Now, we'll find out once and for all if Matt Leinart can play.
We already know Ken Whisenhunt can coach. Now, we'll find out if he can really, really coach.
After a second straight division championship, the Big Red lost a potential Hall of Famer in QB Kurt Warner to retirement. They traded Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin to Baltimore. Released Pro Bowl safety Antrel Rolle because of contract issues _ he was quickly snapped up by the New York Giants. And they lost a very good inside linebacker, Karlos Dansby, to Miami in free agency.
That's quite a talent drain, and Whisenhunt will be challenged to keep the 2008 NFC champions in playoff form.
It all starts at quarterback where Leinart has a tough act to follow in Warner (just ask Marc Bulger), and one less marquee receiver to throw to following to the departure of the disgruntled Boldin _ who never got the big contract extension he was looking for in Arizona. Even with receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston still around, the passing game doesn't figure to be as dynamic with Leinart under center.
Whisenhunt may lean more on Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower and the running game, going back to his coaching roots as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whisenhunt has brought in a pair of aging former Steelers, offensive guard Alan Faneca (33) and linebacker Joey Porter (33) to help keep the Cardinals at the top of the West, where they figure to be pressed by the 49ers this season.
CARDINALS OFFSEASON SCORECARD
Key veterans added
G Alan Faneca, UFA-Jets (Starer at LG)
G/C Rex Hadnot, UFA-Browns (Will compete for the RG job)
OLB Joey Porter, UFA-Dolphins (Can he still rush the passer at 33?)
QB Derek Anderson, UFA-Browns (Will push Matt Leinart)
ILB Paris Lenon, UFA-Rams (Might replace Karlos Dansby)
S Kerry Rhodes, trade-Jets (Replaces Antrel Rolle)
CB Trumaine McBride, UFA-Bears (Competing for starting job)
CB Justin Miller, UFA-Raiders/Jets (In the mix to start or play nickel)
K Jay Feely, UFA-Jets (Replaces Neil Rackers)
Key Losses
QB Kurt Warner, retired (starter most of the past 3 seasons)
WR Anquan Boldin, trade-Ravens (Franchise's all-time leading receiver)
LT Mike Gandy, UFA (Not re-signed)
ILB Karlos Dansby, UFA-Dolphins (Six-year starter)
FS Antrel Rolle, UFA-Giants (First-round pick in 2005)
CB Bryant McFadden, trade-Steelers (Just one season in Arizona)
OLB Bertrand Berry, retired (Situational pass rusher)
Impact Draft Picks
NT Dan Williams, No. 26 overall (should become starter)
ILB Daryl Washington, 2nd round (Should be Dansby's replacement)
WR Andre Roberts, 3rd round (4th WR, possible punt retunter)
Cardinals Training Camp
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff
Players report -- July 30
First practice - July 31
View from the outside
Links to how other NFC West writers view the Cardinals
ARIZONA
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/
SAN FRANCISCO
http://www.csnbayarea.com/pages/maiocco_archive
SEATTLE
