2005 Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals did improve their record by two wins in 2004, but a 6-10 record is still not what Phoenix fans are hoping for. A good first-round 2005 draft pick (cornerback Antrel Rolle) will help the defense, and Kurt Warner's experience at quarterback should get this team to the .500 level. With the prospect of such improvement, getting tickets to an NFL game in Arizona will be a harder task, so get your 2005 tickets for Cardinals games now.

The Cardinals built strong teams during the 1920s, 1940s, and 1970s, capturing a total of two NFL titles and four division crowns during those decades. Because the first Super Bowl was not played until 1967, however, the Cardinals have never played in it. The team's championship lineup of 1947 starred the famed Dream Backfield of quarterback Paul Christman, fullback Pat Harder, and halfbacks Elmer Angsman and Charley Trippi. During the 1970s quarterback Jim Hart commanded one of the league's most potent offenses.

In 1920 the Chicago Cardinals became charter members of the American Professional Football League, the NFL's predecessor. The team's first star was future Hall of Fame halfback Paddy Driscoll, who was known for his drop-kicking prowess. The Cardinals captured their first NFL crown in 1925 under head coach Norman Barry.

Following the 1925 championship, the Cardinals struggled for two decades, recording only two winning records from 1926 to 1945. One highlight during those years was when star running back Ernie Nevers came out of retirement to join the club in 1929. On Thanksgiving Day of that year he scored all of the team's 40 points in a victory over the Chicago Bears. World War II (1939-1945) deprived the team of so many players that in 1944 the Cardinals merged with the Pittsburgh Steelers to form a club called Card-Pitt. The combined squad lost all ten of its games.

In 1960 the franchise moved to St. Louis, enjoying a solid first season in its new home. Running back John David Crow surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, and defensive back Jerry Norton led the NFC in interceptions. During the 1960s the Cardinals finished with winning seasons five times, yet failed to qualify for postseason play.

In 1974 second-year head coach Don Coryell took the Cardinals to the playoffs for the first time in 26 years. Coryell was named the league's top coach, while quarterback Jim Hart and running back Terry Metcalf shared player of the year honors. St. Louis lost in the first round, but the following year the team repeated as division champions.

After a deal between team owner Bill Bidwill and the St. Louis County government to build the team a new domed structure failed, the franchise moved to Arizona in 1988. In 1998 second-year quarterback Jake Plummer led the Cardinals to the team's first playoff appearance since 1982 and first postseason victory since 1947.

• The Cardinals have never appeared in the Super Bowl.