The Associated Press
ARIZONA CARDINALS (10-6)
New faces: LT Jared Veldheer, CB Antonio Cromartie, ILB Larry Foote, KR-WR Ted Ginn Jr., TE John Carlson, RB Jonathan Dwyer, RB-FB Robert Hughes.
Key losses: ILB Karlos Dansby, ILB Daryl Washington, DT Darnell Dockett, LG Daryn Colledge, WR Andre Roberts, RT Eric Winston, TE Jake Ballard.
Strengths: WR, CB, S, QB, RB, DE, P.
Weaknesses: OL, ILB.
What’s new: Speed. Coach Bruce Arians loves “fast little guys” and he has pair in Ginn and rookie John Brown, a sensation in preseason. Deep threat is designed to open space for Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, Andre Ellington and Carlson. Ellington moves into No. 1 running back spot and can play all wide receiver positions. Arians hasn’t used fullback sets in the past, but says he will have a few with Hughes.
Expectations: In Arians’ first year, Cardinals won seven of last nine to finish 10-6 but failed to make playoffs in rugged NFC West. Optimism abounds with QB Carson Palmer comfortable in Arians’ offense and with multitude of receivers. Fast, elusive Ellington counted on as runner and receiver. Defense, sixth in NFL last year, could take step back. Secondary features Cromartie, CB Patrick Peterson and S Tyrann Mathieu, who made quick recovery from knee surgery. Arizona was 2-4 in division and that has to improve to have shot at playoffs.
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