Effort
This is not to say effort hasn’t been there the first two weeks but something was off for the Cardinals. Despite the injuries suffered to major players on both sides of the ball, the Cardinals do appear to be giving a good effort. The talent is certainly there to win plenty of games.
There has been more of a lack of focus at times. The Cardinals seemed out of sorts on both sides of the ball in Indianapolis early on. In Detroit, the offense looked sluggish until late. The defense looked good for the first three quarters.
The Cardinals have a roster full of players that want to win. There is some question as to whether some of the players truly want to be here (see Cardinals starting right tackle. The effort needs to be there 100 percent for four quarters from everyone in all three phases.
Lack of focus can sometimes be interpreted as lack of effort. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot’s effort was questioned last week in Denver. The Cardinals shouldn’t have that issue. Coach Arians won’t stand for it and won’t make any excuses for it if it happens.