The Arizona Cardinals were arguably the best story in the NFC last year – only eclipsed by the Kansas City Chiefs as the team that made the most drastic improvement. The addition of Head Coach Bruce Arians has completely changed the culture of this team and has made it one to be reckoned with – right off the bat.
The Arizona Cardinals endured significant makeover this past offseason and the moves that were made look very good on paper. A new Head Coach, Bruce Arians was brought in to change the culture – he had a very good 2012 season as interim coach of a rebuilding Indianapolis Colts squad.
With NFL football betting times just a short time away, Cappers Picks NFL handicappers have been hard at work putting out the team by team NFL Season Predictions & Previews for those of us who can’t wait. Bet on the 2014 Super Bowl winner, plus 2013/14 Conference and Divisional winners.
2012 Record: 5-11
ATS: 7-8-1
Cardinals Odds to win the 2014 NFC West Division: +2200
Cardinals Odds to win the 2014 NFC Conference: 66/1
Cardinals Odds to win the 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII: 125/1
CLICK HERE FOR TOP NFL CAPPERS PREDICTIONS FOR EACH AND EVERY GAME OF THE NFL SEASON —–>
Let’s take a look at the numbers:
Perhaps the biggest and most important move was replacing ineffective quarterbacks Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley. They were, in a word, pathetic last year and were solely responsible for Larry Fitzgerald’s 71 catch, 798 yards, 4 TD season.
The Cardinals did what they had to do – they went out and got a reliable quarterback to run the show. Carson Palmer may not be the guy he once was but at very least he gives the Cardinals a little legitimacy at the position. He will make Larry Fitzgerald better and if Fitz is better so too will be the offense.
Palmer will also have second year first rounder Michael Floyd to throw to as well as reliable slot receiver Andre Roberts and Tight End Rob Housler who should see some more action in Bruce Arians’ scheme.
The running game replaced Beanie Wells with Rashard Mendenhall. If you are as perplexed by the move – you are not alone. Mendenhall doesn’t seem to be an upgrade at all. Chances are that Ryan Williams and/or Stephan Taylor overtake Mendenhall as the starting back at some point this season.
Arizona’s running game has been a problem in the past and it figures to once again be an Achilles heel of this team.
With Carson Palmer in camp, there will have to be an emphasis on protection. Arizona’s offensive line wasn’t great last year – Cards QBs were sacked a combined 58 times during the year. 2013 first round draft choice (7th overall) Jonathan Cooper will help as will the return of Levi Brown from injury.
The O-line will be better just how much better is the biggest question. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Arizona defense was the sole reason this team started 4-0 last season but injuries completely decimated this unit. The Cards surrendered just 15.3 points per game in the first four contests but names like Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell went down with various injuries at various times during the season.
They will be back healthy this year and will be buoyed by the return of Karlos Dansby who was a difference maker for the Cards before heading to Miami. Dansby could be the rock that anchors this unit on the field and in the locker room.
There are still plenty of questions on Arizona’s defense. Who will start opposite Patrick Peterson at the CB position? Who will play safety after their 2012 starters Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson departed? The Cardinals used a third-rounder on Tyrann Mathieu, who could quickly make his way into the lineup if and only if he can keep his head on straight.
Also who will replace the stellar linebacker Daryl Washington who was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy? He also has some domestic assault issues that he still has to deal with when he returns from that suspension!
The Arizona Cardinals, on paper did a lot to improve their on-field product but the fact remains that they play in perhaps the toughest division in the NFL. They play the Seahawks, the 49ers and the Rams two times this year – not exactly an enviable task! They also have to battle the Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Colts and Texans.
Carson Palmer on offense and Karlos Dansby on defense will create a little accountability for this team but it won’t be enough to get to the .500 mark.
Look for a more competitive team to finish 6-10 with a ton of positives coming out of the season – unlike last year!
Ready to start NFL Gambling Online today?
The Arizona Cardinals had a lot of work to do in the shortened offseason but did shore up some enormous gaping hole with the trade for Kevin Kolb and the signing of Linebacker Stewart Bradley.
With NFL football betting times just a short time away, Cappers Picks NFL handicappers have been hard at work putting out the team by team NFL Season Predictions & Previews for those of us who can’t wait. Bet on the 2010 Super Bowl winner, plus 2010 Conference and Divisional winners.
Let’s take a look at the numbers:
betED NFL Football Betting Odds – Arizona Cardinals Odds To Win NFC West – +140
Season Over/Under Win Total Betting Odds From beted.com – 8.5
Yes, it’s possible to win the lottery twice, but what are the odds? Every sportsbook in the world figures the Cardinals to return to earth this season. Seven teams are given a better shot than Arizona’s 12-1 to win the NFC, and you can get 30-1 on Zona to win the Super Bowl.
