ARIZONA CARDINALS

Football Outsiders tabs the Cardinals’ pass-catchers as best position

Jul 25, 2022, 8:00 PM | Updated: Jul 26, 2022, 11:35 am

(AP Photo/Ralph Freso)...

(AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

(AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Now that quarterback Kyler Murray signed his contract extension and center Rodney Hudson set to return from his absence, the Arizona Cardinals can set their sights on the 2022 NFL season distraction-free.

After a disappointing loss in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Rams last year, the Cardinals enter the season with a balanced offensive and defensive attack with a number of talent in position rooms on both sides of the ball.

That being said, some position groups are better than others.

In the Cardinals’ case, Football Outsiders writer Vincent Verhei thinks the pass-catchers in Arizona are the superior position group.

There’s no doubt about it, Murray will have an abundance of options to throw the pigskin to this season.

The Cardinals have a strong receiving room and tight end group to go with running backs James Conner and Darrel Williams catching passes out of the backfield.

Having a collection of receivers who all have different skillsets sets apart the pass-catchers from other Cardinals’ position groups for Verhei.

Arizona’s trio of wideouts — deep threat Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, possession receiver A.J. Green and YAC threat Rondale Moore — complement one another nicely.

You will notice a big name missing in DeAndre Hopkins, who is suspended until Week 7 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

However, Arizona has no shortage of options to spread the ball around with Hopkins unable to play.

The Cardinals and head coach Kliff Kingsbury could opt to feed the tight ends this season, with promising rookie Trey McBride joining a room that is headlined by three-time Pro Bowler, Zach Ertz.

Rookie Trey McBride joins veteran Zach Ertz to give the Cards a one-two punch at tight end. And don’t forget James Conner, third among running backs in receiving value (DYAR) and first in per-target efficiency (DVOA) at Football Outsiders last season.

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Football Outsiders tabs the Cardinals’ pass-catchers as best position