Five Things to Love About the 2014 Arizona Cardinals

Aug 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

4. The Secondary

While being a nearly unbreakable wall for running backs, the Cardinals didn’t do so well in pass defense, ranking 15th in the league. To help bolster the secondary, the Cardinals signed Antonio Cromartie and drafted Deone Bucannon. The secondary is also bolstered by the apparent improvement of Jerraud Powers and the return of Tyrann Mathieu. Now, the group of defensive backs shows great versatility and depth.  Patrick Peterson is one of the very best, and Cromartie, Powers, and Justin Bethel are a solid surrounding group. Last season, a teams second receiver or tight end would be what killed the Cards, but the added depth gives them the ability to shut down opposing receivers more effectively.

At safety, Bucannon, Mathieu, Rashad Johnson, and Tony Jefferson are all reasonable starters. They all have individual skill sets that Arizona can use in whatever situation they find themselves in. Outside of pass coverage, the safeties on the roster are big hitters . Bucannon especially had proven very useful as a nickel linebacker.

The Cardinals have talent and depth in the defensive secondary, which will be a very helpful asset to their prospects.