It’s still very early in the season but Arizona Cardinals fans can attest to the importance of the upcoming game against the New York Giants on Sunday. During the off season the Cardinals made many changes to their roster, and although growing pains are expected, the higher expectations placed on this team seem to demand more immediate results than have been shown thus far. The most notable moves the Cardinals made this off season was the acquiring of Quarterback Kevin Kolb and the long term extension that Receiver Larry Fitzgerald was signed to. With Kolb the Cardinals have an untested, but promising young Quarterback, and with Fitzgerald a dynamic Receiver who is quite possibly the best in football. Despite their disappointing start to the season there is reason for optimism. After two poor showings in the first games of the season, the Cardinals defense began to show signs of life in their last game. With Beenie Wells expected to return on Sunday and the expected bounce back of Kevin Kolb the offense should begin rounding into form. So with the obvious importance of Sunday’s game the team would certainly benefit if more fans bought Cardinals tickets and came out to support their home team.
On Sunday the Cardinals will face a team in the Giants who are facing struggles of their own this season. In their last game against the highly touted Eagles, the Giants looked impressive in defeating a team considered to be among the best in the NFL. But just a few weeks ago this same Giants team looked terrible in a loss to the Redskins. Despite their more recent success, this is still a team facing uncertainty, a team that is a very beatable opponent for a hungry Cardinals team. This is a Cardinals team that is different from those of the past, the change in culture brought about by Ken Whisenhunt and Kurt Warner has carried over giving this organization a new sense of pride. No longer is this a team known as frugal, as underachieving, this is now a team that has tasted success. The magical run to the Super Bowl a few seasons ago, and the impact of Ken Whisenhunt has changed the attitude of a team, in fact an entire community. Having tasted success, many long suffering Cardinals fans expect more, and this is a team that is posed to deliver it. The obvious frustration exhibited by the players and their fans shows that this is a team that is expected to win. In spite of their poor start the Cardinals players remain confident and determined to meet the weighty expectations that have been placed upon them. This Sunday the team plays at home, were a true home field advantage would mean a great deal to a team that is fighting to improve itself. Hopefully fans will purchase Cardinals tickets and cheer their team on to a victory! This would go a long way to validating some of the expectations that have been placed upon them.
