- The Arizona Cardinals came off the loss in the 2008 Superbowl and were expected to build on that in 2009
- The 2009 season ended up being the last of Kurt Warner’s career and it was a winning one in which the Cardinals finished 10-6
- The Cardinals had an epic playoff battle against the Packers, one that will go down as one of the best in history
- Scored 375 points and allowed 325 points against
Arizona Cardinals
NFC West
Players
2010 Schedule
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Week 1
ARI @ STL
09/12/10
4:15 pm
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Week 2
ARI @ ATL
09/19/10
1:00 pm
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Week 3
OAK @ ARI
09/26/10
4:15 pm
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Week 4
ARI @ SD
10/03/10
4:15 pm
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Week 5
NO @ ARI
10/10/10
4:00 pm
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Week 6
bye
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Week 7
ARI @ SEA
10/24/10
4:00 pm
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Week 8
TB @ ARI
10/31/10
4:15 pm
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Week 9
ARI @ MIN
11/07/10
1:00 pm
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Week 10
SEA @ ARI
11/14/10
4:15 pm
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Week 11
ARI @ KC
11/21/10
1:00 pm
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Week 12
SF @ ARI
11/29/10
8:30 pm
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Week 13
STL @ ARI
12/05/10
4:15 pm
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Week 14
DEN @ ARI
12/12/10
4:15 pm
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Week 15
ARI @ CAR
12/19/10
1:00 pm
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Week 16
DAL @ ARI
12/25/10
7:30 pm
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Week 17
ARI @ SF
01/02/11
4:15 pm
Offensive Depth Chart
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Quarterback
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Running Back
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Wide Receiver
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Tight End
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Kicker
2009
By Air
- Matt Leinart has been handed the reigns with Kurt Warner’s retirement and will be on a short leash as the Cardinals still hope to remain a playoff football team
- The Cardinals ranked 12th in team passing yards with 4,016 yards through the air in ‘09
- Can Leinart muster up the same magic as Warner had done the last few seasons?
- Boldin is now gone to Baltimore, can Fitzgerald have a bounce back year in which he set some career lows?
- Who will take the pressure off Fitzgerald? Expect Breaston to continue to progress and put up solid numbers. Early Doucet will also see an increase in playing time
- Look for the TEs Becht and Patrick to serve as Leinart’s security blanket
By Land
- The Cardinals ranked 28th in team rushing yards with 1494 yards on the ground in ‘09
- The Cardinals have two solid RBs in Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells
- Look for the running backs to get much more touches with Warner’s retirement and coach Wisenhunt’s adeptness for running the ball when he was with the Steelers
- Should be a more balanced team next season. Down from the pass heavy play calling of years past
qb
- Leinert is now the man. Without him the team cannot be expected to make the playoffs.
- In back up duty last season Leinart threw 77 passes and completed 51 of them. At a 66.2 completion percentage he threw for 435 yards.
- In 2006. Leinart’s rookie season, he started 11 games. He completed 214 passes at 56.8% and threw for 2,547 and 11 TDs to 12 INTs
- Derek Anderson also came over from the Browns and will serve as the teams back up. Last season he threw for 888 yards and 3 TDs to 10 INTs
RB
- Tim Hightower was the teams starting running back but Beanie Wells got more carries and yards
- Beanie Wells led the team with 176 carries for 793 yards and 7 TDs
- Tim Hightower had 143 carries for 598 yards and 8 TDs
- Hightower also had 63 catches for 428 yards
- Look for continued improvement from the RB position for the Cardinals
WR
- The WRs have been a huge strength for over the past years for the Cardinals, but now they must look to replace the production of Pro-bowler Anquan Boldin
- Larry Fitzgerald is clearly the team’s first receiver. Last season he produced 97 catches for 1,092 yards and tied for the league high with 13 TDs
- Steve Breaston will have to step into the second receiver role. Breaston caught 55 passes for 712 yards and 3 TDs
- Early Doucet also caught 17 passes for 214 yards and 1 TD
TE
- The TE position is deep for the Cardinals but does not put up much production
- Look for these numbers to come up with a young QB entering the fold
- Ben Patrick led the team with 12 catches for 146 yards and 2 TDs
- Anthony Becht had 7 catches for 61 yards and a TD
Kicker
- Who Kicks for the Cardinals?? Jay Feely will be the kicker for the Cardinals next season coming over from the Jets
Arizona Defense
- Karlos Dansby led the team with 109 tackles, Clark Haggans had 74
- The Cardinals had 43 sacks last season
- Leading sackers were Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell with 7
- How can the Cardinals replace Dansby and Rolle with their departures???
