The Arizona Cardinals are not starting off the 09′ season as they ended the 08′ season. QB Kurt Warner doesn’t seem to be the same man who led the Cardinals to one of the greatest playoff pushes in recent memory. While the wide receivers for the Cardinals are still being productive - they are not close to where they were in 08′.
Once the playoffs started the Cardinals were an entirely different team - they certainly proved that an NFL team does not have to play well at the end of the regular season to do well in the playoffs.
The Cardinals lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII in a very dramatic game. The Cardinals lead after 2:47 in the fourth quarter but couldn’t stop the Steelers from driving down the field and scoring to seal the win.
09′ has proved one thing, what you did a previous season means nothing in today’s NFL. Teams that win or go to the Super Bowl, the following year is a struggle. This makes you appreciate the teams such as the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers, 1980’s San Francisco 49ers, 1990’s Dallas Cowboys, and the 2000’s New England Patriots for maintaining years of constancy.
Entering week 2, the Cardinals knew they’d have to make an impact if they wanted to set themselves down the right path. And that they did in Jacksonville against the Jaguars.
The Cardinals are still in a very winnable division - with the only other contender being the San Francisco 49ers lead by head coach and Mr. “I Want Winners” Mike Singletary.
The Cardinals did exactly what they needed to do in week 2. They won, and they won big. If they can keep this level of play up, they should have a successful season.
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