2010 Team Outlook: Arizona
The Arizona Cardinals will be wearing new alternate uniforms, as well as looking to form a new identity and attitude after a tumultuous offseason which saw the Cards part ways with established, battle tested veterans who were key contributors each of the past two seasons (in which they advanced to the post-season, including an improbable Cinderella Super Bowl appearance in 2008-09). These key veterans are quarterback Kurt Warner (who retired), wide receiver Anquan Boldin (who was jettisoned to Baltimore prior to the NFL Draft), safety Antrel Rolle (signed with the New York Giants), and linebacker Karlos Dansby (left for sandier beaches in Miami via free agency).
The core veteran leaders on both sides of the ball are gone for Arizona entering the 2010-11 season, but the opportunity is there for new leaders to step forward and replace them. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and safety Adrian Wilson anchor the offense and defense respectively, while the Cards look for quarterback Matt Leinart, wide receiver Steve Breaston, and running back Chris "Beanie" Wells to step up on offense.
"This is probably the biggest turnover we've had since I have been here, but that's the NFL," Leinart said in an interview for azcardinals.com. "Guys have to step up and step in. You reload and keep moving forward."
"I think the guys we brought in, they know what it takes to win. Two have won the Super Bowl. We did pick up a lot of veterans, which helps. I don't think (our personality) is going to change much."
Arizona added plenty of veteran talent in the offseason picking up guard Alan Faneca who was released by the New York Jets. Faneca will be reunited with former Steelers offensive coordinator and current Cardinals head coach, Ken Whisenhunt, and will start in place of either Reggie Wells or Deuce Lutui at guard.
The Cardinals replenished their defense by signing veteran linebacker Joey Porter, and safety Kerry Rhodes. Arizona also addressed their needs on the defensive side of the ball by drafting Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams, and TCU middle linebacker Daryl Washington in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft.
Only time will tell what the true identity of the new Arizona Cardinals will be, however the changes seem to point toward the Cardinals establishing a more smash mouth style of offense (with mauler Alan Faneca paving the way for breakout running backs Chris Wells and Tim Hightower). Matt Leinart is the real key to the equation; his success or lack of in the passing game will determine whether or not Arizona remains the elite team to beat in the NFC West.
QB Derek Anderson, ARI (QB - #26) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The memory of the Derek Anderson, who threw 29 touchdown passes during a magical 2007 season with the Cleveland Browns has faded and since been replaced by one of a quarterback with an absolute cannon but couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat. Anderson has since been exiled to the Arizona desert where he will serve as a backup. Matt Leinart is firmly entrenched in the starters role for the Cardinals relegating Anderson to the bench.
Anderson is an intriguing quarterback worth monitoring on the wavier wire, because of his electric arm. If Leinart is off the field at any point this season due to injury or ineffectiveness, Anderson is worth a look. Hopefully a change of scenery does Anderson some good, he certainly has an upgrade of talent in his surroundings, and the tools to put up fantasy numbers worth owning if he gets on the field. Its a long shot, but stranger things have happened before in Arizona. We all remember what Kurt Warner did backing up Leinart in the past.
Update 8/17/10
Anderson went 13-for-22 for 88 yards, including one touchdown and two interceptions in his Arizona debut against the Houston Texans. Rookie John Skelton, out of Fordham, directed two late touchdown drives and looked much better than Anderson. The lone bright spot for Anderson was a two yard touchdown pass to Beanie Wells.
Update 8/27/10
The Arizona Republic has reported that Derek Anderson will start the Cardinals' third preseason game Saturday night against Chicago. Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that the move isn't permanent, he just wants to see his offense operate a little better than it has in its first two preseason games. A major part of the problem with the offense (particularly the passing game) so far is all of the injuries to wide receivers -- Larry Fitzgerald (knee), Early Doucet (abdomen), and Andre Roberts (shoulder) are all out, while Steve Breaston is playing through a groin injury. The loss of Anquan Boldin this past offseason isn't helping either.
Matt Leinart entered the preseason as the undisputed number one quarterback in Arizona, but it is now clearly an open competition for the starting job under center between Leinart and Anderson. Leinart's stats have been mediocre, 10-for-13 for 77 yards in the Cardinals first two preseason games, and the offense looking sluggish generating zero points and only three first downs on six possessions with Leinart under center. Anderson has at least had some success this preseason completing 24 of 41 passes for 193 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Anderson led possessions have resulted in fifteen first downs this preseason.
