2008 Arizona Cardinals NFC West Preview

The 2008 edition of the Arizona Cardinals should be an exciting thing to watch. Last year the Cardinals finished the season 8-8, which was a disappointment considering the strength (or lack thereof) of their division. They employ one of the best receiving duos in the league, and have great playmakers in Antrel Rolle and Roderick Hood at corner. The Cardinals need to get former first round pick Matt Leinert to concentrate on football, and lead this team to the next level.

KEY ADDITIONS:

1) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – The rookie out of Tennessee State will for a great tandem for years to come with Antrel Rolle and Roderick Hood. Rodgers-Cromartie could contribute immediately on special teams in the return game, plus ease his was in as a nickel cornerback until he hones in on the fundamentals of the professional level. Great addition that will benefit this team for years to come.

2) Dirk Johnson – Johnson will be called upon to replace the tandem of Mitch Berger and Mike Barr. It’s not often that teams should be excited about replacing a punter, but punters are a key component in field position games and the Cardinals averaged just 32.2 (net) a punt last year.

KEY LOSSES:

1) Bryant Johnson – Johnson was a solid number 3 receiver out of the slot, and bolted to become the number 2 receiver in San Francisco. He will struggle, as he hasn’t been consistent as a starter, and is more suited to be a number 3 than number 2 receiver.

2) Oliver Ross – Ross left the Cardinals for a Super Bowl opportunity in New England (who could blame him). Ross was a dependable offensive lineman on the roster, and he will help shore up the line for Tom Brady and his 45 touchdown passes.

Key Weaknesses:

The quarterback position is more of a question mark than a weakness. Is this the year Matt Leinert can overcome the aging Kurt Warner, or will the Cardinals spend another year of playing musical chairs at quarterback. If this team truly believes Matt Leinert will lead them for the next decade, he needs to get his experience. He has two of the best receivers in the game, and dynamic back that can catch and run out of the backfield in Edgerrin James. He has all the tools in play for him to succeed….it’s now up to him to seize his opportunity.

Key Strengths:

There are two key strengths on this team. Arizona employs two of the best wide receivers in the game in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. These two are both capable of catching 100+ balls, and are both equally capable of being a legitimate number 1 receiver. The other position of strength is cornerback where Arizona has 3 playmakers in Antrel Rolle, Roderick Hood, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Rolle and Hood combined for 10 interceptions and 5 touchdowns. That’s wide receiver type of numbers.

2008 Predictions

The 2008 should be better than the 2007 edition, and could make a stride towards the playoffs. How far this team can go will rest on the shoulders of the quarterback. If Matt Leinert can live up to his potential, the Cardinals could compete with Seattle for the division, and possibly make it into the playoffs.

Here is a look how the 2008 schedule looks for the Cardinals:

Week / Opponent

1 @San Francisco

2 Miami

3 @Washington

4 @NY Jets

5 Buffalo

6 Dallas

7 BYE

8 @Carolina

9 @St Louis

10 San Francisco

11 @Seattle

12 New York Giants

13 @Philadelphia

14 St Louis

15 Minnesota

16 @New England

17 Seattle

The division is a weak one, and the Cardinals should be able to sweep the 49ers and Rams. The games against Seattle won’t come as easy, and a 4-2 or 3-3 record in the division should be expected.

Outside of the division, the Cardinals face a tough NFC East division, but an easy AFC East division (outside of New England). Victories against Miami, Washington, the Jets, Bills and Panthers are likely. A record of 9-6 is a great possibility, and could enter the playoffs as a wild card team.