Talk about coming out of nowhere.  Rackers set an NFL record by making 40 FGs in a season and he only missed two kicks all season long.  He always has had a strong leg, but the dead-eye accuracy is a new thing.  His career almost seemed over when the Bengals gave up on him, but the Cardinals have reaped the benefits of Rackers hard work.

Rackers has connected on 76.7% of his career FG attempts and have averaged 5.52 points per game.

The Cardinals are moving into their new state of the art stadium this fall, and they’re opening it with a new EDGE to the team.  The Cardinals made a huge move signing Edgerrin James away from the Colts. James has won the NFL rushing title twice in his career and has rushed for over 1,500 yards four times in his career.  James is elusive and he is a pile-driver when need be.  James has played in 96 games (all starts) and has rushed for 9,226 yards (4.2 ypc) and 64 TDs.  He also has caught 356 passes for 2,839 yards with 11 TDs.  The Arizona Cardinals have NEVER had a back like this.

J.J. Arrington got his shot as a rookie and he didn’t really show much.  He has good speed but a stiff wind can knock him down.  Arrington played in 15 games (5 starts) and rushed for 370 yards (3.3 ypc) and two TDs.  He also caught 21 passes for 158 yards and a TD.

Marcel Shipp returned from injury last season, but he didn’t look all the way back.  Shipp has played in 57 games (28 starts) and has rushed for 2,115 yards (3.7 ypc) and 6 TDs.  He also has caught 103 passes for 852 yards and 3 TDs.

As long as James is healthy, the Cards running game will finally be an asset to the offense.

The Cardinals are not intimidated by the “Black Hole” in Oakland.  The Cardinals have marched in there three straight times and covered the point spread.  The Raiders have a weak secondary and don’t rush the passer very good.  So Warner or Leinhart will be throwing the pill deep all day long to Bolden and Fitzgerald.

This game will be a blowout!