Anderson isn't the favorite to win the job, but if Leinart continues to struggle the way he has this preseason, then Anderson could find himself under center Week 1. With this latest news, Anderson becomes a super sleeper fantasy owners need to watch. He has a tendency to mix good throws with awful ones making him a nightmare to watch in reality, but if fantasy owners can deal with a boatload of turnovers, Anderson could post decent fantasy numbers with the right matchup, especially in the weak NFC West.
QB Matt Leinart, --- (QB - #37) - Gamble (high risk)
Leinart recorded a 37-2 record as a starter at USC, leading the Trojans to back-to-back National Championships in 2003 and 2004. The Cardinals selected Matt Leinart with the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and envisioned him as the future of their franchise. Arizona immediately threw Leinart out onto the field in place of Kurt Warner when he struggled with fumbles early in the 06-07 season. Leinart took over the starting job in Week 5 of his rookie campaign and started the next 11 games before missing the final week of the season with an injury. In his second NFL season in 2007, Leinart started the first five games before suffering a season-ending collarbone injury.
Kurt Warner replaced Leinart, and relegated him to bench duty after enjoying a renaissance career revival in the 2007-08 season. Of course you know how the story goes from here, Warner led the Cardinals to back-to-back playoff appearances, while Leinart rode the bench each of the past two seasons. Leinart has thrown only 106 passes the past two seasons combined, and is being given a clean slate (and an ability to start over again as the face of the franchise in Arizona this season following the retirement of Kurt Warner this past offseason).
Leinart is one of the biggest unknowns in fantasy football entering the 2010-11 season. Leinart deserves the label of sleeper because of his college pedigree, years of experience behind Warner, and surrounding talent in the Cardinals' offense (which includes the best wide receiver in the NFL, Larry Fitzgerald).
The quarterback job is Leinart's to lose, with Derek Anderson and Fordham rookie John Skelton looking to fill out the depth chart. The Cardinals are hoping that Leinart will enjoy similar success to that of Aaron Rodgers, who spent years on the sideline behind Brett Favre before emerging as an elite passer.
The Cardinals will likely begin a transition to a run oriented offense beginning this season. However, Leinart will still throw his fair share of passes. The fact that Leinart failed in his previous starting experience will lower his value on draft day, making him a prime sleeper candidate -- capable of significantly outperforming his draft position. Leinart is worthy of a selection in the middle rounds as a quality backup with upside to develop into a legitimate fantasy starter at quarterback for fantasy owners by the end of the season.
Update 8/8/10
Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt reiterated during training camp this past week that Matt Leinart is the team's clear-cut starting quarterback. "Lets be clear," Whisenhunt said. "My expectation is Matt is the guy." Leinart will be given every opportunity to succeed, and will play extensively during the pre-season exhibition games. Leinart remains a solid backup option with huge upside for fantasy owners on draft day.
Update 8/17/10
Leinart went 6-for-7 for 49 yards in Arizona's preseason opener against Houston. Leinart was sacked twice, and fumbled a hand-off to running back Tim Hightower resulting in a turnover. "I'm not pleased with how our offense performed in general," head coach Ken Whisenhunt told the media after the game. "It's not so much the quarterback. We had guys run the wrong routes, guys in the wrong spot. We had a protection breakdown, not a breakdown, but we got beat. All things that we've got to clean up."
Update 8/27/10
The Arizona Republic has reported that Derek Anderson will start the Cardinals' third preseason game Saturday night against Chicago. Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that the move isn't permanent, he just wants to see his offense operate a little better than it has in its first two preseason games. A major part of the problem with the offense (particularly the passing game) so far is all of the injuries to wide receivers -- Larry Fitzgerald (knee), Early Doucet (abdomen), and Andre Roberts (shoulder) are all out, while Steve Breaston is playing through a groin injury. The loss of Anquan Boldin this past offseason isn't helping either.
