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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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November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal out of the hold by punter Bradley Pinion (5) during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal out of the hold by punter Bradley Pinion (5) during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Specialists

The Cardinals lost three games in 2016 that were the result of poor kicking. They have filled that hole with 18-year veteran Phil Dawson. ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss called Dawson the Cardinals “most significant signing” of the 2016 offseason, and it is hard to disagree with that logic.

Lions fans, in particular, know how valuable the kicker can be, and how heartbreaking it can be not to have one. Dawson was an 85.7% field goal kicker last season for the 49ers and will bring stability to the position for the Cardinals. The Cardinals punting group is currently made of two former 49ers as well.

Neither Matt Wile or Richie Leone is likely to significantly impact the outcome of a game. Long Snapper Aaron Brewer fits into the same category of players you are unlikely to notice. That is not a bad thing for his role.

October 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Returners

Patrick Peterson is a very dangerous punt returner but the team has other options on the roster as well. John Brown is also capable of taking a poorly covered punt to the house. Perhaps the most intriguing option for the team, however, is T.J. Logan.

The rookie will almost certainly take on kick returning duties but has never returned punts. His incredible speed and agility will be a tantalizing temptation for the Cardinals. They may look to keep their offensive and defensive starters healthy.

In either case, they will have an impressive athlete bringing back every kick the Lions send them. Sam Martin will have his work cut out for him to start the year.

Conclusion

The Arizona Cardinals are a well-rounded team. They have drafted in both of the last two years to cover the deficiencies in their roster. They are counting on young players to step up, and veterans to regain old form. Will they be the 2015 juggernaut or the 2016 also ran?

Next: What Lions' draft means, what we learned, what’s next

Only time will tell, and it is impossible to know before training camp has even started. I would put their chances of recovering well above 50%. Early in the year though they will be choosing between experience and talent while they wait for the talent to gain experience and that may work in the Lions favor. The Lions will have to contain David Johnson on defense, and play the match up game with their offensive weapons on offense for a win against their week one opponent.

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