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NFL Power Rankings: A Week 16 Look at All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks on during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks on during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals. 23. team. 32. . 5-8-1.

Who needed defense in Week 15?

More from SF 49ers News

Well, the Arizona Cardinals sure could have used some in a 48-41 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, in what looked more like a college shootout game than anything else.

On one hand, it’s good to see Arizona get a 300-yard, two touchdown performance out of quarterback Carson Palmer. And running back David Johnson continues to do his thing.

Granted, this was against a weak New Orleans defense though. So take those numbers with a grain of salt.

What’s more troubling is how inconsistent the Cardinals defense has played this season. Head coach Bruce Arians can call out as many players as he wants. But the results and record speak for themselves.