Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals: Pro Bowl possibilities

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; General view of the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals haven’t had the season they wanted but three players stand out as Pro Bowl worthy

The Arizona Cardinals are 5-6-1 and likely to miss the playoffs after high expectations coming into the season. However there are some individuals that have had Pro Bowl seasons.

These potential Pro Bowlers are the main reason the Cardinals even have an outside chance remaining at making the postseason if they run the table and win all four remaining games.

As this is the last week to vote, it would be hard to argue against any of these three players. There are others who will get votes but these three players have been the most consistent performers so far in 2016.

While all three are Pro Bowl worthy, do the Cardinals collectively deserve to have as many three Pro Bowlers? Maybe. Odds are with injuries, teams in playoffs, and people bowing out, the Cardinals could see more than three at the game, held in Orlando, Florida this season.

These three are the top candidates though. Please feel free to agree or disagree. A couple of these guys are no-brainers but everyone has an opinion and none of them are wrong. Here are the three the Cardinals could send to Orlando.

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

David Johnson

I think it goes without saying Cardinals running back David Johnson is well deserving of his first Pro Bowl nod. He’s on track to win offensive awards in the postseason.

He just went over the 1,000-yard mark on the ground. He has carried the ball 228 times for a total of 1,005-yards. That works out to a 4.4-yard-per-carry average.

He has 11 touchdowns on the ground. However his versatility is what makes him special. He also has 64 receptions for 704-yards. He has four touchdowns receiving.

If the Cardinals were near the top of the NFC like they were last season, there is no doubt Johnson would be an MVP candidate. He’ll get votes there anyway but the Pro Bowl only will likely have to do for 2016.

Johnson has a shot for 1,000 plus yards rushing and receiving. Where would the Cardinals be without him? It’s a thought I’m glad right now we don’t have to realize. He is definitely the Cardinals MVP.

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs with the ball after a catch as Washington Redskins defensive back Tanard Jackson (36) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Larry Fitzgerald

The 13-year receiver for the Cardinals is once again showing age is just a number. A few years back it looked as if his career was winding down.

Since becoming a slot-receiver three years ago upon the arrival of coach Bruce Arians, Fitz has found new life. He just reached third on the NFL’s all-time receptions list this past Sunday in the Cardinals victory over the Washington Redskins.

He has 88 receptions for 880-yards so far this season, closing in on his eighth 1,000-yard season of his career. He is on pace to surpass his career-high 112 receptions he had in 2015. Amazingly this would be just his fourth season with 100 or more receptions.

He has just five touchdowns this season but the presence of David Johnson and the attention he gets from defenses have a lot to do with that number. Guaranteed though that Fitz would give it all up for a Super Bowl victory. At age 33, he is doing many things receivers at 23 can only imagine.

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) i sacked by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Markus Golden

Although he has just started three of the Cardinals 12 games so far in 2016, linebacker Golden is second on the team with seven sacks. Only linebacker Chandler Jones has more with eight sacks and he’s started all eight games.

Jones is worthy of a spot as well but if it came down to the two of them, I’d take Golden right now. He’s done more with less.

In addition to the seven sacks, Golden has 37 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He’s already surpassed his rookie numbers from 2015 and there are still the four games remaining in 2016.

Golden’s quickness is what surprises offensive lines the most. The timing of his sacks seems to be what is most impressive. He’s only had more than one sack in one game this season, so he chooses his moments.

He could end up with 10 sacks and will have started less than half the team’s games this season. Send him to Orlando.