The 2013 Arizona Cardinals were an American Football team that played in the National Football League. It was the team’s 94th season in the league and their 26th in Arizona. The Cardinals finished the season with a record of 10-6, their second consecutive 10-win season in 37-years. The Cardinals finished above a mediocre, despite having a lower winning percentage than most other teams.
The secondary is an area of concern, as the team has a questionable talent in Antoine Cason. Cason is slated to start across from quarterback Patrick Peterson, but Jamell Fleming and Jerraud Powers are also questionable. The team also acquired Antoine Cason, a former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver. Those three players are solid, but the secondary remains a concern.
The Arizona Cardinals’ running skills are not strong enough to support Palmers weak passing game. Chris Wells was fired and Rashard Mendenhall was signed by the team because he is familiar with Arians’ plan. However, Mendenhall is a plodder and will most likely be overshadowed by Stepfan Taylor and Ryan Williams. Both were selected in Round 2 of the 2011 NFL Draft. They averaged 2.8 yards per carry last season.
The 2013 Arizona Cardinals will be more competitive than 2012, but they are still not good enough to challenge the 49ers or Seahawks. They are likely to win between five and eight games. The team’s overall grade depends on their needs and the skills of the quarterback. If this team can keep up with the rest of the league, they’ll be in a great position to contend for a playoff spot.
The Cardinals need to improve their pass-rush, their main weakness, on the defensive side of football. The team started a mediocre player in Sam Acho last year, but they needed a play-maker to complement Daryl Washington’s production. The front office chose to spend a fourth round pick on Texas pass-rusher Alex Okafor. They could add much-needed pass rush depth with Lorenzo Alexander’s signing.
The Cardinals had four Pro Bowl selections this year, including quarterback Carson Palmer. His savvy helped him pass for 4,274 yards with 24 touchdowns. Only one player played more than three games in 2013.
Due to Kevin Kolb’s extension of his contract with the NFL, the Cardinals have made a decision to cut cornerback Kevin Kolb. Ian Rapoport, however, has stated that the team will soon make a decision about Kolb’s fate. He is a borderline starter, and has been injured in every season since his debut. His value is questionable. If the Cardinals cut him, they’ll probably cut him.
The Arizona Cardinals opened their regular season against NFC West. They finish the season against the Seattle Seahawks, and the San Francisco 49ers. They also play the Seattle Seahawks twice in consecutive weeks. After their bye week, the Cardinals play the Seahawks and 49ers in two weeks. With these tough opponents, the Cardinals are bound to have a difficult season. They might even make it to the playoffs!