Expectations:

[Catfish]

Well now-----all the off-season hoopla and hoping is settling like a cloud of haboob dust after a monsoon storm. All the planning, teaching, position battles, and roster decisions have been made. Now is the time when NFL fans throughout the world begin settling into their expectations of where their favorite teams will prevail during the upcoming season.

For Cardinals fans this year, those expectations can run the entire course of possibilities-----and be justified. Those who expect that there is no way the Big Red can overcome the terrible losses incurred this off season, are as likely to be correct as those 'coolade drinkers' who expect to win a Super Bowl title. The facts are however, that the likelihood is for the Cardinals to finish somewhere between those two expectations.

Yes, the losses have been devastating, BUT-----the tireless and ceaseless efforts of the scouting department and front office have been effective in providing roster replacements that are workable for this coaching staff. The accomplishments of this front office under the leadership of Steve Keim have been nothing short of spectacular since the BA&SK era has begun, and herein lies the truth that will become this season's ultimate finality.

The likelihood is that this Cardinal's team will finish better than the nay- sayers proclaim, yet fail to achieve the expectations of the 'cooladers'. One should be able to expect that this season's results will be similar to those of last year, a winning record, (with the possibilities of a playoff experience being very real). The likelihood is, that this wonderfully diverse coaching staff will find enough ways to plug the gaps, (left by roster losses), and nimbly refine the remaining roster into a very workable group of units that, while not 'elite', will be very formidable indeed. That likelihood should translate into a very solid finish, which Cardinals fans can be proud of indeed. Playoffs, while not probable, might be very possible.

Probably greatest among this year's expectations, is that Cardinals fans can EXPECT, see a continuance of this upward trend in roster improvement for times yet to come. Think about that-----we Cardinals fans, can actually EXPECT to see continued improvement over what we now are enjoying, for some time to come.

How far is that from the seemingly ceaseless sea of despair that was, (being a Cardinals fan), in the past. Yes, there were short spikes of hope from time to time, with even a Super Bowl appearance. Yet each of these spikes in performance were quickly followed by the interminable hell that was Cardinal's fact. The organization always found a way to sink back into the hopelessness that was, (being a Cardinal's fan).

We old timers know of that. We old timers revel in the fact that we can now EXPECT to see our favorite team bloody the nose of opponents who fail to respect them. We faithful Cardinal's fans, can now EXPECT to see gradual, but sustained improvement for the foreseeable future. We can actually look forward, (with expectations), that our front office, (now maybe the most efficient and effective in the NFL), will continue to provide an improved and talented roster for years to come for this wonderful coaching staff to work into something very special indeed.

Yes, Cardinal's fans, we can EXPECT that, and because we can expect that, we are indeed blessed!!!!!

 

[Shaggy]

You already are trying to drain the kool-aid bowl Cat? Don't do that yet.

 

[Catfish]

You already are trying to drain the kool-aid bowl Cat? Don't do that yet.

Not at all Shaggy-----I am emphasizing that we can expect to continue to improve, which is a far cry from what we could previously expect. Those who expect the Cards to achieve the ultimate this year, CAN justify those expectations, though the odds are against that happening.

 

[Jetstream Green]

I say nine wins and those nine wins will get us in the playoffs. The Niners and Seahawks are tough and the Rams should not be ignored but the Hawks and Niners are going to lose some games because this division is so tight. It is a game of inches in the Pros and this division is going to beat itself up for every inch lol

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I say we go 8-8

Ultra-Brief run down:

Carson Palmer - same as 2013

Andre Ellington/Jonathan Dwyer - same as 2013

Wide Recievers - Good improvement from 2013

Tight Ends - slight improvement from 2013

Offensive line - Big improvement for tackles, same as 2013 for guards and center

Defensive line - slight regression from 2013

OLBer - same as 2013

ILBer - big decline from 2013

CBer - slight improvement from 2013

S - slight improvement from 2013

ST - same as 2013

With the schedule as it is.

I say this team is probably going 8-8, and gives us a entertaining and competitive season worth the price it takes to watch it.

 

[Chopper0080]

I'm going to back peddle a bit and say 10-6. Our defense is worse at LB, but our secondary is better, and offense is much better. Our division is tough, but every team has been hit with injuries, suspensions, or lost players in FA. I think our sched is easy, and we will make the playoffs.

 

[desertdawg]

10-6 I what I am hoping for, but 9-9 might have to do the trick. Divisional games will mean everything, we simply have to split or better with the whiners and chickens. You need a running game to beat both of those teams on most days. Our O-line will be improved, receivers... improved. Running game didn't change one bit, and I'm "Lil Bit's" biggest fan. If we don't run somebody up the middle on each drive, we will get lit up. If we run Ellington up the middle on each drive, I don't know how long he would last.

I'll get the "You Pick'Em" Thread up this week. Cardinals game predictions for the whole season, yada yada. Can't believe it's almost football time.

 

[Catfish]

I pretty much agree with Chopper. Muffin, I think that we will see a significant improvement in Palmer's stats this year, (especially his accuracy). He will be better protected than last year, and he has many more weapons to throw to than last year. They all are on the same page this year as well, and have significantly more speed. Palmer should not start this season like he did last year. His performance should be more reflective of how he played the last 8 games of last year.

