Interesting. Is anyone here an E$PN In$ider and can take a look at the article?
My assumption is that they have our RB and QB groups ranked low, maybe along with the offensive line (and really, from an outside perspective, does anyone besides Veldheer appear like an average offensive lineman right now?).
On defense, while the secondary looks objectively awesome, and the defensive line is exciting among the starters and even some depth, the OLBs and ILBs look pretty pedestrian.
This team last season (probably) played greater than the sum of its parts, and several of the best parts left via free agency or suspension last year. I can see how that would work out to an "objective" low grade.
Although PFF is garbage.
Offense:
On the surface the Arizona Cardinals have some talented pieces in place, most notably at wide receiver with Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd. The offensive line, however, allowed the most pressure on a per-snap basis a year ago, with 242 total pressures from 620 passing plays.
The good news is that adding Jared Veldheer helps, as will Bobby Massie's expected return to the starting lineup at right tackle, but will it make enough of a difference? At running back it's hard not to be impressed by Andre Ellington, who forced 31 missed tackles from just 157 touches on offense, but it's fair to question whether he can be an every-down back or if he's better suited for a lower-volume, higher-impact role in which he won't be worn down by a full workload.
Defense:
The Cardinals have an interesting mix of tremendous players and areas of concern. Defensive back Tyrann Mathieu was a stud as a rookie and could be a star if he returns to full health after last season's ACL tear. Patrick Peterson is capable of manning up against the best receivers in the league. The one man on the defense we deemed elite is Calais Campbell, who had the second-highest overall PFF grade among 3-4 defensive ends.
While Campbell and Mathieu solidify the line and the secondary, respectively, there are plenty of questions at linebacker. They lost Karlos Dansby in free agency and Daryl Washington to suspension, and outside of a 36-year old John Abraham, they have lacked an edge rusher for several seasons.
