NewSportsWriters.com NFL Preview

NFC West Preview

Arizona Cardinals

Key Additions: RB Edgerrin James (Colts), OG Milford Brown (Texans), QB Matt Leinhart (USC) and DT Kendrick Clancy (Giants)

Key Losses: QB Josh McCown (Lions), S Quentin Harris (Giants), and DT Russell Davis (Seahawks)

Offensive Outlook

The Cardinals offense ranked eighth overall last season, but managed this despite having the worst rushing production in the league. Marcel Shipp and last year’s second round pick JJ Arrington battled injuries all year and due to this, along with injuries along the offensive line forcing eight different starting units, consistency was almost impossible to be found. The Cardinals have since added perennial Pro Bowl running back Edgerrin James, who along with the already potent passing game should produce one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.

Last year head coach Dennis Green played musical chairs at the quarterback position, but with Josh McCown now out and Matt Leinhart in, I have to believe his hope for the upcoming season is for starter Kurt Warner to remain in the starting lineup while also tutoring the rookie on the ins and outs of the pro game. If Warner were to go down Green would likely look to Leinart, but if this team is truly going to make a run at the playoffs Warner will have to remain healthy for the bulk of the season.

If Leinart would be forced into action he’ll certainly have some of the best young weapons in the NFL at his disposal. We all know what Edge brings to the table, but the receiving duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin will also be very important to the team’s success in ’06. Both amassed over 100 catches and 1,400 yards last season, but it’s been consistency at the tight end position that has plagued this offense in recent years. With the addition of third round pick Leonard Pope the Cardinals feel they have addressed this problem, and at 6’8” should give them the red zone target that they’ve lacked (Cardinals ranked last in the league in red zone offense last year).