Arizona Cardinals 2014 Season Preview and Predictions
By Scott Allen
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) in the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
[table id=1 /]
Predictions:
The Cardinals definitely have a tougher schedule in 2014 than 2014, that doesn’t mean they can’t finish 10-6 or better though. A lot will depend on how much the offense can move the ball. The offense is better. They have more weapons and better offensive line protection. It will all depend on how the defense, which has gone through some changes, will perform on the front seven.
I see the following games as wins (11):
San Diego, @NY Giants, San Francisco, Washington, @Oakland, Philadelphia, @ Dallas, St. Louis, Detroit, Kansas City, Seattle
I see the following games as losses (5):
@Denver, @Seattle, @Atlanta, @St. Louis, @San Francisco
Will it be enough? It will be so close. The Cards biggest losses are on the defensive side of the ball with Dansby, Washington, and Dockett all gone in some form or another. No doubt the strength of the defense though is in the defensive backfield. The addition of Cromartie and Bucannon is huge. As for the offense, they just reloaded. They got better on the offensive line and at the tight end. They also added a great weapon at receiver in John Brown.
Best case scenario: Cards go 11-5 and make a great run in playoffs on the way to being the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in their own stadium
Worst case scenario: Cards go 7-9 and miss playoffs for the fifth straight season.