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Arizona Cardinals NFL Preview 2008
The Cardinals made strides in 2007 and
probably should have made a stronger run at the playoffs. Now they must
take another step forward with a much more difficult schedule featuring
five trips to the Eastern time zone
Offense: The Cards have plenty
of offensive firepower with Pro Bowl receivers Anquan Boldin and
Larry Fitzgerald and a still-productive Edgerrin James, although
they failed to add a speed back in the draft as hoped. Boldin's
contract situation may come into play yet. They were really hoping
for Leinart to step up and take the job this year, butW arner won
the job outright in the preseason as Leinart looked like a rookie at
best. That could change as the year moves on, but for now Warner
will be leading what could be a very prolific offense.
Defense:
Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s runs a 3-4 hybrid defense
and the Cardinals seem to have picked up on it very nicely. The
defense was effective last year before injuries decimated the
lineup. The franchise used its first two picks this year for
defensive depth, taking future starting cornerback Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie and huge (6'8") defensive end Calais Campbell. The
defense will still revolve around playmaking linebacker Karlos
Dansby and safety Adrian Wilson, and if the Arizona coaches get the
kind of play from linebacker Chike Okeafor they were expecting
before he got hurt last year, the group should be solid. Most likely
a top ten type defense.
Overall:
Last year we predicted between 7-9 and 9-7 for the Cards and that's
exactly where they ended up at 8-8. This year they should win a
couple of those close games they lost last year and we are going to
say Whisenhunt gets them into the playoffs at 10-6. After, all who
else in the NFC West is any better?
Projected
Record: 10-6 First in NFC West
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Depth Chart |
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OFFENSE |
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Quarterback |
1. Kurt Warner |
2. Tim Rattay |
3. Tim
Hasselbeck |
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Running back |
1. Edgerrin James |
2. Marcel Shipp |
3. J.J.
Arrington |
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Fullback |
1. Terrelle Smith |
2. Tim Castille |
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Wide receiver 1 |
1. Larry Fitzgerald |
2. Jerheme Urban |
3. Sean Morey |
4. Jamaica Rector |
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Wide receiver 2 |
1. Anquan Boldin |
2. Bryant Johnson |
3. Steve
Breaston |
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Tight end |
1. Ben Patrick |
2. Troy Bienemann |
3. Tim
Euhus |
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Left tackle |
1. Mike Gandy |
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Left guard |
1. Reggie Wells |
2. Keydrick Vincent |
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Center |
1. Al Johnson |
2. Lyle Sendlein |
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Right guard |
1. Deuce Lutui |
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Right tackle |
1. Levi Brown |
2. Elton Brown |
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DEFENSE |
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Left defensive end |
1. Antonio Smith |
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Left defensive tackle |
1. Gabe Watson |
2. Alan Branch |
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Right defensive tackle |
1. Darnell Dockett |
2. Chris Cooper |
3. Rodney
Bailey |
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Right defensive end |
1. Joe Tafoya |
2. Bo Schobel |
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Middle linebacker |
1. Gerald Hayes |
2. Monty Beisel |
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Left cornerback |
1. Roderick Hood |
2. Michael Adams |
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Right cornerback |
1. Antrel Rolle |
2. Ralph Brown |
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Strong safety |
1. Aaron Francisco |
2. Oliver Celestin |
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Free safety |
1. Terrence Holt |
2. Matt Ware |
3. Bhawoh
Jue |
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