The Arizona Cardinals were the feel-good story of 2008. A team that never reached the Super Bowl and hadn't been to the playoffs since the 1998 season suddenly found itself less than a minute from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
So the Cards lost. They turned the corner. Not only did they return to the playoffs; they achieved their first winning season since 1998. And they would have won their first Super Bowl if the defense didn't self-destruct in the closing minutes of Super Bowl XLIII, a meltdown that caused the club to change defensive coordinators.
TE: Among Stephen Spach, Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick the Cardinals had 22 catches and no touchdowns. Not good. When you have the league's second-best passing attack you figure everyone must be a target. Not here. The Cardinals' tight ends barely factor in the passing game, and the numbers that involve their rushing attack indicate they're not all that involved -- or, at least effective -- in run blocking, either. Something's gotta give.
WR: There is no better pair of receivers than Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but I don't know what's going to happen with Boldin. He's not happy in Arizona and the Cardinals are willing to listen to offers. Fitzgerald had a remarkable playoff run, coming this close to winning it with a go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII. He is the game's best leaper and has the best hands in football. That combination makes him hard to stop, and ask Atlanta, Carolina, Philadelphia and the Steelers. Steve Breaston had a breakout season, with 1,006 yards, while promising Early Doucet and Jerheme Urban offer rare depth at the position.
OL: Once upon a time this was a needy group, but Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm put together an underrated line that deserves more attention. There isn't a Pro Bowl choice here, but there is talent. Though he struggled in the Super Bowl, Mike Gandy has done well his past two seasons, and left guard Reggie Wells is a solid drive blocker. Center Lyle Sendlein was better in the second half of the season, but physical opponents won more battles than they lost against him. He might need to be challenged. Elton Brown is a decent backup, but the club could use more depth.
DL: Scratch promising defensive end Antonio Smith. He left as a free agent, signing a five-year, $35 million deal with Houston. Darnell Dockett returns, and there are times when the guy is downright unblockable. One problem: Those times are too infrequent. He had only four sacks last season, and that number needs to improve. Bertrand Berry turns 34 this year and is beginning to slow down. Nevertheless, his five sacks led the club. Nose tackle Bryan Robinson is better suited to playing end and could face a challenge from backup Gabe Watson. The loss of Smith means the need for another end.
LB: I don't care if it's here or at defensive end: The Cards need a pass rusher. Strong side linebacker Chike Okeafor had 4? sacks last season, but he's 33 and beginning to wind down. Karlos Dansby is one of the league's best at this position, one reason the Cardinals made him their franchise player, and the club will try to sign him to a long-term contract. He won't come cheaply, but why should he? He led the team in tackles and is one of its top two defensive performers. Gerald Hayes is good against the run, while Ali Highsmith is a promising newcomer who returns from a season-ending injury.
DB: For years colleague Pete Prisco told me that Adrian Wilson was one of the league's top safeties, and finally the rest of the world caught on to it. Voted to his second Pro Bowl, Wilson is a team leader who hits hard and has the range you want from a safety. Rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie lived up to the hype, making huge strides as the season progressed. On the other side look for free agent Bryant McFadden to replace Rod Hood, who becomes a nickel back. Antrel Rolle made the move from corner to safety flawlessly and seemed comfortable at his new position by season's end. Still, there were too many blown coverages and big plays against these guys. The Cardinals have the players; they just need to make the plays.
