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Around SBN: NFL Week One: Previews and Predictions for all 15 games

Predicting The Arizona Cardinals Record: Weeks 1 & 2

If you've been around Revenge of the Birds since the last offseason, then you'll remember when I boldly predicted the Arizona Cardinals record in four segments. I ended the last segment predicting a 10-6 record(waits for applause) and I'll attempt to do the same thing this year. This time, I'll break the posts up into eight segments.

Week 1 - At St. Louis Rams

Key Additions: Na'il Diggs(OLB), Hank Fraley(OG), Fred Robbins(DT), Kevin Dockery(CB), Sam Bradford(QB), Rodger Saffold(OT), Darcy Johnson(TE)

Key LossesJonathan Wade(CB), Paris Lenon(LB), Kyle Boller(QB)

Offseason Analysis: The Rams have spent the 2010 offseason trying to find an identity for their team. They had a very good draft and may have found their quarterback of the future in Bradford. They added an offensive tackle for his protection and head coach Steve Spagnola brought in three former Giants to add leadership to the team.

Season Outlook: Although they've tried to instill change in St. Louis, they can expect another losing season in 2010. With a rookie at quarterback and virtually no weapons outside Steven Jackson on offense, they'll struggle to put points on the board. Their defense did get a lot younger but with the possible loss of safety O.J. Atogwe, they'll have no playmakers on defense.

Key Match-Up: Steven Jackson vs Gerald Hayes - Last year Jackson ran for over 100 yards against the Cardinals - something he had struggled to do for most of his career. The Cardinals best run-stopper is Gerald Hayes and the one on one match up between him and Jackson will be important to watch for.

Prediction: Win - The Cardinals will open the 2010 season with a win on the road. The Rams don't have enough firepower to compete with the Cardinals offense. Matt Leinart will get the chance to begin the season with a win while the Cardinals defense will feast on the rookie quarterback's first NFL start.

Star-divide

Week 2 - At Atlanta Falcons

Key Additions: Dunta Robinson(CB), Matt Giordano(CB), Sean Weatherspoon(LB)

Key Losses: Tye Hill(CB), Charlie Peprah(CB)

Offseason Analysis: The Falcons had one of the quietest offseasons in the NFL this year when their biggest move was signing free agent cornerback Dunta Robinson early. They shuffled some depth at defensive back and were able to land a very good lnside linebacker in Sean Weatherspoon in the draft. Whether they did enough to address issues at other positions, will be determined once the season begins.

Season Outlook: The Falcons are in position to compete for the NFC South crown, but still have some concerns throughout the roster. Matt Ryan is entering his third year and still has weapons around him to put points on the board, but their defense needs to be able to hold opponents at bay. If they can get the most out of their aging veterans then the Falcons will be a tough opponent for teams in 2010.

Key Match-Up: Dunta Robinson vs Larry Fitzgerald - The last time these two teams met, it was in the playoffs in 2008. That game, Fitzgerald ran wild and blew past just about every member of the secondary to catch an early flea flicker touchdown pass. The Falcons added Robinson to become their primary cornerback, and Fitzgerald will be his first big test of the season.

Prediction: Win - This game can go either way but until the Falcons prove to be that same team that made the playoffs in 2008, I'm hesitant to give them the win. The Cardinals should be coming off a road win in St. Louis and impose match up problems to most of Atlanta's defense. 

Arizona Cardinals record after two games: 2-0

 

Although it may seem biased, I see the Cardinals winning their first two games of the season on the road. They should take care of business in St. Louis and travel to Atlanta for a tough road game. Starting 2-0 will be pivotal with their match-ups approaching in the coming weeks. What is your prediction after two weeks?

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2-0

The Cards will open the season by stomping the Rams. Atlanta should be a tougher game but I’ll take the Cards for the win.

by hadrarius on May 6, 2010 3:36 PM MDT reply actions  

2-0 as well

Starting out on the road for our first two games is a little rough, even if one the teams is the Rams. Our surprisingly good play on the road last year leads me to believe this year will be more of the same.

We’ll find out in a hurry how well Ryan and Turner recovered from their injuries.

by Long Beach on May 6, 2010 3:44 PM MDT reply actions  

These two games should show a bit about our run D

STL will be a bit lopsided because they can’t really pass, but ATL should give us a clue on where our D stands.

They are who we thought they were!

by Jessesb on May 6, 2010 3:49 PM MDT reply actions  

Oh, yeah

Two premier backs at the start of the season while they’re still fresh… It’s like I already have a migraine…

by tw3kr on May 7, 2010 2:30 AM MDT up reply actions  

Well the good news is that both are coming off surgeries.

What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on May 7, 2010 8:37 AM MDT up reply actions  

Jackson might have an off year after his back injury.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 7, 2010 10:09 AM MDT up reply actions  

I think our run D will be the deciding factor.

I have no doubt we will be able to apply pressure on the edge, at least till other teams realize how to neutralize it. My two concerns are :
If Jackson is healthy, can we stop him and will Michael “the Burner” Turner be back to his dominant self?

Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.

by hevchv on May 6, 2010 4:03 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

I'd agree with that.

