Cardinals Salary Cap

There will always be tough decisions when it comes to a football team, and the Arizona Cardinals are facing a lot right now. It truly was a great ‘08 season for them, as they have reached the Superbowl for the first time and almost won it as well. Now that it’s all over, they are facing a lot of problems, and it would be difficult to return based on their circumstances right now.

For one, they have lost both their defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator. Pendergast may have not been much of a loss, but Todd Haley was an important component of the team’s success. Anquan Boldin is sure that he wants to leave the team, and Kurt Warner is on the fence whether he’d retire or not.

It’s not all bad news for the Cardinals as they still have a lot of cap space. Since it’s defense they need, they’d have enough to sign Julius Peppers since he is clear that he does not want to return to the Panthers. They could also sign defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth of the Titans, and keep Warner as well.

It will be exciting to see how the team will develop this season.

Rebuilding the Chiefs

For quite sometime, the Kansas Chiefs haven’t been performing well and there are currently on the path to rebuilding their team. One of their first move to turn their organization around is to recruit the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, as their head coach.

While Todd Haley is a great addition to their team, there still is a lot to do to improve the team. It’s just a beggining of a team rehabilitation program.

Another thing that they have to deal with is running back Larry Johnson. They still don’t know what to do with him, and a trade would be difficult. His age, along with what comes with him off the field would make him of less value, and the Chiefs wouldn’t get much in return. A better option for them would probably to release him.

They also need to fill the quarterback position. They have the number 3 pick, so they would be able to get someone like Mark Sanchez. If ever Tom Brady is able to play, then they probably have a chance of getting Matt Cassell.

You’re Fired!

It has been known the Arizona Cardinals are not really a defensive team. It was such an amazing run for them last season, and everyone saw a slight improvement in their defense. The thing is that this improvement simply isn’t enough, and it just didn’t work when it mattered the most. Finally, they were able to reach the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history, but fell short of winning it because of a crucial defensive lapse.

It was during the last few minutes that the defense allowed the Steelers to score a touchdown, which eventually led to their loss. This could be the reason why the Cardinals are letting go of defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast.  Coach Whisenhunt says that Pendergast did a good job, but he is only thinking of the general good of the team, and that he want to give Pendergast an opportunity for the growth of his career.That sounds kinda showbiz but he may have meant it.

The Cardinals now both have the defensive and offensive coordinator positions available, and it is still unknown as to who Whisenhunt has his eyes on for the d-coordinator spot.

The Pro Bowl Beast

The AFC once again faced the NFC in another exciting Pro Bowl. A collection of all the best talent in the NFL where seen playing together and against each other, which is probably the highest level of American Football in the World. Some would only play for fun, some would play to win, others would simply dominte.

Larry Fitzgerald has had a phenomenal season. He was such a headache for the defense, that even against the Steelers, he was still able to unleash his fury even though he was covered for most of the Superbowl. Now that he’s playing in the Pro Bowl, he once again proved that he can destroy the defense, even if that defense is a collection of AFC all stars.

It was because of him that the NFC won against the AFC, and he became the first Cardinal in history to ever become a Pro Bowl MVP. He caught 5 passes, and gained 2 touchedowns. If that’s not monstrous enough, he’s catched at least a touchdown for the last 7 games he’s played.

It was just right that he was named Pro Bowl MVP.

The New Staff

Last season was great for the Arizona Cardinals. They have been one of the low teams all thoughout the history of the NFL, but they proved otherwise during the course of last season. They reached the Superbowl and if it weren’t for a last minute lapse in defense, probably would have won it as well. Now the question is whether they will be able to retain such strength next season.

One of their best weapons is now the head coach of the Kansas Chiefs. Todd Haley was the one that had orchestrated their overwhelming offense, and it would be really difficult to replace him. Another loss would be in the defensive coordinator position. Clancy Pendergast is no longer part of the Cardinals, and it is unknown whether he chose to leave, or he was asked to leave. Either way, it seems that the reason for his departure was the final defensive play in Superbowl 43.

Head coach Whisenhunt now will have to rebuild his coaching staff. For the defensive coordinator position, he has his eyes set on former Seattle linebacker, Keith Butler.

Predicting Superbowl 44

Ok, so it’s quite early to predict who would meet in Superbowl 44, but there already are strong contending teams that are very likely to reach the championship round next year.

For the AFC, you simply can’t count out the champions. With a still growing Ben Roethlisberger on their side, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a strong chance of reaching and possibly winning the Superbowl for the 7th time. They will also have an easier schedule this season, and that is rare for defending champions. Another strong contender would be the New England Patriots. Even without Tom Brady, Matt Cassel would still be able to fill those shoes and keep their high-paced offense running. They will be having a touch schedule but they are the best team in their division.

When it comes to the NFC, the Cardinals will simply have a tough time returning to the Superbowl. As of now, they are still having problems with their winning line-up, and their future is still uncertain. One of the strongest contenders would have to be the New York Giants. In recent years, the Giants have been able to get to the Superbowl and win it so there’s a big chance that they would be doing something similar this season.

Why Have You Forsaken me?

It has been a big question so far whether or not Kurt Warner would continue to play football. He’s been aching to retire for quite a while now, and every little thing could push him to do so.

The Cardinals had a great ‘08 season. For the first time in history, they have reached to Superbow but the problem is that it might take a long time for them to return. One of the most important pieces that made them so successful was offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Now, he was hired by the Kansas Chiefs as their new head coach.

As a quarterback, it’s important that you get along with the offensive coordinator you are working with. Especially if you’re a veteran like Warner, it would be difficult to adjust your game according to someone else’s style. Warner says that he wouldn’t want to take a step back and that if ever he retires, the departure of Haley wouldn’t be the main reason, but surely a big factor in his decision.