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie led the team with 6 INTs
- Team forced 12 fumbles
- Team forced a total of 33 turnovers
Offensive Line
Analysis: They are perennially a terrible unit in run blocking schemes but have done well to protect their fragile and religious QB over the last two years. The Cards added two offensive linemen in the draft (5th round project Herman Johnson and 7th round bargain Trevor Canfield) and should improve with another year together.
offensive scheme
Grimm and Miller will be Co-Offensive Coordinators with Grimm focusing on running and Miller focusing on passing. Whisenhunt will take over play-calling duties, so don't expect a significant change in scheme from 2008 - ie craploads of passing.
Major Off-Season Moves
July 9, 2010
Signed CB Jorrick Calvin to a four-year contract. Released WR Juamorris Stewart.
July 8, 2010
Signed TE Jim Dray to a four-year contract.
June 14, 2010
Signed G Deuce Lutui to a one-year contract.
May 24, 2010
Promoted Quentin Harris to assistant pro personnel director and college scout. Named Kyle Johnson a college scout.
May 7, 2010
Signed FB Charles Ali to a one-year contract.
May 3, 2010
Signed CB Justin Miller to a one-year contract.
April 28, 2010
Agreed to terms OL Alan Faneca on a one-year contract.
April 27, 2010
Signed QB Max Hall, CB Marshay Green, CB A.J. Jefferson, WR Max Komar, WR Juamorris Stewart, WR Stephen Williams, OT Devin Tyler, OT Casey Knips, C David Moosman and RB Alfonso Smith.
April 3, 2010
Agreed to terms with PK Jay Feely on a two-year contract.
March 30, 2010
Re-signed WR Steve Breaston, C Lyle Sendlein, NT Gabe Watson to one-year qualifying offers, LB Monty Beisel to a one-year contract and CB Michael Adams to an exclusive rights contract.
March 23, 2010
Signed TE Ben Patrick and WR Darren Mougey. Re-signed S Hamza Abdullah and FB Nehemiah Broughton.
March 19, 2010
Agreed to terms with LB Joey Porter on a three-year contract.
March 17, 2010
Agreed to terms with QB Derek Anderson on a two-year contract.
March 15, 2010
Agreed to terms with LB Paris Lenon on a three-year contract.
March 12, 2010
Agreed to terms with OL Rex Hadnot on a three-year contract. Re-signed C Ben Claxton to a one-year contract.
March 11, 2010
Re-signed OT Jeremy Bridges to a three-year contract.
March 10, 2010
Re-signed TE Anthony Becht and TE Stephen Spach to one-year contracts. Signed DE Jeremy Clark to an exclusive rights contract.
March 4, 2010
Released S Antrel Rolle.
February 25, 2010
Agreed to terms on contract extensions for coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves through the 2013 season.
February 23, 2010
Named Donnie Henderson defensive backs coach.
February 5, 2010
Named Tommie Robinson running backs coach.
February 4, 2010
Signed LB Stevie Baggs to a one-year contract.
January 29, 2010
Announced the retirement of QB Kurt Warner.
January 21, 2010
Signed TE Dominique Byrd, S Herana-Daze Jones, FB Reagan Maui'a, CB Trumaine McBride and DL Dean Muhtadi to future contracts.
January 18, 2010
Re-signed CB Rashad Barksdale, WR Ed Gant, LB Ali Highsmith, LB Mark Washington, WR Onrea Jones, DE Ryan Kees, G Jonathan Palmer and OT Tom Pestock to future contracts.
