Dennis Green is in his third season as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Typically, the third season is the measuring stick of a new head coach. Green and the Cardinals are extremely optimistic about 2006. They have a new retractable roof stadium, signed Pro Bowl running back Edgerrin James to a huge contract and landed their quarterback of the future, Matt Leinart, in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Things are looking up for Arizona.
Even with Matt Leinart on the team, the Cardinals will go with veteran Kurt Warner as the starting quarterback. Warner split time with Josh McCown las season but still threw for 2,713 yards and 11 touchdowns. Leinart could be asked to step in if Warner goes down with an injury dispite Arizona’s desire to keep Leinart on the sidelines until he is ready. Edgerrin James will be a welcomed option in the backfield. James is a great running back that can block extremely well which will help protect Warner. The Cardinals have two of the best young wide receivers in the league with Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. Both Boldin and Fitzgerald should easily surpass 1,000 yards receiving each in 2006.
Bet on the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC West at Bodog
Some will say that the best defensive player on the Cardinals is Edgerrin James. James in the backfield means the offense will be on the field longer and give the defense badly needed rest that they have not received in years past. Arizona should be able to reduce their 2005 stats of 24 points allowed per game. Adrian Wilson recorded 8 sacks as a strong safety last season and a healthy Antrel Rolle returns at cornerback this season. The defense should improve due to the improved Cardinals offense.
Head Coach: Dennis Green
Offensive Coordinator: Keith Rowen
Defensive Coordinator: Clancy Pendergast
Division: NFC West
2005 Record: 5 – 11
Field: Cardinals Stadium
2006 Arizona Cardinals Draft Picks:
Round 1 – Matt Leinart – Quarterback – Southern California
Round 2 – Taitusi “Deuce” Lutui – Guard – Southern California
Round 3 – Leonard Pope – Tight End – Georgia
Round 4 – Gabriel Watson – Defensive Tackle – Michigan
Round 5 – Brandon Johnson – Outside Linebacker – Louisville
Round 6 – Jon Lewis – Defensive Tackle – Virginia Tech
Round 7 – Todd Watkins – Wide Receiver – Brigham Young
