2008 Arizona Cardinals NFL Predictions & Football Picks

August 18, 2008


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2008 Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt did an admirable job of guiding the team to a respectable 8-8 record last season despite losing franchise QB Matt Leinart for most of the season. Whisenhunt has instilled a sense of discipline in the Cardinals who are on the cusp of making the playoffs if they can continue their improvement. The NFC West Arizona Cardinals are at 50-1 odds to win the 2009 Superbowl.

In what should be a balanced offense, the Cardinals have some serious firepower with premier wideouts Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Both players have only 4.60 40-speed but they are physical and have great hands. If starting QB Matt Leinart can improve his game preparation and footwork, this could be a top-5 NFL offense. If Leinart falters, backup QB Kurt Warner showed he still has the tools to win with his 89.8 passer rating from a year ago. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt likes to use a physical running game to set up the pass, and Whisenhunt is expecting RB Edgerrin James to rebound from an off season when he averaged only 3.8 yards per carry. James has excellent balance, vision and hands but lacks breakaway speed (4.65 40-time). Rookie 5th round RB Tim Hightower (4.60-40) has shown some ability running between the tackles in camp, and he could see some touches behind James. The zone blocking O-line showed improvement under the tutelage of respected line coach Russ Grimm. This big offensive line should thrive now that they have playing time together. All of last year’s starters return intact but the Cards will need higher production from their big men up front for the offense to reach their potential. The Arizona Cardinals NFC West NFL betting odds are at +225 to win the division.

The D-Line was a top priority to boost a gifted Arizona 3-4 defense that has high expectations to overtake the Seattle Seahawks for top spot in the NFC West. Monster 340 Lb. DT Gabe Watson and Bertrand Berry are the key factors for improvement if they recover from injuries. 6′8″ DE Calais Campbell from Miami, a 2nd round draft choice could also make an impact. DE Darnell Dockett from FSU is coming off a career year with 9 sacks last year. The linebacking core lost a young talent in OLB Calvin Pace, but the Cardinals defense has a stud in ILB Gerald Hayes. 6′4″ 250 Lb. OLB Karlos Dansby is a killer blitzer that crushes running backs. The Cardinals made a nice pickup in #1 pick CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who will help an up and coming secondary. All-Pro SS Adrian Wilson is the leader of the secondary with his intensity and playmaking ability. Speedy new safety Antrel Rolle (4.35 speed) will make the transition from cornerback which could make an improvement at the safety position. Cornerbacks Roderick Hood and Eric Green are both good cover corners and the overall depth is very good. The special teams struggled, but kicker Neil Rackers has nice power on kickoffs and field goals.

The Arizona Cardinals are a strong, but unproven team that could make some noise in the NFC West if the aging Seahwaks falter. With some new upgrades, My NFL predictions for the NFC West Arizona Cardinals call for a 9-7 season.

2007 Arizona Cardinals NFL Betting Record: 8-7-1 ATS

2008 Arizona Cardinals NFL Predictions Power Ratings

Coaching: 8
Quarterback: 7
Running Backs: 7
Offensive Line: 7
Wideouts: 9
Defensive Line: 7
Linebackers: 6
Secondary: 7
Special Teams: 5

Cardinals Locker takes a look at if Ken Whisenhunt will get Arizona to the playoffs in 2008.

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Written by admin · Filed Under NFL 

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