2018 NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Los Angeles Rams crush Oakland Raiders 33-13

23. Arizona Cardinals

It’s going to be difficult for the Arizona Cardinals to defend their decision to pay Sam Bradford all of that money for one season when looking at how poorly the former No. 1 pick played when facing the Washington Redskins in Week 1. Even if the argument can be made that Washington’s defense deserves a ton of credit for limiting Arizona to jut six points, the argument can be made that a majority of the blame should go to Bradford.

Completing 20 of 34 passes for only 153 yards with an interception is unacceptable for a player making the kind of money that Bradford is, especially when considering he has a strong supporting cast in David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Losing Carson Palmer to retirement was already tough enough for the Cardinals to adjust to in the offseason, and with Josh Rosen needing a little more work before he’s ready to go as the starter, the team felt confident enough in Bradford being the short-term answer.

While Arizona may feel confident in Bradford bouncing back in Week 2, that’s easier said than done since the Cardinals will hit the road to take on the Los Angeles Rams. Taking down a heavy Super Bowl favorite on the road during their home opener won’t be easy, but if Bradford struggles again, it’s going to get messy real fast in Arizona.