Tyrann Mathieu

Five things we learned about the Cardinals this offseason

Published Sep. 8, 2015 8:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Cardinals hot start in 2014 fizzled fast after the injury bug hit a number of key players. Most notably, Carson Palmer underwent ACL surgery. It's no secret the team's success hinges on Palmer's health, as evidenced by his 13-2 mark as a starter since Week 8 of 2013.

If the Cardinals are to come anywhere near close to contending for the NFC West division, Palmer will need to stay healthy.

With the regular season set to kick off in two days, here are the five most important things we learned from the Cardinals preseason.

1. The offensive line is in flux

The Cardinals signed Mike Iupati in the offseason and drafted D.J. Humphries in an effort to bolster the offensive line. Then, Iupati suffered a knee injury and underwent surgery, and Bobby Massie could be facing a three-game suspension. The team also brought back Lyle Sendlein after releasing him in March. It's been a game of musical chairs along the offensive line in the preseason, not the best scenario for a unit that needs to protect a 35-year-old quarterback coming off major knee surgery.

2. Tyrann Mathieu is back

After battling an injury-ridden 2014 season, Tyrann Mathieu believes he's healthy once again. His preseason play has been evidence of that, and his teammates have noted a different player altogether. The LSU standout appears ready to be a difference maker in the secondary for the Cardinals come fall.

3. Patrick Peterson primed for bounce back year

Along with Mathieu's struggles last year, Peterson also battled health problems of his own (diabetes). But now Peterson maintains his diabetes is under control and believes this season could be a defensive MVP type year. Pair a healthy Mathieu and healthy Peterson roaming the secondary and opposing offenses could have a hard time challenging the Cardinals defense through the air.

4. Carson Palmer looks sharp

At age 35, Palmer can still zip the ball. But even after undergoing ACL surgery last November, Palmer believes his arm has gotten stronger. It's a good sign for the Cardinals that Palmer has looked healthy in the preseason. The big concern is whether that can continue throughout the duration of the 2015 season.

5. The Cardinals are loaded with speed on the outside

John Brown burst onto the scene in 2014 as a rookie with 696 yards and five touchdowns. His 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine was second fastest in his draft class. Then the Cardinals drafted J.J. Nelson, who ran a 4.28 40-yard dash -- fastest in his draft class. That's a lot of speed on the outside for opposing defenses to worry about.

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