Arizona Cardinals Worst-Case Scenario: DJ Humphries
By Jeremy Meek
D.J. Humphries might be the key to the success of the offensive line for the Arizona Cardinals
Offensive linemen don’t get the glory that most other positions tend to get. What they do goes under-appreciated by a large portion of fans, who just have a basic understanding of what they do. In reality, a great offensive line can make an average team good. Conversely, a bad line can make a good team average.
The 2016 season wasn’t a great one for the big men up front in Arizona. Overall, by most accounts, they were near the bottom of the league. Pro Football Focus ranked them 26th overall. This wasn’t all on bad play, as injuries had an impact as well.
If the Cardinals want to erase the memory of the 7-8-1 record of a year ago, they need better from the line this year. One guy who can spearhead that improvement is tackle D.J. Humphries.
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Humphries was a first round draft pick in 2015, but was inactive for the entire season. He did win the starting right tackle job last season, and played well enough overall. He even took over the left tackle spot down the stretch, after an injury to Jared Veldheer.
Going into 2017, Humphries is the favorite to start at left tackle, and is all but certain to start at one of the tackle spots. With a 37 year old quarterback, and one who doesn’t move well at that, offensive line play is huge.
The Cardinals offense loves to get the ball down the field, and to do that, Carson Palmer has to have time. The importance of keeping his blind side protected is of the utmost importance.
If Humphries takes a step back, the whole offensive line becomes a problem. Veldheer would probably move to left tackle, and John Wetzel would most likely start on the right side. Wetzel was mostly ineffective when he played last year. The other backups are inexperienced.
The Cardinals offense has loads of potential, and is top flight when everything is going right. However, as last year showed, when the line struggles, it hurts. In 2015, the team finished with the most yards in the league, and second most points. Last season, they dropped several spots in both categories, and it made a difference.
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The offensive line has to be better in 2017. The success of the line might very well determine how the season goes. Humphries has loads of potential, and could be a great left tackle. However, if he falters, then it might be impossible for the Cardinals to rebound from last season.