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Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Key Free-Agent Arrivals: TE John Carlson, CB Antonio Cromartie, RB Jonathan Dwyer, WR Ted Ginn Jr., OT Jared Veldheer

Key Departures: LB Jasper Brinkley, CB Javier Arenas, LB Karlos Dansby, WR Andre Roberts

Key Rookies: S Deone Bucannon, TE Troy Niklas, DE Kareem Martin, WR John Brown, QB Logan Thomas, WR John Brown

Key Suspension: LB Daryl Washington (out for season)

2013 Record: 10-6

2014 Projected Record: 7-9

The Cardinals seemed to click on offense during the second half of the season. Their offensive line went from embarrassing in 2012 to not that good in 2013, which is an improvement. That unit should make an even bigger leap this year with the return of last year’s first-round pick Jonathan Cooper and the free-agent acquisition of tackle Jared Veldheer.

However, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com, Cooper has looked rusty in camp so far and may be in jeopardy of losing his starting job.

Carson Palmer will need to play the best football of his career in order to compete in this division. He appears to have the coaches, receivers and blocking to make it happen. Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown and running back Andre Ellington could prove to be one of the league’s most feared arsenals in 2014. (For more on rookie John Brown, click here.)

Not having Karlos Dansby or Daryl Washington should set the defense back somewhat, but former second-round draft pick Kevin Minter will be a name to keep an eye on in the linebacker group this season. He was one of the most impressive tacklers I scouted coming out of the 2013 draft class.

Another impressive addition to the defense will be first-round safety Deone Bucannon. This kid is the complete package and will provide immediate help to the back end that will feature Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie.

This roster is fully capable of winning 11 games in 2014 in any other division. Unfortunately, the Cardinals will have to scratch and claw in the NFC West. Even with seven wins projected, this roster is getting better.