Let’s take a deep look at the Cardinals 2019 season, 2020 offseason and what lies ahead in 2020. 

2019 Team Ranks

Total Offense 21st (5467 yards)
Passing Offense 24th (3477 yards)
Rushing Offense 10th (1990 yards)
Total Defense 32nd (6432 yards allowed)
Passing Defense 31st (4510 yards allowed)
Rushing Defense 24th (1922 yards allowed)
PPG 22.6
PPG Allowed 27.6
Offensive Line Ranks
PFF 22nd
Football Outsiders (Run Block) 22nd
Football Outsiders (Pass Block) 26th

Coaching Staff Changes

Brentson Buckner replaces Chris Achuff as DL Coach

Offseason Additions 

DeAndre Hopkins WR
Jordan Phillips DE
Devon Kennard OLB
De’Vondre Campbell OLB
Trevon Coley DT
Kelvin Beachum LT

Offseason Losses

David Johnson RB
Rodney Gunter DE
Zach Kerr DE
Damiere Byrd WR
Pharoh Cooper WR
Cassius Marsh DE
Joe Walker LB
Jeremy Vujnovich G

2020 NFL Draft

Round 1 (8) – Isaiah Simmons LB/DB Clemson
Round 3 (72) – Josh Jones OT Houston
Round 4 (114) – Leki Fotu DT Utah
Round 4 (131) – Rashard Lawrence DT LSU
Round 6 (202) – Evan Weaver LB California
Round 7 (222) – Eno Benjamin RB Arizona State

2020 Schedule with record vs opponents since 2017 

Week 1 – at San Francisco 49ers 4:25 PM ET FOX 4-2
Week 2 – vs Washington 4:05 PM ET FOX 0-2
Week 3 – vs Detroit Lions 4:25 PM ET FOX 0-2–1
Week 4 – at Carolina Panthers 1 PM ET FOX 0-1
Week 5 – at New York Jets 1 PM ET FOX 0-0
Week 6 – at Dallas Cowboys 8:15 PM ET ESPN (MNF) 0-1
Week 7 – vs Seattle Seahawks 4:05 PM ET FOX 2-4
Week 8 – BYE
Week 9 – vs Miami Dolphins 4:25 PM ET CBS 0-0
Week 10 – vs Buffalo Bills 4:05 PM ET CBS 0-0
Week 11 – at Seattle Seahawks 8:20 PM ET FOX (TNF) 2-4
Week 12 – at New England Patriots 1 PM ET FOX 0-0
Week 13 – vs Los Angeles Rams 4:05 PM ET FOX 0-6
Week 14 – at New York Giants 1 PM ET FOX 2-0
Week 15 – vs Philadelphia Eagles 4:05 PM ET FOX 0-1
Week 16 – vs San Francisco 49ers TBD 4-2
Week 17 – at Los Angeles Rams 4:25 PM ET FOX 0-6

Miscellaneous Notes

Kliff Kingsbury enters 2nd season as HC of ARZ
Kyler Murray was named 2019 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
Chandler Jones has had 11+ sacks in 5 straight seasons
2019 Offense Play Selection
Pass – 60.4%
Rush – 39.6%
PFF Top 5 Graded Players in 2019
1. DeAndre Hopkins WR 87.8
2. Chandler Jones SLB 86.0
3. Maxx Williams TE 79.1
4. Budda Baker FS 71.4
5. Kenyan Drake RB 71.2
Players who opted out of 2020 season
Marcus Gilbert RT

 

Burning Question: Will Kyler Murray make a big leap in 2020?

Bottom Line: Many people are high on the Cardinals in 2020. I love the DeAndre Hopkins trade, as I believe he will make an immediate impact on that offense. Chandler Jones is a premier linebacker in this league that doesn’t get the appreciation he deserves. Isaiah Simmons was one of my favorite players in this past year’s draft.

However, this team does not scream playoffs at me. I think they will struggle in the trenches especially in a division that features Aaron Donald and Nick Bosa. Kyler Murray was very solid for a rookie, but I did not see the electric production that he put out at Oklahoma.

The Cardinals’ secondary gave up the 2nd most passing yards in the NFL in 2019. But they did not do much to fix that secondary so they are ready to throw out the same players.

Being in the NFC West is the toughest task for them, as all 4 teams in this division are good enough to win it in my opinion. I just believe the Cardinals will get the short end of the stick for 2020.

Predicted Win Range: 6-8