2007 Season:(Positive) Cardinal Predictions

[Arizona's Finest]

2007 Cardinals Predictions

Anquan Boldin finishes the season as a no –brainer Top 5 WR in the NFL – Okay this is a little subjective. But I think this is Q’s breakout year. You have seen all of his obvious talents on display and with my expectation of the Cardinals having a good year he is going ot get more exposure. In fact I forsee a scenario in which we are watching a play-off game and Q breaks off one of his patented carrying “4 defenders into the end zone” move and the announcers say something along the lines of “This guy is better version of Terrell Owens!”. Not only that but I see Wiz using him as a Hines Ward type player and Q is tons more physically gifted than Ward. Weapon X will be throwing touchdowns, rushing the ball – and remember where you heard it first – throwing a TD to Leinart in a game. Boldin will become the newest all purpose weapon in the NFL and it will be all due to the ingenuity of Ken Wisenhunt and his offensive play-calling.

The Cardinals finish the season in the top half of the league in rushing – Now its not going to happen overnight. But I think Grimm is good enough to get a power running game out of the OL he currently has – and that’s without adding a top two pick in the draft at tackle as of yet, which I think we will do. So I see one tackle being added and hopefully something being brought out of Ross or Gorin to provide depth. I believe coaching is everything in the NFL and it will make a world of difference. I am elated that Wisenhunt wants to implement a physical running attitude and starts selling the team that they can be that. Now once the games start I think he is going to realize he might have WAY to good of personnel in the passing game to do that – but I like the idea. Wiz is unlike Denny in that he will adapt his game plan along the way. Besides it will take pressure off of Matt and allow him to have a lot of 18 – 25 280 YD 2 TD 0 INT games which I think will become the norm with him. Most importantly I think Edge is pissed at all the ribbing he took with the Colts winning it all and has a lot to prove. Especially with reports that Wiz doesn’t prefer Edge’s running style, I expect the proud James to come out like a bat out of hell and get 1400 + yards and 10 + TD’s.

Antrell Rolle comes back from the dead – I remember watching this kid in college and being convinced he was going to be a star in the NFL. IMO a mix of injuries and poor coaching by Richard Solomon (as well as a defensive scheme that does not play to his strengths) has caused him to look less then perfect. Clancy needs to realize that Rolle is not the type of guy you can put on an island and expect to do that well 5 times a game. With the addition of Hood I see him being assigned to “cover” the best WR on other teams and allow Rolle to focus on keeping guys out of the middle of the field, run support, and making plays all of which he excels at doing. Better coaching combined with his physical game (which will endear him to Wiz) will lead to Rolle to start living up to his promise. It’s obvious his confidence has vanished and there was a reason he was the star of preseason last year. The kid has tools. But it’s just that he had a screwdriver and alan wrench and he was assigned by coaches to bake a cake in the kitchen. I’m thinking the addition of Hood will help quite a bit in allowing him to play his game.

Matt Leinart will make the Pro Bowl and will establish himself as THE young QB – As of now VY and others have been getting a lot of love and rightfully so. But more and more it seems analysts have been reviewing the tape and numbers and are beginning to give Leinart the love he deserves. I am reminded of the quote that came from Champ Bailey after the Denver game in which he likened Leinart to Peyton Manning. I agree. He will audible at the line, make the dump off pass and stand strong in the pocket. Should he avoid injury I look for him to throw for 3500 + yards between 22 – 25 TD’s and 10 INT’s. And he will get a lot of love because……..

The Cardinals will be the darlings of the NFL – I know there are a lot of gaps to fill. I know there are weaknesses around the horn. However I think we have the talent at the right positions, and a distinct advantage in coaching now. And I am a big believer that the right scheming, motivation, and practice habits can make a 6 win team a 10 win team with the same personnel. I think letting Davis leave was a great move and I think that finally the players will be moving in the same direction. The commitment to running, the oline coach, the continuity on defense (don’t forget it was top 10 a year ago before the wheels fell off last season) and the development of our QB will all be important factors to the turn around. I see much like Sean Payton going to the Saints the team will be energized by the motivating influence of a guy who actually knows how to scheme and call plays and won’t allow his ego to get in the way of sound decision making. I really think this will make a world of difference. Not only that but certain players got fat knowing Denny was going to be by their side through it all. That won’t happen with Wiz. He is demanding accountability and the fact that he learned from Parcells and Cowher makes me think more than likely a little stardust will rub off on him. If Wiz was able to coax a Super Bowl out of Rothlesberger, Ward, and Willie Parker I truly believe he will be able to get the max out of what I consider three superior players in Leinart, Boldin, and James.

