2011 NFL Team Preview
Arizona Cardinals
2010 Record: 5-11
2010 Record ATS (Against the Spread): 5-11
Outlook:
The Cardinals have been pretty below average since their Super Bowl appearance several years ago. It all starts with the QB position. They thought they had former Heisman winner Matt Leinart waiting in the wings to take over for Kurt Warner but he was not an NFL caliber QB. So the scramble began and they installed people like Derek Anderson who had flashed of brilliance but were clearly not NFL material. This season they picked up Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia and feel they are in position to make a move to the top of their weak division.
Strengths: The Cardinals were good at scoring touchdowns in a unconventional way. They scored a total of 12 touchdowns on returns, fumbles, and interceptions. All Pro WR Larry Fitzgerald nabbed 90 passes for 1,137 yards and six TD's. He was one of the only bright spots for an offense that really lacked any firepower last season. Rookie Chris "Beanie" Wells only produced 397 yards in his inaugural season, a major disappointment.
Weaknesses: Passing game and offense in general. The offense finished below 26th in every major category in the 2010 season. The passing defense is really bad as well. Rushing defense allowed 2,182 yards which was second to last in the NFL. Finding a reliable QB in the NFL is a challenge for every team. It is truly one of the most challenging positions in all of professional sports. Kevin Kolb comes over to solidify the passing game. We don't think he will make that big of an impact and especially not right away. And even if he does beef up the offense a bit there are so many other holes on this team that it won't matter.
Betting Prognosis: Many industry experts and novices alike are betting the Cardinals to win the division now that they have a capable QB. But we say not so fast. Kolb couldn't really hold his own in Philly and never has produced an entire season so as far as we are concerned he is unproven. Also, the passing team cannot stop anybody. True that the Cardinals play in a weak division but that won't matter. They probably will not win the division and may only improve on last years record by a game. Last year they went 1-5 in the division SU and ATS. This team will need a few years to get going again and we think they made their best effort toward winning it all several years ago.
Key Matchups:
Week 1 vs Carolina - Carolina is a team that on paper is worse than Arizona. The Cardinals should get a win here. But with bad teams you never know.
Week 2 at Washington - Rex Grossman starts for Washington as it looks at this point and if Arizona gets a couple turnovers in their favor could win this one as well. Don't bet on it.
