4 reasons why the Cardinals can win the Super Bowl in 2021
By Sion Fawkes
Arizona’s complete roster
The Cardinals currently boast a roster that is among the most complete in the NFL. They have a franchise quarterback, plus a duo of running backs with distinct traits. Chase Edmonds is the speedster who can get around the tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield, while James Conner is great between the tackles. If he stays healthy, that is.
Of course, we know what DeAndre Hopkins can do. But don’t forget about the splashy Christian Kirk, who will get even more chances with A.J. Green and rookie Rondale Moore drawing attention away. And with D.J Humphries returning, plus the arrival of center Rodney Hudson, it also completes a formidable front for Arizona.
Flip over to the defensive line, where Zach Allen has made plays when healthy and Jordan Phillips is not even two years removed from his monster 2019 season. Then there’s J.J. Watt, who remains among the league’s better defensive linemen when healthy. Plus, the Cardinals have depth on the line with Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence.
Chandler Jones, Dennis Gardeck, and Markus Golden have all proven their worth as pass rushers. Devon Kennard has done the same, logging seven sacks in 2018 and 2019 before facing a down year in 2020. Isaiah Simmons can “make the leap” in 2021. And rarely do the Cardinals start their top draft picks immediately, so with Kliff Kingsbury thinking differently about Zaven Collins, let’s consider it a good sign.
Malcolm Butler continues to play at a high level and his presence will help fellow corners Byron Murphy and Robert Alford. Following this year’s NFL Draft, Arizona now also has depth in the secondary with Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan. Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, if the latter stays healthy, can also develop into the NFL’s best safety tandem.