July 22, 2009
2009 Arizona Cardinals Preseason Preview
2008 Record: 9-7, First AFC West; 3-1 in postseason, lost Super Bowl to
Pittsburgh Steelers
Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt; Third Year
2008 was a great year for the Arizona Cardinals, one that few thought could happen, only the Cardinals and their faithful believed. The Cardinals were able to advance to the Super Bowl, putting up a great fight against the Pittsburgh Steelers before eventually falling short. The Cardinals were a team that could have been great and still could be if they can get some defense to go with that potent offense.
Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, left to become Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, this has shaken up the responsibilities on the coaching staff going into this season. Russ Grimm is the Assistant Head Coach, Running Game Coordinator, and Offensive Line Coach. Mike Miller is the Passing Game Coordinator this season and Bill Davis will be the Defensive Coordinator. Much of this season will depend on whether the offense was Haley's, or was it Warner's magic that led the Cardinals to the promised land.
Offense: Kurt Warner is still a Cardinal, which is great news for the offense. Matt Leinart has no chance of winning the job this year no matter what others may tell you. With the cast of wide receivers the offensive attack is lethal, and although Anquan Boldin is still unhappy with his contract situation and was nearly traded during the off season, look for the offense to be as potent as ever. The arrival of rookie running back Chris Beanie Wells from Ohio State should make the offense even more complete and versatile. The big question is the new coaching staff and whether they can keep the magic that is the Cardinals offense.
Defense: The Cardinals defense needs to show some of the buckling down ability they flashed at times during the playoffs. Adrian Wilson, Antrel Rolle and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie make for a fantastic defensive backfield. Yet for some reason teams moved the ball at will on the Cardinals in the regular season. Linebackers Karlos Dansy and defensive end Chike Okeafor need to step up, as the team lost defensive end Antonio Smith to free agency. This is a young defense and is still learning so they could step it up as a team.
Our Prediction: The Cardinals got better in the offseason and as long as Warner holds up, they are a threat to repeat in the playoffs. Getting there should be no problem as they still play in the horrendous NFC West.
10-6 - 1st place in AFC West
2009 Draft Picks
Round 1: Pick 31 - Chris "Beanie" Wells RB (Ohio State)
Round 2: Pick 63 - Cody Brown DE (Connecticut)
Round 3: Pick 95 - Rashad Johnson S (Alabama)
Round 4: Pick 131 - Gregory Toler CB (St Pauls)
Round 5: Pick 167 - Herman Johnson OT (LSU)
Round 6: Pick 204 - Will Davis DE (Illinois)
Round 7: Pick 240 - LaRod Stephens-Howling RB (Pittsburgh)
Round 7: Pick 254 - Trevor Canfield OG (Cincinnati)
2009 Free Agent Acquisitions and Trades
Bryant McFadden from Pittsburgh Steelers - Cornerback
Anthony Becht from St. Louis Rams - Tight End
Keith Lewis from San Francisco 49ers - Safety
Dan Kreider from St. Louis Rams - Running Back
Jason Wright from Cleveland Browns - Running Back
2009 Free Agent Losses and Trades
J.J. Arrington to Denver Broncos - Running Back
Montey Beisel to Kansas City Chiefs - Linebacker
Antontio Smith to Houston Texans - Defensive End
Edgerrin James released and unsigned - Running Back
Rod Hood to Cleveland Browns - Cornerback
| 2009 Cardinals Schedule | |||
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
| Sun., Sept. 13 | 49ERS | 1:15 p.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Sept. 20 | at Jaguars | 10 a.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Sept. 27 | COLTS | 5:20 p.m. | NBC |
| Sun., Oct. 4 | Bye week | Bye week | Bye week |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | TEXANS | 1:15 p.m. | CBS |
| Sun., Oct. 18 | at Seahawks | 1:05 p.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Oct. 25 | at Giants | 5:20 p.m. | NBC |
| Sun., Nov. 1 | PANTHERS | 2:15 p.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Nov. 8 | at Bears | 11 a.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Nov. 15 | SEAHAWKS | 2:15 p.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Nov. 22 | at Rams | 2:05 p.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Nov. 29 | at Titans | 11 a.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Dec. 6 | VIKINGS | 2:15 p.m. | Fox |
| Mon., Dec. 14 | at 49ers | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Sun., Dec. 20 | at Lions | 11 a.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Dec. 27 | RAMS | 2:05 p.m. | Fox |
| Sun., Jan. 3 | PACKERS | 2:15 p.m | Fox |