An Outlook on the 2009 Arizona Cardinals

By Andy Worrell

The Arizona Cardinals had a very odd 08' season. The Cardinals barely made the playoffs and many said they were the worst team to make the playoffs in a very, very long time.

The team caught fire and scored big playoff wins against teams like the Panthers and Giants, advancing to the Super Bowl and nearly winning it against the Pittsburgh Steelers before a decisive 4th quarter Santonio Holmes touchdown won the Steelers the game, and the Super Bowl championship with it.

Kurt Warner had been uncertain about his NFL future, playing around with the idea of retirement. Anquan Boldin was unhappy with his status on his team and threatened to leave. Edgerrin James was lost to free agency, and was now on the Seahawks in Seattle. Many wondered what the fate of the Cardinals would hold in store in 2009. However, with the exception of Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin and Kurt Warner both returned.

09' has proved one thing, what you did a previous season means nothing in today's NFL. Teams that win or go to the Super Bowl, the following year is a struggle. This makes you appreciate the teams such as the 1970's Pittsburgh Steelers, 1980's San Francisco 49ers, 1990's Dallas Cowboys, and the 2000's New England Patriots for maintaining years of constancy.

Kurt Warner has reinvented himself after spending time in the witness protection on the New York Giants helping groom QB Eli Manning. The entire culture of the Cardinals has changed and fans can actually get excited about their team and have expectations. With high expectation can come high disappointment as well.

The Cardinals defense is one of the lowest ranked in the NFL, but they are holding opponents to a low rushing total per game. Despite the bad start to the Cardinals 09' season, there is still time to turn things around.

The Cardinals have an average schedule which shouldn't be too difficult, playing the St. Louis Rams twice and Detroit Lions should give the Cardinals games to rack up wins. - 30224

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