Change Has Come, Arizona Cardinals

(Photo by Jonathan Willey/Getty Images)

 Additions and losses in personnel are normal for every team, but the Arizona Cardinals are on a teeter totter that could fall either way. The Cardinals are not only dealing with coaching changes on the defensive and offensive side of the ball, but could possibly see some changes on the field as well. It’s uncertain whether or not the changes will occur, but the distraction alone has got to be weighing on the team.

 The main question mark that remains, and may never be answered, is what Anquan Boldin is thinking. He’s held himself out of all activities with the team, and really hasn’t expressed any feelings on a decision. It seems like he recently made a move in the right direction by firing agent Drew Rosenhaus, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually reunited with Rosenhaus in the future. Drew had this to say on his Twitter page, “Regarding Anquan Boldin, let me say I have great respect for him. I'm hopeful that we can work things out and he will return to the Rosenhaus Sports family in the near future.” Since he usually gets what he wants, it’s probably always a possibility.

 If Anquan Boldin does decide to leave, where does that put the Cardinals? Larry Fitzgerald has solidified his status as one of the best, if not the best, wide receiver in the league. Behind him is former University of Michigan standout Steve Breaston, Jerheme Urban, and recent draftee Early Doucet. Breaston showed glimpses of what he can do, but is no Anquan Boldin. Filling the gap that could be Anquan Boldin will be near impossible this season. I would imagine the Cardinals are doing everything in their power to convince him of his worth, if that means keeping the owners away from him, then so be it.

 The Super Bowl has changed everybody, we don’t even know them anymore! Not really, but there are rumblings that a few other players including Karlos Dansby could be trying to inflate their contract values, to match the size of their growing egos. What? It’s not like you weren’t thinking it.

 With the departure of Todd Haley to the Chiefs, the question with the offensive scheme becomes whether or not Ken Whisenhunt will use a more balanced approach. The Cardinals lost Edgerrin James and JJ Arrington to free agency, but still have Tim Hightower on the roster. James showed frustration throughout the season, and saw his playing time diminish until the playoffs. The Cardinals recently selected Chris “Beanie” Wells from Ohio State in this year’s draft. The combination of Hightower’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and Wells' play making ability on the ground, could develop into a nice one-two punch for the Cardinals. With that choice, it seems as though the running game will become a bigger part of the attack.

 Although there is a new defensive coordinator in the chair, Bill Davis was the Linebackers coach the previous year, so I don’t expect too much of a tilt. The Cardinals defense was obviously less than stellar, and looks to stop the bleeding when it comes to their pass defense.  They addressed the need, somewhat, by drafting Rashad Johnson, safety out of Alabama, and Greg Toler, a corner hailing from….St. Paul’s College. Never heard of it? Me neither. The addition of Bryant McFadden in the secondary should give them some stability, but won’t propel them to the top by any means.

 The Cardinals dream season last year will be very difficult to repeat, and the offense will be the key. Ken Whisenhunt has gained a lot of trust from the fans in where he’s taken the team, and has my trust in where he’ll take the offense. Their offense needs to pick up right where they left off in last season’s playoffs. If Kurt Warner and company can duplicate their playoff prowess, then the Cardinals could be in good shape to make another strong push.

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