Let me start this by saying I am not very high on what the Arizona Cardinals will be in 2010. If it were not for the Rams and Seahawks I might seriously have them in the basement of their division. They will probably have Derek Anderson and two kids as their QB’s and that might work, but history tells us it probably won’t. On the defense I see a lot of pieces but no team. I just see a team that will struggle for an identity, and struggle to win most games. Maybe I am wrong, but teams built like this rarely do well in the NFL.
So Anderson comes from Cleveland to lead the offense in the desert. He gets Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells in the backfield behind him. Of course they do have the best wide out in the game today in Larry Fitzgerald, but past him there is little top tier talent. I have concerns about their O Line, but it does sport potential pro bowler LG Alan Faneca.
On the defense the team will likely have to turn to rookie NT Dan Williams sooner rather than later. Look for DE Darnell Dockett to play well, even though this team lacked a strong edge pass rush in 2009. The LB corps does feature Joey Porter, but if Paris Lenon is a starter we have to question how effective they can be. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is the best thing about the secondary at corner, but I see their secondary as pretty average.
On Special Teams Jay Feely will be teh kicker, with Ben Graham handling the punting duties. Larod Stephens-Howling will likely return kicks with Andre Roberts returning punts.
Related Links:
- Arizona Cardinals news and notes
- The Business of the NFL
- MTR Football
