Arizona Cardinals: 5 NFC West stars to account for in 2017
By Scott Allen
![SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field on December 24, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field on December 24, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fraisingzona-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F08-2F630505476-arizona-cardinals-v-seattle-seahawks-jpg-850x560-2409fd50167e121acb996d17f8fb2d4e75559e76847157a1b20d14e410f09a5e.jpg)
. 5. player. . Running Back. 51. Pick Analysis. Todd Gurley
Last season, the Cardinals pretty much kept Gurley in check. He had 33 carries for just 73-yards in two games against them last season. He did have his best receiving days in 2016 against the Cardinals with nine receptions for 86-yards.
Gurley rushed for 885-yards last season along with six rushing touchdowns. Given his talent and speed however, he is always a threat to beat you.
He fared better against the Cardinals in his rookie season in 2015. In his first-ever game against the Cardinals in October 2015, he carried the ball 19 times for 146-yards, including a 52-yard burst.
Now going into his third NFL season, many are expecting Gurley to start figuring it out on a more consistent basis. As long as he stays healthy, he will be a huge part of the Rams offense for years to come.
With second-year quarterback Jared Goff behind center, the offense will still spend a lot of time relying on Gurley to get the job done on many Sunday’s. The Cardinals will have to spend a great deal of time focusing on stopping him.