Last year: 5-11 (fourth in NFC West)
Best additions: Ken Wisenhunt (head coach) and Russ Grimm (offensive line coach)
Key personnel loss: Leonard Davis (OT, Cowboys)
2007 outlook: A classic group of underachievers, if Wisenhunt and Grimm can't get this offensive group to live up to its potential I doubt any one could. The tools are, and have been, in place and this has to be the year the group steps up. The last time Arizona went to the playoffs Jake "The Snake" Plummer was the QB so you can bet fans are eager to see another winning squad especially with all of the young talent this group has.
On defense, there should be enough talent there now that the Cardinals can win close games but the development of the younger players will be key. Neil Rackers and Scott Player provide a solid kicking game and rookie Steve Breaston should excel in the return game.
Key to success: If the Cardinals want to make it to the playoffs, the offensive line needs to step up. Arizona had one of the worst rushing offenses last year and running back Edgerrin James was not the problem. If the line can move people off the ball, Arizona should win more than five games. The development of first round pick Levi Brown will also be key as he will probably break camp as the guy protecting QB Matt Leinart's blind side.
Against Washington: Arizona comes to town October 21, the Skins' sixth game of the season. This could be a tricky game for Washington though as they could potentially be looking ahead to week seven's game at New England. Last year Arizona couldn't run the ball and Washington couldn't rush the passer so this could be interesting. The two teams last faced each other in 2005, a 17-13 road victory for the Skins.
Fantasy sleeper: Matt Leinart. Arizona has the receivers that are annual fantasy studs and since someone has to throw them the ball, Leinart could benefit from the stellar play of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. It doesn't help Leinart will be learning his second offense in two years but despite all of Arizona's under achieving, Boldin and Fitzgerald continually rank among the top receivers meaning Leinart will should get a boost from their production. He is at least worth taking a look as your No. 2 QB.
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