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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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Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (90) against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

The Cardinals lost one of their key contributors in free agency when Calais Campbell signed a 4 year $60 million deal with the Jaguars. Their hope is that Robert Nkemdiche will improve on a disappointing rookie season and fill that void. The Cardinals run out of a base 3-4 Defense, something that caused the Lions no small amount of grief in the 2016 season. They have certainly not improved their defensive line by losing its best player. The Lions should be able to find success up the middle against this group.

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

The Cardinals locked up Chandler Jones long term, and return last season’s breakout performer Marcus Golden who notched 12.5 sacks a year ago. They have also added first round pick Hasson Reddick who will likely play inside and outside for them as he transitions to the NFL.

The Cardinals also picked up a reclamation project in former steeler Jarvis Jones, who has not impressed anyone during his time in the league. The pass rush will not be a problem for the Cardinals. The Lions Taylor Decker and Robert Wagner will have their hands full in week one to say the least.

Inside linebackers Deone Buchannon and Karlos Dansby are both very good at what they do. Dansby needs to be removed from the field of play on running downs this late in his career, however. If the Lions can get the Cardinals in situations where Dansby needs to shoulder significant coverage responsibility the fact that this matchup is early in the season may work to their advantage.

The Lions will be hoping that Reddick is not up to speed in coverage in week one. If that is the case, this could be an exploitable part of the Cardinals defense. If Reddick and Buchannon are manning the second level Theo Riddick and Eric Ebron could have long days ahead of them against the Lions week one opponent.

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