It’s that time of year again. It’s time for the three burning questions series. Last season this series was divided up into the eight NFL divisions. This season each team will be spotlighted individually. Here are three burning questions for the Arizona Cardinals.
Who will make a bigger impact: Drake or Hopkins?
The Cardinals certainly saw enough out of Kenyan Drake in his small sample size for them last season. So much so they parted ways with running back David Johnson via a trade with the Houston Texans for arguably the best wide receiver in football in Deandre Hopkins.
While a solid running back will help their mobile second-year quarterback, it’s hard to imagine Drake having a bigger impact than Hopkins. Drake could easily rush for over 1,000 yards. But in addition to his ability to make any catch a potentially big play, Hopkins will garner double coverage, freeing up Christian Kirk and the face of the franchise for the past 16 seasons, Larry Fitzgerald. All three receivers will have their share of big plays. For Fitzgerald, this may be the best offense he’s been a part of, at least on paper.
What will the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year do for an encore?
While some were surprised by Kyler Murray walking away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, they can’t argue with his play in his debut season. While he had the expected rookie hiccups, he also showed leadership and accountability for his mistakes.
Although his play didn’t translate into wins, Murray had his team in a position to win almost every game, but it just didn’t pan out. With the acquisition of Hopkins, along with the chemistry he built with his receivers last year, Murray is expected to have a superb sophomore season. The team also solidified the offensive line to protect their franchise quarterback. Just about every move the Cardinals made this off-season had helping Murray be more successful in year two in mind.
Who will be the X factor on the defensive side of the ball?
Linebacker Isaiah Simmons, the eighth overall pick out of Clemson, will add to a defense led by linebacker Chandler Jones. Nose tackle Jordan Phillips and middle linebacker Jordan Hicks will also need to be accounted for, which will allow Simmons to make plays. If not for a pass rusher from Ohio State in Washington, Simmons would be an overwhelming early favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
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