Matt Leinart entered the preseason as the undisputed number one quarterback in Arizona, but it is now clearly an open competition for the starting job under center between Leinart and Anderson. Leinart's stats have been mediocre -- 10-for-13 for 77 yards in the Cardinals' first two preseason games -- and the offense looks sluggish, generating zero points and only three first downs on six possessions with Leinart under center. Anderson has at least had some success this preseason completing 24 of 41 passes for 193 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Anderson led possessions have resulted in fifteen first downs this preseason.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic (which broke the initial story), speculates that Whisenhunt's decision to start Anderson over Leinart Saturday doesn't necessarily mean Leinart has lost the starting job. Whisenhunt may be looking to fire up Leinart or this move means that Anderson has a legitimate chance to be Arizona's starting quarterback this season.
Leinart today has lashed out about the quarterback competition in the desert saying in a story posted on the team's official website "It is disappointing and a bit frustrating. I can't sit up here and say I'm happy and all smiles. It is frustrating. I am not sure the expectation put on me. I have high expectations on myself, and I think, based on my body of work in the preseason, I have been accurate and not turned the ball over."
"If it is an open competition, then let's have it that way from the start, if this is what this is." said Leinart, " Moving forward. I have to keep working. Go out and work my butt off and let my play do the talking. I am confident in my ability. I am extremely disappointed, and I'm not exactly sure why this decision was made, but it's not my decision."
The battle between Leinart and Anderson is one fantasy owners need to watch intently for the remainder of the preseason.
RB Chris Wells, ARI (RB - #13) - Solid/Safe Pick
The Arizona offense centered primarily on the passing attack each of the past two seasons with veteran Kurt Warner under center. Warner retired following the 2009 season, and the Cardinals also traded Anquan Boldin to Baltimore. That leaves Matt Leinart as the starting quarterback, and also deals a strong blow to Arizona's explosive passing game.
Don't expect the Cards to abandon throwing the ball completely, but all of these changes point toward the Cards offense changing drastically to a more balanced (or even run-heavy) offense during Chris Wells' sophomore season this year.
Chris "Beanie" Wells started off slow, but emerged as the primary option in the Arizona backfield over Tim Hightower toward the end of the season, scoring three touchdowns in Arizona's final four games. Wells finished the year with 793 yards and 7 touchdowns on 176 carries (4.5 yards per carry) as a rookie.
Wells is a bruising north-south runner with tremendous size, and a style suited perfectly for the pounding running game head coach Ken Whisenhunt will implement this season. Wells will continue to share carries with Tim Hightower, but Wells easily has more upside. The addition of excellent run blocking guard Alan Faneca, who will be reunited with former Steeler offensive coordinator Whisenhunt, is also a tremendous boost for Wells' fantasy value.
Chris Wells is a solid fantasy running back worthy of a selection in the early to middle rounds of fantasy drafts this season as a solid number two option, because of the Cardinals transition to a run based offense. Wells will be the primary beneficiary of this transition, and the addition of Faneca is another positive for a developing fantasy star in the Valley of the Sun.
Update 8/8/10
Wells led the Cardinals in rushing last season with 793 yards on 176 carries -- a 4.5-yard average. Fantasy owners expect more from Wells this season, but Wells has yet to pass Tim Hightower as the starter according to reports out of Arizona's training camp. Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic is reporting that Tim Hightower remains the team's starting running back, and has worked with the first-team offense for most of training camp. Stay tuned to this camp battle, but the title of starter appears to be just that, a title. Wells is the superior threat for Arizona in the backfield, but the team appears poised to split carries between Hightower and Wells all season.
Update 8/17/10
Wells gained 36 yards on 11 carries in Arizona's preseason opener against Houston. He also caught two passes for eight yards and one touchdown. Expect Wells to see the majority of the carries for Arizona this season, with Tim Hightower as the change of pace back.
Update 8/27/10
Wells ran for 19 yards on six carries and added 3 catches for 13 yards in Arizona's preseason loss to Tennessee on Monday night. Wells may ultimately be the better fantasy back in the Valley of the Sun, but backfield mate Tim Hightower is looking like the better value for fantasy owners this season.
