Scouting The NFC West
Predicted order of Finish: Seahawks (11-5), Rams (9-7), 49ers (8-8), Cardinals (6-10)
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals enter 2007 with a new coach, Ken Whisenhunt and possibly more important, a new offensive line coach in Russ Grimm. Whisenhunt will bring an upbeat attitude to Arizona, as Grimm is tasked with bringing toughness out of an underachieving offensive line. Grimm’s resume includes building the perennially powerful offensive lines that paved the way for ball carriers in Pittsburgh; the task became a little more difficult as Oliver Ross won’t be available for the season after tearing a triceps in the preseason.
On the offensive side of the ball the Cardinals are loaded. Budding star Matt Leinhart enters this season as the starter and has an impressive trio of wide receivers to throw the ball to in Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson. Edgerrin James will look to have a bounce back season if the offensive line improves under the tutelage of Coach Grimm. The effectiveness of this unit depends on the play of the offensive line, and with the defense that Arizona puts on the field, the Cardinals will have to score plenty of points to make the playoffs.
Most of Arizona’s problems are on the defensive side of the ball. All Pro safety, Adrian Wilson, leads a much maligned secondary that struggles in pass coverage onto the field. Even with the talented Antrell Rolle, at one corner, the Cardinals often find themselves out of position in key situations many times resulting in big plays for the opposing team. If Arizona can improve on their pass rush the secondary would be helped out tremendously.
Playing in a tough division may hinder the improvements of the Cardinals, making it seem as if they have regressed instead of improved. Coach Whisenhunt has Arizona pointed in the right direction, now they must go through the process of showing their improvements on the field.
Since moving from St. Louis, the Cardinals have compiled a record of 105 wins and 199 losses. The Cardinals made the playoffs one time since the move (1998) winning one playoff game. The responsibility of changing the culture of losing falls on Coach Whisenhunt's shoulders as he replaced Dennis Green after last season. In contrast quarterback Matt Leinart compiled a record of 37-2 while at USC.
Here is a look at the Cardinals’ schedule:
- @ San Francisco
- Seattle
- @ Baltimore
- Pittsburgh
- @ St. Louis
- Carolina
- @ Washington
- Bye
- @ Tampa Bay
- Detroit
- @ Cincinnati
- San Francisco
- Cleveland
- @ Seattle
- @ New Orleans
- Atlanta
- St. Louis
Augustine J. Dashiell - Augustine is an aspiring sportswriter, looking to gain experience. Looking at his chosen field, he realizes experience is hard to gain and ...
