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By DANIELLE EURICH
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Less than 24 hours after the Arizona Cardinals worst loss of the season, coach Bruce Arians focused on the positives of one of the most satisfying seasons in team history.

“There was a lot of good things that happened this year,” Arians said at his press conference Monday. “Goals that were met, big, big plays, big games. I thought our team grew dramatically from last year to this year. Hopefully we can make that next step next year by learning from this.”

In the 49-15 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game, the Cardinals offense was MIA. Quarterback Carson Palmer threw four interceptions and fumbled the ball twice, leading to questions about his dislocated right finger.

Was it a factor in his disappointing play? According to Arians, it was not.

“I don’t think it did. Watching him throw for the last two and a half weeks, it really didn’t,” Arians said.

While Palmer and other Cardinals stars struggled, many of the young players stepped up.

Rookie running back David Johnson led the Cardinals with 60 rushing and 68 receiving yards and rookie wide receiver J.J. Nelson had two receptions, both coming on the team’s first touchdown drive. Nelson also had two returns for 45 yards.

Youth, said Arians, is the building block for the team’s future.

“I like our offensive line where it’s at with the young guys on the practice squad. I think they have really good futures and then both number one picks I think are going to be good players. So I think we’re fine there and hopefully find another David Johnson.”

But strengthening obvious weaknesses in the roster is still a priority.

“We obviously need some more pressure people and as a football team there is a number of areas we want to shore up,” Arians said. “Another corner and safety with some length and speed. Not very easy to find but that’s something I would like to look for.”

Also on his to-do list: Build on the culture that brought this team together.

“I feel great about the culture in our locker room. Those guys really care about each other. They are accountable to each other. It shows all the time and that will only get better because we’ll keep those core guys. That’s not going to change. “

Neither is the score of the NFC Championship game. Now the Cardinals have the entire offseason to deal with the bitter loss, but Arians plans to not dwell on it for long.

“Yeah I know it’s funny because normally in season you have a 24 hour rule and now you got a nine month rule. But you got to get over it soon, and it will linger but there were so many good things. So many positive things that they far outweigh that.”