The Rams are still the Rams [Dockett will get that “new meat” he was talking about on Twitter if Bradford gets the start too], the Falcons will be a tougher game but it is winnable.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 6, 2010 4:04 PM MDT reply actions  

Key Match-Up: Dunta Robinson vs Larry Fitzgerald

Being a Texans fan… I expect to see Fitzy rack up yardage along with a td or two.. Dunta has became an average CB since his surgery… the Texans thought so thus why they let ATL take him off our hands, w/o dropping huge money on him prior… If Dunta does do well in ATL I say kudos but i am still glad he is gone…

"Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries! Now Go away or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Go Texans!

by Taco Joe on May 6, 2010 4:11 PM MDT reply actions  

fitz crushed on the robinmson when he was with the texans i expect the same

I think the cards go at least 4-1 in their 1st 5 games

The Devil Birds just got cha

by DaCards on May 6, 2010 4:22 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

I see 3-2

Losses to the Saints and Chargers.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 6, 2010 4:29 PM MDT up reply actions  

Chargers will be tough but winnable.

They’ve been slow starters of late, but strong late in the season. Playing them early could be to our benefit if they remain on that trend. They have been very one dimensional, depending on Rivers’ arm to win games. The key will be shutting him down. 1st round pick Ryan Mathews may help alleviate their reliance on the pass game. Again, playing them early in the season could be a mitigating factor in his level of contribution. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

by hadrarius on May 6, 2010 4:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

Yeah, it is winnable if the Chargers have one of their bad starts again.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 6, 2010 7:19 PM MDT up reply actions  

2 and 3 going into the bye... Yes, I'm a Cardinal fan!

 The Cards are not going to be clicking on all cylinders to start the season and if they are, then that leaves a late season meltdown or an injury “in the Cards”. I say a slow start and a big finish.
 Atlanta plays well enough to give Matt problems early in the season. This lose will help Matt later in the year.
I have the Cards at 2 and 3 going into the bye. The Meat of our season begins after the bye, so we have 5 games to get it going, that is a luxery that no other playoff team has. I say an 8 and 3 finish, winning the division at 10 and 6, but keep in mind the game on Christmas, if the Cards can beat the Cowboys then thats 11 and 5.

by Reo Hays on May 6, 2010 7:28 PM MDT reply actions  

I think it provides good motivation for Whiz and the staff..

It may seem unfair, but starting on the road may help. The team can go into camp focusing on starting on the road. That could be a good motivator. I think this will be significant, and I can see them going 2-0. Homer, all the way!!!!!!!!!!

Go CARDS!

by Cardzfan on May 6, 2010 7:43 PM MDT reply actions  

Good point, if they can start 2-0 that means they will have only 6 more road games on the season and 8 home.

What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on May 7, 2010 8:39 AM MDT up reply actions  

my question might be for a differnt post but is it possible for a coach to get suspended

Cause sean payton is guilty and that whole organization is in some shit maybe he will get fired

The Devil Birds just got cha

by DaCards on May 6, 2010 9:57 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

I don't think I've ever seen that before. I'm sure it's possible.

What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on May 7, 2010 8:39 AM MDT up reply actions  

I love my Cardinals but I have to say

1-1 after two games. Most certainly the loss is not to the Rams. As ‘Reo Hays’ suggested above even with Warner we traditionally start slow. Especially with Leinart still finding his rhythm with the receivers early in the season. If Hayes is not 100% and Turner is I can see him and Norwood wreaking some havoc on the ground. But so many factors go in to this I’m not as bold as Andrew to make these predictions (and certainly not savvy enough to predict or record for the season, kusdos for that in ‘09).
With my heart and soul I want a 2-0 start because it would be so pivotal.
If I had to put money on it? Now that’s a different story…

by cardsfanforlife24 on May 7, 2010 11:57 AM MDT reply actions  

wow I just re-read that, can’t type this morning sorry guys.

by cardsfanforlife24 on May 7, 2010 12:00 PM MDT up reply actions  

FA Signing.

Cards just signed FB Charles Ali to a one year deal.

Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.

by hevchv on May 7, 2010 5:12 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

i think we can do it

The falcons arent the same team they were two years ago i think well pull off 2-0 end up 10-6 with the division =) im new to this so bare wit me

Kurt warner is the best ever.. :)

by jparizonafan on May 7, 2010 5:23 PM MDT reply actions  

Welcome to ROTB jparizonafan it’s good to have you

by cardsfanforlife24 on May 7, 2010 6:00 PM MDT up reply actions  

+1

Welcome jparizonafan

What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on May 8, 2010 9:14 AM MDT up reply actions  

11-5

I said this at the end of the season and I won’t waver now. I sited a continued yearly one game improvement as the basis for my synopsis

Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.

by hevchv on May 7, 2010 6:16 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

I'm still going with 8-8 or 9-7.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 7, 2010 7:50 PM MDT up reply actions  

Also thinking 8-8 if they're lucky

All revolves around Leinart, and Im not drinkin the tea or wearin rose colored glasses. I really hope he gets it together tho and has a fantastic season

by Dem_Cardz on May 8, 2010 11:26 AM MDT up reply actions  

Leinart can still have a good statisitical season without winning a lot of games.

Rodgers did it with the Packers in his first year after Favre “retired”.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on May 8, 2010 9:53 PM MDT up reply actions  

I think our D is going to surprise some people

I also like the O line coming together for a lot more yards per carry. 10-6 and NFC West title again!

by Birdman from Mesa on May 10, 2010 11:04 AM MDT reply actions  

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