Arizona Cardinals

HISTORY
Founded in 1920 as the Chicago Cardinals of the APFA. Joined the NFL in 1922. Relocated to St. Louis in 1960. Relocated as the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988. Changed name to Arizona Cardinals in 1994. Super Bowl runner up for 2008 season.

CHAMPIONSHIP SUMMARY
League Championships: 2 – 1925 (NFL), 1947 (NFL)

Conference Championships: 1 – 2008 (NFC)

Division Championships: 5 – 1947 (NFL West), 1948 (NFL West), 1974 (NFC East), 1975 (NFC East) 2008 (NFC West)

Playoff Appearances: 7 – 1947, 1948, 1974, 1975, 1982, 1998, 2008, 2009

Recent Records:

2004: 6-10 2005: 5-11 2006: 5-11 2007: 7-9 2008: 9-7 2009: 10-6 2010: 5-11

2011 Draft Grade

Arizona Cardinals (C)
5: Patrick Peterson (1, 4 = 3) +2
38: Ryan Williams (33, 46 = 40) -2
69: Robert Housler (124, 106 = 115) -46
104: Sam Acho (75, 73 = 74) +30
136: Anthony Sherman (174, 173 = 174) -38
171: Quan Sturdivant (100, 87 = 94) +77
184: David Carter (255, 228 = 242) -58
249: Demarco Sampson (255, 255 = 255) -6

Draft Pick Total: 956 – Player Rankings Total: 997 —- TOTAL RANKING: -41

The Cardinals were even after rounds 1 and 2, but took a 46-point hit in Round 3. Sam Acho as a nice value pick at 104, as the Cards picked up 30 value points there, as both CBS and ESPN had Acho rated as a mid-75 prospect. Anthony Sherman was a bit of a reach, but they more than made up for it with Quan Sturdivant at pick 171. He was a +77 guy, which is rare in the draft process. At -41, it may seem underwhelming, but it was a couple reaches at picks 184 and 249 (guys that usually have a lesser chance to make the team anyway) that took the Cardinals below the value-radar. But I’m sticking to my guns, and value certainly can’t be ignored late – right Marques Colston and Tom Brady?

2011 Mock Draft

Arizona Cardinals 5-11 – Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: If the Cardinals knew what was good for them, they’d ignore the “need” to draft an overrated quarterback here, and go with a dominant corner with the physical size and ability to become a great one. They don’t have a good secondary, in fact, I don’t know what they do have that’s good outside of receiver. Still, I think Peterson is a stud, and I think he’s a better choice than Gabbert or Locker. And he’s probably the best player on the board. Grabbing a kid like Robert Quinn or Von Miller would make sense as well, I just happen to think Peterson is one of the best players, at any position, in this draft.

2009 Fantasy Football Notes

Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart, Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Jerheme Urban

Kurt Warner is one of the best quarterback options in the league. With his elite accuracy and game management skills added to his intelligence and eye for the game makes Kurt great. Then you add in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, probably the most dynamic receiving duo in the league, and you get one of the best fantasy QB’s available. He’ll never be a sexy top pick type guy, because he’s old, but Kurt will vie for the top QB spot in fantasy for a much lower pick than Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning. Matt Leinart has to get some attention because the kid has talent, has been learning from one of the best, and has elite options all around him when his chance comes. With Boldin and Fitz, I see Steve Breaston as a nice receiver to stash away late. His speed and size make him a nice big target for Warner, and there’s always a chance Boldin or Fitz could go down, making Breaston a nice option. Urban is a super sleeper here, he’s got good hands, and in case of an injury, he could be a valued pick up. Hightower is holding on to the #1 spot in Arizona’s backfield, and he could be a steal on draft day. But Beanie Wells is the talent at RB for the Cardinals. Hightower’s 2.8 yards per carry last season didn’t impress me too much, and while he might come into camp with something to prove (after the Cards took a RB in the 1st round) I would bet Beanie is the more productive of the two backs, if injuries don’t derail his rookie season.

2008 NFL DRAFT GRADES

Arizona Cardinals: B+

I like what the Cardinals did on draft day. They traded up slightly in Round 1 to get the corner they liked most, but not enough to kill the rest of their draft. In trading up, they picked up the most dynamic corner with the highest ceiling, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The 6’2″ corner with great measurables may take some time to adapt to the pro game, but his quickness and advice from his brother will make the transition easier. This was the biggest need area for the Cadinals as Antrel Rolle moves to safety.

Calais Campbell has 1st round pick ability and he’s a huge defensive end that can rush the passer and hold up well against the run. He might not have flashy speed or sack numbers but a defensive end that can do it all is a nice plus.

Early Doucet is a very talented receiver that just gets the job done. Maybe a little like Anquan Boldin a few years ago, Doucet didn’t blow anyone away with his numbers, but he’s a football player and should help right away.

Kenny Iwemba is a solid defensive pass rusher for a 4th round pick.

Tim Hightower didn’t time out well, but his film shows his bruising hard-nosed running style, and the Cards hope he can become a version of Marion Barber.

Chris Harrington has lots of speed at defensive end, but right now he’ll just try to make this team. His consistency was low at A&M.

Brandon Keith is a beast of an offensive lineman, and since it was the Cards and Russ Grimm taking him, I fully expect him to make the team and possible turn into a huge guard.


2007 Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals had a relatively terrible year in 2007. Kurt Warner didn’t work out… again. And superstar free-agent addition, Edgerrin James, had his worst full season in his entire football career. On the bright side, Matt Leinart looked as if he’s going to be a solid pro, while Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin continued to show why they are recognized as one of the best young tandems in the league. Overall, the Cardinals definitely disappointed in Dennis Green’s 2nd and last season as coach of the Cards. “They are who I thought they were!” If the Cardinals can pull a couple valuable offensive and defensive linemen via free agency and or the draft, I expect them to actually follow the hype that has been with them for the last two seasons, and do something in the NFC West. But there’s always the fact that they are the Cardinals, a real killer if you’re looking for wins. What the Cards really have to do is limit those 8 game losing streaks. Those will always hurt your playoff hopes. However, the Cardinals finished the season going 3-2 over their last 5 games, with wins over the Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks. Tough division, I guess.

2007 Off-Season Plans:

The Cardinals already found a new head coach in Ken Whisenhunt. This is a huge splash for Arizona, as Ken was one of the hottest names on the coaching market. As part of a Steelers’ coaching crew that always had great drafts, I can only expect some perfect decisions from the Cardinals with Ken running the show. While I’m sure the Cardinals will have a better rushing attack with Whisenhunt’s ground game in tact, a need for offensive linemen has to be realized. Addition via the draft could find them a star early, but plenty of depth can be had later on day 1. Defensive help is also something of need for Arizona. Early on day 1, if the best O-Line prospect is off the board, a flashy defensive lineman could find himself in a Cardinals uniform as the 5th pick. Possible selections; Joe Thomas, Gaines Adams, LaRon Landry, Reggie nelson, Levi Brown, or Alan Branch.

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