2008 Arizona Cardinals

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the Pittsburgh Steelers, winners of the 2009 Super Bowl, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Arizona Cardinals, NFC Champions, for the incredible season they had!

Any discussion of the Cardinals has to begin with an appreciation of their exceptional receivers. Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and rookie Early Doucet stack up as one of the best receiving groups in the NFL, making it easier for whoever is at QB (aging Kurt Warner or young matinee idol Matt Leinart) to find an open target. On defense, the Cardinals secondary can be expected to “show us the money”, with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie joining Antrell Rolle to shut down both corners. Arizona remains a young, exciting team – with a few more bounces going their way, we can envision an NFL playoff spot this season.

Some Arizona Cardinals history: The Cardinals built strong teams during the 1920s, 1940s, and 1970s, capturing four division crowns and two NFL titles during those decades. Because the first Super Bowl was not played until 1967, however, the Cardinals have never played in it.

In 1920 the Chicago Cardinals became charter members of the American Professional Football League, the NFL's predecessor, and 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. 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 (which unfortunately 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 Don Coryell coached the Cardinals into the playoffs for the first time in 26 years.

After a deal between owner Bill Bidwill and St. Louis County 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.