Arizona Cardinals: 5 players who must show improvement

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates a sack with Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals durning the first half at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates a sack with Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals durning the first half at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: General view of Ford Field before the game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: General view of Ford Field before the game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

John Wetzel

It is not completely fair to Wetzel to be in this spot.  However he is who the Cardinals have to rely on this week and maybe next while starting left tackle D.J. Humphries is out.

Wetzel came into a tough situation last Sunday after Humphries went out early.  The backup was pressed into action.

He had a hard time keeping the Lions defensive line from chasing quarterback Carson Palmer around.  Now Wetzel has been tapped to be the starter on Palmer’s blind side this Sunday in Indianapolis.

Since Humphries was only going to miss one or two weeks, the Cardinals decided not to move Jared Veldheer back to his old position at left tackle and keep him at right tackle.

Had Humphries been out longer, then that move would have been made.  Now, Wetzel must come up big while Humphries recovers and returns.

With running back David Johnson out and the Cardinals needing pass protection more than ever, one might argue this is the most important position on the field this week as Palmer needs to stay upright and given time to complete his passes.

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