Maybe I am drinking Kool – aid. But this is the first time I have felt we actually have a COACHING ADVANTAGE over other teams since the team moved here (Buddy Ryan and his defense nonwithstanding). Combine that with the fact that Denny for all his faults infused the team with quite a bit of talent and it’s a good recipe for catching lightning in a bottle for the first time in decades for this team.

I am a big believer that the right coach and QB can take you to greatness. I am the biggest Leinart guy alive so I think for the first time the QB is in place. And I have a good feeling about the head coach as well. But time will tell if those two can lead the Cardinals out of the abyss and rise above the losing culture that pervades the team. The bad news is if they can’t – I’m not sure the combination of Jesus Christ and Joe Montana could………..

 

[abomb]

With any luck, we'll be 8-8.

 

[CardNots]

Nice read. I with ya all the way. Ahhhh, the hope begins again...

 

[RugbyMuffin]

With any luck, we'll be 8-8.

At 8-8 we will still be the darlings of the league. I think 8-8 is a good prediction for next year.

 

[PrescottLooie]

I'm betting we have a winning record. i.e. at least 9-7 !
Remember, you heard it here........THIS IS THE YEAR ! ! !

 

[Duckjake]

am a big believer that the right coach and QB can take you to greatness. I am the biggest Leinart guy alive so I think for the first time the QB is in place. And I have a good feeling about the head coach as well. But time will tell if those two can lead the Cardinals out of the abyss and rise above the losing culture that pervades the team. The bad news is if they can’t – I’m not sure the combination of Jesus Christ and Joe Montana could………..

The key for the Cardinals this season will be a solid start without any of the freak losses for which they have become famous, because the Boldin Generation is poised to put an end to that losing culture.

I really believe that if Warner had held on to the ball and Rackers made the FG to beat the Rams that the Cards would have won at least 10 games and made the playoffs with that favorable schedule. (Better teams at home and road games against weaker teams)

The same thing could be said for 2005 as well. How different would that season have been if against the Rams at SDS, instead of the Chinese Fire Drill at the end of the game, the Cards had scored a TD to get the win?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

No more predictions for me. I am sick of telling everyone I know that "This is the Cards year" for them to make me look like a ******.

 

[PrescottLooie]

Dream, my line is "This is the Year, I know I said that last year and the year before that and the year before that and the year before that, but I was only kidding." We all have fun with it.

 

[abomb]

No more predictions for me. I am sick of telling everyone I know that "This is the Cards year" for them to make me look like a ******.

Just do what I have done the past four seasons, say "I'll be happy if we are 8-8.".

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Just do what I have done the past four seasons, say "I'll be happy if we are 8-8.".

It is not like I have been saying that we will go 12-4. I have said either 8-8 or 9-7.

 

[Skkorpion]

We don't know if Whisenhunt can be a good head coach, so assuming we have a coaching advantage over team is premature.

Appreciate the enthusiasm though.

 

[JC_AZ]

Hometown Superbowl in '08!

 

[Snakester]

Up to this point we haven't done enough to improve the team that much over last year. With a new coaching staff the team is starting over again which means it will most likely take the team half the season to gel. There are too many question marks to expect much from the team this year. Like skkorp has said, we don't even know if our new head coach can be a good coach or not. I see a 7-9 season unless Whisenhunt proves to be a great coach in his first year.

As far as free agency I think we did okay with our signings but we dropped the ball on our o-line. We let our LT leave and we didn't replace him. That was a huge mistake that will hurt this team this year. There isn't a great left tackle prospect in this years draft. Both Levi Brown and Joe Thomas will struggle this year if they start. We had the chance to take care of our o-line problems in last years draft and dropped the ball. We will pay for it this year.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

We don't know if Whisenhunt can be a good head coach, so assuming we have a coaching advantage over team is premature.

Appreciate the enthusiasm though.

I agree.

And I think too many are banking on this staff to magically fix the online that has played horrible for almost a decade.

 

[az1965]

I'm betting we have a winning record. i.e. at least 9-7 !
Remember, you heard it here........THIS IS THE YEAR ! ! !

We have been saying this every year for the last several years...

 

[CardNots]

I'm betting we have a winning record. i.e. at least 9-7 !
Remember, you heard it here........THIS IS THE YEAR ! ! !

You are too funny. Hey how are ya doing up there in Prescott? Lou, nice to see you onboard.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I'm not saying that Wiz is def. going to be a great head coach - but there are ALOT more encouraging signs than there have been for any other coach that have come here. And if you are like me and believe that a good coach can "coach" talent up - then if you do buy into Wiz - you can see there is room for improvement where Denny consistently dropped the ball.

