NFL.com’s Schein: Cardinals have what it takes to win Super Bowl 50
Dec 1, 2015, 7:30 PM | Updated: Dec 2, 2015, 12:24 pm
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, right, celebrates with guard Mike Iupati (76) and tackle Jared Veldheer after running for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. The Cardinals won 19-13. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Arizona Cardinals are coming off of a 19-13 win over the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, but NFL.com’s Adam Schein thinks they may be able to pull off an even bigger win in Santa Clara come February.
Schein has the Cardinals slotted as the No. 3 team on his list of teams most likely to win the Super Bowl, noting that he thinks they have the best chance of spoiling his first two picks–the Patriots and Panthers.
Arizona can play — and win a game — in any style. The defense, led by a strong line and a playmaking defensive backfield, can pound you and turn you over. The offense is sharp, as Carson Palmer‘s enjoying an MVP-type season with a plethora of weapons at his disposal.
Just how sharp is that offense? Think top of the league. Arizona ranks first in total offense with an average of 410 yards per game. Add in a league-leading third down percentage of 47 and it’s not difficult to see why Schein is convinced that Arizona could possibly go all the way.
Schein adds that Arizona’s strengths extend beyond the field with GM Steve Keim and head coach Bruce Arians.
I’d argue that general manager Steve Keim has put together the most talented roster, 1-53, in the NFL. We know Bruce Arians, who has earned Coach of the Year honors in two of the past three seasons, is a superb head man. He’s done a fine job steering this loaded ship in 2015. And his aggressive style and swagger can pay dividends in the playoffs.
The Cardinals are the only team in the NFL to rank in the top five in both total offense and total defense and at 9-2, Arizona leads the NFC West by three games.
With five games left in the regular season, Arizona looks to clinch the division and earn the No. 2 seed in the NFC and the bye that comes with it. Next on the schedule for the Cardinals is a visit to St. Louis to take on the Rams at 11 a.m. MST.
