Arizona Cardinals Community Projections: Larry Fitzgerald

by cgolden on Aug 18, 2008 6:00 AM MDT

With the regular season opener just over three weeks away, it's about time to start our ROTB Community Projections. The projections are very easy and all that is required is your opinion and some imagination. At the end of the season, we'll take a look at each players' projections and see how well or terrible we did as a group and individually. In an effort to make the accumulating easier on my part, please post your projections in the subject line of the comment box and any explanations or commentary in the body of the comment.

First up is Larry Fitzgerald. We all know Fitz is a great receiver who puts up fantastic numbers when he's on the field. He hasn't wasted any time establishing himself as on one of the better wideouts in the league and considering his age (not quite 25) and experience (entering 5th season), it's conceivable that his best playing days are still in the future. Here's a look at his career numbers to date:

	Games	Receptions	Yards	Yds/Rec	TD
2004	16	58	780	13.4	8
2005	16	103	1,409	13.7	10
2006	13	69	946	13.7	6
2007	15	100	1409	14.1	10
Totals	60	330	4,544	13.8	34

Through his first four seasons, injuries seem to be the only thing that can slow him down and if he's healthy he should have every opportunity to post career numbers in nearly every category. The team is improving the running game but the strength of this Cardinals offense is still Fitz and Q. He'll get his share of receptions and touchdowns and his new focus on yards after the catch could lead to even more big plays. Granted his production will depend on the quarterback back play and to a lesser extent, the health of Anquan Boldin, but for these purposes let's come to a single set of numbers regardless of which QB is under center. So with all that said here's my projection:

16 GP, 112 Rec, 1,523 Yds (13.6 yards per), 15 TDs

Simple as that guys. So what kind of numbers will Fitz post in 2008? Is he headed to his third Pro Bowl and will he finally make All-Pro?

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15 GP, 109REC, 1,473 (13.51 yards per), 18TDs

I think he will at least miss one game throughout the season, especially if he’s trying to gain more after the catch now. His numbers will stay about par from last year; probably go up a bit in all categories. However, this years his total touchdowns are going to go up quite a bit because he will be the go to guy within the 35, seeing how I think Bolden is going to be suddenly afflicted with the injury bug until his contract negotiations get worked out. I’ve noticed it seems Warner likes Fitz as his go to guy as where Leinart looks for Bolden first.
Career numbers either way this year!

by boogatt66 on Aug 15, 2008 9:58 AM MDT reply actions

15 GP, 95 Rec, 1330 yds(14.0 YPC), 11 TD

I too think he will miss at least one game, but that is not what’s going to slow him down. I think that first of all, we will control the clock a little more with a better run game and second, I look to Boldin for a good year especially with Leinart under center. Also, Breaston, Patrick, and Pope should see increased roles in the passing game.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Aug 15, 2008 3:39 PM MDT reply actions

16 GP, 105 Rec, 1,490 Yds (14.2 yards per), 12 TDs

I really think Fitz will improve his YAC this year and this will help him up his average. I hope though that the distribution on the passing game improves and all the receivers get plenty of touches. With his new contract Fitz is really going to want to prove he was worth the money so I do see him getting big numbers.

by CardsIrish on Aug 18, 2008 4:12 PM MDT reply actions

15 GP, 106 Rec, 1,537 Yds (14.5 yards per), 12 TDs

Kinda a blend of what has been said before: he’ll miss one game with a sore body part, his YAC will go up and thus his average per catch, and he’ll post career numbers in catches and TDs. He’ll also get tackled by the hair this year. :P

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Aug 29, 2008 10:32 AM MDT reply actions