2009 Expert NFL Picks Preview: Arizona Cardinals

Last year was an amazing ride for the Arizona Cardinals. The perennial doormat of the NFC West actually made it to the Super Bowl. It was a shock to a lot of people, but the way in which they did it was downright dominating. They were a juggernaut throughout the playoffs and beat some really good teams on the way to the big game. However, the NFL is always changing. Did the Cardinals do enough in the off-season to stay on top? As far as free NFL preseason picks go, expect the Cardinals to be on top of their game yet again.

The Good News: The best part about the off-season was that the Cardinals were able to hang on to their big guns. They signed quarterback Kurt Warner to an extension that will keep him on the roster for the next two seasons. His play was nothing short of miraculous last season. Everyone had pretty much left him for dead after his run with the St. Louis Rams. He then proceeded to put up an amazing statistical season and silence his critics.

The three 1000 yard receivers from last season are still all here for another run as well. For awhile there, things with Anquan Boldin were a bit dicey. He requested a trade because he said that things were unrecognisable with management. He saw his friend Larry Fitzgerald get a huge contract and he wanted one of his own. The only problem with this scenario is that Larry is one of the best receivers to ever play the game. While Boldin is one of the best receivers in the game, he's not on Larry's level.

In the draft, the Cardinals also got a good running back in Chris "Beanie" Wells out of Ohio St. His presence should help ease the void that Edgerrin James left. They also brought in free agent corner-back Bryant McFadden out of Pittsburgh to help in the secondary.

The Bad News: They lost a few players that played roles in their team last year. Obviously a veteran running back of Edgerrin James' caliber will be missed. Defensive end Antonio Smith also defected and he was a big part of the defense last year. A strong reserve linebacker in Monty Beisel left for Kansas City as well.

Another disconcerting fact about the current roster is Kurt Warner's age and penchant for injury. No one is questioning the guy's talent and ability. However, last year was the first year that he has stayed healthy for an entire year since he was in St. Louis. What are the odds that he can do it for another season. He doesn't take that many sacks, but you never know when an aging quarterback will go down. Does anyone feel comfortable with Matt Leinart behind the wheel of this offensive machine?

Outlook: If you need free NFL betting picks, expect the Cardinals to be the top team in the division this year. They should make the playoffs and make another decent run. Whether they make the Super Bowl again has a lot to do with Kurt Warner's health, but they are definitely in the conversation.

Make sure you check out Vernon Croy's Expert NFL Picks this season.