Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals: 3 changes that need to happen

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

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Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) carries the ball as Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and cornerback DeShawn Shead (35) defend during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals still have enough season to make a great run but changes need to happen

Normally a 3-3-1 record would not be a reason to panic. Although this is the Arizona Cardinals record after seven games, it still isn’t time to panic but it may be time to make a few changes.

This doesn’t mean wholesale changes or even roster changes necessarily. It means the thinking needs to change and the way the Cardinals and fans look at how they compare to last season. This isn’t the 2015 Cardinals. Different roster, different schedule. Much different schedule.

Sure the Cardinals have their division games and they played the Seattle Seahawks much better at home this time around. However the Cardinals have had to play the AFC East and have to go on the road to face the 5-1 Minnesota Vikings and the resurgent Atlanta Falcons in the second-half of the season.

The Cardinals remain two games back of the Seahawks in the loss column after Sunday night. They definitely still have a shot at the playoffs and this is why some changes should be in order.

The Cardinals play six of their remaining nine games on the road in some hostile environments. It won’t be easy. The Cardinals ended last season with three of four at home. That luxury does not exist in 2016.

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching philosophy

We all love Bruce Arians. I love his risk taking mentality most of the time. I agreed for the most part with going for it on fourth-and-one earlier in the game, even though they came up short.

However when special teams has been struggling and you have a hot David Johnson, why on Earth is Arians not handing the ball to David Johnson on third down there late in overtime from the one yard line? Isn’t that the best time to take a risk?

Johnson got stuffed on second down but this man has proven he can break tackles and protect the ball. If he comes up short, at least he can center the ball for kicker Chandler Catanzaro on a third down try.

I also question the need to challenge everything. Arians challenged a call that clearly could not be challenged and it cost the Cardinals a first-half timeout.

Also, David Johnson is a beast and he should get a lot of touches. However 41 of them in one game, even with the overtime period, is quite a bit. I understand they were a bit short on receivers with both John Brown and Jaron Brown out. However there are other weapons. He’ll wear out by the end of the season if he keeps touching the ball 41 times a game.

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) kicks a field goal from the hold of punter Ryan Quigley (9) against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Special teams

The Cardinals have seen both punter Ryan Quigley and kicker Chandler Catanzaro struggle at times. Both have had their good moments too.

I know a lot of people are asking for them to be cut and bring someone else in but who are you bringing in their place? They might try some guys out but there is a reason why the guys on the street are without a team right now.

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side but you sure have to take a look at the options. One of those options might be a change at special teams coaching.

Not much has gone right on special teams this season from kickoff returns, to long-snapping, to punting, to field goal attempts. Something must change there. I just know if at this point you can replace the players they have?

The Cardinals also need to do something about their kickoff return team. You can’t be bringing the ball out of the end zone and costing your team 10-15 yards of field position.

Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) reacts following the game against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. The game ended in a 6-6 tie after overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Deep passing options

The Cardinals want to continue to try to feed Michael Floyd. For a moment it appeared he was coming out of his funk on Sunday night. Then, he let everyone down once again.

It has become a head game with Floyd. He dropped a completely wide open pass that would have given the Cardinals a first down in overtime deep in Seattle territory.

Quarterback Carson Palmer isn’t even looking for him as an option downfield much anymore. You just can’t trust him right now.

It isn’t talent. Some believe it is. However Floyd is very talented. The confidence is low and it’s now all mental for Floyd.

The big issue is the Cardinals may not have a choice but to use him more given injuries to both John Brown and Jaron Brown. Jaron Brown is now out for the season.

The guy that the Cardinals should start relying on for the big play is J.J. Nelson. Not only can the kid fly, but he has good hands and takes good routes to give himself space to run.