2012 NFL Season Preview: Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals

Front Office

Owner: William Bidwell

GM:     RodGraves

B:         This group has broughtArizonaout of the basement.  My fear is that Kurt Warner did this and the front office was just in the right spot at the right time.  Avoiding a QB like the plague led the Cardinals into this predicament.  I like what the Cardinals have done (outside of QB) and I truly believe they will obtain Kevin Kolb this offseason.

Coaching Staff

HC:      Ken Whisenhunt

OC:     MikeMiller

DC:      Ray Horton

B:         Whisenhunt has done a solid job.  His Steelers approach has rubbed off and this is not the losing organization it once was.  Bringing Horton in was a solid choice to run the defense.  I am unsure ofMikeMiller…he has been around so why the sudden promotion?  I do not see much of a change in play calling on offense…maybe with a better QB there is no need for one.  We will see.

QB:     F

This group is keeping the Cardinals from the post season.  John Skelton has some skill but needs years of refinement.  Derek Anderson?  An okay experiment but one that has blown off the coaching staff’s eye brows the day before the Prom.  They need either a veteran to keep them in games and teach Skelton or obtain Kevin Kolb and go with him.

RB:     C

There is skill here with Tim Hightower, Chris Wells, and Ryan Williams.  Problem is two folded though.  A horrible OL does not allow them to pound the rock (sorry Lions fan for Marinelli quote) and their skill is diminished by injuries.  They would love Wells and Williams to rotate in and wear defenses down with Hightower coming in on passing downs for his blocking and receiving talents.  Drafting Anthony Sherman for a FB was a wise decision.

WR/TE           B-

Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best WR in football.  He has no one to complement him though.  Steve Breaston is solid when healthy, Andre Roberts showed flashes in his rookie year but needs more consistency, and Rob Housler is a rookie TE who I think will struggle early on.  For the Cardinals to obtain a solid pass attack one of these men will need to step up and take pressure off Fitzgerald.

OL:                 D

Levi Brown was a bust and everyone knew it before he played.  He is okay at RT.  Deuce Lutui is an okay OG when healthy.  Lyle Sendlein is rock solid but the left side of Rex Hadnot and whoever the LT is will be the death of many drives.  FA needs to address these holes.

DL:                 B+

I like this group.  FA might ravish their depth next year but that is next year’s problem.  I think Dan Williams will be a dominate NT and is coupled with Campbell and Dockett who are both pro bowl worthy 3-4 DE’s.

LB:                  C

They are loaded with young talent: Sam Acho, O’Brien Schofield, Quan Sturdivant, and Daryl Washington.  All will flash talent from time to time but will be overloaded with inconsistency.  Veterans will need to be added to give these young men a clue.

DB:                 B/B+

DRC and Patrick Peterson are one of the top young CB duos in the league.  Adrian Wilson is a rock solid veteran SS and Kerry Rhodes is a big time gambler at FS.  They have some young depth behind these men as well.  A lot of big plays both positively and negatively will happen to this unit.

Last Draft

It is hard to argue against drafting Patrick Peterson.  However, passing on a QB was not wise unless they are to acquire Kolb.  Ryan Williams and Rob Housler improve the weapons on offense but both have their own problems.  Sam Acho and Quan Sturdivant were both steals and obtaining Anthony Sherman was a solid choice.    B/B+

Offensive/Defensive Sleepers

Andre Roberts came from The Citadel.  It was expected for him to struggle in year one.  He shows ability in his route running and game speed.  I think he will make a huge jump up this year.  Question with him is he#2 or just a dynamo in the slot.  I expect 650 yards and 4 TD’s.

O’Brien Schofield, if not for the injury in the Senior Bowl, would have been a second round selection.  He is fully healthy now and I believe him to be on his way to stardom.  I think 7 sacks should be his goal for this year.

Predictions for the Season

It all depends on the QB they do or do not obtain.  Without one this is another 5-6 win season.  If they do get Kolb I will say 9 wins and the post season.  Tune in.