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 Arizona Cardinals Who Must Step Up In 2016](/nfl/files/2016/01/Fitzgerald-Floyd-Christian-Petersen-Getty-Images-320x180.jpg)
5. RT D.J. Humphries
![RT D.J. Humphries](/nfl/files/2015/09/D.J.-Humphries.jpg)
5. 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
![WR John Brown](/nfl/files/2016/06/John-Brown-Getty-Images.jpg)
4. 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
![DE/OLB Chandler Jones](/nfl/files/2016/03/Chandler-Jones-Arizona-Cardinals-Defensive-End.jpg)
3. 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
![RB David Johnson](/nfl/files/2016/01/David-Johnson-Getty-Images.jpg)
2. 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
![WR Michael Floyd](/nfl/files/2016/04/Michael-Floyd-Getty-Images.jpg)
1. 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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