The Arizona Cardinals finished the 2021 season with an 11-6 record, which was good for second place in the NFC West. They will be trying to win the division this season, but they will need to avoid the second-half slump that cost them the division title last season.
Arizona averaged 26.4 points per game last season, which was 11th in the league. They gave up 21.5 points per game, which was tied for ninth.
Kyler Murray completed 69.2 percent of his passes for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also had 423 rushing yards and five touchdowns. James Conner led the team with 752 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, while Christian Kirk led the team with 982 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
They gave Murray a contract extension in the offseason, but they will be without All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Who is suspended for the first six games, and lost Kirk to Jacksonville in the offseason. They traded for former Baltimore receiver Marquise Brown. Who played with Murray in Oklahoma and they’re hoping their offense is just as effective this season.
The Cardinals offensive line was very good last season. They are bringing back four of their five starters and added depth by selecting two offensive linemen in the draft.
The Cardinals defense lost Chandler Jones. Who led the team with 10.5 sacks last season and they’re bring back an aging J. J. Watt, who had one sack in seven games. They used two of their top three picks on defensive linemen, but there will be a drop off on defense.
The Cardinals still have a lot of talent on their team and will be competitive in the NFC West. But they likely will be fighting the 49ers for second place in the division. Which is why Super Bowl 2023 predictions have their odds of winning it all at +2500.
