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Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Arizona Cardinals

By Ash Thompson

Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Free agency has largely concluded, and the NFL draft is behind us. Here is a way to early look at the Lions week one opponent in 2017.

Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Most teams have the bulk of their starters in place at this point in the offseason, so I thought I would fill some of the dead zone between now and training camp by looking at the Lions opponents in 2017. First up are the Lions week one opponent: the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals are coming off an extremely disappointing 2016 season. They had a spectacular 13-3 season in which they were the NFC West Champions in 2015. Minimal roster turnover, and what appeared to be roster improvements, had the team riding high hopes going into September of 2016. They did not lead to a repeat performance, however.

The 2016 Cardinals dropped to just below .500 with a 7-8-1 record in 2016. They had the ninth overall rated offense, but the 31st ranked defense in the NFL. The Cardinals defense was unimpressive against both the run and the pass, ranking 24th and 29th respectively. In previous years, the defense had been the strength of the team.

The additions of Tyvon Branch, and Chandler Jones gave the appearance that the Cardinals defense had improved over the offseason. They drafted talented but troubled Defensive Lineman Robert Nkemdiche. The Cardinals received a B, the highest grade in their division, from Pro Football Focus’ Analysis Team for their 2016 offseason.

The team did not get the results they expected in 2016, and as the Free agency and draft period are complete, they look to improve on their disappointing performance. They have made moves in free agency and the draft that they hope will shore up their roster, and vault them back to the top of the NFC West division.

The Cardinals lost four games by less than a touchdown last season, a minor improvement could yield great results for them in 2017. Here is a look at whether the Cardinals will be better or worse in 2017, and how they match up as the Lions week one opponent.

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