Arizona Cardinals: 5 areas to fix for 2017

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals punter Drew Butler (2) punts during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals punter Drew Butler (2) punts during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Punter

It is still hard to decipher what the love affair the Cardinals have with punter Drew Butler is all about.  He was re-signed last week.  He hasn’t performed any better than his first go-around.

The Cardinals were pinned at their own six on Sunday on fourth down.  He couldn’t get the ball to mid-field.  He kicked the ball just 39-yards, putting the Falcons less than 10-yards away from field goal range.

Butler isn’t the answer.  Yes, we all realize he is the holder for Chandler Catanzaro.  That’s not a valid reason to keep him as a punting liability.  There are a lot of qualified people in the league than can hold a placekick.

The Cardinals will need to address this position outside of the draft.  There is no reason to stretch for a guy in the draft.  Are there a lot of better options than Butler right now?  Maybe, maybe not. They have to try however.  The Butler experiment is just not working.