Arizona Cardinals' necessary New Year's resolutions

With the end of 2021 approaching, it’s time for self-reflection as we look toward implementing future best practices with the hopes of a brighter tomorrow.

The Arizona Cardinals are no exception.

In all seriousness, while large stretches of this past year can be looked upon fondly, that doesn’t mean this Super Bowl-less organization does not have serious room for improvement. In order to achieve new heights, now is the time to put together a series of New Year’s resolutions in order to build upon the solid foundation laid in 2021.

So let’s toast to fresh starts as we layout the Arizona Cardinals New Year’s resolutions for 2022:

Implement a power run game

As the Arizona Cardinals limp to the finish line once again, much of the blame can be saddled to coach Kliff Kingsbury’s ever inconsistent offense. Gone are the 30+ point explosions and robust box scores, which have instead been replaced by a unit that continually looks out of rhythm on most Sundays. With questions abound pertaining to the unit’s skilled players and their uncertain futures with the team (Zach Ertz, Christian Kirk, A.J. Green), the Cardinals would be best served transitioning different aspects of their high-flying offense into one that’s consistently complemented with a balanced rushing attack.

There’s no secret that, despite his best efforts, Kingsbury too often abandons the run game late, which routinely leads to uneven results. Quarterback Kyler Murray then becomes saddled with too much responsibility, with increased exposure to incoming defensive pressure.

Transitioning to a power run game would not only aid in Murray’s health long-term, but age better late in seasons where the Cardinals are most prone to offensive slip-ups. Mirroring Seattle’s approach early in Russell Wilson’s tenure isn’t a bad blueprint for Kingsbury and company to follow. Solidifying the interior offensive line with road-graders while re-signing both Chase Edmonds and James Conner would signify a new mentality that the Cardinals are no longer a “soft” team.

Chunk plays would still be prevalent, yet less predictable thanks to the presence of a reestablished play-action.

Insert Zaven Collins into the Cardinals’ starting lineup

Once proclaimed as one of the team’s highest-rated defensive players in the entire draft, rookie linebacker Zaven Collins has essentially had a lost rookie season. After spending the large majority of the offseason with the starters, Collins has been relegated to backup duties for most of the year. This, despite the fact that he is currently the team’s highest-graded linebacker against the run.

Alas, similar to that of Isaiah Simmons a year ago, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph simply does not trust the rookie Collins in critical situations. Instead of allowing Collins to grow into his role, his legs have essentially been cut out from under him in favor of journeymen Joe Walker and Tanner Vallejo. Much like the position of quarterback, linebacker is reliant on live reps in order to best gauge offensive schemes and protections.

Only so much can be done by allowing Collins to operate as a scout-teamer and special teams staple.

That has to change in 2022, as the Cardinals’ defense will never reach its truest potential with the likes of the aforementioned Walker and Vallejo continually logging key snaps over Collins. It has gotten to the point where general manager Steve Keim may need to intervene this offseason, forcing Joseph’s hand in the process.

Resist the urge to draft yet another first-round linebacker

Speaking of inside linebackers, the Cardinals and their front office are seemingly addicted to targeting these phenomenal athletes early and often in the draft’s first round — so much so that Keim has opted to go with a first-round inside linebacker four times with his past seven first-round picks.

Unfortunately for Keim, none of those selections has earned a second contract, much less have sniffed a Pro Bowl berth. The closest, 2017’s Haason Reddick, was largely played out of position until his final year with the club where he was shifted back outside as a three-down edge rusher.

Reddick has since responded with 23.5 sacks in his last 31 games played.

Both Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins, the last two remaining top picks on the team, have yet to set the world on fire. Simmons specifically was heralded as a “unicorn” type of prospect that could seemingly take over games with his speed and athleticism. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the former Clemson standout is proving to be more of a situational chess piece rather than the reincarnation of Luke Kuechly.

For better or worse, however, the Cardinals have invested too much in this position and should be held responsible in rolling with what they have. Heading into a critical offseason in which there will be numerous holes to fill throughout the roster, inside linebacker should firmly be checked as a position group that should see little to no outside additions.

Keim and the Cardinals must fight their urge that seemingly creeps up every spring to take yet another crack at the draft’s top young stallion at the position.