Arizona Cardinals: Sky-High Expectations

Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

After astonishing everyone and heading to the Super Bowl last season, the Arizona Cardinals now face truly raised expectations for the first time in memory. We all remember the magical postseason run, when Larry Fitzgerald established himself as the NFL's premier wideout (even if Andre Johnson wants to argue), Kurt Warner polished his legacy, and the defense showed its capability -- one we had not seen much in the regular season.

With these expectations in mind, the Cardinals must keep the momentum going as they head to the 2009 season in search of their first Super Bowl championship. The good news for Ken Whisenhunt's football team is they have a ton of cap room, but the bad news is there are several unresolved issues.

Warner is still a free agent, pro bowl receiver Anquan Boldin is bouncing back and forth between happiness and unhappiness, the backfield is unresolved, the solid playoff defense could have been a temporary thing -- plus, they have a new coordinator -- and the offense will also have a new coordinator.

Free Agents: Karlos Dansby (Franchised), Kurt Warner (UFA), Antonio Smith (UFA), Terrelle Smith (UFA), J.J. Arrington (UFA), Bertrand Berry (UFA), Clark Haggans (UFA), Monty Beisel (UFA), Elton Brown (UFA), Ralph Brown (UFA), Ben Graham (UFA), Eric Green (UFA), Jerame Tuman (UFA), Brian St. Pierre (UFA), Scott Peters (UFA), Gabe Watson (RFA), Leonard Pope (RFA)

Draft Picks: 1(31), 2(31), 3(31), 4(31), 5(31), 6(31), 7(31)
[Note: If they end up trading Boldin, this number will increase]

Needs

1. Keep Kurt Warner - With all due respect to Matt Leinart or any quarterback on the free agent market, this offensive machine would fall apart at the hinges without Warner. If, for some reason, Warner walks or retires, the Cardinals need to do something about quarterback. If they decide to hand the reins to Leinart, they'll need to sign a veteran backup like Jeff Garcia or Kerry Collins, even if just for insurance.

2. Offensive Line (specifically run blocking) - While they protected Warner nicely, the line has to get better at run blocking. Granted, the Cards don't run the ball as much as other teams, but their 3.5 yards per carry was 31st in the league. The only man whose job is overly secure is Levi Brown. Mike Gandy was abused in the Super Bowl by James Harrison, and the Cards could certainly, at least slightly, upgrade at the three interior positions.

3. Running Back - It wasn't all the line's fault on the ground, so the backfield needs to be improved as well. I still believe Edgerrin James is going to be released eventually, and Tim Hightower is best in small spurts. The reason the Cards can wait and see with Edge is because of their large amount of cap space. If someone like Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno, or LeSean McCoy falls to them in the first round, they'll pull the trigger and let Edge walk. If not, they may try to sign someone. Worst case scenario is having to go back with the same three running backs as last season.

4. Slot Wide Receiver (if Boldin is traded) - If Boldin stays, they shouldn't waste any time on this position. If he departs, though, they'll be moving Steve Breaston to the outside and will need to ensure there's a productive slot receiver. It could be Early Doucet or Jerheme Urban, but when you are a Super Bowl contender, you better be sure.

5. Middle Linebacker - Gerald Hayes is serviceable, but signing or drafting someone to push him wouldn't be a bad thing at all.

6. Left Defensive Tackle - Bryan Robinson is 34, and not that great a player anyway. It wouldn't hurt to grab some interior line depth later in the draft or on the cheap in free agency.

7. Continue getting improvement out of the defense - If they play the way they did for much of the playoffs for an entire season, this is a complete football team. One of the best in the NFL, in fact.