Where we're going, we don't need roads...but we could still use a quarterback.
ESPN released their NFL Future Power Rankings for the 2015 season and they weren't particularly gentle with the Arizona Cardinals. Trent Dilfer, Mel Kiper, Gary Horton and Matt Williamson got together and decided that the Cards project as the seventh worst team in football three years from now (or the 26th best if you're the glass half-full type).
Here's what Horton had to say about their roster if you don't fork out the five bucks a month to be an ESPN Insider:
"The depth is not where it needs to be and there are not enough young difference-makers to give a lot of hope for the future. CB Patrick Peterson is a star in the making and there is hope that rookie WR Michael Floyd steps into that category, but options are limited. Their brightest playmaker, WR Larry Fitzgerald, may be at the top of his game for only a couple more years."
Okay, I'm under the opinion that this quartet overlooked a lot of bright young spots on the defense (and for full disclosure, I'm a Denver Broncos fan). Sam Acho, Calais Campbell, O'Brien Schofield and Daryl Washington are some solid building blocks for any 3-4 defense to shape their lineup around. And as they become more comfortable in Ray Horton's system, there's no doubt in my mind that this defense will contend with San Fran for the best in the NFC West.
When it really comes down to it, it looks like these writers had tunnel vision when bringing the quarterback situation into the equation. Here's what Trent Dilfer had to say on the topic:
"We really don't know anything yet on Kevin Kolb's ability. The Cardinals are trying to add enough talent to make sure they find out if he's the real deal, but John Skelton was actually more successful than Kolb in 2011. If Kolb doesn't pan out, it's an appealing location for QBs."
Thanks captain obvious.
But putting my critical evaluation of Dilfer's sudden rise to the unequivocal master quarterback appraiser aside, he is correct in the last portion of his vague assessment. If Kolb and Skelton face plant in 2012, this will be a very appealing destination for any quarterback on the market in the off season.
Hear that Drew Brees? Arizona would be more than accommodating. The foods not as good but hey, at least the only bounties you have to worry about are with Sheriff Joe Arpaio.