2011 NFL Schedule Analysis: Arizona Cardinals

Well, even if we don't have an NFL season in 2011, at least we can break down the schedule. 

Let's face it though...

Even if we do, it's going to be an ugly first few weeks of the season. 

I mean, the offense and defense probably won't have much time together for one thing. And on top of that, the Cards are breaking in new offensive and defensive coordinators. 

Not a good combo. Think that's the only reason the season will start ugly? 

Wait until you see the first game...

Game 1: Vs. Carolina

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 19: The defense of the Arizona Cardinals tries to stop Mike Goodson #33 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Imag

Woof. 

This was going to be an ugly game anyways. 

And now? Both teams could be breaking in new quarterbacks for one thing. 

And Carolina has a new coach. That's not to mention the fact that the game last season between the two was bad enough. 

Still, I can't see how Arizona, despite their struggles against the Panthers in the regular season, don't win this one. 

Result: W

Game 2: At Washington

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines against play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

This is a game that Arizona actually could win. 

Washington doesn't know who it's quarterback is next season either. Heck, they don't know who their starting running back is for sure (it ain't Clinton Portis, I'll give you that...). 

Still, Arizona is probably going to need a couple of weeks to gel.  And Washington still has a pretty good D. 

Result: L 

Game 3: At Seattle

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Mike Williams #17 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a catch over cornerback Greg Toler #28 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. Seattle won 36-18. (Pho

The reality is that Arizona could have easily won the two meetings between these two last season, if they just had better quarterback play. 

Seattle ain't an easy place to play though, and whoever is the Cardinals QB will have a hard time hearing anything, as it gets loud at Quest. 

I think it'll be close against the defending champs, but I think Seattle still wins. 

Result: L 

Game 4: Vs. NY Giants

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants hands the ball off to Ahmad Bradshaw #44 against the Philadelphia Eagles at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty

By now, the Cardinals should have their offense figured out.  At least that's the plan. 

Still, New York has to be hungry after barely missing the playoffs last season. But, this is the type of game the Cardinals can actually win. 

Don't ask me why. 

Result: W

Game 5: At Minnesota

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The good news?  Minnesota doesn't exactly have a QB either, and are a team that could be in utter disarray this season. 

So Arizona could potentially win. 

The problem? Adrian Peterson. 

Unless Arizona shores up that run defense, it doesn't matter who the Vikings QB is.

Result: L  

Game 6: Vs. Pittsburgh

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a play against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Arizona got dealt a rough hand this year, no doubt.

It's no cake schedule like last season. They have to go play the AFC North and the NFC East, two deep divisions.

Their first game against the AFC North?

Good ol' Pittsburgh.

It'll be a chance at revenge for many Cardinals, at least the ones who lost to the Steelers three Super Bowls ago.  

And you know what? 

I think they'll get it, coming off a bye week. 

Result: W

Game 7: At Baltimore

Nick Laham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Im

Umm...

I mean could we put together a tougher two-game stretch? 

Do I need to tell you what is probably going to happen here? 

Result: L

Game 8: Vs. St. Louis

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Runningback Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football against the St. Louis Rams during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Peter

You know, I've actually got the Cardinals at 3-4 at this point.  Why not make it 4-4? 

Unlikely? Probably right. 

St. Louis could be a scary good team this year, even if the Cardinals can hit their stride. 

Ah, what the heck. 

Result: W

Game 9: At Philadelphia

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Trotma

Same as Baltimore. 

You can probably forget it.  Although a Cardinals victory here would certainly please me...

Result: L 

Game 10: At San Francisco

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Runningback Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeate

Speaking of teams breaking in new coaches, the 49ers could be boom or bust this season. 

If they can find some steady QB play, they have the running game and defense to do very well. But we've all heard this story before haven't we? 

I think San Fran is overrated, and that may or may not be biased. I'll let you decide. 

Still, they'll probably win this game. 

They seem to like playing the Cardinals. 

Result: W

Game 11: At St. Louis

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams prepares to snap the ball during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated th

You know how I had Arizona beating them at home? 

It ain't happening on the road. 

I'm thinking St. Louis is going to be the NFC Champs this year (now call me biased). 

Result: L 

Game 12: Vs. Dallas

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Quarterbacks Tony Romo and Jon Kitna #3 of the Dallas Cowboys talk on the sideline during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals

This produced a pretty good game last season. 

It was one of the few highlights of the year for Arizona, winning on Christmas Day against the 'Boys. 

I say they do it again. After all, Arizona always gets up for Dallas. 

Result: W

Game 13: Vs. San Francisco

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 26: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Danny Amendola #16 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 26, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the 49ers 25-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Gett

This is going to surprise some people, but I'm about to make the Cardinals go 6-7. 

Hey it could happen. Like I said before, I think San Fran is overrated. 

Result: W

Game 14: Vs. Cleveland

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - DECEMBER 26: Tailback Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball by linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

The good news about facing the AFC North? 

Getting to play Cleveland. Welcome to the desert. 

Result: W

Game 15: At Cincinatti

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals fumbles the ball with less than two minutes to go in the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Benga

This is one of those games the Cardinals should win.

And they probably won't. 

Will the Cardinals regret not drafting Cam Newton? Who could be a Bengal. Um, no. 

Result: L 

Game 16: Vs. Seattle

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Cornerback Greg Toler #28 of the Arizona Cardinals knocks down running back Justin Forsett #20 of the Seattle Seahawks after a pass reception at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. Seattle

Probably a meaningless game for position in the Draft for 2012. 

I think the Cardinals beat the 'Hawks this time around. 

Result: W 

Final Tally

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Runningback Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeat

I've got Arizona going 8-8. They could easily go 4-12. 

Or heck, in this division, they could go 9-7 and win it again. 

If Arizona can stay healthy, fill the QB hole, and get another impact player on defense, who knows?