The Cards Could Use a Full House: Holes That Need to Be Addressed for Next Year

The Arizona Cardinals are 3-9 and the season is realistically lost. It's time to start looking at the holes that need to be addressed and how to fill those holes, whether through the draft or free agency. Let's take a look at what these holes are and what the Cardinals may do to fill them.

Where's Kurt?

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner stands on the field before the NFL game between the St. Louis Rams and the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christia

This is the most glaring weakness on the whole team. The Cards have a huge hole at quarterback since future Hall-of-Famer Kurt Warner retired at the end of last season. Backups Derek Anderson and Max Hall have tried to fill that hole but to no avail. They have a combined eight TDs, 16 INTs and have been sacked 39 times.

I’m not saying that they will find another Kurt Warner, but rather a serviceable quarterback. Flat-out, they are not getting enough production at QB for the NFL. This hole should be filled with their first available pick in next year's draft. Pray Andrew Luck or Cam Newton falls on the draft boards somehow.

Wait, We Can Run the Ball?

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: The Arizona Cardinals offensive line, centerd by Lyle Sendlein #63 line up during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeate

The offensive line has been a weak point for several seasons. They have given up 40 sacks and the Cards are 31st in the league with only 963 yards on the ground. The talent is there in the backfield, but the line needs some fresh faces, probably a high draft pick.

Are We Allowed To Hit the Guy with the Ball?

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 03: Defensive tackle Darnell Dockettl #90 of the Arizona Cardinals on the field against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 3, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 41-10. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Ima

The Cardinals pass-rushers have certainly had a an off-year as they are tied for 18th in the NFL with 23 sacks. Most of which come from the linebackers and secondary, the defensive line only has eight sacks, coming from three players (Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell and Alan Branch).

There has to be more pressure from the defensive ends and defensive tackles in order for the secondary to have time to make plays. Possibly a free agent would help here, a power rusher off the edge would be best.

We Don't Need Backups in the Secondary...Oh Wait, We Do!

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 16: Devery Henderson #19 of the New Orleans Saints runs for yards after the catch against Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Lo

Depth in the secondary would allow players like veteran Adrian Wilson and young corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to take a breather and be more effective over the course of a game.

Another backup corner and safety would do wonders since there is only one backup who can give a dependable effort in corner Michael Adams. A veteran is needed here.

In Conclusion

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field after the game with the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. Seattle won 36-18. (Photo by

Sure, the season is lost, but the Cards have a solid foundation and with a number of additions could be a formidable team for years to come. As long as they don't trade away starters like last offseason then they should be fine next year.