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Arizona: Wild Cards?
By Packattack247
Game after game, season after season, the Cardinals always seem to disappoint. But now they seemed armed to take on the
Seattle Seahawks for the Division Title. Okay maybe they don't have that much firepower, but they should challenge for a Wild
Card spot, but they'll have to work hard with all the power divisions out there. NFC East and South look to be powerhouses
again and they may take the Wild Card spots, but if the Cards play well they don't need to worry. If they play their hearts
out week in and week out then all the pieces should fall into place.
Here is a breakdown of all the Cardinals positions;
Quarterbacks: The position is set for the present and future with quarterbacks Kurt Warner to lead this season and Matt
Leinart to take over later in his career, perhaps next season. Joe Navarre rounds out this solid group. GRADE: B+
Running-backs: With huge addition Edgerrin James and former starters J.J. Arrington and Marcel Shipp, this has turned
into another solid position for the Cards. This is the position that could push them over the top. GRADE: B+
Wide Receivers: This is a team strength. It has produced two 1000 yard receivers and they are only going to get better.
It can only help to open up the running game to have the passing game that was ranked #1 in the NFL last season.. Not to
mention the Edge is good for a few catches a game. GRADE: A
Tight Ends: The position got it's star when the Cards selected Leonard Pope in the 3rd Round of the Draft. He is a huge
target that can take the heat off the others in the offense. Other than Pope the position is nothing special. GRADE: C
Offensive Line: The only thing that can derail the offense in Arizona is going to be the Offensive line. It can play poor
at times but off season upgrades should keep the unit more consistent. GRADE: C
Defensive Line: This unit has a great end in Bertrand Berry and an up and coming tackle in Darnell Docket. They should
put some pressure on the other team's Qbs. GRADE: B-
Linebackers: The Linebackers should do well this season but this isnt a team strength by any means. Look for mediocre
numbers in tackles, sacks, and picks. GRADE: C
Secondary: This position has it's stars with Antrel Rolle and Andrian Wilson. It has it's up and comer in Eric Green.
This could be a team strength soon. GRADE: B
Specialists: The star of Neil Rackers rounds out this entire group, giving it an A. This is pretty much on the back of
Rackers. GRADE: A
Draft Overview:
RD 1- Matt Leinart QB; With this pick the Cards snatch a QB of the future. A+
RD 2- Deuce Latui OG; This ensures Matt Leinart with a guard he trusts. A
RD 3- Lenard Pope TE; He rounds out an already dangerous offense. A
RD 4- Gabe Watson DT; Was once considered a 1st round pick. B+
RD 5- Brandon Johnson LB; Will add depth. B
RD 6- Jon Lewis DT; Will fight against Watson for a job. B-
RD 7- Todd Watkins WR; Will look for work in a packed offense. C+
KEY LOSSES:
QB Josh McCown (Lions)
KEY ARRIVALS:
RB Edgerrin James (Colts)
2006 Schedule:
San Francisco Sept. 10th 4:15pm
at Seattle Sept. 17th 4:05pm
St. Louis Sept. 24th 4:15pm
at Atlanta Oct. 1st 1:00pm
Kansas City Oct. 8th 4:05pm
Chicago Oct. 16th 8:30pm
at Oakland Oct. 22nd 4:15pm
at Green Bay Oct. 29th 1:00pm
BYE
Dallas Nov. 12th 4:15pm
Detroit Nov. 19th 4:05pm
at Minnesota Nov. 26th 1:00pm
at St. Louis Dec. 3rd 1:00pm
Seattle Dec. 10th 4:05pm
Denver Dec. 17th 4:05pm
at San Francisco Dec. 24th 4:05pm
at San Deigo Dec. 31st 4:15pm
(All times after Nov. 5th are subject to change. NOTE all times are eastern.)
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