Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Arizona Cardinals
By Ash Thompson
Quarterbacks
The Cardinals have added Blaine Gabbert to the mix for training camp but otherwise held pat. There was speculation that the Cardinals would add an heir apparent to the group in the draft. Many speculated Patrick Mahomes would end up a Cardinal, but that did not come to pass.
Palmer is a solid if unspectacular starter even at 37 years of age. They have one of the league’s better backup quarterbacks in Michigan state and Lions alum Drew Stanton. Barring multiple preseason injuries at the position, the Lions can expect good quarterback play from the Cardinals in week one of the 2017 season.
Wide Receivers
Aging future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald is still the marquis attraction in Arizona’s receiver corp. Early in the season, Fitzgerald’s legs will be fresh, and if 2016 is any indication, that is when he is likely to be closest to his old form. In the first eight games of the year, Fitzgerald dipped below 60 yards receiving only once, in the final eight games he did so five times. Additionally Fitzgerald’s two best games last season came in week one, and week ten after the Cardinals bye week. Those are the two weeks where an NFL player has had two weeks sine their last game, and are rested.
John Brown struggled with sickle cell issues, and an infection all of the 2016 season. He is one of my fantasy sleepers for the 2017 season. He had only 39 receptions for 517 yards last year, but with his medical issues reportedly behind him, Brown looks likely to return to his 2015 form.
The Cardinals drafted the troubled Chad Williams out of Grambling in the third round to replace the troubled Michael Floyd. They also signed Aaron Dobson in free agency, formerly of San Francisco, to add to their group. Andre Ellington has also been taking offseason reps as a slot receiver and impressed his teammates.
The Cardinals receiver group will be a difficult one to handle as the Lions week one opponent. While Darius Slay will likely handle his business, whichever of the Cardinals starting receivers is on the other side will be a tough draw for Nevin Lawson, D.J. Hayden or Teez Tebor.
Tight Ends
The Cardinals Tight end group lost one of its better red zone targets to the Lions this offseason. Darren Fells brought an excellent second tight end to their group behind starter Jermaine Gresham.
Fells earned a higher grade from PFF as a blocker than Gresham in 2016, but the reason is that the cardinals ask their starting tight end to be almost a third offensive tackle on the field. Their second tight end is not asked to do as much. The Cardinals hope to replace Fells production with their often injured 2014 second-round pick Troy Niklas.
The Cardinals Tight End group are not the sort of players that have given the Lions defense fits in recent seasons. The additions to the Lions linebacker corp, Draftees Jarrad Davis, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin; as well as veteran Paul Worrilow should limit the effectiveness of the Cardinals Tight End group as receivers. In the passing game, the Lions likely have more to fear from the Cardinals next position group.