Arizona Cardinals: 5 players who must show improvement

5 of 6

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 18: Wide receiver J.J. Nelson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football after a reception in front of cornerback B.W. Webb #28 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

J.J. Nelson

The kid has a lot of talent. He has a lot of speed. He needs to start putting both to work. Nelson again showed on Sunday a trend that started last season.

While he is explosive when he is able to grab passes, the ones he miss are the ones we remember the most. He dropped a 45-yard pass against the Lions that could have really changed the complexion of the game.

His inconsistency in catching the ball became an issue last year. When he made a couple of huge catches, including the long touchdown in Seattle at the end of last season, many felt he had turned a corner.

His dropped pass overshadowed the five he did catch on Sunday. Granted it was the only one he dropped this past week but still it was the biggest one.

The Cardinals have been lacking that big play from their receivers, especially on deep passes. They need Nelson to become that guy and now.

Home/Cardinals News