Five Reasons the Arizona Cardinals Will Win Super Bowl LII

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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Frostee Rucker (92), defensive coordinator James Bettcher, defensive end Calais Campbell (93), defensive end Cory Redding (90) and defensive tackle Ed Stinson (91) celebrate after beating the Green Bay Packers 38-8 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Front Office/ Coaching Staff

The Arizona Cardinals’ front office and coaching staff will have their hands full preparing for the 2017 season. Although the roster is loaded with talent, free agency took a bite out of the defense as Calais Campbell, Kevin Minter, D.J. Swearinger, Marcus Cooper, and Tony Jefferson all departed. The responsibility to replace these players will rest on the front office, but they are off to a good start.

Bethea is a suitable replacement for one of the safety losses, most likely Jefferson. Karlos Dansby was brought in, again, to replace Minter, and Robert Nkemdiche was drafted to eventually replace Campbell. If the signings of Bethea and Dansby work out, and Nkemdiche can perform to his potential, the remaining holes could easily be filled by this year’s deep defensive back draft class.

After the front office finds the replacements, it is up to James Bettcher to utilize this talent. Since the departure of Todd Bowles two offseasons ago, Bettcher has improved the defense every year. The Cardinals should not fall far from their #2 defense spot from a year ago, if they fall at all.

Finally, when it comes to the coaching staff, it is Bruce Arians’ turn. Arians is ultimately in control of the offense and the play-calling. Expect more down-field shots in 2017, reminiscent of the 2015 offense. If the Cardinals draft either Mike Williams or Corey Davis, and then continue taking deep shots, the run-game will open up more for David Johnson.

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