HOW TO FIX THE ARIZONA CARDINALS!

After a very disappointing season, the Arizona Cardinals face an interesting off-season.


OK Coach Ken Whisenhunt, GM Rod Graves, & Team President Michael Bidwill I am going to give you the 'formula' to bring the Cardinals back to a playoff caliber team.  This won't cost you a dime, so pay attention.


Yesterday's firing of Bill Davis as Defensive Coordinator is a great start!  Davis made Clancy Pendergast look like a genius.  With the hiring of Wade Phillips by the Houston Texans, the Cards choice should come down to former NFL Head Coaches John Fox (Carolina) or Eric Mangini (Browns), either would be an excellent addition.


The next thing Coach Whisenhunt needs to do is FIRE himself as the Offensive Coordinator.  Whiz is NOT a good play caller; he is way too predictable (if I can figure out what play is coming from the formation, you know the other teams in the NFL can see that also).  Top choices could be Brad Childress (former Vikings HC), Josh McDaniels (former Broncos HC) & and a wild card, former Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez. 




With the Cardinals picking 5th in the 2011 NFL Draft, they need someone who can evaluate college talent.  Whiz & GM Graves have not done a very good job in recent drafts (remember chosing Levi Brown in the #5 spot instead of Adrian Peterson).  Bring back former Cards Coach Dennis Green as Player Personnel Director.  As bad a coach as he was with AZ, he is a brilliant talent evaluator (many of the current players were drafted under Green).  This upcoming draft is  'make it or break it' time for the Cardinals. 

The most dire need for the Cards is the QB position.  Can John Skelton be the starting QB next season?  I say NO!  He has talent, don't get me wrong, but he doesn't have the experience.  What should the Cards do?


The Cards will NOT look at Vince Young (too much baggage there).  With Stanford QB Andrew Luck staying in college, this makes the 2011 Draft much more of a 'crap shoot'.

The Cards should sign QB Donovan McNabb (once he is released by the Redskins).  McNabb has a home here, he would be a good fit for the next season while teaching the 'trade' to his successor. 


Many think McNabb is done; I disagree.  With the Receiver corps here, Larry Fitzgerald (the BEST receiver I have ever seen), Steve Breaston (got to resign Breaston if he is healthy), & the rest of the crew, McNabb could do some damage in the NFC West.  He is a proven winner!

Should the Cardinals draft a QB with the #5 pick? 

If they can get the player they truly want, I say YES.  I've been impressed with Ark QB Ryan Mallett.  He has a strong arm, throws a great fade and is big (6'-6" - 238 lbs).  On Monday night in the BCS National Championship Game, I want to see Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.  He is also 6'-6" and 250 lbs but he can run.  I want to see him in the 'Big Game' and how he reacts before making him a top pick.


The Cardinals need to shore up the Defense.  Darnell Dockett, who signed a huge contract extension (a 4 year, $48 million contract extension, with $30 million guaranteed.), was a HUGE bust this year.   So was CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who was a Pro Bowler in 2009.   Adrian Wilson was the only Cards Pro Bowler in 2010; next season make him a 'Rover' where he can rush the passer.

Drop the 3 - 4 Coach Whiz, the Cards would be much better suited in the 4 - 3!  Draft needs on Defense are at LB & the secondary. 

Should be able to get some Free Agents to fill holes in the D (Chad Greenway from the Vikings would be an excellent addition to the Cards)

Cards need some OL help, either thru the Draft or Free Agency.  They also need a TE (Top Free Agents & Draft picks).

Look for the Cards to look for a Free Agent RB to help the 2nd worst rushing attack in the NFL!

My last bit of advise is to Coach Whisenhunt.  Stop trying to be Pittsburgh of the West.  Bringing in the Stealers rejects isn't working. 

It's now up to the Arizona Cardinals to make the changes necessary to win.  I hope they do the right thing, it's much more fun to win!