Old friend could straighten out Arizona Cardinals offense

Former offensive coordinator Todd Haley could provide an instant jumpstart to the Arizona Cardinals’ 32nd-ranked scoring attack

A unique opportunity has presented itself to the Arizona Cardinals. A possible solution to the club’s offensive woes has suddenly become available. Whether the Cardinals will desire to pursue it or not is a question for the front office to answer.

The perpetually-bad Cleveland Browns have relieved Todd Haley of his offensive coordinator duties. The 51-year old, you may recall, was once employed by the Cards. Haley ran the offense for two seasons under former head coach Ken Whisenhunt, and was mighty successful in doing it.

Haley was the architect of one of the NFL’s most explosive scoring attacks in 2008. Arizona made it’s one and only Super Bowl appearance at the end of the campaign, and the offense, led by Hall of Fame passer Kurt Warner, was a big reason for it. Haley put together brilliant gameplans over the course of the year, and his play-calling was second to none.

Cleveland’s loss could quite possibly be the Cardinals gain. Haley would bring expertise and experience to a unit that desperately could use his help. The offense is ranked dead-last in the league after eight weeks, and is need of a fresh identity after firing former coordinator Mike McCoy on October 19th.

The group did show some life this past Sunday during a matchup with the hapless San Francisco 49ers. Byron Leftwich, McCoy’s replacement, was the man behind the game-winning rally in the fourth quarter. Rookie quarterback Josh Rosen led two late scoring drives, and the Cards escaped with an 18-15 victory.

Despite the successful finish, the offense’s performance during the first three quarters of the contest was brutal. Under Leftwich’s guidance, Rosen and company were able to generate just three points before the final stanza. In reality, Arizona didn’t get on track offensively until San Francisco went into an incredibly soft, prevent defense late in the game.

Bringing Haley back to the nest to take over as coordinator could provide a badly-needed remedy for a squad that’s averaging just 13.8 points per outing. In fact, the Cardinals’ bye week would be a perfect time to make such a move. Haley would have ample time to implement his scheme and get to know Rosen, the Cards young signal-caller.

Arizona general manager Steve Keim did the right thing by standing pat at the trade deadline. But making a quality addition to a coaching staff that’s badly in need of it would be welcomed. Bringing back an offensive guru like Haley would certainly be a step in the right direction for the franchise.