Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals mistakes dash playoff hopes in 38-19 loss

By Scott Allen

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) 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 wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) 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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The Arizona Cardinals can start thinking about 2017 after loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday

Next stop, 2017 NFL Draft.  The Arizona Cardinals erased whatever hope they had of making the 2016 postseason with a 38-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

While not mathematically eliminated, the Cardinals would have to run the table and hope for a lot of help to make the playoffs.  A lot of help may be an understatement.

The Cardinals were hurt by their own mistakes again.  Penalties kept Falcons drives alive all afternoon.  The Cardinals made critical errors on both sides of the ball on Sunday.

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer was 25-49 for 289-yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. He threw a late interception after the game had already been decided.  Running back Daivd Johnson carried the ball just 13 times for 58-yards.  He was on the receiving end of 103-yards of Palmer’s 289-yards.

Pass interference calls against Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson kept a couple of drives going for the Falcons.  One of them was very questionable, however the Cardinals could not recover from the calls.

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Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan went 26-34 for 269-yards and two touchdowns.  He had a fluke interception after receiver Julio Jones could not hold on to a pass running a crossing pattern. Falcons running back Devonta Freeman carried the ball 16 times for 60-yards and two touchdowns.

So what now for the Cardinals?  At this point, the playoffs are off the table.  The Cardinals need to just find a way to win a football game period now.  They come home next week to host the Washington Redskins.

The Cardinals are going to have to start planning for who on this roster will need to be replaced in 2017.  That list seems to be growing with each passing week.  They should start with the offensive line.

With a makeshift line, the Cardinals are going to need to attack free agency and the draft looking for new lineman.  D.J. Humphries started his first game at left tackle.  The move didn’t pay off.

Now it is time to finish off the 2016 and start over.  The Cardinals failed to meet any expectations in 2016.  Injuries are a part of it but do not come close to telling the whole story.  The roster is in need of a major overhaul.

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