Kurt Warner retired last week after thirteen seasons in the NFL. Perhaps best known for his unlikely rise from a grocery store bagger to Most Valuable Player of the National Football League, Warner leaves behind a legacy that will surely lead him to Canton, Ohio. As great as Warner’s story is, the implications most readers should be interested in is the impact Warner’s retirement should have on the offensive players he left behind in Arizona.

Chris Wells – All indications thus far are that the Cardinals will focus on their rushing attack more in 2010. Some will argue that with Warner out of the picture, defenses can stack the box and shut down the Cardinals’ rushing game. Despite a probable decrease in yards-per-carry, Wells should see his workload drastically increase with 20 carries becoming the norm (a feat he never achieved during his rookie campaign). In addition, loading the box should also put more pressure on Leinart, and, as a result, short passes such as screens will likely become more common for the Cardinals’ offensive attack.

Tim Hightower – The second back of Arizona’s rushing attack should see a decrease in totals. While carries will also likely increase for Hightower, the offense as a whole will likely digress with Leinart under center. As such, the goal-line opportunities that Hightower received last season should be less frequent in the years to come.

Larry Fitzgerald – With the transition to Leinart, you would expect the biggest impact to be on the team’s wide receivers. Yet, with an athlete as talented as Fitzgerald, it’s hard to imagine a downfall great enough to remove him from the top echelon of wide receivers. While it may be difficult for Fitzgerald to repeat his 2009 numbers (fewer red zone opportunities, run-focused offense), Fitzgerald is still the most talented wide receiver in the league and Leinart will be looking to him often when the Cardinals decide to pass, keeping Fitzgerald among the best statistical wide receivers.

Anquan Boldin – Insiders seem split on Boldin as to whether or not he will be back for the 2010 season. In all likelihood, the Cardinals will trade Boldin this offseason. With a renewed focus on the run and the emergence of Steve Breaston and Early Doucet, the Cardinals seem prepared to move on with their offense. Similarly to Donovan McNabb and the Eagles, resigning Boldin after his contract is up after this year seems unlikely, and the Cardinals would be wise to move him now and receive fair compensation before he walks a year from now.

Steve Breaston – Despite his expected ascension into the starting lineup, Breaston is a player to be weary of heading into 2010. While fans can expect adequate numbers from Breaston, the expectations may be too high thanks to the recent success Boldin has had in recent years. However, with a decrease in talent at wide receiver (Boldin to Breaston) and quarterback (Warner to Leinart) and a run-heavy offense, Breaston could be a wide receiver who posts decent numbers in 2010, but far below what most will be predicting.

Early Doucet – As we approach the 2010 season, Doucet is the Cardinals wide receiver I’m targeting. For starters, Boldin will (in my opinion) be gone. One down. Secondly, Breaston has been notorious for getting banged up, and the Cardinals may look to keep him in his slot role and avoid him jumping for balls down the field. The major knock on Leinart is that he overthrows deep balls. At 6’ 0”, both Doucet and Breaston are a bit undersized at the wide receiver position. So, if you have two similar wide receivers and one is injury-prone, which would you rather have jumping for balls forty yards down the field? I’m not saying Doucet will be at the Pro Bowl next year, but he should get a chance to play second fiddle to Fitzgerald in the Cardinals’ passing attack.

Stephen Spach – Technically, Spach is the Cardinals’ number one tight end. Then again, Shannon Sharpe is technically an analyst. It should go without saying the Spach is a player to avoid.

Neil Rackers – In an unexpectedly poor season, Rackers finished out of the Top 20 for kickers in 2009. Despite the possible increase in red zone field goals, the options at kicker are numerous and Rackers should be avoided until we are able to see what the offense looks like with Leinart leading the offense.

Cardinals Defense – With the new focus on the run, the Cardinals should eat up more of the clock during games as their drives become more methodical and include fewer stoppages. In leagues that reward big plays (sacks, in particular), the Cardinals’ defense takes a hit. However, more time on offense means less time for the opposing offense to score. As a result, the Cardinals’ defense could allow fewer points in 2010.


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