The more I think about it, the more I’m (probably unfairly) thinking this upcoming season will largely depend on how good Kinlaw actually is.
Because if he can’t live up to somewhere around what Buckner was (a very very tall order to be sure) the dominoes will fall rapidly. Teams can then focus elsewhere. Armstead will regress to average space eater he was the first four years of his career (I believe his season was less him breaking out and more his ability to take advantage of having excellent teammates surrounding him). Bosa will get his but have to work harder through all the focus shifted his way. Ford absolutely needs to stay healthy. If the front line doesn’t get it done near to the tune of what they did last year, the secondary will crumble.
If the defense isn’t what it is, I simply don’t expect JimmyG to pick up the slack. I’m with each and every media person who rightfully called him out all season long for being perfectly average.
Also; the Cards are the future of the NFC West. Maybe not this season, but they are on the up, and up fast. The Niners and Rams could very well be the bottom of the division in short order.