2013 Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a very popular dark horse to make some noise not only in the West, but in the NFC in general. They were a measly 5-11 last year, but had basically the worst quarterback play in the league. Most people don’t remember that they actually started off the year 4-0, with their first two victories coming against the Seahawks, and the Patriots IN NEW ENGLAND. They promptly collapsed after that, mainly because of the offense. Their defense was top-notch, finishing in the top half of the league in points per game allowed, yards per game allowed, interceptions (2nd), sacks, and fumble receptions. They have a wealth of talent, including Calais Campbell, Darnell Dockett, Karlos Dansby, Daryl Washington, Patrick Peterson, and Tyrann Mathieu, the last of whom could make a great impact depending on the amount of playing time he gets. Washington will serve a four-game suspension, but he was fantastic last year, with nine sacks from the middle linebacker position. Peterson, meanwhile, is, in my opinion, the second best corner in the league behind a healthy Darrelle Revis, and has amazing playmaking ability. This is a top twelve defense at worst, and could end up being the best defense in that division (unlikely, but still). The doubts from this team stem from the offensive side of the ball, and like Chicago, they now have an offensive head coach that should help put points on the board. Bruce Arians is now the head coach of the Cardinals, as reward for the tremendous job he did with the Colts last year. His style revolves around the deep ball, and Arizona now has veteran Carson Palmer to run the show. Both of these acquisitions will greatly satisfy Larry Fitzgerald, who FINALLY has a competent quarterback to throw him the ball once again. The lost years of Fitzgerald’s prime will remain a deep disappointment, but I believe that this year he will return to form like the All-Pro that he is, reminding us of what could have been. Palmer should bring some of the firepower to Arizona that they have been lacking, but I’m not as high on him as others. The best years of the former USC quarterback are behind him, but he should be, with a few quality receivers around him, good enough to win a couple of games with this arm. Rashard Mendenhall looks like he is in line for the starting running back job which could lead to big dividends, as his most successful season came with Arians calling the plays in Pittsburgh. This Cardinals team has a lot of potential, but will be held back because of the division they play in. If Arizona was in the AFC East or West, they would be the second best team, but in the NFC West, I believe the highest they can reach is third. And that would be if they finish higher than the Rams, who I am a fan of this year, so...the Cardinals could surprise the country and make the playoffs, and if they do, they will make me look bad.
Schedule
The NFC West is basically a slugfest, as all four defenses in the division could finish in the top ten in the league. Each and every divisional matchup will be a bloodbath, and I wouldn’t be surprised if every team finished 3-3 against each other. As far as the other games, the West will face off versus the NFC South and the AFC South, and Arizona will also play Detroit and Philadelphia, who are each much improved. So, how will the Cardinals fare with such a nasty schedule?
Week 1: L at STL
Week 2: W vs DET
Week 3: L at NO
Week 4: L at TB
Week 5: W vs CAR
Week 6: L at SF
Week 7: W vs SEA
Week 7: W vs SEA
Week 8: L vs ATL
Week 9: Bye
Week 10: L vs HOU
Week 11: L at JAC
Week 12: L vs IND
Week 13: W at PHI
Week 14: W vs STL
Week 15: W at TEN
Week 16: L at SEA
Week 17: W vs SF
After a nice run to end the season, I think the 2013 Arizona Cardinals will have a 7-9 record, which is the best record I can project for them. While their defense is a quality unit, there are just too many questions regarding the offense, especially with that atrocious offensive line, for me to give them more than seven wins. That side of the ball only has one star, and that is...
Bold Prediction: Larry Fitzgerald will be a top 10 fantasy receiver (I have him at #6), with 90 catches, 1,300 yards, and 9 TDs.
No comments:
Post a Comment