I'm going to preface this by saying that I know a lot of you won't like the way I see the upcoming season shaking out. I'm ok with that. Secondly, I will be revisiting this topic after the pre-season because it's still early to know everything about this team, and my opinion might change after I see the team play together. Third, I hope this generates a good discussion. If you don't agree with me, that's ok, but tell me why you disagree. Having said that, here is the way I see the 2013 season playing out:
Week 1: @ Rams. Jeff Fisher is an excellent coach, and he already has a strong, attacking defense. The Rams added playmakers on both sides of the ball and I expect them to be improved over last year. LOSS. (0-1)
Week 2: vs Lions. The home opener for the Cardinals comes against a weak Lions team. Looks like the Cards will win their first home game of the year. WIN. (1-1)
Week 3: @ Saints. In New Orleans, and with Sean Payton back to give the Saints a boost from last year, I think the Saints will be back in the playoffs. LOSS. (1-2)
Week 4: @ Buccaneers. The Bucs vastly improved their secondary, have an excellent running game, playmakers at WR and a QB looking to prove himself in a contract year. Playing on the East Coast, LOSS. (1-3)
Week 5: vs Panthers. Playing a young Panthers team in AZ gives the Cards a good chance at a win here, but it won't be easy. WIN. (2-3)
Week 6: @ 49ers. 49ers are probably the best coached team in the NFL, and are stacked at all the key positions. LOSS. (2-4)
Week 7: vs Seahawks. The Seahawks are fighting the 49ers for the top spot in the NFL, and the Cardinals will be playing on a short week. LOSS. (2-5)
Week 8: vs Falcons. I now the Cardinals almost pulled out a win in ATL last year, but the Falcons filled their biggest weaknesses (RB, CB) in the offseason and will be looking to compete for the NFC again. LOSS. (2-6)
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: vs, Texans. While I expect the Texans to take a step back this year, they are still going to be tough on defense and have a formidable offense. They should still be among the best teams in the AFC. LOSS. (2-7)
Week 11: @ Jags. The Jags are deep in the rebuilding mode with no light at the end of the tunnel. WIN. (3-7)
Week 12: vs. Colts. This is a game I see as a true pick em, but only because BA knows the Colts very well. Unfortunately, the Colts have a huge advantage with Andrew Luck at QB. LOSS. (3-8)
Week 13: @ Eagles. The Cardinals have had the Eagles number lately, and while the Eagles have talent and a new coach, I think the Cardinals keep their winning ways against the Eagles going in Philly. WIN. (4-8)
Week 14: vs Rams. The Cardinals usually beat the Rams at home, although last year was the exception. I think they win this one. WIN. (5-8)
Week 15: @ Titans. This game is one I think the Cardinals would win if it was in AZ, but on the East Coast, against an up and coming Titans team that I think will make some teams sweat this year, the Cardinals drop another one. LOSS. (5-9)
Week 16: @ Seahawks. While it would be nice to think the Cardinals will avenge the 58-0 curb stomping in Seattle last season, the Seahawks could be fighting for the top seed in the playoffs. LOSS. (5-10)
Week 17: vs 49ers. Even though they will likely have the playoffs clinched, Harbaugh isn't the type to let off the gas. LOSS. (5-11)
So that's the way I see it going down. I hope I'm wrong, but the Cardinals face a very tough schedule, and I've said all along I think it's a 2 year rebuild for BA and company to compete for the division and playoffs. But with a new, unproven DC, a first time HC (the pressure isn't the same when you're the interim coach) and a team that, on paper, only improved at a few positions, it looks like it's going to be another tough season.
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