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NFL Power Ranking Preseason Edition: NFC only gets better

By George Stockburger

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 11: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 11: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

. Arizona Cardinals. 25. team. 32. .

Arizona might have gotten the best quarterback in the draft, and at a discounted rate at that. It only cost them a third and fifth round pick to move up five spots with the Oakland Raiders to get a franchise quarterback with the cleanest mechanics you’ll find in college football.

It’s more likely than not that Sam Bradford gets hurt at some point this year, meaning Josh Rosen will get an opportunity to prove himself despite being the fourth quarterback drafted in 2018.

Standing alongside Rosen in the backfield will be running back David Johnson, one of the league’s best when healthy. Having Johnson and Rosen able to balance the offense out will be critical to each of their success. Rosen will have a great opportunity to throw the ball downfield with Larry Fitzgerald, JJ Nelson, Christian Kirk, and Brice Butler, but Johnson will help take some of the load off Rosen’s arm.

On paper there’s a lot left to be desired on the Cardinals defense, especially after losing Tyrann Mathieu. Robert Nkemdiche has a chance to bust out or be a bust at defensive tackle. I’m less than impressed at their depth along the defensive line, especially with pass rushers.

Patrick Peterson is back leading the secondary with Jamar Taylor and Budda Baker, who will get more playing time this season. It’s the bright spot on this Cardinals defense that could give them a push towards a wild card game.

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