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Do the Cardinals Finally Have All the Pieces in Place?

By YanksWS96, Section NFL
Posted on Sun Mar 19 2006 at 2:01 PM EST
More on: (all tags)

Unlike most football fans, my expectations for the Arizona Cardinals (yes, THOSE Cardinals) were high for the 2005 season.  Kurt Warner was signed to be their quarterback, running back J.J. Arrington and defensive back Antrel Rolle were part of Arizona's draft class, and receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin were coming back to the desert.  Things were looking up.

But, not all was what it seemed.  The Cardinals stumbled out of the gate, losing their first 3 games, with the defense allowing 86 points in those losses.  Arizona would struggle to a 5-11 record for the 2005 season. While Kurt Warner would show bright spots and Fitzgerald and Boldin would combine to catch 205 passes, J.J. Arrington, the rookie running back, would rush for just 370 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He would be second on the depth chart to Marcel Shipp.  Meanwhile, Rolle would finish with 28 tackles and no interceptions.

Well, my friends, those days may be over.  The Cardinals have signed what may be the missing piece of the puzzle.  They have signed Edgerrin James.

Yes, THAT Edgerrin James.  The Edgerrin James of Indianapolis Colts fame.  The Cardinals have finally lured a big name in free agency over to their side.

James rushed for 1,506 yards for the Colts in 2005, and he scored 13 touchdowns in the process.  Even though quarterback Peyton Manning chose to throw much more than he handed the ball off, James was still able to compile over 1,500 yards on the ground.  James, along with Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison, were part of the Colts triplets.  When the Colts couldn't beat you in the air, James would beat you on the ground.

Now, the Arizona Cardinals have Edgerrin James in their backfield.  This is a signing that was SORELY needed:

• The 2005 Cardinals were first in passing behind the arm of Kurt Warner.  They averaged 277.3 yards PER GAME through the air.  That total is just about 20 yards higher than the 2nd best team through the air - the New England Patriots.

• HOWEVER, the 2005 Cardinals were dead last in rushing yards per game.  That's right.....DEAD LAST.  Their 71.1 yards per game were just about 12 yards lower than the team ranked 31st - the New York Jets.  Now you tell me...don't you think the Arizona Cardinals need someone like an Edgerrin James?  You bet your sweet bippy they do.  If only they had an offensive line....(more to come on this shortly).

Arizona's 2005 defense was ranked 10th overall in the NFL out of 32 teams.  They were 10th defending the rush and 8th defending the pass.  One would hope that the defense is this stingy next season.

The Arizona Cardinals should go out and worry about drafting an offensive line.  Forget looking at wide receivers or big play defenders.  If the Arizona Cardinals draft a good offensive line to open up holes for Edgerrin James, James will have a pretty good season in the desert.

A good season for James could mean a good season for the Arizona Cardinals.  Remember: the 2005 NFC Wild Card teams were not the class of the conference by any stretch of the imagination.  The Cardinals should be able to compile as many as 8 wins.  Who knows?  That could be enough to propel them into the playoffs.

Isn't it about time the Arizona Cardinals started winning?  With Edgerrin James and an offensive line (hopefully), they might just start surprising us.