expect to be. We'll continue to work toward that."

Even without Washington and Dansby, the defense still has playmakers. Defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett lead a formidable front, while cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie roam an improved secondary. However, if there are hiccups next year, the offensive players said they are prepared to shoulder more of the load.

"You want to be a well-rounded team," offensive guard Jonathan Cooper said. "They say defense wins championships, but without a good offense, there aren't too many times when a team wins the ballgame. Of course we want to be equal, if not better than, the defense."

Washington was suspended for the first four games of last season, and the Cardinals went 2-2 without him. Following his return, the team went 8-4. His availability wasn't the only reason for more success. While the defense did allow nearly three fewer points per game with Washington in the lineup, the offense also improved by more than a touchdown (from 17.3 points per game to 25.8) after the first four games.

There's no hiding the loss of a game-changing linebacker like Washington but the Cardinals believe their offense can help counteract that loss.

"Our offense has already improved enough this year that we should be able to carry our share of the load offensively," coach Bruce Arians said. "We're a better football team right now than we were last year, especially at this time of the year."