Arizona Cardinals Predictions
The Arizona Cardinals were labeled as average by their 8-8 record last season. But they were far from it. The Cardinals have been at least 8-8 in only 3 of the last 20 seasons they have been in the desert, so it’s clearly more than just average in the eyes of their fans. Arizona is on the verge of turning the corner, but they can’t continue to lose the close home games that hampered them last season. After closing the season with two straight wins and with Ken Whisenhunt’s system in place, there is natural optimism for 2008. Info Plays gives you our 2008 Arizona Cardinals predictions as well as a team preview below.
Offense:
The Cardinals have a more interesting quarterback situation than any other team in the NFL. Arizona management wants Matt Leinart to grab hold of the job and be the face of the franchise, but once again veteran Kurt Warner may very well make his way back on the field. Leinart was the starter last year before breaking his collarbone. Warner was getting time as a spot-player, running the no-huddle when called upon. Once Leinart got hurt, Warner through 27 touchdown passes in only 11 starts despite playing most of the season with a torn ligament in his left elbow. Leinart will have the first shot at winning the starting job this season, but if he can’t get it done than the Cardinals know they have a reliable backup in Warner.
Edgerrin James scampered for 1,222 yards last season, but it was a bit misleading. His inability to break off long runs had James with a terrible yards/carry average of under 4.0. He turns 30 before the season starts, so the Cardinals drafted Tim Hightower out of Richmond to hopefully be the back of the future. Backup Marcel Shipp will never be a starter and J.J. Arrington is a speedster, but has produced little.
Contract issues left questions about one of the best receiving duos in the league. Larry Fitzgerald finally got a new deal that will keep him a Cardinal through 2011. But Anquan Boldin wants his own new deal while trade rumors loom largely. But the front office has made it clear that neither of these stars are going anywhere. Arizona drafted LSU’s Early Coucet to replace the departed Bryant Johnson. Doucet will be a third-receiver target as he competes with unproven Jerheme Urban, Ahmad Merritt, Steve Breaston and Jamaica Rector. Tight ends Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick exceeded expectations last season and should figure into the passing game a bit more this year.
The starting linemen will remain intact from the previous season. This is a great sign for Ken Whisenhunt’s system because the linemen are the key in being able to form a running game. They hired former Pro Bowl lineman Russ Grimm to teach this group which has proved to be a blessing and a big reason for their improvement. Levi Brown played great at right tackle after being selected as the team’s No. 1 pick in 2007. He’s next to 2006 second-rounder Deuce Lutui at right guard. Center Al Johnson is stout along with left tackle Mike Gandy’s consistency. Veteran Reggie Wells remains at left guard. More improvement should come in the second year of Whisenhunt’s system. But depth is an issue and the Cardinals, like every other team, will have to avoid injuries to maximize their potential.
Defense:
Defensive end/tackle Darnell Dockett earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl last season after recording nine sacks. The Cardinals have a nice rotation at nose tackle in recent draft picks Game Watson and Alan Branch. Right end Antonio Smith was solid in 2007 with 5.5 sacks and will start again in a contract year. The Cards drafted a couple of huge ends in Calais Campbell and Kenny Iwebema. The team brought in free-agent Travis LaBoy and required veteran Bettrand Berry to assure depth on this defensive line.
Chike Okeafor must return healthy at linebacker. Calvin Pace took his place and shined, but Pace got rich in free-agency and is now gone. Okeafor was starring as a linebacker in camp before he tore his biceps tendon in the preseason opener. He should be able to match Pace’s efforts, whole weak-side backer Karlos Danby flourished in the new scheme with 97 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles. Inside man Gerald Hayes had 98 stops. The Cardinals added Steelers veteran Clark Haggans in free agency on a one-year contract to add leadership and experience to this group of backers.
Questions surround the entire secondary. Former Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson returns after a foot injury derailed him last season. Can former No. 1 pick Antrel Rolle make the transition from corner to free safety? Starting corners Rod Hood and Eric Green must try and hold off No. 1 draft pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to keep their positions. The Cardinals will have plenty of competition in the secondary and guys must emerge to improve on their porous coverage from a year ago.
Info Plays 2008 Arizona Cardinals Predictions:
We are anxious to see the Arizona Cardinals in their second year under Ken Whisenhunt’s system. This system was a proven winner in Pittsburgh and we feel the Cardinals will hit their stride this season and win the same close ball games they were losing a year ago. Injuries absolutely derailed this team last year, yet they managed to pull off an 8-8 season. We have a hard time believing that they will get hit nearly as hard as they did last season by the injury bug. Arizona wins a weak NFC West division this season to get over the hump and into the playoffs. Seattle’s 5-year reign as NFC Champion comes to an end. The 49ers and Rams each share time at the bottom of the division as they are no-factors in this race.
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