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 – SEPTEMBER 11: Center A.Q. Shipley
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 11: Center A.Q. Shipley /

3. The offensive line

The Cardinals did upgrade the offensive line in the off-season. They signed guards J.R. Sweezy and Max Garcia, traded for tackle Marcus Gilbert, and drafted intriguing prospects, Lamont Gaillard and Joshua Miles. But is it enough?

Probably not. Though Gilbert and Sweezy are upgrades, neither will take an offensive line that’s allowed 50+ sacks in back-to-back years over the top. This is why many would’ve liked to see the Cardinals take a pass-protector, Cody Ford, Jawaan Taylor, or Dalton Risner, over the talented Byron Murphy at No. 33 overall.

The Cardinals current, veteran-laden starting line should look something like this:

Admittingly, this is a solid line, and they will be coached by guru Sean Kugler. They’ve started a combined 316 total NFL regular games. But, what scares me is the group’s extensive injury history and efficiency as blockers.

The grouping’s cumulative average Pro Football Focus grade is a lowly 58.4, and they’ve missed a combined 134 NFL regular season games. Both are scary numbers. If the team wants to see better offensive line play, each will need to stay healthy; a bold proposition for an injury prone group.

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