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One of the reasons why Bruce Arians was hired to be the new head coach for the Arizona Cardinals was how he believes he can turn things around immediately with the team and win this season. The team wants to win now. Arians will not speak of rebuilding. O'Brien Schofield says that "the vibe is winning."
This gets fans excited. However, as Cardinals fans go, there is also usually a healthy dose of cynicism and always the lingering feeling that they will disappoint.
Naturally, this is because of the expectations going into the season. Optimism is always high this time of year, and especially with key upgrades like at quarterback, one is almost obliged to believe that the team is and will be a competitor.
So the question is, then, what are your 2013 expectations?
Do you have a number of wins? Is it to be competitive, but be bad enough to get a high draft pick (be on the border of good)? Is it to make and win in the playoffs?
Joe Zuppa, who wrote a superb piece on fan expectations for the Arizona Birdgang Podcast page, gives his criteria.
It considers length of time it is in the playoff picture, beating teams with annoying fans and winning at home.
He called 2011 a great example of a satisfying season overall. 2012 was not.
Do you have an expectation criteria? Zuppa leans towards simply being around long enough to surpass national media expectations.
I expect the team to be anywhere between bad (four or five wins) and good/hot (11 wins). What will be a success? Never being out of the picture until the end. The postseason would be nice, but as long as there is tangible progress in key areas (offensive production, quarterback play,defensive activity) to tell me that the team is making its way towards sustained success, I am satisfied.
What about you? What do you think of Zuppa's basis?
More from Revenge of the Birds:
- Where do the Arizona Cardinals rank in the quality of their drafts?
- Former Arizona Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes in talks with multiple teams
- Video: Larry Fitzgerald Minny camp, making appearances, giving back
- How can Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Floyd take the next step in his career?
- Video of new Arizona Cardinals LB Lorenzo Alexander working out
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.