The best team in the NFL that no one is talking about

It’s the Arizona Cardinals. And there is no question about it.

 

Why Bruce Arian's club is my favorite to win the NFC right now:

They are currently 6-1 and now get to face the Cowboys without Tony Romo. I would not be surprised if they represented the NFC in the Super Bowl this year. They are succeeding due to outstanding rushing defense, takeaways on defense, protecting the ball on offense, and efficient special teams.

Arizona’s defense is undoubtedly the driver of this team's dominant play in 2014. It is allowing only 3.3 YPC against the run and has only let up one run of over 20 yards this year. Both are tops in the NFL. Safeties Tony Jefferson and Rashad Johnson are leading the team in tackles, which is a very telling sign of how great this defense is against the run.

Teams have to chuck the rock to move it against the Cardinals, which is why Arizona gives up the most passing yards per game. This hasn’t been a problem for the birds though—they are third in the league in interceptions.

Jerraud Powers leads the Cardinals in interceptions with three on the season.

 

On the other side of the ball, Arizona’s offense is hugely benefitting from contributions from Fitzgerald, John Brown, Michael Floyd, and John Carlson. The team's most dynamic weapon, however, is RB Andre Ellington.

While Ellington has been average as a runner, he has been exceptional as a pass catcher (check out this video). The dude is on pace for 64 receptions this season—right now he has only two less than Larry Fitzgerald—and he is averaging nearly 10 yards per catch. This is an offensive element that the Cardinals have not been able to enjoy in quite awhile (Rashard Mendenhall had 18 catches in 2013; Beanie Wells had 10 catches as the starter in 2011).

Not enough credit is going to Carson Palmer, and even Drew Stanton, who played well in place of Palmer when he was out. Combined, both have only thrown one interception all season and Palmer is only being sacked once per game.



How about rookie kicker Chandler Catanzaro? He is a perfect 16 for 16 this year.
 

Where Arizona needs to improve to get to the Super Bowl:

• This front seven must get more pressure on the QB. The Cards are second-worst in the league in sacks with 7. By comparison, the league-leading Buffalo Bills have four times as many!
• Ellington must improve as an inside runner. He is averaging only 3.6 YPC. He is young and becoming a more complete, patient running back, which is why I like this stat to go up.
• Palmer must stay healthy. While Stanton has played well in his absence, the Cards need Palmer to be under center to make a playoff run.

If the Cardinals can continue to be this efficient on offense and as dominant on defense, a Super Bowl win is not as crazy as you might think. Just look at the recent championship squads; the Seahawks, Ravens, and Giants all had top-notch defenses.