2018 NFL Power Rankings: Eagles no longer on top after Week 2 of preseason

22. Arizona Cardinals

The pressure was already on the Arizona Cardinals to get back into the playoff mix after missing out in each of the last two seasons, but the pressure hit a whole new level in the offseason when both Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer decided to retire. Bringing Sam Bradford on board as a short-term answer while Josh Rosen continues to develop seems like a wise decision, but it’s tough not to be concerned when looking at the veteran’s injury history.

Bradford staying healthy could make Arizona one of the unexpected playoff contenders in the NFC since he’s shown signs of being a top quarterback in the NFL, and even though the team is playing it smart by limiting him in the preseason, the real concern will come in September. As bad as it sounds, the only way the Cardinals are going to feel good about this situation is if Bradford remains healthy, which is easier said than done on his end.

As for the future, Rosen appears to be a work in progress like most quarterback rookies, although it was great to see him play the way he did against the New Orleans Saints after finding the end zone for the first time. Some quarterbacks benefit from playing right away, but for Rosen, the best option so far seems to be learning from Bradford until he’s fully ready.