Arizona Cardinals: End of era not guaranteed

The Arizona Cardinals continue to lose games and players in a year thought to be the last chance for the Bruce Arians era

The feeling for many is that this era of the Arizona Cardinals has reached its pinnacle. The window has closed. Maybe, maybe not.

Certainly on the surface it would appear that the Cardinals season is going to come without a postseason. At 4-5 and without a number of starters due to injury, 2017 would appear to be a lost cause.

But is is an end to the Bruce Arians era? An era that is only in its fifth season. Logic would tell you it likely is over but then again, nothing has been set in stone.

Let’s not forget, the Cardinals still have Carson Palmer under contract for next season. Despite false stories about Arians calling it quits at the end of the season, the speculation still exists.

Then there is the man himself, receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz said before this season began he wouldn’t discuss his 2018 plans until the season had ended.

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Even though it feels like the season has ended, there are still seven games left. Of those seven games, four are at home.

The Cardinals sent three more starters to injured reserve officially on Monday. This wasn’t the season the team envisioned when they came back.

They’ve had a major injury affect every game, including the opener when running back David Johnson was lost to a broken wrist. Johnson will be back, that much we do know.

So, though it feels like it could be the end of the window to win a Super Bowl with this group, don’t believe it until its official. There will be some changes next season, that much we know.

Whether Palmer returns or not next season, the Cardinals must address their future at quarterback this offseason. Even if they do move on with one more attempt in this window, the Cardinals shouldn’t and likely won’t ignore the future plans this time around.