The biggest question this offseason has been how well will the Cardinals offense perform in the 2013 season after finishing second to last in 2012? With a new head coach, a veteran quarterback and a revamped offensive line the offense seems to be the key for the Cardinals success.
Not so fast.
For the Cardinals to win, it all depends on how the defense performs.
First the numbers:
Year |
Team |
Total Rank |
Passing Rank |
Rushing Rank |
Record |
Team Defense Rank |
2007 |
PIT |
10 |
22 |
3 |
10-6 |
2 |
2008 |
PIT | 20 |
16 |
23 |
12-4 |
1 |
2009 |
PIT | 12 |
9 |
19 |
9-7 |
13 |
2010 |
PIT | 12 |
14 |
11 |
12-4 |
1 |
2011 |
PIT | 22 |
10 |
14 |
12-4 |
1 |
2012 | IND | 18 | 7 | 22 | 11-5 | 21 |
Bruce Arians has never had an offense rank higher than tenth overall and his teams' best seasons have been when the passing game was only average. But those same seasons had the number one defense overall.
The only anomaly is 2012 when Arians was coaching the Colts. However, it's important to note that the AFC South is a much weaker division with the Jaguars and Titans being bottom feeders last season.
Truth be told, our division is much closer in competition as the AFC North has been throughout the late 2000s. I mean, the Cardinals are the equivalent to the Browns. You couldn't pay me to believe the Browns have a chance this season.
This is not to say the offense can be as bad as 2012, but based on the past history of Bruce Arians' offensive playcalling career, the amount of wins the Cardinals gain this season all depends on how well the defense plays. The offense doesn't have to be ranked in the top 10 for the Cardinals to improve as a team.
If the Cardinals have an average offense and an above average defense, expect success and more wins in 2013.
No pressure Todd Bowles.