Camp countdown: Matt Leinart’s wing will determine how far Cardinals fly
Article By Unknown on 11th July, 2010
Kent Somers, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 29th in a series of team-by-team breakdowns that will run on SportingNews.com before the start of training camp.
Thanks to an old quarterback, a new coach and some blue-chip draft picks, the Cardinals spent the past three seasons distancing themselves from their futile past and proving that no NFL team is too far away from winning.
The Cardinals defense will be a main concern for coach Ken Whisenhunt this season. Back-to-back NFC West titles earned coach Ken Whisenhunt a contract extension, but there are changes everywhere else. Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin was traded, and free safety Antrel Rolle (Giants) and inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) signed big-money contracts in free agency.
Oh, and the old quarterback, Kurt Warner, retired, handing the job to Matt Leinart. And though Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, will be the feature story of '10, the performance of the defense could have more of an impact on the overall record.
What's new Offense: Arizona's offense finally should resemble the one everyone thought Whisenhunt would bring three years ago. While Whisenhunt isn't afraid of the pass, this club should feature a power running attack with two physical runners, a huge line and big play-action schemes.
Leinart's inaccuracy sometimes plagues him, but he played well in his only '09 start and the Cardinals hope that's a true indication of his ability. Steve Breaston is a proven replacement for Boldin and more of a big-play threat. Breaston has speed and, despite a thin frame, runs well after the catch. Boldin's impact will actually be felt most down the depth chart. Early Doucet moves up to the third wideout role.
The offensive line is being overhauled, too. Former Steeler and Jet Alan Faneca will play left guard with Reggie Wells possibly moving to ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
Thanks to an old quarterback, a new coach and some blue-chip draft picks, the Cardinals spent the past three seasons distancing themselves from their futile past and proving that no NFL team is too far away from winning.
The Cardinals defense will be a main concern for coach Ken Whisenhunt this season. Back-to-back NFC West titles earned coach Ken Whisenhunt a contract extension, but there are changes everywhere else. Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin was traded, and free safety Antrel Rolle (Giants) and inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) signed big-money contracts in free agency.
Oh, and the old quarterback, Kurt Warner, retired, handing the job to Matt Leinart. And though Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, will be the feature story of '10, the performance of the defense could have more of an impact on the overall record.
What's new Offense: Arizona's offense finally should resemble the one everyone thought Whisenhunt would bring three years ago. While Whisenhunt isn't afraid of the pass, this club should feature a power running attack with two physical runners, a huge line and big play-action schemes.
Leinart's inaccuracy sometimes plagues him, but he played well in his only '09 start and the Cardinals hope that's a true indication of his ability. Steve Breaston is a proven replacement for Boldin and more of a big-play threat. Breaston has speed and, despite a thin frame, runs well after the catch. Boldin's impact will actually be felt most down the depth chart. Early Doucet moves up to the third wideout role.
The offensive line is being overhauled, too. Former Steeler and Jet Alan Faneca will play left guard with Reggie Wells possibly moving to ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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