For years the Cardinals have been picked as the surprise team of the division, expected to overthrow their past and finally gain some respect in the NFC. Those predictions had all gone for naught until 2008, proving that there are some signs of hope for the franchise.

2007 was a typical year. The Cardinals came into the season with a new coach, Ken Whisenhunt, a highly regarded assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The offensive attack featured the running of Edgerin James, one of the league’s better running backs, and the talent of a former #1 NFL Draft pick in Matt Leinart. Throw in wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin and you’ve got the makings of a solid offense. A new beginning always excites the fans and with the coaching change came an aura of excitement around University of Phoenix Stadium.

Opening with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Cardinals rebounded with a grudge match win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Game 2 and an NFC West win over the St. Louis Rams in week 3. Unfortunately injuries began to mount, with Leinart going out and both James and Boldin suffering with performance hampering twitches. By the time the season was over, the Cardinals were on the outside looking in at 8-8 as the Super Bowl was played in their home stadium and the Seattle Seahawks were once again NFC West Champs. Still, it was a far cry from the 5-11 of the previous season and Cardinals fans are looking forward to another year of the Whisenhunt regime.