J.J. Watt signing shocks NFC West power rankings

Claiming the second spot in the NFC West power rankings are the Arizona Cardinals. Now before I get “homer” comments, the reason they made this jump is because of the following:

• The timing of the signing of J.J. Watt
• Arizona is becoming a destination for high profile players
• The defense has an incredibly high floor

Watt chose the red birds over the Browns, Packers, and a handful of other teams that were giving him more money. Watt couldn’t resist the opportunity to suit up with his former Texans teammate, DeAndre Hopkins.

On top of all of that, for this deal to be agreed upon two weeks ahead of free agency shows that Steve Keim isn’t messing around. Watt had to consider the fact that if he performs well in Arizona, he’ll be their best defensive player of all time, and a sure-fire lock for the hall of fame.

I’ve wrote about the jumps the defense has made in the last two years, where they were without Chandler Jones, and more. Watt’s ability to demand attention from the opposing offensive line will only help defensive coordinator Vane Joseph and the secondary. If they get one of the premier corners when free agency actually opens up or from the draft, they’ll arguably be tied with the L.A. Rams for first in the division.