The Arizona Cardinals and the Bidwill family are in an unfamiliar position unlike any other season in Arizona. The team seems ready to make a big splash in the NFC this year due to some positive factors.

1. Gone this year is the normally conservative approach to free agency. Edgerrin James was the prize of free agency this year and the Cardinals showed grit to get the deal done.

2. Luck. Up to this point the Cardinals have been synonymous with “Bad” luck. Matt Leinart fell to #10 somehow. He is the most polished rookie QB in recent years and should be able to win the backup job. Although he has not signed a deal as of this writing, the sides should get something done this week. The report is that Leinart is seeking more money at the #10 spot than typical.

3. Venue. Arizona State Sun Devil stadium is a real nice college venue, but the Cardinals were always the step child to the Sun Devils. With the new home ready for action, the Cardinals have sold out season tickets, mainly due to the new buzz the Front office has created.


TEAM
The signing of Edgerrin James obviously addresses the gaping hole at running back this year. Aside from his talent and Hall of Fame career track, the “Edge” brought something else. He has been all smiles and been very upbeat. He knows the challenge of making this team successful on the ground and has not shucked this responsibility. His teammates love his attitude and it has become contagious in training camp. The team seems much looser according to all reports from camp.


OFFENSE
Kurt Warner starts at QB this year. He had a good year for completion % at almost 65%. Surprisingly, he only threw 11 TDs, but without a running game to support him, the Cardinals stalled the closer to the end zone, which is why Neil Rackers had a career year. Backing up Warner should be Matt Leinart. Once he signs a contract, he should play himself into the backup spot and must be ready due to Warner’s recent history of injury.

QB Fantasy perspective: Warner will put up solid fantasy stats given the balance that Edgerrin James brings to the running game. James is also one of the best blocking backs in the league and should be able to help keep Warner upright longer.

The Running Back position is in excellent shape with the signing of James. He will make the offensive line better because he will find a crease and move through it. He is an excellent receiver as well. James’s career is on rails to the Hall of Fame so to speak with his eye popping 126 yards per game average. James will certainly lift the Cardinals rushing attack, but he may struggle to reach that lofty average at first. What is certain to me is that he will be given every opportunity to score TDs on the ground or through the air. The Cardinals can move the ball, especially against the lackluster NFC West.

Backing up James will be J.J. Arrington as Marcel Shipp takes on a bigger role on special teams. Arrington can afford to learn from the best. He was thrust into a bad situation last season with no clear guidance. He has obvious talent. You can’t lead the nation in rushing without that.

RB Fantasy perspective: With the talent around Edgerrin James, I see him gaining 1700 yards total with 12 to 15 TDs. He will get all the opportunities unless he takes himself out of the game.

The only position more solid than Running back is at Wide Receiver. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Bolden are the true dynamic duo. They are both physical and almost impossible to jam at the line of scrimmage. They are both in the top 10 at their position. Both had over 100 catches and 1400 yards on the year with 14.7 yards per catch. On the same team…These are incredible numbers.

Bryant Johnson is the third receiver on the team and is the fastest of the three during the first 3 days of camp. The Cardinals hope that they will not be throwing the ball as much this year, and they shouldn’t with the vast upgrade at running back. This shouldn’t keep you from drafting either of them though. Quality, not Quantity will be the credo this year at wide receiver.

TE Adam Bergen has good hands and may collect a few TDs, but the team also drafted Leonard Pope.

WR Fantasy perspective: Defenses will need to worry about the running game of the Cardinals this year. That will bring defenders up and open up more spots on the field. Bolden and Fitzgerald should enjoy longer strikes from Warner as a result. They should finish around 85-90 catches each with Bolden gaining more yards and Fitzgerald collecting more TDs. If all goes well, both should be well over 1200 yards as well. Bryant Johnson will score some long TDs this year and, if injuries keep Fitzgerald or Boldin on the sideline, Johnson may emerge as a decent 3rd WR on your Fantasy roster.

Neil Rackers enjoyed an outstanding year. He booted 40 field goals, but only 20 extra points. That is an anomaly by NFL standards. He scored 140 points. Clearly, he is an excellent kicker, but to expect those numbers again would be overly optimistic. The Cardinals were practically inept at putting it into the end zone last season.

Kicker Fantasy perspective: 115 pts from Rackers or any other kicker is a good year. Draft him with confidence.


DEFENSE
The team added depth to the defensive line this year in the hopes that the team could employ a rotation to keep starting tackles Darnell Dockett and Kendrick Clancy and DE Berry and Okeafer fresh in the 4th quarter of games. The team was decimated by injuries last year which forced players to stay on the field thus, giving up leads in the 4th quarter. They look like they have a good rotation at the moment. The line backing core is solid, although the team would love Carlos Dansby to start playing like a first round draft pick. Antrel Rolle anchors a weak defensive back crew. They desperately need him to stay healthy. He is a gifted cover corner. He may make some big special teams plays if the team lets him return punts.

Fantasy perspective: This is a middle of the pack defense at a glance. Look for them to improve against the run and pass this year. DC Clancy Pendergast loves to bring pressure and make quarterbacks make plays. This should boost sacks and interceptions provided the team can stay healthy for a change.

SOS
The 4for4 SOS tool shows that the Cardinals have the 4th easiest schedule. You can find it here: http://www.4for4.com/pre06/2006schedule.php Look for the Cardinals to exploit several match ups this year and increase scoring chances mainly due to the acquisition of Edgerrin James. I like them to finish in the top 3 in total offense this year, converting several red zone opportunities into touchdowns instead of field goals.