Bottom Line: Like the aforementioned teams, the Seahawks are going to have to win some shootouts to make the playoffs. They definitely have the offensive weapons, but injuries have already taken a toll on the defense.
4. Arizona Cardinals
I’ve seen a lot of predictions of doom and gloom for the Cardinals this year, and with the history of this franchise, I can’t blame anyone for feeling that way, but I think a few football fans are going to be in for a surprise when this team doesn’t roll over on the football field every Sunday.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not predicting a playoff run this year, but this team is not as talent-poor as you might think. Sure, David Boston was a tough loss, but there is some good young talent in the receiving corps. Rookie Anquan Boldin has shown a lot of potential in the preseason. And the loss of Jake Plummer? Please! The Cardinals will be much more consistent with Jeff Blake in there. The Cardinals also possess one of the most intimidating offensive lines in the league.
As seems to be the theme in the NFC West, the Cardinals biggest problems appear to be on the defensive side. They lack playmakers, but first-round draft pick Calvin Pace has shown signs in the preseason of being that type of player.
Bottom Line: The Cardinals are going to have to use their big offensive line and future hall of famer Emmitt Smith to control the clock if they want to stay in games. I do not feel they will be the worst team in the league, as I have seen predicted by many, but I also do not think they are ready to challenge anyone in the NFC West.
