Arizona Cardinals: 2015 Game-by-game prediction
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals kick-off the 2015 season this Sunday at home against the New Orleans Saints
The Arizona Cardinals as we all know finished off the 2014 season with a bad taste in their mouth after losing 27-14 in the NFC Wild Card to the Carolina Panthers on January 3rd. Now they prepare to kickoff the 2015 season this Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Some national media have already thrown their picks out there and they range anywhere from 5-11 to 11-5 depending on who you ask. If the Cardinals stay healthy, there is no reason not to see more success from them this season.
Week 1: Saints at Cardinals
The Cardinals start their season at home for the second straight season at UOP Stadium. The Saints come to town with a bit of a chip on their shoulders. They finished the 2014 campaign with an overall record of 7-9 (4-4 on the road). To say they underachieved would be an understatement.
The last time these two teams hooked up was on September 22, 2013 and they got whipped by the Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome 31-7. That was the game the Cards safety Rashad Johnson lost the tip of his finger.
This time around the only tip I will give you if you are going is that it will be loud and a sea of red. The Cardinals are ready to lace them up for real again and with quarterback Carson Palmer back in the fold. The Cardinals should win this one. Cardinals 31 Saints 21 (1-0)
Week 2: Cardinals at Chicago Bears
How can you not be excited to have the first road game of the season in Chicago against quarterback Jay Cutler? They put the function in dysfunction. Now, I like coach John Fox but even he can’t save this sinking ship next to Lake Michigan. The Cardinals should have no problem putting points on the board on this Sunday.
The Bears will be missing their rookie receiver Kevin White. Cutler’s options on offense are no better than last season. The Cardinals still have all of their weapons. It won’t be a walk in the park but possibly a light jog. Cardinals 35 Bears 13 (2-0)
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Cardinals
You never know what you are going to get against the Niners. Now, we all know about the Niners problems hanging on to players. They couldn’t pay players to retire or leave San Francisco fast enough in the offseason. They were leaving the Niners quicker than a family of four could ravage the local Golden Corral.
All that being said, quarterback Colin Kaepernick has had his success against the Cardinals. So has receiver Anquan Boldin. Cardinals should win but it won’t be a blow out like many would like to see. I don’t think the Niners have dropped off that fast. Cardinals 27 49ers 23 (3-0)
Week 4: St. Louis Rams at Cardinals
I saw Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com said this would be the Cardinals first loss of the season in his game-by-game analysis. Well, they will lose some this season but this won’t be one of them. The Cardinals play well at home and if they are to cough one up at University of Phoenix Stadium, it won’t be against the Rams.
I get it. You can’t predict victory every week but don’t worry Cardinals haters, there are a few losses coming on this schedule. However on this first Sunday in October, the Cardinals will protect the nest and come away with the win. Cardinals 31 Rams 16 (4-0)
Next: Lions roar, shootout in Pittsburgh