Finkle is Einhorn, Einhorn is Finkle!

by boogatt66 on Aug 12, 2008 1:24 PM MDT Comment 11 comments

Boogatt checks in with a great fan post that I just had to bump to the main page. Optimism is always high during the preseason but there's just something different about this year....cgolden

It’s been the buzz of the Cardinals every approaching regular season for as long as I can remember, "This is our year. This is the year we make the playoffs!" That kind of optimism has only set a true Cardinals fan up for further ridicule and disappointment in seasons past. Whether it’s the Bears game in 2006 (I’m nauseous just thinking about it), or the surreal moment when Rackers came out to finish the game against the Chiefs with a routine chip shot. You almost knew before the ball was kicked that he would somehow, nay, he would pull a Ray Finkle and blow it. The laces were out RACKERS! Yet this year has a different feel, or should I say vibe to it that has been circulating ever since the end of last season. There is an excitement that is justified by the first non-losing season in 10 years, in which they seem to have picked up right where they left off at the tail end of last season. We have heard nothing but positive things about the Cardinals since camp has started, from how promising our young first and second year players are shaping up to more seasoned players getting back in the shape of their careers to make a legitimate run for an eventual playoff birth. It definitely starts from the top, and I think that we finally have the right chemistry between staffing and players to do something really special in 08-09.

Now I know it’s probably a tad premature to go spouting off any 12 or 13 win seasons at this point, but I am going to go out on a limb. Barring another freak rash of injuries at key positions, I am predicting clinching their division at 10-6 or maybe even 11-5. So let me pose a few questions to you. How many games will it take for a playoff birth? Who will win the NFC West? Is this the Cardinals year, and if so how deep will they go? Feel free to pull no punches and get as ridiculous as you would like. After all, isn’t that the point!

Poll

Will the Cards be over .500?

Yes

33 votes

No

11 votes

44 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

1 recs | Comment 11 comments

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Comments

Great stuff man

Optimism is at an all-time high, now all the Cards have to do is go out there and back it up.

Just to be on record with some predictions:
– I’ll take 10 wins and NFC West crown (you want to crown ‘em, well go ahead and crown their asses)
– If they win the West, they’ll probably be up against a wild card team in the first round and considering that they’ll play the entire NFC East and Minnesota, chances are they might have already played that team. Knowing that and assuming that a division champ would play at home, I’ll take one playoff win before they get downed in the second round.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 12, 2008 1:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

The NFC is stacked and I know we have a long way to the top. I do however completely agree with the fact I don’t think they’ll go past second round.
I heard nothing but how much untapped potential the Packers had last night on Monday Night Football and how they smell a dynasty, but can the Cards get some love? They probably have to do something first huh…

by boogatt66 on Aug 12, 2008 2:16 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Cards dynasty?

Ha, yea we might need some skins on the wall before we can start the dynasty talk.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 12, 2008 2:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Division Title or Bust

Division Title may actually be more easily achievable than a wildcard spot. Chances are Philly & Giants will be fighting for wildcard spots in the East and 2nd place in the North will be looking for a spot too. If we can’t beat out Seattle for the crown, chances are we will have a tough time fighting for a WC spot.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Aug 12, 2008 4:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Well said sir

Couldn’t agree more. The only good news: The Cards play the entire NFC East so the path to the playoffs is in their hands.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 12, 2008 7:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

That’s the good news?

by AJ BirdWatcher on Aug 13, 2008 7:15 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

well we'll call it the silver lining to a dark cloud

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 13, 2008 7:48 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Possible IF.....

If Leinart plays to his potential.
If Edge and Hightower establish a running game behind the improved OL.
If the pass rush potential that is there gets established and takes the pressure off the secondary.
These are the 3 most important areas that need to improve for the Cards to go beyond 8-8 and get into double figures on the win column.

by CardsIrish on Aug 13, 2008 8:24 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Add significantly reducing the penalties to that list

and I’ll dare to say 10-11 wins

by AJ BirdWatcher on Aug 13, 2008 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not quite there yet

This team is on the right track and think they will be a multiple playoff team, but I think they are still a year away. The QB situation concerns me still. I think Leinart needs to start and develop, but that might cost the team a game or 2. Warner starting might help them get to the playoffs, but we need the QB of the future to be the guy sooner rather than later.

by allecli on Aug 28, 2008 3:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs