Arizona Cardinals: What If the Injury Bug Plagues Them?
By Cyle Gill
Oct. 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end (93) Calais Campbell and defensive tackle (92) Dan WIlliams against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Across the league, teams have been riddled with injuries, players are dropping like flys who where introduced to a can of Raid. While this is a chance for depth player, the Cardinals need to stay healthy if they want a chance to make the playoffs.
So far, 11 players have already been bitten and have had their season cancelled. These unlucky few are Dennis Pitta, Tyrone Crawford, Jason Phillips, Darius Fleming, Bryan Bulaga, Dan Koppen, Aaron Berry, Jeremy Maclin, Melvin Ingram, Chris Culliver, and Keenan Robinson.
Injuries are a way for depth players to see some real action, but this season, the Cardinals are going to need all 22 starters to stay healthy. As long as they can stay unbitten, they have a decent shot to win most of their games.
The Cardinals have a good amount of players who need some healing to do, but everyone so far should be ready to go week one. If this team wants to have a good season, everyone needs to be out on the field.
I honestly do believe that they can come together and win the west, if they want it bad enough. On the other hand, if Carson Palmer gets bitten, say goodbye to the season.
With the offensive line and running backs, I believe they could probably manage with an injury or two. With the receivers, they need to avoid the bug or its going to be tough to put up points.
The defensive line and linebackers should also be ok with an injury or two, but I wouldn’t bet on it though. As for the secondary, I’m going to put my trust in Bruce Arians that he knows what he’s doing, so that unit should be fine as well.
So if they do get plagued by this bug, it all depends on where and who it strikes if it’s really going to affect their season. I sure hope it leaves them alone because I’m looking forward to watching some good Cardinals football.