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2008 Arizona Cardinals NFL Predictions

The Cards have only sniffed the playoffs once in their 20-year history in Arizona. Last year's 8-8 season has head coach Ken Whisenhunt convinced that his team is heading in the right direction, but Jimmy Boyd isn't as easily convinced. Find out what has him soured on the Cards in his 2008 Arizona Cardinals predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

This is supposed to be Matt Leinart's offense, but the former first round pick went down with a broken collarbone after appearing in just five games. Veteran QB Kurt Warner stepped right in and showed that he still has some magic left with a 27-touchdown, 3,417-yard season. Warner's 27 touchdown strikes were the third-most in the NFC and second-most in Cardinals history. Leinart was frustrated that Whisenhunt often switched back and forth between he and Warner prior to his injury. Leinart will be the number one guy this season, but we know that Whisenhunt is not afraid to give him a seat if he isn't up to snuff.

Edgerrin James rebounded from a disappointing first year in Arizona to rush for 1,222 yards in 2007 – fourth-best in the NFC. The Cards were hoping to add a faster, more explosive back during the draft as James turns 30 just before the season, but I don't believe fifth-round pick Tim Hightower is the answer.

The Cards have one of the best one-two punches at the wide receiver spot in the league with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Fitzgerald led the NFC with 100 catches and 1,409 yards and added 10 touchdowns. Boldin battled through injuries to catch 71 balls – nine of them for scores. After restructuring Fitzgerald's contract in the $40 million range, Boldin wants a new deal too. This little hiccup could cause him to hold out or to be traded. The Cards also lost their number three receiver, Bryant Johnson, to the 49ers. The Cards drafted LSU's Early Doucet with hopes of him stepping into Johnson's spot.

The offensive line got stronger and stronger as the year went on. Projected starters include Al Johnson at center, Reggie Wells and Deuce Lutui at guards, and Mike Gandy and Levi Brown at the tackles.

Defense

Injuries and a lack of depth were the biggest problems facing the defensive line last season. The starting defensive ends were not able to come out and that proved to be detrimental in the second half of the season. For example, Darnell Dockett had eight sacks through the first half of the season and only one in the second half. He and Antonio Smith will have some help this year with the signing of the Titans' Travis LaBoy. The Cards also drafted Miami's Calais Campbell in the second round and Iowa's Kenny Iwebema in the fourth.

Linebackers Karlos Dansby and Chike Okeafor will get some help from three new free agents as well. The Cards also signed undrafted free agent Ali Highsmith from LSU. He was a top-rated prospect before a poor showing at the combine. This kid could be a big time sleeper.

The Cards got the player they wanted when they drafted Tennessee State's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with the 16th pick in the draft. He's a big play corner with a huge upside. Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson will anchor the unit. Depth looks to be a problem here.

Special Teams

Kicker Neil Rackers has dropped off considerably after his 40-for-42 Pro Bowl season of 2005. The punter spot is in far worse shape. Steve Breaston appears to be an up and coming kick returner.

Prediction – 4th in NFC West

I think the Cards will come in last in a tight NFC West division race. Leinart has not yet played a full season so we still don't know what he is made of and it is unlikely that Warner could duplicate his 2007 campaign. The defense is still young and developing and that will hold the Cards back. If you remember back to last season, Arizona had a lot of trouble winning on the road and I expect this trend to continue.

Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Predictions are here to help you sort out one of the tightest divisions in football this season and his NFL picks are here to help you beat the sportsbooks all season long.

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June 22nd, 2008