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NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) reacts to a sack by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina wins 30-20 over Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) reacts to a sack by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina wins 30-20 over Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals

2016 Record: 7-8-1, Second Place in the NFC West

The Arizona Cardinals were supposed to be one of the risers last season, especially after making it all to the way to the NFC Championship game the previous year.

Yet a number of injuries and inconsistent play led to a sub-.500 season for head coach Bruce Arians and Co. Sure, the defense was still good enough to rank as the second best unit in the NFL, in terms of yards allowed (4,883). But Arizona never found any sort of consistent rhythm over the course of 16 regular-season games.

Entering 2017, the Cardinals will have to overcome the free-agent departures of defenders Tony Jefferson and Calais Campbell. This shouldn’t be too difficult, especially with EDGE Chandler Jones sticking around one more year on a franchise tag. The team also added safety Budda Baker in the NFL Draft — a very smart pickup.

But the biggest question will be whether or not 37-year-old quarterback Carson Palmer can withstand the rigors of yet another full season. His health is paramount.

Strengths

If Palmer is healthy, and veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is able to contribute, the Cardinals passing game shouldn’t hit much of a hitch.

Running back David Johnson has emerged as one of the league’s stars, and Arians would be wise to feature him often to help alleviate the pressure on Palmer.

Arizona’s defense is still very good. Adding Temple linebacker Haason Reddick was smart. And it isn’t as if the NFC West is a major obstacle to get back into the postseason discussion.

Weaknesses

Jefferson was a key cog in the Cardinals secondary, and we can’t quite assume Baker fits in seamlessly.

But the biggest concern is still under center. Fans in Arizona will cringe every time an opposing player converges on Palmer. And unless the team is banking on a backup like Drew Stanton being perfectly adept to take over, one lone injury could spell disaster.

X-Factors

Baker and fellow defensive back Tyrann Mathieu put a cap on the back end of a very good defense. How well these two players jell should be intriguing.

Another factor will be Johnson, who will likely see an increased load as the team looks to lessen Palmer’s impact over the course of the year. If Johnson can rise to the challenge — and there’s little reason to assume he can’t — the Cardinals should be in decent shape.