roland77
Rookie
Didn't see this posted yet, from Don Banks CNN/SI:
. Whose long-suffering fans have renewed reason for hope this offseason?
What's not to like about what the Arizona Cardinals have done so far in 2005? New logo. New quarterback. New offensive coordinator. And maybe a new page in franchise history being turned in time for that spanking new stadium that's on the way in 2006 and slated to host the Super Bowl in February 2008.
Conventional wisdom says the Cardinals are still the L.A. Clippers of the NFL, but if they land the starting running back they sorely lack in the first round of this month's draft -- and they're praying that Texas' Cedric Benson is still available when their No. 8 pick rolls around -- they will a legitimate threat to win the mild, mild NFC West.
Almost everywhere you look, there is cause for optimism entering year two of Dennis Green's coaching tenure. The offense that he is turning over to new coordinator Keith Rowen -- who once worked under Green in Minnesota -- looks only a lead running back shy of ready to roll.
True, the Cardinals didn't sign the Kurt Warner of 1999-2001, but the former Rams and Giants quarterback is still better than anyone Arizona ran out there under center in 2004 --Â Josh McCown, Shaun King and John Navarre included.
Give Warner time to jell with the Cardinals' three quality young receivers -- Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson -- and protection behind an Arizona offensive line that is better than most people think, and he's still capable of playing winning football. Especially if he has a powerful, chains-moving runner like Benson to help take the pressure off the passing game.
If the Cardinals can close the gap between themselves, Seahawks and Rams on offense, watch out, because Arizona already fields one of the quickest, most impressive young defenses in the league. There are play-makers on every segment of the defense, with young standouts still on their way up.
And the unit's veteran leadership got better this offseason, with the addition of free agents like defensive end Chike Okeafor, linebacker Orlando Huff and safety Robert Griffith. Okeafor and Pro Bowl end Bertrand Berry give the Cardinals a fine pass-rushing tandem, and Darnell Dockett is an emerging star at tackle. Linebacker Karlos Dansby is coming off an eye-opening rookie season and strong safety Adrian Wilson is a dependable, unsung player in the mold of a young Griffith.
The talent level is rising in Arizona. And so are the expectations. After so many seasons of wilted hopes in the desert, the Cardinals' long dry spell is almost over.
. Whose long-suffering fans have renewed reason for hope this offseason?
What's not to like about what the Arizona Cardinals have done so far in 2005? New logo. New quarterback. New offensive coordinator. And maybe a new page in franchise history being turned in time for that spanking new stadium that's on the way in 2006 and slated to host the Super Bowl in February 2008.
Conventional wisdom says the Cardinals are still the L.A. Clippers of the NFL, but if they land the starting running back they sorely lack in the first round of this month's draft -- and they're praying that Texas' Cedric Benson is still available when their No. 8 pick rolls around -- they will a legitimate threat to win the mild, mild NFC West.
Almost everywhere you look, there is cause for optimism entering year two of Dennis Green's coaching tenure. The offense that he is turning over to new coordinator Keith Rowen -- who once worked under Green in Minnesota -- looks only a lead running back shy of ready to roll.
True, the Cardinals didn't sign the Kurt Warner of 1999-2001, but the former Rams and Giants quarterback is still better than anyone Arizona ran out there under center in 2004 --Â Josh McCown, Shaun King and John Navarre included.
Give Warner time to jell with the Cardinals' three quality young receivers -- Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson -- and protection behind an Arizona offensive line that is better than most people think, and he's still capable of playing winning football. Especially if he has a powerful, chains-moving runner like Benson to help take the pressure off the passing game.
If the Cardinals can close the gap between themselves, Seahawks and Rams on offense, watch out, because Arizona already fields one of the quickest, most impressive young defenses in the league. There are play-makers on every segment of the defense, with young standouts still on their way up.
And the unit's veteran leadership got better this offseason, with the addition of free agents like defensive end Chike Okeafor, linebacker Orlando Huff and safety Robert Griffith. Okeafor and Pro Bowl end Bertrand Berry give the Cardinals a fine pass-rushing tandem, and Darnell Dockett is an emerging star at tackle. Linebacker Karlos Dansby is coming off an eye-opening rookie season and strong safety Adrian Wilson is a dependable, unsung player in the mold of a young Griffith.
The talent level is rising in Arizona. And so are the expectations. After so many seasons of wilted hopes in the desert, the Cardinals' long dry spell is almost over.
