Raising Zona
FanSided

Arizona Cardinals: 20 players on bubble for 2018

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 21
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 08: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 08: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Justin Bethel

A year ago December after the road loss to the Miami Dolphins, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians deemed Bethel a “failure in progress”.  One year later, although the same term has not been used, is that still the same thought?

Bethel has started six of the 14 game she has played in.  He is close to his production output from a year ago with 36 tackles and four passes defensed.

He does have one interception but that was in week one.  Of his 36 tackles, 10 have been assisted.  Of his 39 last season, only two were assisted.

The point is, Bethel has been here six years now but really has yet to play consistently the way the Cardinals need him to.  Right now, it may be the end of the line for him in a Cardinals uniform.

Even a strong finish over the last two games may not be enough for the Cardinals to end the Bethel experiment.  Has always been consistent on special teams but is just not cutting it on defense.

Return in 2018 prediction: No

Home/Cardinals News