockett has been lost for the season to an ACL injury, Karlos Dansby has moved on to Cleveland, and Tyrann Mathieu is still recovering from his knee injury.
If the Cardinals are going to contend again, the pressure will be on Carson Palmer to be much better than he has in the past. Fitzgerald will be his staple, but the continued production Floyd and newcomer John Brown will help Palmer find success. Is Andre Ellington ready to be the workhorse back?