• Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com

Monday, March 27, 2023
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
    • NFC
  • NFL Draft
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • Fantasy
  • Full Press Hockey
  • Full Press Wrestling
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Full Press Daily Podcast
    • Full Press NFL Podcast
    • Full Press NHL Podcast
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Pick and Roll Podcast
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC NFC West Arizona Cardinals

Tempered Expectations: Are the Playoffs Possible?

Ryan Adverderada by Ryan Adverderada
September 4, 2020
in Arizona Cardinals, Featured, NFC, NFC West, NFL, NFL Featured
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Expectations can be a heavy burden. When the head coach and starting quarterback are both in their rookie seasons, it is not surprising to find the team with a losing record. For the Arizona Cardinals, 2019 began with frustration but ended with hope. The Cardinals added pieces to the roster during the offseason and now expectations are the highest it has been in quite some time. Today we take a look at just how close the Cardinals could come to reaching those expectations.

Another Year Together

For players, learning a new offense takes time and brings difficulties, especially something that is not often used in the pro game. For a head coach, adapting your system to the restraints of the pro game can be equally difficult. The Cardinals had both ends of the spectrum in 2019. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury spent most of his first year in the NFL adapting his “Air-Raid” concepts that he brought from his time in the college game. The early part of the 2019 season saw a few growing pains, primarily in the red zone. However, as the season progressed, it became obvious that the offense began to find its way.

The offense became explosive and dangerous towards the end of 2019. Quarterback Kyler Murray grew into the offense and the level of competition in the NFL. He improved from week to week and rarely made the same mistake twice. Throw in more time for the rest of the offensive pieces to learn and gel, the Cardinals have an offense with heaps of potential. If Murray can take the expected step forward in his second season, the offense will be scary for Arizona opponents. With a talented offense, the expectations are quite high for the unit.

Latest NFL News
  • FPC Chiefs 2023 NFL Mock Draft: 1.0
  • FPC 2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Does Free Agency Change Things?
  • 2023 NFL Profile: WR Jalin Hyatt
  • 2023 NFL Draft Profile: DB Brian Branch
  • 2023 NFL Draft Profile: WR Jordan Addison

Rising Tide

The Cardinals dropped a handful of games in 2019 due to defensive breakdowns when it mattered the most. Part of that was the lack of qualified personnel to run Vance Joseph’s style of defense. In three seasons the Cardinals went from a blitz-heavy “3-4” defense, into Steve Wilks’ “Carolina 4-3”, then back into a “3-4” defense. As a result, Joseph was forced to plug players into areas where they were not suited. This can be seen in how poorly the linebacking unit defended against the pass. As a unit, the Cardinals became the dream opponent for tight ends. For the season, Arizona gave up an average of six reception, 73.3 yards receiving, and one touchdown to tight ends, per game.

Latest Cardinals News

  • Ep 114: Aaron Rodgers, OBJ, and The New York Jets
    by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:09 am Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM6172349150.mp3?updated=1679703477
  • 2023 Free Agency Preview: NFC West
  • Is A DeAndre Hopkins Trade To Chiefs Realistic?
  • NFL 2022: NFC Midseason Report Cards
  • Kansas City Chiefs Stock Report: Week 1 2022
  • Dominance In Desert: Chiefs Offense Erupts In Arizona

For all the struggles in 2019, the Cardinals found a gem in Byron Murphy at cornerback and the continued improvement of safety Budda Baker. Add rookies Isaiah Simmons and Leki Fotu, the Cardinals defense find themselves with an influx of power and speed. Simmons was the surprise pick as the Clemson standout was projected to be taken prior to Arizona’s first pick in the draft. However, now the dynamic playmaker is set to join the linebacker group and instantly adds a new dynamic to the unit. The defense filled a few holes during the offseason and another year under Vance Joseph should help the unit improve greatly over last season.

