Rounding out the offense, Revenge of the Birds takes a look at the Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks and wonder, what will their numbers look like? Obviously it's nearly impossible to make any kind of accurate predictions (if there is such a thing) on what kind of numbers the quarterbacks will put up if we don't even know which QB will line up under center. We'll do our best though and if you haven't taken a second to give us your two cents on the upcoming seasons of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston, Leonard Pope and Edgerrin James, there is still time. Just click on the players name to give us your community projections, it's easy and if you're the closest, you'll have all off season to gloat.

While most around the league look at the Cardinals quarterback situation and shutter, I tend to view it as one of the strengths of the team. Are there some unknowns? Sure there are, but we do know that we've got two quarterbacks who are capable of playing quality football. Warner is the more reliable option but we all know that his age is a concern. He's an accomplished, seasoned and prolific passer who's seen everything that a defense can throw his way. With over 24,000 passing yards and over 150 touchdowns, Warner has the ability to lead this team to a high scoring, exciting season, if he wins the starting job. Matt Leinart on the other hand is a younger more conservative option. If he's the starter, the Cardinals will likely score less points but also turn the ball over less. He's been praised this offseason for his re-dedication to the game and his improved work ethic on everything from footwork to mechanics to film study. Whichever quarterback steps on the field first come September 7th, they'll have the weapons to put points on the board and defensive coordinators on edge.

This projection will be a bit different that the others that we've done because instead of doing an individual player, we're doing an entire position. So here's how it's going to work: Put the name of the player that you think will start the most games at quarterback in the subject line and then the projections for each QB in the body of your comment. If you think all three QBs will play but Brian St. Pierre will start the most games, let us know about it. Here's mine:  Warner will start 12 games

Warner: 12 games (all starts), 363 attempts, 235 completions (64.7 %), 2,867 yards (7.9 YPA), 23 TDs, 12 INTs

Leinart: 7 games (4 starts), 140 attempts, 84 attempts (60.2 %), 994 yards (7.1 YPA), 11 TDs, 5 INTs

Brian St. Pierre: 1 games (0 starts), 1 attempt, 1 completion, 3 yards (something tells me that Whiz will got out of his way to get BSP his first professional completion)

Our community wide projections shifts from those who catch the ball to those who carry the rock and where better to start than Edgerrin James. If you missed out on the opportunity to give your projections for Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston or Leonard Pope then just click on the players names and put your predictions on record. 

Edge hasn't had the type of success that he or the Cardinals envisioned when he was signed as a free agent in 2006 but the table is set for his best season as a Cardinal this year. Edge, as always, is in great shape and his carries have been limited in the preseason to make sure that he's ready for the regular season. He's also got, arguably  the best line in the past three seasons and he's finally got a compliment back to give him a breather. Edge has been a workhorse back his entire career averaging over 316 carries and 46 receptions a season over the past nine years but at some point the 30 year old back needs someone else to help him shoulder the load. His monster seasons of over 2,000 combined yardage are over but there's no reason to think that he doesn't have at least a couple more seasons of productive play. His game has always been more based on great vision and quickness rather than pure speed and the Cardinals are finally incorporating some of the 'zone blocking' schemes that he used in Indianapolis. Here's a look at his career numbers:

I tend to think that Edge will be more productive this year because he won't get as many carries. The Cardinals have a legitimate #2 back and a guy who can take some of the short yardage abuse off of Edge's shoulders. You know the drill: Projections in the subject line and explanation in the body of your comment. Here's my take:

15 Games, 267 carries, 1,148 yards (4.3 ypc), 5 TDs

With the top three recievers accounted for, our community projections can now move onto another pass catching position, tight end. If you haven't made your projections for Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin or Steve Breaston, you still have time so click on each player and put your projections on record. 

Leonard Pope, third round pick in 2006, will be a restricted free agent after this season and he needs to have a career year. He had a better sophomore season in 2007 and he became a threat in the red zone where his 6'8 height is a major asset. In a league with so many great tight ends he'll need to improve his overall numbers though if he wants to step out of the shadows at his position. He's also got some internal pressure from Ben Patrick who was making a push for playing time before a high ankle sprain against the Chiefs. Pope's not a dynamic player and he won't run by many defenders but his size gives him at an advantage over anyone he's facing. Pope got stronger towards the end of 2007 before an ankle injury ended his season in week 14. He averaged nearly three receptions for 28 yards per game during his final five games and while that doesn't sound overly impressive it would project out to 45 receptions for 450 yards over the course of an entire season. Pope needs to continue improve every aspect of his game but there are signs that he's starting to put it all together. Here's a look at his career numbers:

The Cardinals need him as a consistent red zone threat and safety valve for either Warner or Leinart but if his game doesn't continue to grow he could be looking up at Ben Patrick sooner rather than later. Thoughts? Can Pope become a legitimate threat at  tight end and hold off Ben Patrick? You know the drill: Projections in the subject line and explanation in the body of your comment. Here's my take:

16 games, 40 Rec, 420 yards (10.5 yards per), 7 TDs

Since Breaston seems to have the 3rd wide receiver role wrapped up we'll look at his 2008 and what we should expect. In case you missed out on your chance to predict Larry Fitzgerald and/or Anquan Boldin's numbers this season, there is still time so throw your projections into the mix.

Breaston doesn't have any receiving stats of note (8 receptions for 92 yards last year) to look at yet considering this is his second season. He was primarily a returner in 2007 and even though he'll keep that role, he'll also get plenty of opportunities to contribute on the offensive side of the ball. His speed should will be a welcome edition to an offense that has plenty of play makers but not many speedsters. He's replacing Bryant Johnson as the #3 receiver and even though they're different types of players, it's possible that Breaston could post similar numbers. Johnson was primarily a backup for the past three seasons and averaged 42 receptions, 566 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Breaston should be able to excel out of the slot where defenders won't be able to jam him and his quickness and speed will require a third corner as opposed to a safety or linebacker. You know the drill, post your projections in the subject line and any explanations in the body of your comment. You can also include any return stats, if you feel so inclined. Here's mine:

39 receptions, 596 yards (15.3 yards per), 2 touchdowns

I guess we'll stick to the Boldin-theme today and make him our second player in ROTB's community projections. If you missed out on giving your estimates for Larry Fitzgerald, it's not to late to put in your two cents.

As for the Q, he's been around long enough for us to know the bullet points of his resume. He's certainly been an outstanding player since his very first game in this league, and much like his counterpart, Larry Fitzgerald, injuries are just about the only thing that slows him down. He's missed twelve games over the past four seasons but when he's on the field he's a leader by example and a force to be reckoned with. He's been slowed during camp by a hamstring injury but he's at a prime age (27) to have a career year. Here's a look at his career numbers up until now:

Q may have some extracurricular activities going on this year but I still trust him to turn it on when he's on the field. His ultimate contributions don't always show up in a box score but he's still got some great stats and 2008 should be no different. He shouldn't have any problems bettering his career averages of 82 receptions for 1,091 yards and just over 7 touchdowns if he can stay healthy. As we did with Fitz, please put your projections in the subject line and any description or explanation in the body of the comment. Here's mine:

14 Games, 91 Rec, 1,165 yards (12.8 yards per), 7 TDs

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:

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?