Strength of Schedule
We are firm believers that strength-of-schedule analysis is essential when ranking players at every position. We applied this system (without the 5% NFL draft impact) in hindsight to last year's schedule as we were curious how well it could work. The notable results were that Michael Turner and the Falcons had a #32 ranked (easiest) rush schedule last season and DeAngelo Williams and the Panthers were #30.
Our SoS considers three factors when determining rankings for schedules for the upcoming year:
80% weight is applied to the quality of defense from the previous year. We determine quality of defense based on fantasy points given up (run and pass). However, before we get to that number, we factor in the quality of teams that these defenses faced (basically a strength-of-schedule for the previous year). This was all done by hand. Let's just say our boy, Stitchface, has a bit of the carpal tunnel-syndrome going on.
15% weight is applied to Free-Agent movement. We ranked each free agent's impact to their former team (2008), and then ranked each team according to whether they added or lost talent overall.
5% weight is applied to the NFL draft impact. It's tough to gauge a rookie's effectiveness which is why we valued it so low. Certain teams not only drafted defensemen well in '09, but also will be sliding those guys into highly deficient positions from '08, and usually, anything is an upgrade when you are starting a rookie.
If you trust Stitchface's formula (and you will eventually), all you need to realize is the following... The higher the SoS number, the easier the fantasy schedule.
Ranking: 1=toughest 32=easiest
Breaking News
RT @Lfitzgerald11: "Do the little things well now.In time,great things will be presented to u,waiting to be done." Faith,Focus,Finish expand +
Kurt Warner announces his retirement Friday expand +
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons in the league. He played six years with the St. Louis Rams, one with the NY Giants, and five with the Arizona Cardinals.
Pyro's Take:
Warner left with one year remaining on a two-year, $23 million contract, so he must really be looking forward to leaving the game. He retires with 32,344 passing yards (26th all-time), 208 passing TDs (26th all-time), a 93.7 career passer rating (currently 6th all-time), an average of 258.8 passing yards/game (2nd all-time, P. Manning), and a career completion percentage of 65.5% (2nd all-time, C. Pennington). He also has two league MVPs and one Super Bowl ring to his credit.
Pro Bowl: Fitz pulls out, replaced by Steve Smith (NYG) expand +
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will not be making the trip to Miami for the Pro Bowl this year due to various injuries he's been dealing with for awhile now. Fitz will be replaced on the team by Giants WR Steve Smith.
Pyro's Take:
Smith ended up 3rd in the NFC in receiving yards this year with 1,220 and 1st in receptions with 107. The third-year receiver is also the first Giants wideout to make the Pro Bowl since 1968.
Warner set to hang 'em up? expand +
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN and a source close to the team, the Arizona Cardinals have scheduled a press conference for Friday so that quarterback Kurt Warner can address the questions of whether or not he plans to retire.
Pyro's Take:
If this really is the end for the former grocery store shelf-stocker, it's been quite a ride and a truly inspirational story. All the way from working for $5.50/hr. at the local Hy-Vee to becoming a 4-time NFL Pro Bowl QB, Warner ended up winning two league MVP awards and one Super Bowl with his former team, the St. Louis Rams. He is also one of just two QBs all-time to throw 100 TD passes for two different franchises.
Warner will retire with 32,344 passing yards (26th all-time), 208 passing TDs (26th all-time), a 93.7 career passer rating (currently 6th all-time), an average of 258.8 passing yards/game (2nd all-time, P. Manning), and a career completion percentage of 65.5% (2nd all-time, C. Pennington).
Kurt Warner to give retirement some serious consideration this offseason expand +
Warner will be considering retirement this offseason but doesn not expect it to be a "long process."
"I have some ideas in my head. But you want to get away from the season a bit," said Warner.
Pyro's Take:
Warner took a nasty hit in the game, but x-rays confirmed merely a bruise. He also told Terry Bradshawn in an interview preceding yesterday afternoon's drubbing that when he does make up his mind, he won't flop about like his fellow QB-nearing-retirement, Brett Favre.
