Raising Zona
FanSided

5 reasons to worry about the Arizona Cardinals in 2019

By Avery Duncan

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on from the bench in the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Los Angeles Rams won 31-9. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on from the bench in the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Los Angeles Rams won 31-9. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field following the NFL game against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Arizona Cardinals won 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 24: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field following the NFL game against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Arizona Cardinals won 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

5. Patrick Peterson’s suspension

For years Patrick Peterson has brought the Cardinals consistent and elite cornerback play. Since being drafted by the team in 2011, he’s made eight straight Pro-Bowl appearances and hasn’t missed a single game.

Unfortunately, his Pro-Bowl and game streaks appear to be coming to an end. Peterson will have to watch the first six games of the season from his couch as the NFL has given him a six-game suspension due to the use of PEDs. Though the Cardinals have solid depth behind him, replacing a consensus top-five cornerback will be tough.

As it currently stands, rookie Byron Murphy and veteran Tramaine Brock are fighting to earn the spot as Peterson’s six-week replacement. Although Murphy was a highly coveted prospect, and Brock has provided teams with solid, near star level play in the past, neither are up to par with Peterson’s skill set.

Along with Chandler Jones, Peterson has been a leader for the Cardinals defense both statistically and vocally. He’s done so since he stepped on the field in Arizona. The Cards will miss that production and leadership, that becomes truer considering that in their first six games they will face these star quarterbacks: Mathew Stafford, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, and Matt Ryan.

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