The offensive line on this team is massive, and the Cardinals will try to take advantage of it by using a power running style of attack. First-round pick Leonard Davis is 6-6, 370 pounds and should open some holes for running back Thomas Jones. Jones has looked very good during the preseason, making smart decisions and hitting the holes quickly.

The running game should take some pressure off quarterback Jake Plummer, who has struggled terribly over the last two seasons. He also has some good weapons at his disposal. Wide receiver David Boston should be the go-to guy and could have a break out season for the Cardinals. Rob Moore is back from a knee injury that cost him the 2000 season, and Frank Sanders will play the role of the possession receiver.

Defense is a concern for the Cardinals, losing Simeon Rice, Aneas Williams, Andre Wadsworth, and Mark Smith during the off-season. The Cardinals think they picked up a little relief on the line by selecting defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch in the second round, but they still lack talent in the trenches.

The linebackers and defensive backs are average at best, and the loss of Williams in the secondary is a huge blow. Former first-round pick Tom Knight will take over Williams' spot, and he appears to have the tools to be a good cover guy. The Cardinals also picked up another pair of corners in the draft. Second-round pick Michael Stone is fast and physical but relatively inexperienced. Seventh-round pick Renaldo Hill is not blessed with great speed, but has good cover skills and will add a little depth to the squad.

Overview

The Cardinals should be considerably better on offense this season, especially if Plummer learns to read defenses and makes better decisions with the ball. He may be on his last leg in Arizona after performing poorly the last two seasons, so he has some added incentive to play better. Thomas Jones should have a great year on the ground and the offensive line will be dominating at times.

The defense will probably be just plain bad. I think these guys are going to have a tough time stopping anyone. The key to the season for the Cardinals is going to be ball-control offense, grind down the clock, and keep the defense off the field. I think the Cardinals will emerge from the cellar this year, but just barely!