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Arizona Cardinals Worst-Case Scenario: Larry Fitzgerald

By Jeremy Meek

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Larry Fitzgerald’s continued success is important to the Arizona Cardinals success in 2017

The 2017 season is about redemption for the Arizona Cardinals. After a disappointing year in 2016, anything less than a return trip to the playoffs will be considered unacceptable. Larry Fitzgerald is going to be a big key to whether or not they can do it.

While the team overall struggled last season, Fitzgerald continued to put up big numbers. He led the NFL with 107 catches, and had eighth season with at least 1,000 yards. With injuries to several of their other receivers, and Palmer struggling at times, the future Hall of Famer did what he always does, and made plays.

However, what if age finally catches up to Fitzgerald? What does 2017 look like if he takes a step backwards?

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In August, Fitzgerald turns 34 years old. That isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, especially considering how he played last year. There are signs, though, that he’ll need more help this coming year.

Fitzgerald’s role wasn’t the same in 2016 as it has been in the past. As evidenced by his career low 9.6 yards per catch, he wasn’t asked to get down the field often. He was more of a possession receiver, though a very good one. His longest reception of the year was just 33 yards.

Around Fitzgerald are lots of questions. Last year, injuries affected the receiving corps for much of the season. John and Jaron Brown are hoping to return to form after tough outings a year ago. The Cardinals also drafted Chad Williams with the hope he could be developed into a future top pass catcher.

David Johnson will get his share of receptions out of the backfield, and J.J. Nelson is effective in smaller doses. Jermaine Gresham has the potential to contribute from the tight end position if the gameplan can figure out how to work him in.

Still, despite having some potential around him, the success of the passing game hinges on the success of Fitzgerald. The big “if” is whether or not he can stay at his current level. If he declines further, then the pressure falls to his supporting cast, which could be a problem.

Next: Cardinals Need to Involve Tight Ends

Larry Fitzgerald is one of the game’s all-time great wide receivers. What he did in 2016 was tremendous. However, even the best eventually come to the end. The Cardinals need Fitzgerald to repeat his performance from last season. If not, the Cardinals offense could become one-dimensional, and the playoffs might be out of reach.

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