 

[Cheesebeef]

i'm gonna go with 9-7. Ceiling is 11-5, floor is 6-10.

 

[Darkside]

12-4 division winners.

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[cardpa]

tops 11-5, lowest 8-8

 

[kerouac9]

I'm going to back peddle a bit and say 10-6. Our defense is worse at LB, but our secondary is better, and offense is much better. Our division is tough, but every team has been hit with injuries, suspensions, or lost players in FA. I think our sched is easy, and we will make the playoffs.

Do you think that the NFC East is weaker than last year's AFC South, and that this year's AFC West is weaker than last year's NFC South? I'm not sure about that.

 

[Chopper0080]

Do you think that the NFC East is weaker than last year's AFC South, and that this year's AFC West is weaker than last year's NFC South? I'm not sure about that.

I believe the NFC East is pretty bad. I'm not prepared to say Romo, Foles, RGIII, and Eli are worse than Luck, Shaub, Henne, and Fitzpatrick, but I believe the roster's are pretty close. Luck is the best QB of the bunch. Watt is the best defensive player.

AFC West is also close to NFC South last year. One elite offense, Denver & New Orleans. Rivers and Ryan are close. Newton is better than Alex Smith IMO, and Raiders are awful like the Bucs were last year.

Pretty close IMO.

 

[kerouac9]

I believe the NFC East is pretty bad. I'm not prepared to say Romo, Foles, RGIII, and Eli are worse than Luck, Shaub, Henne, and Fitzpatrick, but I believe the roster's are pretty close. Luck is the best QB of the bunch. Watt is the best defensive player.

Maybe, but I think the matchup problem is going to be an issue. It's easy to say that from high altitude that the NFC East is pretty bad. But if we're going to be a primarily offense-first team, then we're going to be looking at shootouts against some pretty good offenses in Dallas and Philly. I don't think that the prospective cellar-dwellers int eh NFC East (Washington and the Giants) are anywhere near as dreadful as the Jags and Titans were last year.

AFC West is also close to NFC South last year. One elite offense, Denver & New Orleans. Rivers and Ryan are close. Newton is better than Alex Smith IMO, and Raiders are awful like the Bucs were last year.

Pretty close IMO.

Keep in mind, though, that we played Atlanta at home, when they were hobbled by injuries. We're going to be coming into San Diego at their full strength, more or less.

It'll be interested to see how this team fares against high-powered offenses with comperably weak defenses. Last season, we squared off and succeeded against some teams with bullying defenses and relatively weak offenses like Houston and Jacksonville and Carolina and Tampa, but we had problems with teams like Philly that have very good offenses and more pedestrian defenses.

I expect that without a pass rush we're going to struggle against proven veteran passers like Rivers. I think you have more faith than I do that Palmer is going to be able to pick up the slack.

 

[Chopper0080]

Maybe, but I think the matchup problem is going to be an issue. It's easy to say that from high altitude that the NFC East is pretty bad. But if we're going to be a primarily offense-first team, then we're going to be looking at shootouts against some pretty good offenses in Dallas and Philly. I don't think that the prospective cellar-dwellers int eh NFC East (Washington and the Giants) are anywhere near as dreadful as the Jags and Titans were last year.



Keep in mind, though, that we played Atlanta at home, when they were hobbled by injuries. We're going to be coming into San Diego at their full strength, more or less.

It'll be interested to see how this team fares against high-powered offenses with comperably weak defenses. Last season, we squared off and succeeded against some teams with bullying defenses and relatively weak offenses like Houston and Jacksonville and Carolina and Tampa, but we had problems with teams like Philly that have very good offenses and more pedestrian defenses.

I expect that without a pass rush we're going to struggle against proven veteran passers like Rivers. I think you have more faith than I do that Palmer is going to be able to pick up the slack.

When I look at these teams, I see mostly run heavy offenses. San Diego wants to run the ball. Look at their usage of Ryan Matthews down the stretch last year. KC, run. Oakland is going to want to run to protect Carr. The Redskins will pound with Morris, and try and run the vertical PA passing game which we are good against. Giants are recommited to the run. Cowboys are terrible on defense. Eagles are the 2nd toughest team. I see 4-2 at worst. As far as TEs go...last year it was Gonzales, Graham, Olson, Bucs (garbage), Fleener, Lewis, Walker, and the Houston backup. This year Oakland has the 2nd year guy out of Tennessee, Gates (or Green who I am more worried about), Thomas, Witten, Giants bums, concussion Jordan Reed, and Celek/Ertz. To me, those matchup issues kinda even out.

Re: Palmer, I just think he is ok if he isn't being crushed under pressure. Vs. San Diego, Oakland, Dallas, Washington, and NYG that shouldn't be an issue. Denver will be tough, as will KC's edge rush, but Philly's defense will need to take some steps. Also, I think our offensive line has improved enough that we can use some longer developing routes this year.

