The Arizona Cardinals are not starting off the 09′ season as they ended the 08′ season. QB Kurt Warner doesn’t seem to be the same man who led the Cardinals to one of the greatest playoff pushes in recent memory. While the wide receivers for the Cardinals are still being productive - they are not close to where they were in 08′.

The Arizona Cardinals are notorious for losing year after year and not spending money on the “big time” players. These last few years have proved to be different ironically.

Kurt Warner had been uncertain about his NFL future, playing around with the idea of retirement. Anquan Boldin was unhappy with his status on his team and threatened to leave. Edgerrin James was lost to free agency, and was now on the Seahawks in Seattle. Many wondered what the fate of the Cardinals would hold in store in 2009. However, with the exception of Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin and Kurt Warner both returned.

09′ has proved one thing, what you did a previous season means nothing in today’s NFL. Teams that win or go to the Super Bowl, the following year is a struggle. This makes you appreciate the teams such as the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers, 1980’s San Francisco 49ers, 1990’s Dallas Cowboys, and the 2000’s New England Patriots for maintaining years of constancy.

Kurt Warner has reinvented himself after spending time in the witness protection on the New York Giants helping groom QB Eli Manning. The entire culture of the Cardinals has changed and fans can actually get excited about their team and have expectations. With high expectation can come high disappointment as well.

The Cardinals defense is one of the lowest ranked in the NFL, but they are holding opponents to a low rushing total per game. Despite the bad start to the Cardinals 09′ season, there is still time to turn things around.

The Cardinals did exactly what they needed to do in week 2. They won, and they won big. If they can keep this level of play up, they should have a successful season.

Discuss the latest Cardinals news on the Arizona Cardinals forum at RootZoo Sports and play fantasy football games.

Tags: , ,

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!