Arizona Cardinals: Five biggest disappointments in 2016

By Scott Allen | Dec 28, 2016

Dec 24, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter as he is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) at CenturyLink Field. The Cardinals won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 6

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) makes a catch against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Bethel

A couple of weeks ago, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians called him a “failure in progress” when a reporter asked about his progress this season. Bethel was never able to get on track.

Bethel was injured in the spring and struggled to stay healthy in training camp. The writing was on the wall. He was supposed to compete for a starting spot opposite cornerback Patrick Peterson after Jerraud Powers left.

However Bethel was constantly beat and looked lost at times at corner. Furthermore, he has struggled in special teams as times as well.

Special teams is his forte. However a couple of weeks ago, during a game just days after Arians’ comments, Bethel clearly didn’t have his head in the game. He was called for offsides three different times.

He can still make plays on special teams but now the worry is does he have the mental focus to even consistently perform there?

Home/Cardinals News