Head coach Bruce Arians Owner Bill Bidwill Division place 2nd NFC West | General manager Steve Keim Record 7–8–1 | |
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Home field University of Phoenix Stadium | ||
The 2016 Arizona Cardinals season was the franchise's 118th season, 97th season in the National Football League, 29th in Arizona, and 11th at University of Phoenix Stadium. It was also the fourth season under head coach Bruce Arians.
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In free agency, they signed veteran defensive back Tyvon Branch and veteran lineman Evan Mathis, while re-signing several key players. They traded for Chandler Jones from the New England Patriots, sending Jonathan Cooper and a late second-round pick to New England.
The Cardinals came into the 2016 season with expectations of improving on their 2015 campaign and reaching the Super Bowl. However, after a 1–3 start, they suffered injuries to quarterback Carson Palmer and most of the offensive line. On October 23, the Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks played out a 6–6 tie; this was the Cardinals' first tie since their 1986 season, as well as the lowest-scoring NFL tie since overtime was introduced in 1974. The Cardinals were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15 after a loss to the New Orleans Saints. Despite winning their final two games, the Cardinals ended the season with a losing record at 7–8–1.
Draft
Notes
Preseason
The Cardinals preseason opponents and schedule was announced on April 7, 2016, the opponents being the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos.
Schedule
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Week 1: vs. New England Patriots
The game was close, but was lost last minute. A Cardinals field goal was missed because of a low snap by the long snapper.
Week 7: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Cardinals placekicker Chandler Catanzaro and Seahawks placekicker Steven Hauschka each miss game winning field goals as the game finishes in a 6-6 tie and the Cardinals earn their first tie since the 1986 season.