Arizona Cardinals: When Will the Cardinals Be Super Bowl Contenders?

Jan. 18, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; From left Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill , head coach Bruce Arians , Christine Arians , chairman William Bidwill and general manager Steve Keim pose for a photo during a press conference at the Arizona Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

As an avid follower of the NFL for many years, there is one thing that I have learned about the competition in this league. From one year to the next and on any given day, or should I say on any given Sunday (because of the competition), anyone can beat anyone. After all, like Chris Berman (ESPN) says on Sunday NFL Countdown; “that’s why they play the game”.

In my opinion, the odds will be against the Redbirds to be contenders for the Super Bowl in the 2013 and 2014 season. Realistically it will probably take at least a couple of years to compete for a championship. Here is my reasoning behind this.

First of all, the Cardinals are now considered to be in the toughest division in the NFL this year. The funny thing is; who in their right mind would have thought the NFC West would be the toughest division before the start of last season. Most pundits suggested the NFC West was widely considered to be the weakest division, prior to last season. This in a nut shell, pretty much explains to you just how quickly things can change in this league.

Never the less, I just do not see it. Now regarded as the toughest division and playing two games against the likes of last year’s Super Bowl contender, Collin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers, the up and coming Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks and we must not forget about the St. Louis Rams.  After all, we must not forget, the Rams had the best record against their division foes last season.

Furthermore, to say the Cardinals had a complete makeover in their regime would probably be an understatement. As we all know by now, the Redbirds had a changing of the guard so to speak. With a new general manager, a new head coach as well as a new QB at the helm and a slew of new players added to the squad. Realistically, it will take time for coaches to install their new regime.

Realistically, it will take some time for players and coaches alike to get familiar with one another. For players to gain traction and fully understand what coaches are asking. It usually also takes time for coaches to find the strengths and weaknesses of their own players.

Never the less, as mentioned previously, anything is possible in this league. We have seen it time after time. One year in this league, because of the talent and fierce competition, can make all the difference. We have seen time after time, teams that were in the cellar the previous year in their own division become division winners the very next year.

Finally, who knows, perhaps this is the year for the Cardinals. Maybe this is the year that the new regime puts it all together in just one year. In my opinion, the odds are against the Redbirds.  But like they say; “that’s why they play the game”.