There’s a Chance

The schedule for the 2020 season had no chance of being easy. Arizona plays in the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC West. It will be a battle to come out with a victory during the six divisional matchups, although the Cardinals were able to play some tough games. However, the rest of the schedule offers some hope, should Arizona find at least a split from divisional games. The Cardinals play both the AFC and NFC East this season, in addition to the last-place teams from the other three NFC divisions. These include home games against Washington, Detroit, and Miami. The road games include trips to Carolina and both New York teams.

On paper, the Cardinals match up well to the aforementioned teams and should be expected to come out victorious in each. That would account for six wins. A split of divisional games would bring the total to nine, with four remaining games. Dallas and New England will be tough road games while the Cardinals host two playoff teams from last season in Buffalo and Philadelphia. Steal a game or two from that group and it puts the Cardinals at 10 wins for the season and a likely spot in the playoffs. Of course, this is at best an educated guess at the beginning of September with 17 weeks of football ahead of us.

None of This Matters

Championships aren’t won on paper, they’re won on the field. Last season, the San Francisco 49ers were the class of the NFC, a season after failing to win double-digit games for the sixth time since 2013. The Cardinals took the 49ers to the brink of defeat in both meetings last season. Arizona showed a fight in them that was lacking in 2018, a fight that could be the catalyst for a run to the playoffs in 2020. At the end of the day, the expectations are much higher than there were heading into last season, and the Cardinals have the talent to come through.

 

– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage 49ers. He also covered the Arizona Cardinals for Full Press Coverage. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada

Tags: Arizona CardinalsIsaiah SimmonsKliff Kingsburykyler murrayLeki Fotusteve wilksVance Joseph
Share604Tweet377
Previous Post

People are handing out badges at Tube stations to tackle loneliness

Next Post

Top 5 No. 2 Receivers the Giants Face

Ryan Adverderada

Ryan Adverderada

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Latest Headlines

FPC Chiefs 2023 NFL Mock Draft: 1.0

FPC 2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Does Free Agency Change Things?

2023 NFL Profile: WR Jalin Hyatt

NHL Rumors: Ottawa Senators, Arizona Coyotes, Nashville Predators

2023 NFL Draft Profile: DB Brian Branch

2023 NFL Draft Profile: WR Jordan Addison

A Twitter List by iglen31

  • Eagles Clinch Playoff Spot Despite Loss
    by Brennan Vogt on March 27, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    The Colorado Eagles would clinch a playoff spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs despite an OT loss to […]

  • PODCAST: Stack The Pucks – 3/27 – Panthers/Senators, Canadiens/Sabres, Devils/Islanders
    by Stack The Pucks Podcast on March 27, 2023 at 4:52 pm

    Stack the Pucks gives a breakdown of every NHL Game on the card. Today we take a look at the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM9301732778.mp3?updated=1679932719
  • PODCAST: Full Press Wild – 3/27 – Filip Gustavsson, Kirill Kaprizov, and Twitter Reactions
    by Full Press Wild Podcast on March 27, 2023 at 4:08 pm

    Today’s episode covered Gus’ historic season, Kirill Kaprizov's injury update, and covered fan […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM5533272284.mp3?updated=1679928552
  • PODCAST: Full Press Blackhawks – 3/27 – Weekend Struggles, Jonathan Toews Update
    by Full Press Blackhawks Podcast on March 27, 2023 at 4:03 pm

    Recapping back-to-back losses to the Minnesota Wild and the Vancouver Canucks and an update on […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM7548477175.mp3?updated=1679925351
  • PODCAST: Stack The Pucks – 3/26 – Avalanche/Coyotes, Bruins/Hurricanes, Maple Leafs/Predators
    by Stack The Pucks Podcast on March 26, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    Stack the Pucks gives a breakdown of every NHL Game on the card. Today we take a look at the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2437674511.mp3?updated=1679846317
More Hockey News

  • 3/27 - Bruins Are A Wagon; Rodgers, Jets Saga Continues
    by Full Press Coverage on March 27, 2023 at 2:39 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Bruins 57th win of the season and whether or not […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3237214163.mp3?updated=1679928307
  • 3/24 - Bruins Approaching Record; OBJ To the New York Jets?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:07 am

