20-Nov-2009 17:20pm
 
Arizona
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Arizona Cardinals
Quarterbacks: Running Backs:
Wide Receivers: Tight Ends:
Defense: Kickers:
OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES

The big-name loss for the Cardinals was running back Edgerrin James, but he was being fazed out of the offense last season. The Cardinals used a first-round pick on Chris Wells, hoping to find their No. 1 running back for the next several years. If Wells can stay healthy, he'll be an upgrade over an aging James.

The Cardinals also strengthened their secondary, adding cornerback Bryant McFadden. He should stop into a starting role, adding an experienced and talented player in the secondary. Third-down specialist J.J. Arrington is gone, but Jason Wright was signed to fill this role. Wright should be fine filling in for Arrington, who hadn't done a whole lot in recent seasons.

STRENGTHS

The passing game is an obvious strength for Arizona. They have three of the best receivers in the game in Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Bryant Johnson. All three broke the 1,000-yard mark last season, a rare feat in the NFL. Quarterback Kurt Warner runs the show, continuing to play at a high level. He looked like the MVP from past seasons, throwing for 4,500-plus yards and 30 touchdowns. The Cardinals will be one of the top passing teams in the game, again, this season.

The Cardinals secondary should be much improved with the addition of McFadden, who joins a unit that made a lot of strides the second half of the season. Their overall numbers weren't great, but McFadden and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have a lot of upside as starting cornerbacks. And safeties Antrel Rolle and Adrian Wilson are playmakers in the secondary. It could be a lot harder to throw on the Cardinals this season.

WEAKNESSES

The Cardinals are a pass-first team, but getting some help from the running game would make this offense even more potent. The leading rusher last year for the Cardinals had just 514 yards. Arizona should be improved with Wells added to the mix, but he is no sure thing, battling injuries throughout college. And Tim Hightower proved last season he isn't starter material, doing a much better job as a short-yardage specialist. The running game has potential, but could be a disappointment again if things don't go right for Wells and Hightower.

OUTLOOK

The Cardinals made the Super Bowl last season, so they have a lot to live up to this season. But a weak division and much of the same players returning bodes well for this squad. Arizona has the talent to make another Super Bowl run and should be a playoff team once again this season.

TEAM NOTES
Nov 20, 03:33 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals OG Reggie Wells (thumb) and DE Kenny Iwebema (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 20. They are listed as probable for Week 11 and are expected to play.
Nov 19, 04:33 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals CB Michael Adams (hamstring) and LB Karlos Dansby (shoulder) should be able to play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:33 PM Updating a previous report, Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals LB Chike Okeafor (back) appears like he will not be available to play Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals DL Kenny Iwebema (knee) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19, and has played the last few weeks with the injury.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Updating a previous report, Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals OT Mike Gandy (pelvis) should be able to play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby (shoulder) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19, and is expected to play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals OG Reggie Wells (thumb) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19, and will play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals LB Gerald Hayes (back) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals WR Sean Morey (concussion) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19, and is expected to play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals TE Ben Patrick (knee) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19, and will play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals SS Adrian Wilson (groin) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19, and will play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Updating a previous report, Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) should be able to play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Updating a previous report, Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals CB Bryant McFadden (ankle) should be able to play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:03 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals CB Michael Adams (hamstring), LB Karlos Dansby (shoulder) and OT Mike Gandy (pelvis) were limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 03:53 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals LB Chike Okeafor (back) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 03:53 PM Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 19.

Offseason Keys

Additions:
Oliver Ross, OT; Dominique Byrd, TE; Dan Kreider, RB; Jason Wright, RB; Bryant McFadden, CB; Keith Lewis, S. 

Losses:
Edgerrin James, RB; Travis LaBoy, DE; Roderick Hood, DB; Terrelle Smith, FB; Monty Beisel, LB; Eric Green, CB; Antonio Smith, DE; J.J. Arrington, RB. 

2009 Draft Class

RoundPickPlayerPos
 # 1  31 Chris WellsRB
 # 2  31 Cody BrownDL
 # 3  31 Rashad JohnsonDB
 # 4  31 Gregory TolerDB
 # 5  31 Herman JohnsonOL
 # 6  31 Will DavisDL
 # 7  31 LaRod Stephens-HowlingRB
 # 7  45 Trevor CanfieldOL

2009 Schedule

WeekDateTimeOpponent
1     Sep 13 4:15PM      San Francisco
2     Sep 20 1:00PM      at Jacksonville
3     Sep 27 8:20PM      Indianapolis
-- Week 4 Bye --
5     Oct 11 4:15PM      Houston
6     Oct 18 4:05PM      at Seattle
7     Oct 25 8:20PM      at New York Giants
8     Nov 1 4:15PM      Carolina
9     Nov 8 1:00PM      at Chicago
10     Nov 15 4:15PM      Seattle
11     Nov 22 4:05PM      at St Louis
12     Nov 29 4:15PM      at Tennessee
13     Dec 6 4:15PM      Minnesota
14     Dec 14 8:30PM      at San Francisco
15     Dec 20 1:00PM      at Detroit
16     Dec 27 4:05PM      St Louis
17     Jan 3 4:15PM      Green Bay