Offense
The Arizona Cardinals have gone from a consistent laughingstock to a trendy playoff pick in no time. The pickup of RB Edgerrin James will change everything. Last season rookie running back J.J. Arrington was a huge disappointment and Kurt Warner could not find a niche. He was injured again, but is back at full strength this season.
They hope the addition of James will open up the passing game, because the trio of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Bryant Johnson are electrifying. It is doubtful that James can match his numbers over the past couple of seasons, but his effectiveness will be felt very much in all aspects of the offense due to the respect he must be shown.
At pick No. 10 overall in the first round of the draft, it was a huge surprise that QB Matt Leinart was still on the board. Both Buffalo and Detroit passed on him. He was quickly taken by Arizona and the pick was hailed as genius. Although I am not overly high on Leinart, the situation he is coming into could not be more perfect for him. He may have the best set of weapons in the league. If he is forced into duty this season he could thrive because James and the wideouts will make plays for him. He would just need to be smart with the ball, which he certainly is. But I do not see Leinart playing.
Warner will be effective and I expect him to stay healthy. The line is improving also, especially with the addition of second-round pick Deuce Lutui.
Defense
It must really hurt that they gave up on Kyle Van Den Bosch. He simply led the league in sacks last season at a position that Arizona is painfully woeful at. Bert Berry is solid but a bit overrated on a line that lacks play-makers. Van Den Bosch would have been a savior for this line. Tackle Darnell Dockett is improving but the defense needs for him to become stout.
The linebackers are also a question. Karlos Dansby has had two good seasons and is solid, but they need a young guy to step up and deliver alongside him. In the secondary, Antrel Rolle is looked at as a lock-down corner for many years to come. He was injured early, though, and has not looked as good as some would have expected.
The star of the secondary is safety Adrian Wilson. He is a huge hitter and can cover too. He took a big step last season and another one is expected this season.
Synopsis
This team is a trendy pick to do some things. That may come down to just how good Edgerrin James is in a Cardinals uniform. If he is able to open up the passing game, then Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin could team for a remarkable offensive season. And, although Leinart could succeed if pressed into duty, the team will be much better off if Warner is the unquestioned guy and has no injuries.
This team will probably not win 10 games but they will surprise some people. I see a 8-8 mark with a solid showing from their young defense.