 

[kerouac9]

When I look at these teams, I see mostly run heavy offenses. San Diego wants to run the ball. Look at their usage of Ryan Matthews down the stretch last year. KC, run. Oakland is going to want to run to protect Carr. The Redskins will pound with Morris, and try and run the vertical PA passing game which we are good against. Giants are recommited to the run. Cowboys are terrible on defense. Eagles are the 2nd toughest team. I see 4-2 at worst. As far as TEs go...last year it was Gonzales, Graham, Olson, Bucs (garbage), Fleener, Lewis, Walker, and the Houston backup. This year Oakland has the 2nd year guy out of Tennessee, Gates (or Green who I am more worried about), Thomas, Witten, Giants bums, concussion Jordan Reed, and Celek/Ertz. To me, those matchup issues kinda even out.

Re: Palmer, I just think he is ok if he isn't being crushed under pressure. Vs. San Diego, Oakland, Dallas, Washington, and NYG that shouldn't be an issue. Denver will be tough, as will KC's edge rush, but Philly's defense will need to take some steps. Also, I think our offensive line has improved enough that we can use some longer developing routes this year.

Maybe you're right on San Diego, although I think that's more of a "You run when you win, not you win when you run" scenario. Particularly when you have such a small sample size (4 games). Rivers also threw 10 TDs against 2 INTs in those last 4 games.

You don't think that Orakpo and Kerrigan are going to be able to put some heat on Palmer?

 

[Chopper0080]

Maybe you're right on San Diego, although I think that's more of a "You run when you win, not you win when you run" scenario. Particularly when you have such a small sample size (4 games). Rivers also threw 10 TDs against 2 INTs in those last 4 games.

You don't think that Orakpo and Kerrigan are going to be able to put some heat on Palmer?

re: San Diego, it could very well be. We will see how they approach things this year when they are healthy.

No, I don't think Orakpo and Kerrigan will deliver consistent pressure vs Palmer. They will likely get a sack, but Palmer won't be sweating much that game.

 

[Cardiac]

Interesting way to look at the Cards SOS Chopper. For me I look at the AFCW being the 2nd best division in the NFL last year and don't see any of those teams regressing. So that's 4 games and three of those teams were in the playoffs last year & the Broncos were in the SB. Of course we have 6 games against our division which has the NFC Conference runner up and the SB Champs. So that's at least 7 games against top notch teams.

NFCE is fairly weak but the Eagles are very good and the Giants and Redskins could surprise.

Lions and Falcons could be VERY GOOD this year, both teams have a bunch of talented players.

 

[THESMEL]

Dunno
Freakin think we pass to much- and haven't got the RB's to run more-
So we have to outperform every NFL defense we face in the pass game.
is possible but not probable - we will have more passes and turnovers than any other NCW team- the season will tilt from 9-7 to 11-5 and the playoffs in the last 3 NFCW games.

I'll cheer for our pass happy team but feel than the run first teams will probably advance. We are a good pass first team- but we seen what happened to the best - Denver - in the last sB!

 

[Brian]

8-8 miss the playoffs.

Lose the home opener to San Diego.

Seahawks/Broncos repeat in the Super Bowl.

9ers regress a little.

Unless Seattle is hit with massive injuries I see no reason to believe they won't repeat. Denver went all-in in FA for perhaps Peyton's last year.

 

[Shaggy]

8-8 miss the playoffs.

Lose the home opener to San Diego.

Seahawks/Broncos repeat in the Super Bowl.

9ers regress a little.

Unless Seattle is hit with massive injuries I see no reason to believe they won't repeat. Denver went all-in in FA for perhaps Peyton's last year.

You just dumped the kool-aid bowl.

 

[Darkside]

You just dumped the kool-aid bowl.

Don't know about dumping it but it definitely tastes funny.

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[kerouac9]

Interesting way to look at the Cards SOS Chopper. For me I look at the AFCW being the 2nd best division in the NFL last year and don't see any of those teams regressing. So that's 4 games and three of those teams were in the playoffs last year & the Broncos were in the SB. Of course we have 6 games against our division which has the NFC Conference runner up and the SB Champs. So that's at least 7 games against top notch teams.

NFCE is fairly weak but the Eagles are very good and the Giants and Redskins could surprise.

Lions and Falcons could be VERY GOOD this year, both teams have a bunch of talented players.

Hm... I see the Kansas City Chiefs regressing. They were, what, 12-4 last year? They lost three of their best 5 OL, and Eric Fisher is looking like a tremendous bust right now.

 

[Redneck Voodoo]

Hm... I see the Kansas City Chiefs regressing. They were, what, 12-4 last year? They lost three of their best 5 OL, and Eric Fisher is looking like a tremendous bust right now.

Absolutely, and I live in Chiefs country where most of the die-hard's I know, think the same thing.

 

[Jim Otis]

Hm... I see the Kansas City Chiefs regressing. They were, what, 12-4 last year? They lost three of their best 5 OL, and Eric Fisher is looking like a tremendous bust right now.

I must agree , the Chiefs started 9 -- 0 , they finished 2 -- 5 , 11 -- 5 overall , they won't slip up on anyone this season