Arizona Cardinals

Not much change to Arizona Cardinals roster

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

foxsports

The Arizona Cardinals were just one win away from playing in the Super Bowl last season so a complete makeover wasn’t necessary

The Arizona Cardinals went into the 2016 offseason feeling pretty good about themselves. As the saying goes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it “.

They weren’t completely perfect. A pass rusher was needed, as was an upgrade at the cornerback spot opposite Patrick Peterson.

But when the final roster was announced there were only 12 new faces. For you mathematicians, they brought back 77.4 percent of the 2015 team. A pretty impressive number that shows what an efficient job the front office is doing.

One good way for an NFL team to continue its success is by continuity. Remarkably, every skill position player on this year’s club was with the team last season. An offense runs much better when it’s members all know the playbook and are on the same page.

Out of the nine defensive lineman retained only first-round draft pick Robert Nkemdiche is new to the roster. Every one of the remaining eight are well versed in the defense. Being able to rotate defensive lineman is a huge advantage, especially late in contests.

The biggest turnover this offseason was on the offensive line and in the secondary. Four out of the nine offensive lineman are new, although Evan Mathis is the only starter of that group.

There are also four new members out of the nine players that comprise the secondary. Cornerbacks Brandon Williams and Marcus Cooper will be suiting up as Cards for the first time Sunday night. Tyvon Branch and Marqui Christian are new additions at safety.

So Arizona fans, when you tune in for the game this Sunday night, you’ll notice mostly familiar faces. The fact is, when you’re a team that got to the NFC Championship, major change is not warranted. Stick with what works.