It's hard not to notice, when you jump on the Cardinals' stat page to see where Larry Fitzgerald's numbers are and then the disparity with the rest of the receiving corps -- a group that once again was expected to be a strength but like 2016, has not been. With two games left in the regular season, it is still the departed Andre Ellington (who was cut five games ago) second on the team with 33 catches. Fitzgerald's 92 receptions is nine more catches than all the other wide receivers this season combined.
If David Johnson had been healthy all season, you'd expect a running back to be high on the receptions list, just like last year. But Johnson didn't even make it through a game, and once he went down, the pressure went to the receivers to make up for it in the passing game. There are factors involved here -- the pass protection has not been consistent, especially with all the injuries on the offensive line. Starting quarterback Carson Palmer only played half the season. But it's clear that receiver -- after only the QB spot and offensive line -- will be a position of focus for General Manager Steve Keim this offseason.
Even if Fitzgerald comes back to play another season (which he has not said he will for sure yet), the Cardinals need to address wide receiver. John Brown and Jaron Brown will be unrestricted free agents. J.J. Nelson, who started strong and then struggled through inconsistency catching the ball, will be back. Chad Williams enters an important offseason after a nondescript rookie year. Brittan Golden, who is more important on special teams, has to heal from a broken arm and is also a free-agent-to-be.
After 2015, when the receiving unit was excellent and looked like it would be for a few years, the group hasn't been the same. Losing Michael Floyd and having John Brown's production fall off so precipitously has been a killer. Again, other spots will get more attention on offense. The quarterback thing has reached a critical point, and the long-term offensive line has to be found. But wide receiver will also be in the spotlight.
