Arizona Cardinals were expected to compete for the NFC West title last season. The team was also expected to go on another deep playoff run. This was so because quarterback Carson Palmer was expected to be healthy as was running back David Johnson. This did not happen. Today we look at their Superbowl 53 chances.
Unfortunately, Johnson got hurt in the first game of the season. Suffering a season-ending injury that diminished the team’s chances of success. The team brought in Adrian Peterson to fill the void, but that also didn’t work out as they had hoped.
Palmer also didn’t last. The quarterback played the first seven games of the season. Before suffering a season-ending injury, forcing the team to turn to Blaine Gabbert and Drew Stanton.
Despite the injuries, the Cardinals were able to finish the season 8-8, giving them some confidence for this upcoming season.
Superbowl 53 Betting Odds
After the season, head coach Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer announced their retirements, leaving huge voids the team had to fill.
The Cardinals eventually announced that former Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator, Steve Wilkes, will be their new head coach. The team also signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford to be their starting quarterback.
Sam Bradford to Begin New Chapter for Arizona Cardinals
Bradford played well last year, but lost his job to Case Keenum after suffering an injury in their season opener. Bradford will have a lot of talent around him because Johnson is expected to be ready for the season opener, and future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald is coming back for another season.
The Cardinals also made sure Bradford will be well protected by signing offensive tackles Andre Smith and Justin Pugh.
Arizona did lose Tyrann Mathieu, who signed with the Houston Texans, but they brought in Marcus Williams and Bene Benwikere to fill the void.
The Cadinals aren’t getting a lot of respect from the odds makers at the moment, but this will be a very dangerous team that will surprise a lot of people.
