2019 Record - 5-10-1
Head Coach - Kliff Kingsbury
New Players in 2020 - DeAndre Hopkins (WR), De'Vondre Campbell (LB), Jordan Phillips (DL), Devon Kennard (LB), Trevon Coley (DL)
Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Marcus Gilbert (OL)
OFFENSE - Kyler Murray will be in his second season as the starting quarterback after passing for 3,722 yards and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 544 yards (5.9 ypc average) and scored four touchdowns. Brett Hundley looks to be the primary backup to Murray.
DeAndre Hopkins comes over from Houston this season via trade (for running back David Johnson) and he caught 104 passes last year for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns. He will team with Larry Fitzgerald (75 receptions, 804 yards, four TD) and Christian Kirk, who had 68 receptions for 709 yards with three touchdowns.
Kenyan Drake (643 yards, 5.2 ypc average and eight TD) and Chase Edmonds (303, 5.1 ypc and four TD) are the running backs. The tight ends are Maxx Williams (15, 202, one TD) and Dan Arnold (six receptions, 102 yards, two TD).
The Cardinals offense averaged 22.6 points per game last season while finishing 21st overall, averaging 342 yards per game. The rushing attack gained 124 yards (10th in NFL) and the passing game averaged 218 yards per game.
DEFENSE - Nose tackle Jordan Phillips is surrounded by ends Corey Peters (2 1/2 QB sacks) and Zach Allen on the front line. The linebackers include Chandler Jones (19 QB sacks) and Devon Kennard (seven sacks with Detroit) on the outside with De'Vondre Campbell and Jordan Hicks (three interceptions) playing inside.
The cornerbacks are Patrick Peterson (two interceptions) and Robert Alford and the safeties are Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson. Isaiah Simmons (Clemson) is the team's top draft pick this year and can play at either linebacker or safety and will be counted on the help the league's worst defense.
Arizona allowed 402 yards per game last season and also 27.6 points per game. The pass defense gave up 282 yards per game (31st in NFL) and the run defense finished 24th overall, allowing 120 yards per game.
OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury is entering his second season and would like to see Murray continue to progress at quarterback as he now has another prime target in Hopkins to go with Fitzgerald and Kirk in the passing game.
The running game received a boost from Kenyan Drake last season and the Cards dealt David Johnson to the Houston Texans for Hopkins. Along with Drake is Chase Edmonds, who also topped five yards per carry, giving them a solid ground game. Murray is also a threat with his legs as well and isn't afraid to display that talent.
The defense has to get better if this team wants to improve enough to get out of the NFC West cellar, where they have spent the past two seasons. The Cardinals only had seven interceptions and while they did get 40 QB sacks, but that isn't going to fly because too many opponents lit up the secondary on a regular basis.
The Cardinals would do well to reach the .500 level this year and continue to build for the future as they look to improve the defense while making strides on offense with a unique, young and talented quarterback.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at San Francisco
Week Two - vs. Washington
Week Three - vs. Detroit
Week Four - at Carolina
Week Five - at N.Y. Jets
Week Six - at Dallas
Week Seven - vs. Seattle
Week Eight - BYE
Week Nine - vs. Miami
Week Ten - vs. Buffalo
Week Eleven - at Seattle
Week Twelve - at New England
Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Rams
Week Fourteen - at N.Y. Giants
Week Fifteen - vs. Philadelphia
Week Sixteen - vs. San Francisco
Week Seventeen - at L.A. Rams
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