Reprints Online

In 2005, there were high hopes for Dennis Green's team, only they did not meet expectations as promised, with a bad running game and injuries at QB most of the season. Things were corrected in the off-season with the free agent signing of Edgrin James from the Colts at running back and newly signed 10th pick overall, Matt Leinart at QB from Southern Cal. There is an air of newness in Phoenix, with a new state of the art stadium, a powerful offense on paper and a better than average defense in place, this could be the Cardinals year to make some noise, as they should battle it out with Seattle for the top spot, although St. Louis, with a new coach has some potential in this conference. I think the offense of the Cards may be one of the Top 5 in the NFL this year, so lets break down the team, and chances to win a prop bet on win totals as well.

On offense you have a solid unit that can and should be a quick strike offense that can now stretch the field. With Kurt Warner at QB, who has looked good in the preseason and in mini camps, you have a MVP quarterback with experience. Though he has not returned to his glory status of the old Rams days, he has a strong arm and leadership qualities needed to run the offense. The weapons at his disposal are impressive, now at running back and the best 1-2-3 punch at wide receiver in the NFL. With Anquan Bolden and Larry Fitzgerald, you have 2 Pro Bowl contenders on the same team and the addition of Troy Walters will help with speed, and draft pick Leonard Pope at tight end at 6-7, should provide nice balance and compliment this outstanding unit. The threat of a running game, and RB that can also catch the ball in the flat with Edgrin James, will only open up the offense more, with defense's now having to stay home more with this offensive balance. This is a quick strike offense and some solid depth to threaten late in games this season. If Warner stays healthy and Matt Leinart shows up to play and learn, this could be an outstanding offense capable of scoring 24+ points a game in 2006. If this running game can move the chains and grind it out when needed, the Cards will be a tall chore for anyone to completely shut down.

Rarely do I point out special teams as a category all to itself, but the Cards have an awesome special teams unit this year. Adding Troy Walters to the mix as a return specialist, field position should be good in 2006. Both kicker Neil Rackers and punter Scott Player are BOTH Pro Bowlers. Last year this unit gave up some big plays on the defensive side of the special teams unit, and players were added in the off-season to address this, and this special teams unit is headed up by Gary Zauner as coach with 13 years of NFL experience. This overall unit should be a difference maker in some close games this year, and it should be noted. Remember that special teams in the NFL is a huge issue and determines the outcomes of many games, and that is a serious advantage that Phoenix has in 2006.

On defense the cover corner position is shaky and some injured players and disappointments in other players should level out in 2006. The star of the secondary should be safety Adrin Wilson, who is one of the better ones in the NFL, and with his speed is known to blitz numerous times during games. The linebacker spot is a position where the Cards need a breakout player this year, and I feel Karlos Dansby is the man, after a breakout season in 2005, I expect him to keep pace again this season. I expect Orlando Huff, after a bad season in 2005 with high expectations coming in from Seattle, will have a better year and they should be able to stop the run. The defensive line is somewhat unclear because they were devastated with injuries last year, but the peices are place this year to mount a pass rush with Pro Bowler Betrand Berry, and getting Kenny King back after basically 2 years off with injuries should be a plus as well. This unit returns 10 starters from last year and will be better. It also should be noted that the Cards are returning 20 out of 22 starters from the 2005 squad, so team chemisrty should not be an issue.

All in all, with an offense, on paper, that looks to be as solid as any in the NFC, and a better than average defense, where allowing some points is not the end of the world, when you have the ability to score with huge playermakers on offense, with great special teams, is hard to ignore. After a 5 win season in 2005, I expect a 9-7 regular season record from Arizona, and with some luck and a decent schedule, a 10 win season and playoff berth is not out of the question. The prop bet at -120 with OVER 8 regular seasons win is a solid bet in my opinion.

About the Author

Tony George is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Tony_George.htm