Arizona Cardinals Prepping For Divisional Round As Rookie Receives NFL Honors
By Danny Cox
A first-round bye in the playoffs is something that any NFL team would love to have each year. It's one less game to go through en route to the Super Bowl, but it doesn't mean things are any easier. The Arizona Cardinals do have a bye and don't have to play in the Wild Card Round, but that doesn't mean they have had a week any easier than those with a game this weekend.
Many believe that they know who the Cardinals will be playing in the second round of the playoffs, but the Cardinals still have to prepare for one of three teams. While doing that and being a bit stressed out, one rookie received an excellent honor that is something to be proud of in the league.
Packers believed to be Cardinals' opponent in second round of playoffs
The Arizona Cardinals will face one of three NFC teams in the second round of the playoffs, the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, or Washington Redskins. Arizona needs to be prepared for whomever may come their way, but many are predicting that it will be the Packers paying them a visit in the Divisional Round.
Some NFL analysts think that the best case scenario for the Cardinals is for them to play the Redskins. Some feel the Vikings would be the worst case scenario for the Cardinals. That leaves the Packers right in the middle and it's a game that a lot of fans hope that turns out to be true.
In Week 16 of the regular season, the Cardinals dealt the Packers a 38-8 defeat which was one of the very worst of Aaron Rodgers' career.
RB David Johnson named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month
Running back Chris Johnson was having a great year for the Cardinals before an injury took him out on Nov. 29, 2015, and he's been on the sidelines since. Some thought that it could hurt the offensive production of the Cardinals, but those same people didn't expect rookie David Johnson to step up as much as he has.
Due to his incredible December, David Johnson won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month, and rightfully so. He led all players with 658 yards from scrimmage during the month and was the only player with more than 400 yards rushing (442) in December combined with more than 200 yards receiving (216). Making matters even better is that Johnson had five total touchdowns which led all rookies. Four of those scores were on the ground and that tied him for the NFL lead with Todd Gurley of the St. Louis Rams.
David Johnson became the third offensive rookie of the month in the history of the Arizona Cardinals
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.