2023 NFL Team Draft Page

For the first 6 quarters of the season, the Cardinals looked like a lost team destined for a top five pick in the 2023 draft. A group that was riddled with injuries and disfunction on the field, coupled with controversy and uncertainty off the field. However, either through incredible talent, sheer dumb luck or just the heorics of Kyler Murray, they now sit with a 1-1 record and a completely changed narrative. Arizona now comes into Week 3 with some good things to build on once it gets healthy and some hope for the future.

Winning cures all.

KYLER MURRAY TAKES IT HIMSELF pic.twitter.com/izTIe6kHky

— Fantasy Life (@MBFantasyLife) September 18, 2022

The Cardinals still have plenty of problems, however, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Arizona allowed 67 total points and an average of 302 passing yards in its first two games - good for the worst and second worst in the league, respectively - while recording just one sack. In the 41-22 blowout to the Chiefs Week 1, the defense allowed 33 first downs on 66 total plays.

Though they've gotten away with it the last two years, inexplicably still middle of the pack in passing defense in the Kliff Kingsbury era before this season, Arizona's lack of depth in the secondary seems to finally be catching up with them. Joey Porter Jr., son of former NFL linebacker who played from 1999 to 2011, should theoretically be a huge boost once slotted opposite Week 2 heroes Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Simmons. His blend of size and speed, as well as his experience on the outside, should make for a good No. 1 CB in Vance Joseph's man-heavy scheme.