This is an article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette before Wiz became Steelers OC. See if you see any parallels and listen to some of the compliments given by some really respected football minds (Bill Curry especially)

My comments are in RED


The same year the U.S. hockey team struck gold, another miracle was about to take place in another athletic arena in this country.No movie will come from what happened that day on Grant Field on the campus of Georgia Tech, but it doesn't make it less wondrous.

Legendary Notre Dame, unbeaten, untied and ranked No. 1 in the AP and UPI college football polls, played Georgia Tech, a rambling wreck of a team that entered that Nov. 8, 1980 game with a 1-8 record.

"I don't know how many Division I-A teams there were in the country," said ESPN commentator Bill Curry, then the Georgia Tech coach. "But if there were 110, we were No. 110."

Early on, the Yellow Jackets lost their starting quarterback, Mike Kelley, and his backup, Ted Peeples, to injuries. Another quarterback did not suit up because of a previous injury. Georgia Tech, on the third series of a scoreless game, had the ball on its 8. With little choice, Curry turned to a walk-on true freshman receiver/defensive back who had never played in a college game, and told him to go play quarterback.

"I was scared to death," Ken Whisenhunt said.
Said Curry, "If you tried to create the most difficult scenario for a college football player, there's a good chance you'd pick a true freshman walk-on player who was a hybrid, had not practiced much at quarterback and put him in there with the ball on our [8] playing the No. 1-ranked team in America."

It should have been easy pickings for the mighty Irish. Instead, the anti-Rudy, Whisenhunt, a former high school quarterback, and the Georgia Tech defense turned Notre Dame's '80 national championship locomotive into the big train that couldn't.

"He takes his first snap of college football at any position," Curry said, "and in terms of taking the snap, handing off, running with abandon, hanging onto the football and doing all the courageous things you'd pray he would, he did them all!"

Whisenhunt ran for 3 yards on that play and his stats from that game were pedestrian: He completed 3 of 5 passes for 29 yards and ran six times for 3 yards, playing through an undiscovered stress fracture in his leg. Nearly all of the passing yards came on one big play, a 23-yard pass to Jeff Keisler to the 37 that set up a field goal that gave Georgia Tech an implausible 3-3 tie against Notre Dame.

That tie so rocked the Irish that they lost two of their final three games and, at 9-2-1, finished ninth and 10th in the polls. Georgia Tech eventually won a national championship in 1990 under Bobby Ross after Curry left to coach Alabama.

Whisenhunt did play a little quarterback the following season when pressed into action again, but Georgia Tech's own Slash settled in as a tight end and went on to play nine years at the position with three NFL teams.

"He was a good player, a smart player," said fellow Steelers assistant Russ Grimm, a former Redskins teammate. "Whizzie was like an H-back. We ran a lot of one-back so he was like a tight end/fullback/receiver-type. He's smart, quiet and didn't make mistakes." (THE ANTI DENNY GREEN)


And now he steps into a position not unlike the one in which he found himself nearly 24 years ago: Running an offense for the first time, only now as the Steelers' coordinator. Whisenhunt's play against Notre Dame and throughout his Georgia Tech career leaves little doubt in Curry's mind that there will be no panic if the time comes when he must make a crucial call to put the Steelers in a Super Bowl.

"This may be his first time as a coordinator in the NFL," Curry said, "but he has this calm presence about him that he will function as if he did it all his life. He never panics and he's absolutely brilliant. (MY FAVORITE QUOTE OF THE ARTICLE)

"He'll make the call that makes the most sense, that requires calm and presence. He won't be plucking things out of the air or choking on a hot dog. Coaches do all kinds of crazy stuff; there is a legion of ways they can panic in those situations. This guy is cold-blooded in the clutch." (SEE: BOWL, SUPER @ DETROIT VS SEAHAWKS)

Whisenhunt won't try to remake the Steelers' offense, but he wants to return it to the days when defenses feared the ground game enough that they could not relax into a comfy zone to stop quarterback Tommy Maddox and the passing attack. The Steelers ranked 31st running the ball last season, the lowest in their history. The running game becomes his obvious priority as the team's new commander. (ITS AT THIS POINT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT THE STEELERS FINISHED THE NEXT YEAR 2ND IN RUSHING AND 5TH IN PENALTIES – OH AND THEY WERE 15-1 WITH A ROOKIE QB. SOUNDS LIKE A TEAM WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH. THE MORE I READ THE MORE I THINK WE JUST GOT A BETTER GAMEPLANNING VERSION OF BILL COWHER)

"You want to strive for balance, but the running game especially establishes a mental toughness, a physical toughness with your team," Whisenhunt said. "We were forced to maybe run it a certain way too many times and people could get a bead on it. In the past, when it's gotten tough, we just kind of powered through it, and we couldn't do that this year, for whatever reason.