RB Tim Hightower, ARI (RB - #40) - Sleeper (undervalued)
Hightower is expected to split reps in Arizona with backfield mate Chris Wells, but will still play a prominent role for the Cardinals' offense. In two seasons, Hightower has had a nose for the end zone, scoring 18 touchdowns and he always seems to find ways to produce even when his touches are limited (only 143 carries in each of his two years in the NFL). Hightower is also a proven receiver out of the backfield with 63 catches for 428 yards last year, and his main role this season will likely be on third downs and in short-yardage/goal-line situations, while Wells handles the majority of duties pounding the ball between the tackles on running downs.
Hightower will once again turn out to be a tremendous value selection for fantasy owners this season, worthy of a middle-round pick in fantasy football drafts -- and can even be drafted higher in point-per-reception formats thanks to his ability as a receiver, and touchdown potential. The addition of road grading guard Alan Faneca will help his cause, and Hightower will also be highly motivated entering a potential contract year this season. Hightower is not the most attractive name to call out in the middle rounds on draft day, but at the end of the season, the numbers will be there. Hightower continues to impress fantasy owners year after year with his level of production.
Update 8/8/10
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic is reporting that Tim Hightower remains the team's starting running back, and has worked with the first-team offense for most of training camp. The Cardinals appear poised to split carries between Hightower and Wells all season, but this news is a big boost for Hightower's fantasy value. Hightower will continue to be a touchdown vulture and point per reception flex play this season for fantasy owners.
Update 8/17/10
Hightower had four carries for 16 yards and caught one pass for six yards in Arizona's preseason opener versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Hightower will likely be used as a third down/change of pace back this season, with Beanie Wells getting a majority of the carries in this committee.
Update 8/27/10
Hightower ran for just three yards on five carries in Arizona's loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night. The entire Cardinals offense sputtered in their second preseason game, and Hightower was no exception. Hightower looks to be the third down back and goal line back for Arizona which makes him a great value pick in the middle to late rounds of fantasy drafts.
Beanie Wells may ultimately be the better fantasy back in the Valley of the Sun, but backfield mate Tim Hightower is looking like the better value for fantasy owners this season. Hightower projects as an excellent flex option of bye week fill-in in point-per-reception leagues this season.
RB Jason Wright, ARI (RB - #101) - Low Potential
Wright is the number three running back on the Cardinals' depth chart, but unlike other similar offenses (which feature a running back-by-committee), Arizona ignores their number three option entirely. Wright rarely sees playing time on offense. In the 2009 season, Wright had three carries for 17 yards and caught nine passes for 53 yards. Wright is an excellent role player in reality for Arizona, who does many things well, but has no fantasy value. Even though he's entering a potential contract year, ignore him in all fantasy leagues on draft day.
Update 8/17/10
Wright had two carries for seven yards in Arizona's first preseason game against Houston. Wright also caught 3 passes for 22 yards, including a 15 yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter from rookie quarterback John Skelton.
Update 8/27/10
Wright ran for 13 yards on one carry and added two catches for six yards in Arizona's second preseason game, a loss to Tennessee on Monday night. Wrights role as a special teams performer and occasional third down back appears to be safe. His fantasy value is slim to none unless injuries strike either Hightower or Wells this season.
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, ARI (RB - #104) - Low Potential
Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt said during training camp that he envisions LaRod Stephens-Howling becoming a regular part of the game plan this season, as opposed to his rookie season last year, when he saw very little playing time. At only 5 feet 7 inches and 180 pounds, Stephens-Howling will never be an every down back, but his versatility gives him the ability to line up at a number of positions and become a dangerous weapon capable of turning in the occasional big play for the Cardinals offense.
"They are throwing a lot of things at me right now, and I'm just trying to keep up with it," Stephens-Howling told the Arizona Republic. "It's a big difference that a year makes. I feel a lot more comfortable out here, and whenever you can relax, you can just go play football like you always have."
If Stephens-Howling can supplant Jason Wright as the teams third down back, then his fantasy value improves significantly. Arizona appears poised to split carries between Tim Hightower and Chris Wells, and will allow Stephens-Howling to carve out a role in the offense. It should be noted that his fantasy contributions and playing time will be limited unless his pass blocking improves.
Update 8/27/10
Stephens-Howling led all Cardinals backs in rushing during their second preseason game, a loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night. Stephens-Howling ran for 30 yards on five carries, and added one kick return for 34 yards in the contest. Stephens-Howling remains a player fantasy owners should know, but not pick up for their squads at this point in his young career.
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