Arizona Cardinals 2009 Season Preview

After making an improbable run to the Super Bowl last season, the Cardinals look to avoid any kind of hangover and try to repeat as NFC Champions. They suffered a tough loss against Pittsburgh in the final game and hope they can return and hopefully win it all this season.

38 year old quarterback Kurt Warner will be returning to the Cardinals and looks to continue his success. He had a stellar season last year and although he should still be very solid this season, it will be hard to duplicate 2008. Warner will once again be surrounded by a strong receiving core that includes Larry Fitzgerald, who has emerged as the top receiver in the league, and Anquan Boldin, who after insisting on a trade in the offseaon will be returning to Arizona. These two combined with Steve Breaston, make up the most dangerous receiving core in the NFL. The Cardinals drafted running back Chris "Beanie" Wells out of Ohio State in the first round in the draft. Wells should provide an immediate upgrade in the backfield and Tim Hightower will be his backup and is a solid third down back. Arizona's offensive line is the biggest question mark on this offense. The tackles consist of Mike Gandy and Levi Brown who are both prone to giving up a lot of sacks. Center Lyle Sendlein struggled on the ground last season and could be a problem this year. Beanie Wells will need to be effective enough to make up for the questionable offensive line.

On defense, the Cardinals do lose defensive end Antonio Smith to Houston and hope rookie Cody Brown out of UConn can step up and perform well. Defensive end Chike Okeafor has shown signs of aging and does not put up as many sacks as he used to. Bert Berry does provide solid play when he is healthy but he has missed 23 games over the past four seasons. Darnell Dockett returns on the line and has improved over the past few seasons, making the Pro-Bowl in 2007. Calais Campbell also returns and needs to step up more for the line to be more effective. Gabe Watson hopes to return to form after under going major surgery for his knee. If he does, it will be a big gain for the Cards. The secondary could be very dangerous this year and has many talented players. Dominique Rogers-Cromartie played very well as a rookie and should get even better this season. Adrian Wilson is a big-time playmaker and strikes fear into opposing offenses. Bryant McFadden was brought in from Pittsburgh this offseason and is very tough to throw against. At the free safety slot, Antrel Rolle will be starting once again and played well enough last season to keep his starting job.

Arizona had a breakout season in 2008 but it will be very difficult for them to return to the Super Bowl this year. The loser of the Super Bowl is notoriously known to miss the playoffs the following season. If everybody can stay healthy though, this team could be quite dangerous and once again prove people wrong.

Season Prediction: 8-8, 2nd NFC West

Source: http://mvn.com/outsider/2009/08/nfl-outsider-season-preview-2009-arizona-cardinals.html