    Ian and John discuss the Boston Bruins dominance and discuss whether or […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3860096628.mp3?updated=1679703354
  • 3/22 - World Baseball Classic Was A Classic; Connor McDavid on Hockey Tournament
    by Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 10:29 pm

    Ian and John discuss the success of the World Baseball Classic and debate […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7323247979.mp3?updated=1679610875
  • 3/21 - Aaron Rodgers Latest, World Baseball Classic Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on March 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm

    Ian and John talk more Aaron Rodgers and the excitement around the World […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4968061643.mp3?updated=1679425477
  • FPH Daily: Stanley Cup Playoff Races
    by Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 12:02 pm

    Jim is back for another Full Press Hockey Daily discussing the chase to […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM4426912757.mp3?updated=1679573236
  • World Baseball Classic: Is The Excitement Warranted?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 21, 2023 at 7:02 pm

    Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti discuss the excitement around the World […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM6337954576.mp3?updated=1679425794
  • Is It A Three Man Race For The NBA MVP?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 2:08 pm

    Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti discuss who is the leader for the race for […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM4520485518.mp3?updated=1679062706
  • FPH Daily: Flyers Front Office, Trade Deadline, Playoff Races
    by Full Press Coverage on March 11, 2023 at 12:43 pm

    Jim is back with another Full Press Hockey Daily looking at the changes in […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM1821330339.mp3?updated=1678539025

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 157: Sid Part One – Skyscraper to Sycho
    by Evan Gomes on March 25, 2023 at 2:25 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Ratings Jump Thanks To Stellar Main Event
    by Jim Biringer on March 23, 2023 at 8:42 pm

    It is Thursday and you know what that means… ratings for AEW Dynamite are out. There was a dream […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 156: Hacksaw Jim Duggan
    by Evan Gomes on March 18, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Ratings Hold Steady
    by Jim Biringer on March 17, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    It is Friday and usually on Thursday and you know what that means… ratings for AEW Dynamite are […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 155: Jazz
    by Evan Gomes on March 11, 2023 at 3:25 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • 76ers at Nuggets
    by Broken Controller Media on March 27, 2023 at 7:00 pm

    Stackin the NBA gives you an unique perspective on each NBA match-up on […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM8658931680.mp3?updated=1679927615
  • Suns at Jazz
    by Broken Controller Media on March 27, 2023 at 5:00 pm

    Stackin the NBA gives you an unique perspective on each NBA match-up on […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM3723220897.mp3?updated=1679927462
  • Rockets at Knicks
    by Broken Controller Media on March 27, 2023 at 4:00 pm

    Stackin the NBA gives you an unique perspective on each NBA match-up on […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM8918284572.mp3?updated=1679927317
  • Mavericks at Pacers
    by Broken Controller Media on March 27, 2023 at 3:00 pm

    Stackin the NBA gives you an unique perspective on each NBA match-up on […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM1653650195.mp3?updated=1679927291
  • Bucks at Pistons
    by Broken Controller Media on March 27, 2023 at 2:15 pm

    Stackin the NBA gives you an unique perspective on each NBA match-up on […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2930996687.mp3?updated=1679926578
  • Ep.162: Nebraska-Kearney Head Football Coach Ryan Held
    by Full Press Coverage on March 27, 2023 at 5:00 am

    Biggs sits down with Nebraska-Kearney Head Football Coach Ryan Held Learn […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM1130006293.mp3?updated=1679683456
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL Breaking News, Rumors, Trades
  • NBA
  • MLB – Rumors, Breaking News, Opinion, Podcasts
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
    • NFC
  • NFL Draft
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • Fantasy
  • Full Press Hockey
  • Full Press Wrestling
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Full Press Daily Podcast
    • Full Press NFL Podcast
    • Full Press NHL Podcast
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Pick and Roll Podcast
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage