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The Arizona Cardinals raced out of the gate last season, as they were the final remaining undefeated team in the NFL at 7-0. However, while the team managed to post a 2-1 record without star quarterback Kyler Murray, who suffered an ankle injury, things began to unravel down the stretch, culminating in an embarrassing 34-11 playoff defeat at the hands of the division-rival Los Angeles Rams.
If the disappointing end to the season wasn't enough, Cardinals fans were then treated to some offseason drama involving Murray, who is seeking some long-term security in the form of a new contract from the franchise. Only his methods of getting that point across have been anything but subtle, as he's removed all Cardinals-related items from his social media while staying away from the offseason practices.
Fortunately, things seem to be in a better place now with Murray. The franchise is confident they can get a deal done in the future. That's excellent news, as this team will go as far as Murray's arm- and legs- take them.
The Cardinals acquired close Murray friend Marquise Brown from the Baltimore Ravens to help weather the absence of DeAndre Hopkins, who was suspended for six games after a positive drug test.
The Cards' offense figures to remain one of the best in the conference. But what will they get out of the defense, which lost one of their best pass rushers in Chandler Jones? A strong year out of All-Pro J.J. Watt would go a long way towards making this defense one that the Cardinals can count on.
Will it be enough to propel the Cardinals past the mighty Rams in the NFC West? Time will tell.
That said, here are four way too early predictions for the Cardinals in the 2022 NFL season.
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Cardinals Way Too Early Predictions For 2022 NFL Season
4. Marquise Brown enjoys the best season of his career
The Cardinals acquired wide receiver Marquise Brown from the Ravens on draft night, sending a first-round pick for the services of the fourth-year wideout. In three seasons with the Ravens, Brown exceeded the 1000-yard mark once, with the season coming in 2021.
While he may be better suited for a complementary role alongside Hopkins, he'll have to be the guy while the star wideout is out of the lineup.
That opportunity will come in an offense that emphasizes the pass and spreading the field out more frequently than Brown was used to in Baltimore.
Not only that, but Brown's familiarity with Murray, who threw him passes during their time at Oklahoma, should help him to thrive in this offense.
Murray has lacked a deep threat since entering the NFL. Brown can be that guy for him. Together, they will make sweet music in 2022, resulting in a career year for the former Ravens wideout.
3. J.J. Watt returns to form
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J.J. Watt is one of the best defensive players to ever step onto a field. Watt has two seasons with 20-plus sacks to his name and has earned All-Pro honors five times.
However, the 33-year-old has taken a few steps back lately, as he has succumbed to injuries in recent years. Watt has missed time in four of the last six seasons, including in 2021, where a shoulder injury cost him the entire second half of the campaign.
Watt can still play though, as evidenced by his excellent 83.1 pass rushing grade from Pro Football Focus. If he returns to good health, he could be poised for a monster year in Arizona in 2022.
2. Kyler Murray enjoys an MVP-type season
With so many talented quarterbacks in the NFL, it will be hard for Kyler Murray to secure an MVP award. However, he will enjoy that type of a season in 2022.
Murray looked to be heading for some end of season hardware last year before an ankle injury slowed his momentum. In just 14 games, Murray threw for 3787 yards and 24 touchdowns while running for another 423 with five scores.
The Oklahoma product has improved every year since he entered the league, with the Cardinals' record following suit. What's next for Murray?
Perhaps motivated by his contract situation with the Cardinals, Murray could author the best season of his career in 2022.
1. The Cardinals will win the NFC West
Winning the NFC West will be no easy task, even with the Seattle Seahawks losing Russell Wilson. The Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl, then effectively made up for the losses of Robert Woods and Von Miller with the additions of impact players, such as Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner.
The 49ers, who advanced to the NFC Conference Championship last year, could be the dark horse once again. However, If Murray and Watt can be the cornerstones for Arizona, they could be the last team standing in the division.
