The Arizona Cardinals had a very odd 08′ season. The Cardinals barely made the playoffs and many said they were the worst team to make the playoffs in a very, very long time.

Once the playoffs started the Cardinals were an entirely different team - they certainly proved that an NFL team does not have to play well at the end of the regular season to do well in the playoffs.

Kurt Warner had been uncertain about his NFL future, playing around with the idea of retirement. Anquan Boldin was unhappy with his status on his team and threatened to leave. Edgerrin James was lost to free agency, and was now on the Seahawks in Seattle. Many wondered what the fate of the Cardinals would hold in store in 2009. However, with the exception of Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin and Kurt Warner both returned.

The 09′ Cardinals haven’t looked like the team that made the miraculous run at the end of the 08′ season thus far. Is there such thing as the “Super Bowl Hangover”? Many people believe so. The Cardinals have a very talented offense with WR Larry Fitzgerald, WR Anquan Boldin, WR Steve Breaston, and RB Tim Hightower - therefore, one would assume their potent offense will explode and score in bunches quickly.

Kurt Warner has reinvented himself after spending time in the witness protection on the New York Giants helping groom QB Eli Manning. The entire culture of the Cardinals has changed and fans can actually get excited about their team and have expectations. With high expectation can come high disappointment as well.

Kurt Warner was nearly as effective as he’s ever been, chewing up the Jacksonville secondary as he completed an amazing 24 of 26 passes. Tim Hightower looked great at running back, and the Cardinals receivers were equally effective. There was even time for Matt Leinart to enter the game, as this was an easy victory.

The NFC West isn’t the strongest division in the NFL and with the weapons the Cardinals have - look for them to put on better performances game by game. The Cardinals must contend with the revamped San Francisco 49ers - they look like major players in the NFC this season.

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