"I think you have to reestablish the fact that no matter what the situation is, you can run the ball and try to be successful doing that. It establishes the toughness with these guys."

The Steelers might ask Jerome Bettis to take a pay cut and return for another season, but they have left little doubt that they will bring in at least one more back and maybe two, and could use their first-round draft pick on one. They will try to trade Amos Zereoue or release him.
The other order of business for Whisenhunt is to whip the line into shape. That might take care of itself, for the most part, if tackle Marvel Smith and guard Kendall Simmons get healthy in the offseason. The only hole they must fill is right tackle.

"It's never as simple as replacing one guy with another," Whisenhunt said. "It's getting the right person and getting everybody on the same page. We have enough weapons on this offense. If we can address a couple of the issues we talked about -- we can protect Tommy a little better, run the ball a little better -- it's going to make everybody better." (I REPEAT THIS WAS HIS FIRST YEAR AS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR – I MEAN DOES THIS SOUND LIKE HE IS TALKING ABOUT THE 2006 CARDINALS OR WHAT????)

Whisenhunt, who will be 42 Saturday, came to coaching after spending six months pursuing his other love.

When his playing days ended in 1993, he took his civil engineering degree from Georgia Tech straight to the golf course for six months. He's a four handicap, but he got bored with it.

About the time he decided to look into coaching, it found him in the form of Vanderbilt coach Rod Dowhower. His former coordinator in Atlanta, Dowhower needed a special teams and tight ends coach and thought of Whisenhunt.

"I just watched the way he prepared, the way he played, the way he communicated, his demeanor," said Dowhower, now retired in Arizona.

"I was just impressed with the way he went about his business. He's very smart. When he coached our special teams, that was about the best thing on our team other than our defense."
Two virtues come to Dowhower when he talks about Whisenhunt: His smarts and his toughness. He still recalls his former tight end continuously throwing a favorite block.

"When I went to the Falcons I watched him on film wham those noses on the lead nose play over and over again. They did it over and over and over. I'm surprised he has normal shoulders. He's one of the toughest guys I've seen play."

Dan Henning, who coached him in Washington and Atlanta and helped get him hired by the Jets, uses similar words to describe Whisenhunt.
"He leans on approaching players on an intelligent basis, but this is a tough guy," said Henning, offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers. "He has a mental toughness about him that makes him excel.

"He learned every position. He was on our depth chart in 1986 as a backup quarterback as well as starting at tight end. He's very bright and has a creative mind. I think he'll do very well. He leans toward things to take advantage of the intelligence of the players he's coaching." (MATT LEINART – WELCOME TO CANTON)

Henning convinced Jets coach Al Groh to hire Whisenhunt to coach the tight ends in New York in 2000 after he had spent the previous three seasons on the staffs of the Ravens and Browns. Henning then gave Whisenhunt more responsibility, scripting practices and organizing other areas of the offense with the idea that he would one day succeed him as the Jets' coordinator.

But Groh left after a year to become head coach at the University of Virginia and Bill Cowher hired Whisenhunt to replace Mike Mularkey, who was promoted from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator in 2001.
Mularkey, who became head coach of the Buffalo Bills last month, wanted to hire Whisenhunt as his offensive coordinator in Buffalo this year. But Bills president Tom Donahoe pressed him to hire Tom Clements instead and Bill Cowher promoted Whisenhunt after a cursory look at other candidates.

"He's got a chance to do some things there," Mularkey said. "I think it's a great opportunity."

But is he ready?

"I don't ever think you know that until you do it," Whisenhunt said. "Do I think I'm prepared? Absolutely. I've been preparing for this for a long time.



Okay so it's no slam dunk that he is going to be a great head coach. But i don't know about you guys but I am a hell of a lot more encouraged by what I hear about him than any of the other head coaches we hired.

Buck up guys - with WIz and the QB I think we have legitimate reason to be optimistic. I'm not saying 10 wins - but I am sure everyone on the board would agree 8-8 and progress from some key players would be an unmitigated success. And i don't think that Wiz's influence puts that too far out of reach....

 

[cardsfanmd]

I loved that article, I only wish you had posted it a few months ago. I am going all out here, the 07 Cards will be like of 06 Saints!

 

[Scot1]

God, do I hope this works out. But he's never dealt with the Curse!

 

[dreamcastrocks]

That was a great article. The writer definitely did some research. I try not to drink the until draft day though.

 

[Skkorpion]

Thanks for posting that article, Finest.

So Whisenhunt throttled my Irish, eh? Never knew that and I remember listening to that game on radio.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Great Article Arizonas Finest!

Thanks for finding it!

 

[Covert Rain]

I am "Positive" we will win at least one more game then last season.