NFL power rankings: Stacking up all 32 teams heading into Week 15

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers meets Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens at mid field after the conclusion of the Pittsburgh Steelers 39-38 win over the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers meets Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens at mid field after the conclusion of the Pittsburgh Steelers 39-38 win over the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 10: Josh Bynes #57 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates an interception in the second half against the Tennessee Titans at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 10: Josh Bynes #57 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates an interception in the second half against the Tennessee Titans at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Arizona Cardinals. 23. team. 32. . W, 12-7 vs. Titans. Previous:

While the Arizona Cardinals’ 12-7 win over the visiting Tennessee Titans doesn’t exactly suggest entertainment, there are a couple of key takeaways.

First, the Cardinals wisely figured out to not let quarterback Blaine Gabbert be responsible for carrying the offensive load. And while Arizona’s ground game isn’t good enough to make up for this deficiency, the Cardinals defense is.

And that was the case in Week 14.

Arizona held Tennessee to just 204 yards of offense, forcing quarterback Marcus Mariota to toss two key interceptions. There’s your difference.

It could have been worse, though, as the Cardinals offensive line gave up eight sacks of Gabbert. This unit is a problem moving forward. Combine that with an aging team, Arizona is trending in the wrong direction.

Biggest Question

Yet another year when the Cardinals are beset by not having veteran quarterback Carson Palmer (arm) on the field. He’s aging too, putting Arizona in a critical position to find his replacement sooner than later.

Consider this need No. 1.