A look into the Cardinals' road schedule
Last Wednesday, I analyzed the Arizona Cardinals ' home contests for the upcoming season and gave my predictions for each game as if the season were to begin today. I concluded that the team's tough home schedule could result in a 4-4 record.
In 2005, road opponents dominated the Cardinals, outscoring them to the tune of 227-152 and leaving them with a pedestrian 2-6 record. The two victories came against two division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams . They were defeated by the New York Giants , Seattle Seahawks , Dallas Cowboys , Detroit Lions , Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts . Now its time to take a glance at the eight road games for 2006, and make my predictions.
Week 2 - Seattle Seahawks : The reigning NFC West champs may have a tougher time than usual this year with the improved Cardinals. While Arizona's expectations might be a little lofty, we'll find out very soon if they can hang with their division rival. This early season matchup should have fans on the edge of their proverbial seat, but the edge goes to the team with the current MVP (Shaun Alexander), and a better defense--Seattle. It will be interesting to see how close the Cardinals can keep it, since they were outscored 70-31 in two losses last year. Chalk up a "W" for the home team. Seattle wins 34-20.
Week 4 - Atlanta Falcons : An interesting game for sure. Linebacker Karlos Dansby will likely be shouldering the load as the spy against Falcons speedy quarterback Michael Vick. This game could very well show how athletic or un-athletic the Cardinals' defense is, as Vick will try to run wild. If the Cards can contain him to a decent extent, they won't be beaten through the air. A more complete offense wins this for them. Arizona takes it, 24-20.
Week 7 - Oakland Raiders: A trip to the "Black Hole" should be quite the experience for this relatively young Cardinals team. The Raiders should be much improved from last year, but still have plenty of question marks on the defensive side of the football. Will Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks turn to his old New Orleans ways or will he be more calm and collected? Edgerrin James should have a solid game, and there is no reason to believe that Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald won't eat up the secondary. Arizona wins 30-24.
Week 8 - Green Bay Packers : A week after playing at the tough, mean, McAfee Coliseum, the Cardinals trudge on to the historic Lambeau Field in what could be the team's final competition against Packers legend Brett Favre. The Cardinals won't get caught up in the history, though, and head coach Dennis Green defeats his former rival. Arizona wins 31-27.
Week 12 - Minnesota Vikings : Denny Green returns to his former home, taking on old employer. This could be an emotional return, as the Vikings' fans should be grateful of what he did in his time in Minnesota. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald returns to his former home, where he was a ball boy for the team growing up. The Cardinals have a big edge when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. However, the Vikings have a big edge on the defensive side of the ball. Boldin and Fitzgerald against Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot should be two exciting battles in the passing game. The Metrodome is known to get very loud from the raucous home crowd, and the noise will be a factor. In the end, the Vikings will ride the momentum of their fans to a victory. Vikings win 23-20.
Week 13 - St. Louis Rams : As mentioned earlier, the Rams are one of the two teams the Cardinals defeated on the road last season. St. Louis should be competitive, but its final record will not be indicative of the on-field play. Led by a new first-year head coach in Scott Linehan, the Rams will struggle at times. Just like the aforementioned Week 3 matchup in Glendale, this should be another high-scoring affair. Arizona wins 31-30.
Week 16 - San Francisco 49ers : Like a car mirror, this game may be closer than it appears. But don't let that fool you. The Cardinals should take it, as they appear far better. Arizona wins 24-16.
Week 17 - San Diego Chargers : There could quite a buildup for this game as it pits two of the great NFL backs in LaDainian Tomlinson and Edgerrin James. By now, we will know how good Chargers first-year starting quarterback Philip Rivers is. An effective season from Rivers should help propel the Chargers back into the playoffs. In the season and home finale, the Bolts come out on top. Chargers win 27-20.
From 2-6 on the road to 5-3 would be a nice improvement for the Cardinals. If my prognostications hold true, a 9-7 season from the Cardinals wouldn't be bad by any measure of the imagination. While it would likely keep them just short of the playoffs, it would certainly be a good season, and something to build on for 2007. Of course, once the season starts, all the predictions can be thrown out the window, since the games are played on the field. Also, any unforeseen injuries could drastically change the predictions and outcomes. Still, a 5-3 record, as I see it, is very realistic and an attainable expectation. Now the Cardinals and their fans just have to wait for training camp to arrive.
|
