2022 was not the Arizona Cardinals year. But is there hope for this franchise roughly 365 days from the next Super Bowl? Let’s go exploring.
The Arizona Cardinals went from, at worst, a middle-of-the-road NFL team to a group hanging out near the league’s basement. They definitely aren’t going to fare well in any power ranking in the near-future, and spoiler alert, your Redbirds are in the bottom five in my Way Too Early Edition.
As for the rest of the NFC West, the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers aren’t faring so badly. That said, the Redbirds got some serious ground to make up. So without further ado, let’s check out who ranks where, and how far behind the rest of the NFC West the Redbirds find themselves.
Where do the Arizona Cardinals stand in the way too early Power Rankings?
32 – Houston Texans
The Texans are basically starting over with a familiar face in DeMeco Ryans leading the charge. Before anything, this team needs a marquee quarterback.
31 – Indianapolis Colts
We knew the Colts were a mess when Jim Irsay hired Jeff Saturday as the interim coach. Like Houston, they need a quarterback to at least stir some fan interest.
30 – Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of young talent on defense. But they may be playing a backup quarterback with smallish receivers for a while.
29 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The biggest question – Who will replace Tom Brady? And will his successor lead the team back to their winning ways? There are far more questions than answers in the Bay Area.
28 – Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will join the Who will play quarterback? discussion once they (likely) release Derek Carr. Then there’s the fact Josh McDaniels is still in the driver’s seat. It could get ugly in Vegas.
27 – Chicago Bears
The Bears may have the first overall pick, but they also have a potential franchise quarterback. If they build around Justin Fields, don’t be surprised if they’re in playoff contention next season.
26 – New Orleans Saints
The Saints have talent, but once again, they’re a team without a quarterback. However, they are closer to contention than most quarterback-needy teams.
25 – Atlanta Falcons
2023 should be a building year for the Atlanta Falcons. Look for them to get younger and experience some more growing pains. But they may see a light at the end of the tunnel come 2024.
24 – Denver Broncos
Can Sean Payton turn this team around? Or better yet, the offense? Like the Bears, Denver is closer to contention than most of us may think. That defense is good.
23 – Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were a team that made the most out of a weak roster. Or seemingly weak. With Frank Reich in charge, they could turn things around sooner than later.
22 – Tennessee Titans
Lots of questions surrounding the Titans. Is Ryan Tannehill still the guy? Will Derrick Henry start showing signs of aging? The Titans can literally go either way next season.
21 – Washington Commanders
For three years, I’ve been high on the Commanders and for three years, they’ve failed me. They are yet another team on this list who needs a quarterback before they become serious contenders.
Way too early Power Rankings – #20 to #10
20 – Green Bay Packers
If Aaron Rodgers leaves, the Packers may tank. But then again, Rodgers brought this team back around quickly after experiencing a lean season in his first year as a starter. Maybe we will say the same about Jordan Love?
19 – Los Angeles Rams
If the Rams see a few players hang it up, they too will tank in these rankings later in the offseason. Until then, we’ll keep them in the middle of the pack.
18 – New York Jets
The Jets have made it clear they’re ready to move on from Zach Wilson. And once more, we’re looking at a team that’s only a quarterback away from contention.
17 – Cleveland Browns
Is Cleveland regretting their large investment in DeShaun Watson? If Watson doesn’t improve next season, the Browns will go back to being the Browns even more so in 2023.
16 – New England Patriots
Is a quarterback controversy brewing in New England? As much as this team should want to stick with Mac Jones, what if Bailey Zappe comes out and has a great camp?
15 – Seattle Seahawks
Can Geno Smith and Company do it again? Honestly, the guy is just 32 and will be 33 for the upcoming year. At this point, I’m saying they go for it.
14 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett will never be Ben Roethlisberger. But he made enough strides for Steeler fans all over the country to believe he can be the long-term answer at the position.
13 – New York Giants
What a surprise season for the Giants. If they add a few more puzzle pieces, the NFC East is going to sizzle in 2023.
12 – Baltimore Ravens
Oh, what do you do with Lamar Jackson? Sign him to a long-term deal? Franchise him? Trade him? Jackson is a great quarterback, but injuries have taken their toll over the past two seasons.
11 – Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were arguably the NFL’s most entertaining team in the regular season. With a year of experience under the new regime’s belts, the Vikes are another group that is just a few pieces away from making a deep playoff run.
Way too early Power Rankings – #10 to #1
10 – Miami Dolphins
What’s going to happen with Tua? Do you look for someone else given his recent concussion issues? This is a good football team, but there might be some uncertainty at quarterback.
9 – Detroit Lions
The Lions were the NFL’s most entertaining team next to their division rival, and they’ve become an organization players are going to want to play for. How close are they?
8 – Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers may have collapsed in the Wildcard Playoffs, but this team has shown they can win and win often. Look for Justin Herbert to take this team further in 2023.
7 – Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are just a few adjustments from playing in their first NFC Championship Game since 1995. And Jerry Jones knows it.
6 – Jacksonville Jaguars
Ooh yes, did Trevor Lawrence prove the doubters wrong this season?! It’s so refreshing to see a team like Jacksonville look like serious contenders. Small market, historically bad for most of their existence (except between 1996 and 2001). It’s just refreshing.
5 – Buffalo Bills
Sooner than later, this team will break through. It’s a matter of when for Josh Allen and Company. And there are few cities more deserving of seeing their team play in the Super Bowl.
4 – San Francisco 49ers
The Niners may have a quarterback controversy, but it’s a good problem. Most likely, it will boil down to Brock Purdy vs. Trey Lance. As to who wins…who cares? The Niners are going to be winning football games regardless.
3 – Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals, in my opinion are the best team in the AFC. They just didn’t play smart football in the AFC Championship Game, which led to the Chiefs winning the Big Game.
2 – Philadelphia Eagles
You won’t find more passionate fans in most of America, so it’s a shame the Eagles couldn’t finish. But you know what? This team is going to be good for a long time.
1 – Kansas City Chiefs
Do we have a dynasty on our hands? I think we do. Look for the Chiefs to win at least one more Super Bowl in the 2020s, and there are few quarterbacks in the league I’d rather see be the face of that dynasty than Patrick Mahomes.
Overall, the Arizona Cardinals got a lot of ground to make up. But with the right head coach, they have enough talent to slide up these rankings. If Kyler Murray returns and gets his act together in a timely fashion, they may be better than most of us think.
Article Source: Early NFL power rankings 2023: Where do Chiefs, Eagles land? by NFL Nation Reporters
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