Scouts think Cardinals need most help on the line
Feb 21, 2012, 7:11 PM | Updated: 7:29 pm
The Arizona Cardinals finished the 2011 season with an 8-8
record, winners of seven of their last nine and feeling
good about themselves heading into the off-season.
However, the team will need to improve if it is to return
to the playoffs, and according to Scouts
Inc. in an ESPN Insider story, the biggest need is
along the offensive line.
According to them, Arizona’s top needs are at offensive
tackle, guard/center and cornerback.
Levi Brown hasn’t displayed much promise over the past
five seasons to solidify himself as Arizona’s franchise
left tackle, right tackle Brandon Keith is a free agent
and depth at the position is nonexistent. Cardinals
quarterbacks were sacked 54 times last season, which
ranked as the second highest total in the NFL behind the
Rams.
The story also says the Cardinals may be able to get by
with Daryn Colledge and Rex Hadnot at guard for one more
year, but really needs to acquire youth at the position.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, offensive line has been
an issue pretty much since they moved to the Valley. That
it hasn’t been fixed yet is as mystifying as it is
frustrating, but maybe this is the year the team addresses
the position and gets it right.
Of course, the article also notes the Cards could use more
depth at cornerback, but if Richard Marshall returns the
team should be set with him, Patrick Peterson and a
healthy Greg Toler.