2012 Arizona Cardinals Predictions
Odds to win Super Bowl XLVII: 50-1
The Cardinals finished winning five of their last six games, giving some hope for the future. QB Kevin Kolb missed seven games due to injuries, while John Skelton did bring the team back in several fourth-quarter rallies. The Cards picked up CB William Gay and S James Sanders to help their defense. They drafted WR Michael Floyd, who should become a nice compliment to Larry Fitzgerald. Now the question is who will throw them the ball?
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Offense:
The Cards finished 19th in total offense and 24th in rushing offense. The key is the play of Kolb, who threw for 1,955 yards with 9 TDs and 8 picks (81.1 passer rating). Skelton’s numbers weren’t as good (54.9%, 1,913 yds, 11 TDs, 14 Ints, 68.9 passer rating), but he found a way to win. He finished well but he started games ou poorly. Kolb is still the starter if he can stay healthy, but Skelton and rookie Ryan Lindley (6-3, 232), a sixth-rounder from San Diego State could be in the mix. Fitzgerald (6-3, 218) caught 80 passes for 1,411 yards and eight TDs. Imagine if he played for a legit quarterback? Floyd (6-3, 220) is another big receiver who can make tough catches. This could turn out to be one of the top combos in the NFC. TE Todd Heap (6-5, 245) caught 24 passes for 283 yards and appears to be on the decline at 32. He might have on quality year left. Jeff King (6-5, 260) was more reliable and is a better blocker. At running back, Beanie Wells (6-1, 229) rushed for 1,047 yards (4.3ypc) and 10 TDs. Last year’s second-round pick Ryan Williams is a big-play back who missed the season with a knee injury (suffered in preseason). The running game should improve big-time with both players in the fold. The offensive line has to pick it up. They did add veteran Adam Snyder (6-5, 325) to play right guard, while fourth-round pick Bobby Massie (6-6, 316) could step in right away to play right tackle. Levi Brown (6-5, 324) was re-signed to play left tackle as he played well down the stretch.
Defense:
The Cards finished tied for 18th overall in defense but were just 21st against the run. They run a 3-4 defense led by Ray Horton. Players were not on the same page until around midseason. DE Calais Campbell (6-8, 300) came up big with 8 sack and 70 tackles. He’s an elite player as is DT Darnell Dockett (6-3, 290), who added 50 tackles and 3.5 sacks. NT Dan Williams (6-2, 327) has to get in better shape to become more effective. At linebacker, ILB Daryl Washington (6-2, 230) led the team in tackles with 105, adding 2 picks. He’s become a very good player, while Paris Lenon (6-2, 240), could be pushed by Stewart Bradley (6-4, 255). At outside linebacker, 34-year old Clark Hagans (46 tackles) will be pushed by O’Brien Schofield (6-2, 231), who had 37 tackles and 4 sacks last year. Sam Acho (7 sacks, 41 tackles) had a very solid season as a rookie, taking over as a starter at midseason-and excelled. The secondary loses CB Richard Marshall (77 tackles, 2 picks) is gone to Miami in free agency. The other side, Patrick Peterson has a chance to be special, while Gay and Greg Toler, who missed part of the season due to a knee injury, battled for the other spot. At safety, SS Adrian Wilson (6-2, 230) is built like a linebacker but doesn’t make a lot of plays in the air. FS Kerry Rhodes (6-3, 212) missed half the season but has never really produced despite having the size and speed.
Special Teams:
The Cards improved from the previous season on special teams. K Jay Feely made 19 of 24 kicks and is solid. P Dave Zastudil performed well (45.2ypk) when he wasn’t injured. On returns, Peterson (15.9) was amazing on punt returns, taking four back for touchdowns.
Outlook:
The Cards should be improved slightly as long as they get decent quarterback play. They could even push San Francisco for first if they had some production from that position.
2012 Schedule:
| Week |
Day |
Date |
Opponent |
Time |
TV |
Result |
| Week 1 |
Sun. |
Sep. 9 |
vs. Seattle Seahawks |
4:25 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 2 |
Sun. |
Sep. 16 |
@ New England Patriots |
1:00 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 3 |
Sun. |
Sep. 23 |
vs. Philadelphia Eagles |
4:05 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 4 |
Sun. |
Sep. 30 |
vs. Miami Dolphins |
4:05 PM ET |
CBS |
|
| Week 5 |
Thu. |
Oct. 4 |
@ St. Louis Rams |
8:20 PM ET |
NFLN |
|
| Week 6 |
Sun. |
Oct. 14 |
vs. Buffalo Bills |
4:05 PM ET |
CBS |
|
| Week 7 |
Sun. |
Oct. 21 |
@ Minnesota Vikings |
1:00 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 8 |
Mon. |
Oct. 29 |
vs. San Francisco 49ers |
8:30 PM ET |
ESPN |
|
| Week 9 |
Sun. |
Nov. 4 |
@ Green Bay Packers |
1:00 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 10 |
Bye Week |
| Week 11 |
Sun. |
Nov. 18 |
@ Atlanta Falcons |
1:00 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 12 |
Sun. |
Nov. 25 |
vs. St. Louis Rams |
4:25 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 13 |
Sun. |
Dec. 2 |
@ New York Jets |
1:00 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 14 |
Sun. |
Dec. 9 |
@ Seattle Seahawks |
4:25 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 15 |
Sun. |
Dec. 16 |
vs. Detroit Lions |
4:05 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 16 |
Sun. |
Dec. 23 |
vs. Chicago Bears |
4:25 PM ET |
FOX |
|
| Week 17 |
Sun. |
Dec. 30 |
@ San Francisco 49ers |
4:25 PM ET |
FOX |
|
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