With six games in the rear view mirror and at least ten games ahead in the 2008 season we've seen enough of the Arizona Cardinals to start forming some opinions on their strengths and/or weaknesses. It's nearly impossible not to be impressed with their 4-2 start and there have certainly been some guys who are off to great starts, but there are also some areas that need to improve. Here's what we know for sure.....
- Kurt Warner is amazing. He had a clunker of game against the Jets but every other game he's given this team a chance to win and at this point he's put to rest any question as to who should be the starting quarterback. He's on pace for just over 4,500 yards and 32 touchdowns and when he plays at this level, the Cardinals can play with any team in the league.
- The best trio of wide receivers reside in Arizona. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston are on pace to combine for 242 receptions, 3,426 yards and 29 touchdowns. Nuff said?
- Neil Rackers is still Neil Rackers. He's had a couple of good games in a row but overall, I can't overlook the fact that he's 3 of 5 from 30-39 yards and that he booted a kick off out of bounds. He's had some good moments but at a position where a 85% success rate is unacceptable, he's still below average.
-
Tim Hightower is the future. Most of us want that future to start tomorrow because Hightower has been impressive every time he touches the ball. The running game is struggling and he might just be the answer.
-
This isn't the same JJ Arrington. After being inactive for the first four games, Arrington has made plays in the past two games that no one else on the roster can make. If he continues to impress the coaching staff will have to find ways to incorporate him in the offense.
- The pass rush is great. The Cardinals were pretty decent at getting after the quarterback last year (13th in the NFL with 36 sacks) but they're already half way to last season's total (2nd with 18). They're also pressuring the quarterback and knocking them down when they're not sacking them.
- The secondary is still a question mark. The secondary has played well at times but they've also been burned by big plays far to often. They've allowed the most passing touchdowns in the league (12) and they've only got three interceptions. Antrel Rolle hasn't taken to free safety spot like we thought and he has to improve if the secondary wants to limit the big plays.
- Most Importantly, this team is the best in the West. No real analysis here, the division is theirs to lose.
Thoughts? Agree or Disagree? What else you learned?