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The Arizona Cardinals reached the NFC Championship Game last year, and then quarterback Carson Palmer had a brutal performance on a big stage. Expectations are high again this year though, and here are five Cardinals who have to step up in 2016.
5. RT D.J. Humphries
Credit: Getty Images5. RT D.J. Humphries
Humphries was not injured, yet he was inactive for every game of his rookie season in 2015. Now clearly the favorite to start at right tackle for a team with a Super Bowl goal, Humphries has to justify his status as a first-round pick.
4. WR John Brown
Credit: Getty Images4. WR John Brown
Brown topped 1,000 yards last season, with 65 catches and seven touchdowns, but a late-season fade has head coach Bruce Arians looking for better things this year. A third-year boom could be coming, and Arizona's offense would be better for it.
3. DE/OLB Chandler Jones
Credit: Getty Images3. DE/OLB Chandler Jones
The Cardinals needed to add to their pass rush this offseason, and they acquired Jones from the New England Patriots in a trade. Entering the final year of his contract, Jones can put himself in line for a huge pay day with a big 2016.
2. RB David Johnson
Credit: Getty Images2. RB David Johnson
Johnson emerged down the stretch of his rookie season last year, and he enters 2016 as Arizona's clear lead back. The Northern Iowa product has to be a key component of what should be one of the NFL's best offenses.
1. WR Michael Floyd
Credit: Getty Images1. WR Michael Floyd
Dislocated fingers in camp derailed Floyd's 2015 early, but he finished strong with five 100-yard games over the final eight. Entering a contract year, and with Larry Fitzgerald getting older, it's time for Floyd to become a No. 1 wide receiver.
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