Beanie to play a larger part in offense Saturday? expand +
After going for 91 yards on 14 carries in the win against the Packers on Sunday, Cardinals running back Beanie Wells could be in line for some extra duty against the Saints this weekend.
Pyro's Take:
The Cardinals are 7-1 when Beanie rushes for more than 50 yards in a game, and we fully expect the Cards to try and slow things down a bit against the high-flying Saints offense by playing a little ball-control with Beanie. Expect a nice game out of the rookie on Saturday.
Fitz's elbow injury merely a bruise expand +
According to Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, the elbow injury sustained by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is merely a contusion and will have no affect on his practice or playing time going forward.
Pyro's Take:
The Cardinals will likely be resting their starters at least a bit this coming weekend, so if Fitz doesn't play, it will have nothing to do with this injury. Keep an eye out this week for what Whiz plans on doing with his starters in Week 17 against the Pack.
Larry Fitz ready to give it a go expand +
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is active for the game against the Lions today.
Pyro's Take:
Fitz comes through on his promise as usual. He is, of course, a must-start on your fantasy team against a Lions defense that couldn't stop a mouse from crossing the field if they tried.
Fitzgerald ups his reps, likely to play Sunday expand +
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (knee) did more at practice today than earlier in the week and though he is listed as questionable for Sunday, he says there is no doubt he'll be out there playing against the Lions.
Pyro's Take:
Fitz should be able to give it a go this weekend, so make sure you get him in your fantasy lineup as he has a great matchup against the lowly Lions.
Fitz limited in practice, but should play Sunday expand +
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday, but believes he will be out on the field this weekend against the Lions.
Pyro's Take:
Fitz also says that even though his MCL is sprained, it's the bone contusion that's causing him more pain. As long as he progresses throughout the week, he should have no trouble playing on Sunday and will definitely be a WR1 for your fantasy football team going up against the Lions.
Fitz's MRI reveals no significant damage expand +
The Cardinals released a statement regarding the MRI taken on wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald today:
“He had an MRI today that revealed a bone contusion and right knee sprain. However the knee is stable and there isn’t any more significant damage. He’ll be evaluated as the week progresses.”
Pyro's Take:
Fitz has also tweeted a couple of times that he is just fine and expects to practice on Wednesday. We'll keep you updated as more info comes along, but for now, it seems safe to keep the WR1 in your fantasy football lineup for this weekend.
Cards optimistic Fitz will be just fine expand +
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said on Tuesday morning that there was no definitive news on the knee injury wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald suffered Monday night, but mentioned that the doctors cleared him to continue playing and that Fitz would have an MRI today just to be sure everything was okay.
Pyro's Take:
If the doctors cleared him 15 minutes after he suffered the injury, we tend to believe he'll be just fine. We expect him to miss some practice time this week, but our guess is he'll be playing in Week 15 against the Lions. Check back to be sure you can get him in your fantasy lineup for the playoffs.
Warner fine, expects to play Sunday expand +
Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (hip) said he is fine and that he expects to play Monday night against the 49ers.
Pyro's Take:
Warner practiced today and said he wasn't hampered at all from the hip pointer, so we expect him to play Monday night as well. He's a sure-fire QB1 on your fantasy football team this weekend.
Warner limping after Sunday night win expand +
Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was seen walking around with a significant limp after the game Sunday night due to a hit he took to his hip.
Pyro's Take:
The Cardinals don't play until Monday night next week, so Kurt will have an extra day of rest to heal up. Check back with us on the situation as Warner will be a great QB1 on your fantasy football team in Week 14 as the Cards play a beatable 49ers secondary.
Word is that Warner will start tonight expand +
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (concussion) will be starting against the Vikings tonight.
Pyro's Take:
Schefter received a text saying: "Kurt (Warner) is playing tonight. He is being himself again. It's like the funk cloud around him is gone."
Feel free to start him on your fantasy football today due to this news.
