Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The Arizona Cardinals

For my half of the Go For It On Fourth preview for the 2018 NFL season, I decided to ask fans of every team questions about how they think their team will do this season. Instead of asking just one fan per team, I decided to get as many fans as I could involved. For some teams, that was several. For some teams, that was just one fan. But we very much appreciate everyone who got involved in our Preview for the 2018 Season!

Representing the Arizona Cardinals:

Chris, Aberdeen

First off, sum up last season for us.

Chris: Under-appreciated. We clawed our way to 8-8 despite losing both our starting and back-up Quarterbacks and Running Backs. That gutted the offence, no doubt, and we under-performed compared to expectations, but it wasn’t as bad as it's been made out to be. When a team like Green Bay lose Rodgers for a half-dozen games the narrative is “well we can’t possibly judge them on last season’s record” - whereas the smoldering remains of the Cards going 8-8 is considered some kind of baseline.

How was your offseason?

Chris: Love the situation at QB. Talent has never been the issue with Bradford and neither has attitude. “If he can stay healthy” applies to everyone in Football. Delighted to have him and delighted to have Rosen learn the game from him. Gave up so, so little to move up in the first to take him as well.

Key additions from free agency and the Draft?

Chris: Aside from the QB situation? We lost more talent than we brought in. I’m high on Christian Kirk, with JJ Nelson over the top, but I shudder at what's beneath that (Remember Greg Little?). Mattheiu was a bitter loss and I think we’ll miss Veldheer - it’s not lost on me that he was the foundation stone of our recent playoff build.

What's your hopes for this coming season?

Chris: Wild Card spot (Rams will take the West) and see what the NFC playoff lottery spits out.

What's your thoughts on your starting quarterback?

Chris: (as above?) Rate Bradford, there’s a reason he went first overall, hope he can stay healthy but if not I’m OK handing the reins to Rosen. Really happy with that situation and think we can win with either one.

And your thoughts on your head coach?

Chris: Too early to say. He’s certainly got the pieces to work with and a good basis to succeed, but he has Bruce Arians-sized shoes to fill. Give him time.

A player that will be key for you this season?

Chris: Larry is far too easy and everyone knows his deal so let's go Budda Baker. We got a taste of what he can do last year and. He. Is. A. Beast. Can play all over the formation, hits like a truck, great engine, great technique.

And who would you happily drive to their next club?

Chris: No-one jumps out, but I still struggle to believe that Greg Little - who made 6 catches in the 2014 season and has played zero snaps since - is the best option we could scrounge up at the WR position. I know it's not fantasy football - I’m not expecting Dez Bryant or even Jeremy Maclin but...really? Harry Douglas wasn’t returning your calls? Dontrelle Inman didn’t work out? Brandon Coleman kick your dog? You could probably start a pick-up game in the park and end it with Kenny Britt and Brandon LaFell somehow signed on one year “prove it” deals but we get...Greg Little? Bizarre move.*

*NB: Both Butler and Little failed to make the final 53 after this was written. Chad Williams JJ Nelson  and something called a “Trent Sherfield” make up the WR corps after Fitz and Kirk

What made you choose to support your team?

Chris: Played in Phoenix. That simple.

For a first-time NFL fan, tell us some reasons why they should support your team?

Chris: No one hates us! We have no rivals and no ill-will with anyone! We’re the non-offensive underdog vegetarian bird team everyone loves to tolerate! Also David Johnson is one of the most exciting offensive players in football and Patrick Peterson is one of the most technically gifted you’ll see on the defensive side.

Compare your team to a European football club.

Chris: Ummm...Can I skip the club part and say Croatia? We’ll do things the hard way - and the average age is maybe creeping up a little fast - but there’s a lot of technical ability that was under-estimated to go along with the work ethic and strength of character in this squad.

What's the best-case scenario for you this season?

Chris: Wild Card slot at, say, 9-7 or 10-6 behind the 12 win Rams and getting maybe 20% of the media attention the 5-11 Niners get.

And what's the worst-case scenario?

Chris: We could easily finish 4th at, say, 7-9 or 8-8 if Jimmy G clicks and the Hawks get themselves into something resembling order. Tough division.

Josh Rosen was tipped as a number one overall pick. He fell to you at ten. He had some harsh words for the nine teams who picked ahead of you. Can he be the elite quarterback he believes he can be in the NFL?

Chris: Elite is a strange word. If you assume the 4 consensus QBs - Brees Rodgers Brady Wilson are “elite” then that's 12.5% of the leagues starters. “Elite” should really mean the top 1-5%. Why is that pedantry important? Cause it misses the point of the NFL - if you have a top 20 QB then you can win. He may never be an elite QB - Rodgers/Brady level, but maybe 2 or 3 in a generation will. If he gets to a Joe Flacco - Andy Dalton kinda level he can really take this franchise places.

Predict your record for this season, and how far (if at all) you will go in the postseason/Tell us who you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta on February 3rd next year?

Chris: As an optimist - 10-6 and lose in the NFC Championship to a truly superb Rams side who go on to win the whole thing.

Anything else you'd like to promote?

Chris: NFL Brits Fan Union is the place for fans from the UK, Europe and beyond. Cracking group of over 2,000 fans, great atmosphere and good banter - but you wont have to Alt-Tab away when your kids walk into the room. A real family site but with real depth and personality (and also home to one of the UKs finest College Football experts, the peerless Rebecca Rennie).