Hopefully all goes well for the Cardinals because as of now, it seems as though they are slowly losing their personell, in spite of having the most cap room in the NFC.

New Head Chief

Just like with everything, we have to move on and look if there are greener pastures out there.  The Cardinals had an amazing run last season, and it was thanks to their unstoppable offense. This could easily attributed to Warner, Fitzgerald, Boldin, and the others but the one that had orchestrated it all it non other than offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

It was during the NFC championships that we witnessed how fired up Haley can get, when he had a moment with Boldin; but that’s ok and it’s all part of the game. Now that the Superbowl is over, everyone is hiring galore.

For the past 2 seasons, the Kansas Chiefs have only won 6 games and are looking to rebuild their team. One of their moves is to hire Todd Haley as their head coach. This is a great idea, considering what he had shown the NFL during the last few seasons, and he will be enough to turn around the  Chiefs.

So what will become of the Cardinals? It really is difficult to say at this point in time. Hopefully Warner does not retire, and Boldin does not leave the team when his contract expires in two years.

What to Do During the Offseason pt.2

It really is difficult to choose an activity after a great NFL season. With all the stress that you get from work, it really is important to have an outlet or some sort of escape so that you are kept sane. Working nowadays can be so fast paced that it can get really difficult on the soul. That’s probably one of the reasons why the NFL is so appealling; it let’s you enjoy a great game while you relax on your sofa and sipping an ice cold beer. With the season over, there are a lot of things you can do while waiting for the next season to start.

A great way to alleviate stress for most people is to go on a road trip. If you are able to stumble upon a long weekend, it would be a great time to have a road trip and spend time with you family, friends, and other loved ones. Go wherever you want, after all, there are so many places in the US that you can go to that would surely be great on the soul.

Another good idea would be to try and learn a new skill. If you feel like you want to be like one of those guys you see on UFC, then you have a lot of options and places to go to, so that you can learn how to fight MMA style.

What to Do During the Offseason pt. 1

Another great NFL season is finally over, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have won their 6th Superbowl championship. It was an exciting game, and super plays were witnessed by people from all over the world. Now that it’s all done, we have to wait for quite sometime for the next season to start. A burning question in the minds of football fans is: what is there to do during the offseason?

Well believe it or not, there actually is a life outside of the NFL season. Since watching football was a good reason enough to stay on the couch and drink beer, now there are a lot of options for you.

One of these options is actually playing football. Even if you are not the most athletic person out there, playing a friendly game of football with your friends once in a while would be a great way to shed off calories you’ve accumulated from chips and beer. You don’t have to play football, just look for an activity and keep yourself active.

Another option is to learn a new language. Learn Spanish, German, or Mandarin as they would eventually useful to you everday life. The next time you watch the NFL, it would be a good experience to watch it with let’s say, Spanish commentators.

Weary Warner

The Cardinals had a great season and for the first time, they were able to reach the Superbowl. They got so close to the win if it weren’t for a few mistakes. The question now is if they will be able to retain or even improve on last seasons performance? Well so far the future of the Arizona Cardinals seem to be cloudy, since Anquan Boldin says that there only is a slim chance that he will stay with the Cardinals when his contract expires in two years. Another problem is if Kurt Warner would keep on playing or would decide to finally retire.

Superbowl 43 was very emotional for the veteran quarterback, and now he just isn’t sure if he still wants to play or not. At the start of the ‘08 season, he said that he would be playing for another 2 years, but it seems as if he is having second thoughts. Hopefully for the Cardinals, he decides to stay for a while so that they have a good chance of returning to the Superbowl and probably win this time. It’s really difficult to find a quarterback as great as him.

Amazing Game, Amazing Plays

Superbowls are readily expected to be spectacular and exciting events. This is the reason why so many viewers tune in to the Superbowl every year. Even those who don’t follow the Superbowl religiously make sure that they make time in their busy schedules to watch it. Especially with what technology can offer nowadays, everyone always have options so that they won’t miss it. Superbowl 43 was no exception and it once again delivered the goods.

The first epic play that fans were able to witness was the 100 yard return of James Harrison. It was with this play that he proved that nobody can stop the Silverback. He intercepted the pass by Warner, and dashed through 2 defenders to get the touchdown.

Another amazing feat was the 4th quarter explotion of Larry Fitzgerald. Offensive coordinator Haley found the right adjustment to counter the blitzing defense of the Steelers, and Fitzgerald instantly got 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter.

Last but not the least, was the great catch that Santonio Holmes had to get the Steelers the lead, and the win as well. It was MVP worthy, and true enough, he earned the Superbowl MVP award.

Hello, Hall of Fame

The Superbowl is a great way for athletes to prove to people that they are worthy of being inducted to the Hall of Fame. This was true for a few people in the Superbowl, and they all didn’t disappoint as the game progressed.

Kurt Warner has been a great player and has been able to prove his worth during the course of his career. In spite of already winning a Superbowl, a lot of people have still been doubtful that he is Hall of Fame worthy. The chances that it was going to be his last season were high, but he became a started for the Arizona Cardinals, and brought this problematic team all the way to the Superbowl. During the Superbowl, he was able to pass 377 yards and get 3 touchdowns. Even though the Cardinals lost, he was able to secure his spot in the Hall of Fame, and gave a good slap on the face of his doubters.

Another QB that has secured a seat is Ben Roethlisberger. This is already his 2nd Superbowl championship, and he still isn’t even in his prime. At the age of 26, he’s still considered to be a great playing waiting to bloom, yet he has already accomplished so much.

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