2016 NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Arizona Cardinals

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Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

The Arizona Cardinals suffer their fourth defeat of the season, this one to the Carolina Panthers, see themselves in lower half of NFL Power Rankings

After the Arizona Cardinals dropped to 3-4-1 on the season and suffering a few more injuries, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for them. After the first half of the season concluded, the Cardinals still sit in second place behind the Seattle Seahawks.

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer had his best day of the season going 35-46 with three touchdowns and one interception, which was a really great play by Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy. All of that despite being sacked a career-high eight times.

Now the Cardinals can take the weekend off to heal some bruises but also just let guys rest. The Cardinals lost left tackle Jared Veldheer for the season with a torn triceps. They lost safety Tyrann Mathieu with a shoulder injury for the next three to six weeks. They also reached an injury settlement with tight end Ifeanyi Momah.

The Cardinals still have plenty to play for however. They are just a game and a half behind the Seahawks, who play at home this Monday night against the Buffalo Bills. So where do the Cardinals sit in our first edition of the NFL power rankings this season? Now is when teams really start positioning themselves for the playoffs.

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