2008 NFL Preview > Arizona Cardinals Preview
2008 Arizona Cardinals Football Preview
Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt
2007 Record: 8-8
Key Additions: OLB/DE Travis LaBoy, DE Calais Campbell, WR Early Doucet, OLB Clark Hagans, RB Tim Hightower, P Dirk Johnson, DL BCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, TE Jerame Tuman
Key Losses: WR Bryant Johnson, OLB/DE Calvin Pace, DE Bo Schobel
Ken Whisenhunt arrived in Arizona with a respectable reputation for hard nosed football from his days as the Steelers offensive coordinator. And while the Cardinals have a ways to go before they reach the level of achievement Whisenhunt enjoyed in Pittsburgh, if last season was any indication, they are on the right track. The Cardinals experienced the most success they have had in years, winning eight games last season, a respectable three game improvement from the year before.
2008 Arizona Cardinals Offense:
The Cardinals ranked 7 th in the league in scoring last season, averaging just over 25 points a game. The offensive line improved substantially due to the selection of offensive tackle Levi Brown and the expertise of line coach Russ Grim, who came from Pittsburgh with Whisenhunt. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin form perhaps the most productive starting tandem in the NFL at wideout, and Fitzgerald in particular has become one of the league’s best at his position. Many are predicting tailback Edgerrin James production to fall off dramatically, as he has just turned 30 years old, an ominous age of decline for many running backs. However, the “Edge” had a more productive year in 2007 than in 2006. Nonetheless, for anyone who remembers James’ fine performances with the Colts, it is clear the once amazingly agile runner has lost a step. Kurt Warner has recently unseated Matt Leinart as the starting quarterback, and the former NFL MVP played well last year after Leinart was injured for the season in week 5, amassing 27 touchdown passes with Leinart out of the lineup.
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2008 Arizona Cardinals Defense:
The Cardinals played a hybrid defense last season featuring elements of both the 3-4 and 4-3. Arizona allowed nearly 25 points a game, and ranked near the bottom of the league in passing defense, but was solid against the run. The defense lacks a premier pass rusher which could explain its struggles to defend against the pass. In spite of this fact, the additions of Travis LaBoy and the return of Chike Okeafor from injury should help the rush. Arizona’s linebackers are led by standout ‘backer Karlos Dansby, who forced four fumbles last season. The secondary is substandard, but the selection of Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie in the draft has allowed the team to move Antrel Rolle to safety, where he should be more successful. The play of the secondary may largely depend on how well the rookie corner can acclimate himself to the NFL.
2008 Arizona Cardinals Special Teams:
Neil Rackers is still among the best kickers in the league. His 70% accuracy last season is misleading because six misses were from 50 yards or longer. Arizona signed punter Dirk Johnson from the Eagles in the offseason. Steve Breaston is penciled in to return kicks and punts.
2008 Arizona Cardinals Expectations:
The Cardinals are in position to overtake the Seahawks in the NFC West if they can solidify their pass defense and count on Kurt Warner to stay healthy and play at the level he exhibited last season. While all three of these issues are certainly possible, Warner’s durability is always a question and it is uncertain whether Arizona did enough to improve their secondary in the offseason.
2008 Arizona Cardinals Prediction: 2nd place in the NFC West
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
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