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The Arizona Cardinals were eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round of the 2021 playoffs despite starting the season 7-0. While Arizona has a good roster, it won't be an easy road back to the postseason.
Quarterback Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are reportedly getting closer to resolving their contract dispute, which is certainly good news before training camp begins.
Murray is a dynamic dual-threat QB that can make plays out of nothing. Last season, he threw for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns on 69.2 percent completion rate, all while having just 10 interceptions. Murray also rushed for 423 yards and five touchdowns.
Another big offseason storyline was the suspension of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He was given a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. Arizona will need other receivers to step up in his absence, especially in the NFC West.
The Cardinals' division is one of the best in football, as they had two playoff teams in the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. However, the division won't be as tough as last season, with the Seattle Seahawks entering a rebuild after trading away quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
With that said, here is the key Cardinals position group to make the biggest impact in the 2022 NFL season.
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Cardinals Key Position Group For 2022 NFL Season
Wide Receiver
While Arizona will be without Hopkins, they still have a solid receiving core. The Cardinals made a move on draft night to acquire Marquise “Hollywood” Brown from the Baltimore Ravens. Brown will be a legitimate deep threat and speedster for Kliff Kingsbury's offense.
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Last season, Brown had the best season of his career, finishing with 91 receptions for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He has had problems with drops but is still a very productive big-play receiver.
The Cardinals also have Rondale Moore, whose speed makes him a weapon. Defenses could have trouble containing the speedy duo of Brown and Moore even before Hopkins returns.
Moore had a decent rookie campaign, catching 54 passes for 435 yards and one touchdown. Although these numbers aren't great, he showed that he could make an impact on Arizona's offense. If he can make a jump in year two, the passing attack will improve thoroughly for Murray and company.
These guys should be able to hold down the fort for the first six games before the return of Hopkins. When Hopkins comes back, the offense can unlock its full potential. He is a top wideout in the league, with the ability to do so many things. He can win jump ball situations downfield or make a catch in tight coverage for a first down.
Hopkins only appeared in 10 games but was very productive. He finished with 42 receptions for 572 yards and eight touchdowns. He is supremely talented and is one of the toughest covers in the league.
The Cardinals' receiving corps has gone under the radar and will have a big impact in the upcoming season. It will be a balanced attack early on in the passing game, with Hopkins on the sidelines. This could allow Arizona's offense to become more potent as Murray is expected to establish a stronger connection with other receivers.
The Cardinals have a big season ahead in a tough NFC, but they have the talent to make a playoff run.
