Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
3. Strong Veteran Presence
The Cardinals roster benefits from many experienced players in the locker room. Players like Larry Fitzgerald, Calais Campbell, and John Carlson are all seasoned veterans and consummate professionals who play major roles. Fitz and Campbell are of course fan favorites and incredibly valuable. New additions like Carlson and Antonio Cromartie provide a great counter-balance to the young players on the roster. Veteran leaders are often the players that hold a team together in the grind of a 16 game season.
All of the veterans provide different benefits. Fitzgerald is still one of the best at his job. Despite making less big plays, his excellent strength and route running make him incredibly valuable to the offense. Campbell is now the lone leader on the defensive line. Behind him , Cromartie and John Abraham can cover and rush the passer.
The presence of at least one player who knows the ins and outs of being effective and their position in almost every roster spot is a significant quality that Arizona is fortunate to have.