Arizona Cardinals: Why Are They Underappreciated?

Jul 29, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) signals prior to the snap during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

If you think about it, it really isn’t too difficult to understand why the Arizona Cardinals are underappreciated.

Historically the Cardinals have never been one of the more popular teams in the national football league (NFL). In fact it has been quite the opposite. Unfortunately, they have been one of the least popular teams. Although perhaps things could be changing; could the arrow be pointed upwards?

The Redbirds are one of the oldest franchises in the history of the NFL, although they have never developed a history of winning. As we all know, winning always goes a long way in changing the perception amongst fans and the media throughout the league.

If you were to look at the teams throughout the NFL who have a history of winning championships; it is simply not too difficult to understand why they are usually the teams that are much more respected and appreciated throughout the league.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers just to name a few, are teams who have the ultimate respect from the fans and the media. As they have been notorious for winning championships and have earned great respect throughout the NFL. Most recently, in the last decade or so, the New England Patriots have now also joined the party in a big way.

These teams usually get the benefit of the doubt from fans and the media nationwide. These teams, for the most part, are appreciated and respected from year in and years out and therefore have been given more attention and notoriety throughout the league. As they have earned it from their winning tradition.

On the other hand, year after year in the last decade or so, the Dallas Cowboys have been perhaps over appreciated and over hyped and they actually have under achieved. The Cardinals have actually won more playoff games and have been to more Super Bowls (one) in the last decade than the so-called “Americas team (Cowboys).”

However, because of the Cowboys’ long history of great success (winning 5 Super Bowls), the media and fans alike give them (the benefit of the doubt) much more respect and in turn are much more appreciated.

If the Cardinals can somehow continue the success they have shown for the last decade and can rebound soon and get back to the playoffs; perhaps the perception of the franchise could soon be changing right before our eyes.

In my opinion, the Cardinals currently have every bit the talent the Cowboys do. For that matter, as far as I am concerned, their current talent is as good as any team in the NFL. The key (this season) is at the quarterback position. Will Carson Palmer be the answer? We will start finding out the answers later tonight against the Green Bay Packers at 5pm in their preseason debut.

So yes, the Arizona Cardinals are underappreciated throughout the NFL, and it has nothing to do with their current personnel on the roster.  It has to do with their history of winning, or lack thereof.

Let’s see if new general manager Keim and new head coach Bruce Arians can get the Cardinals back on track quickly and return the Redbirds to their recent winning ways.

Let’s see if the Arizona Cardinals can continue their current course (getting back to the playoffs) and change the culture of the Redbirds so the media and fans alike will start showing them more appreciation.  If the Redbirds can somehow get back to the playoffs soon and start doing it on a consistent basis and perhaps win a Championship (Super Bowl), there is no doubt in my mind the appreciation will soon follow.