2008 Arizona Cardinals
Written August 14, 2008 by Jason Lowry
With another NFL season quickly nearing its start, Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 Arizona Cardinals season predictions. A lot of fans really thought the Cardinals were ready for a breakout season a year ago, but the team finish up at just 8-8 finishing 2nd in the NFC West, and failing to make the playoffs yet again. This year they are saying the Cardinals could be at it again in 2008. While the team pretty much remains in tact, there has been some nice additions this offseason, including LB/DE Travis LaBoy. To see just what the Cardinals will look like in 2008, lets take a look at just who they will be sending to the field this season.
Offense:
It looks as though Matt Leinart is going to get the early edge of Kurt Warner at quarterback to start the season, and he will likely feel the pressure to perform early and often. Warner could wind up being the best quarterback without a job, after he threw for 27 touchdowns coming in after Leinart went out with an injury. The running game looks like it remains in the hands of the veteran Edgerrin James, who needs to show he still has it or his job could be gone. The team still has one of the best receiving groups in the league with the duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. The offensive line looks to be pretty solid this season, as it continued to improve over the course of the season. It looks like the Cardinals have really found a force at tackle in Levi Brown, and he should only improve in his 2nd season. As long as this unit doesn’t get distracted by the quarterback battle, it should be up some pretty impressive numbers this season.
Cardinals +2000 odds to win NFC Championship at Sportsbook.com
Defense:
The defense showed some signs of really starting to get better last season, and with the addition of LaBoy this front 7 should be even better this season. The team is really hoping that defensive end Antonio Smith continues to improve, and tackle Darnell Dockett can build on his 9 sack performance from a year ago. At linebacker the Cardinals look pretty solid with Karlos Dansby leading the way, also they are hoping Chike Okeafor can return to form after missing all of last season with a torn biceps. The secondary looks to be even better this season after the Cardinals came away with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the first round of the draft. With even more depth at corner that allows Antrel Rolle to stay at safety alongside Pro Bowler Adrian Wilson, who could be in line for a monster season.
Cardinals +5000 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com
Special Teams:
This unit doesn’t really have anything that jump out at you, as kicker Neil Rackers continues to decline after his Pro Bowl season in 2005. Dirk Johnson looks to take over the punting duties as Scott Player just couldn’t get it done last season. The return game looks like its in pretty good hands with Steve Breaston, and could get some help from J.J. Arrington this season.
Cardinals Over/Under 7.5 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com
Prediction: 3rd in the NFC South
Even though the Cardinals looked like they might of got a little better this offseason, we are still a little unsure on just how good this team is going to be. The offense could be counting a little to much on the old legs of James, and its still unclear just how well the defense is going to be against the run. We are thinking 8 wins again in 2008 sounds just about right.
If you want to get a bet in on the Cardinals or any other teams odds to win this season, get over to Sportsbook.com and get an account up and going today. Also for those looking for a little more on the upcoming season, check out these great Cardinals predictions.