3 Arizona Cardinals who fell short of expectations so far in 2022
By Sion Fawkes
When you are 4-8 and your team is full of veterans, you know you fell short. But these three Arizona Cardinals fell well short of 2022 expectations.
The Arizona Cardinals have been disappointing as a unit in 2022. But there are a few players who fell well short of what fans expected. Below, are the bottom three of what would otherwise be a rather large list of Redbirds who did not fare well this season. So let’s explore what went wrong, and whether the following players will be back next season.
1 – Kyler Murray
Over the offseason, the Arizona Cardinals signed Kyler Murray to a huge contract extension. One that wasn’t so well deserved when you look at the big picture, given Murray’s lack of postseason success and failure to even win the division.
Either way, expectations rose, and Murray has fallen flat, with just 2,359 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns through 10 games, putting him on pace for 21 touchdowns and 3,538 passing yards, short of his 2021 numbers. He has also taken 25 sacks, putting him on pace for his highest number since 2018. His QBR of 50.2 is a career low, as is his 87.1 passer rating.
Verdict: Returns in 2023
2 – James Conner
While he had a great game last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, Conner has yet to live up to his contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He has averaged more rushing yards per game this season, and his YPC is also up, but not so much that it justifies bringing him back for another year.
Conner has also been his usual, injury-prone self, and has not been anywhere near as effective at the goal line. Overall, Conner should have a place on the Cardinals roster, but going into 2023, there is no way he can be a featured back.
Verdict: Returns in 2023, but as an RB2
3 – A.J. Green
No one expected A.J. Green to put up spectacular numbers at this point in his career. But they also didn’t think he’d catch only 18 passes for 121 yards in 10 appearances. That’s 6.7 yards per catch, and, with 36 targets, Green has a catch percentage rate of just 50%.
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Green has been a waste this season, and younger players like Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch have easily passed him up from a productivity standpoint. Of all the Arizona Cardinals listed, Green may be the biggest disappointment.
Verdict: Will not be on the roster in 2023.
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