When traveling through the great state of Arizona, one cannot help but feel an uneasiness in the air. A sadness lingering amidst the heat and the sand. No, it isn’t thanks to a dwindling economy. Or due to a disgustingly high unemployment rate. It isn’t even a reaction to “The Situation” getting knocked out on this week’s episode of Jersey Shore.
The undeniable feeling of discontent, is the lingering loss the Arizona Cardinals ‘ suffered in the 2009 Super Bowl , at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers . A loss the entire Grand Canyon State has yet to forget.
Apparently, the Cardinals Franchise hasn’t caught amnesia either. Which has never been more apparent, than it is this season.
While practice usually equates to perfect. And a team chemistry of self-sacrifice and sportsmanship has sent many a NFL team to the Super Bowl Champion podium. Bill Bidwill, and the big whigs within the Arizona Cardinals organization, have decided to throw an ungodly amount of money at the problem instead. $180 million, to be exact.
That sound you are hearing? That is the sound of a small country, weeping with jealousy.
Instead of investing such an impressive amount of green into the reinforcement of a crumbling defense. A defense that gave up the third-most points per game in the league last season. The powers-that-be have decided to invest offensively, by way of Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald. And while one investment may be warranted, the other has many Cardinals fans scratching their heads with bewilderment.
It comes as no surprise that Fitzgerald has been labeled, more than once, as the “heart and soul” of the Cardinals Franchise. The Wide Receiver owns a rather long stat sheet, which includes but most certainly is not limited to: fourth all-time in receiving yards per game in NFL history, a 2007 season of 100 receptions, 1,409 yards, and 10 touchdowns, a single post-season record of 546 receiving yards, 30 receptions, and seven touchdowns in 2008, the record as the first NFL player to catch three touchdowns in the first half of a conference championship game that same year, and the honor of 2009 Pro Bowl MVP . Clearly, the aforementioned title is earned.
And now, thanks to a recently acquired contract of $120 million for eight seasons, $50 million of which is guaranteed, Fitzgerald can add another stat to his already impressive repertoire: highest paid Wide Receiver in NFL history. Over achiever.
However, while Fitzgerald may be a worthwhile expenditure, it is extremely dependent on the second half of the offensive equation. The quarterback.
Which is probably why the Arizona Cardinals spent the remaining $64 million, of which $21 million is guaranteed, on a five year contract with Kevin Kolb – the former back up quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles . Yes. You read correctly. Former. Back. Up. Quarterback.
Kolb’s career to date? Less than impressive. With a stat sheet including and, due to a four year career of only 19 NFL games, thankfully limited to: a quarterback rating of 73.1, a career 11 touchdowns to his 14 interceptions, and a painful 17 of 34, for 144 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions game in 2008 after the infamous benching of Donovan McNabb . Well. No wonder Cardinals fans are wondering how Kolb managed to rope in so much cash. An agent that rivals Jerry Maguire, perhaps?
To add insult to painfully expensive injury, any benefit of the doubt, was put to the test in the Cardinals’ preseason game against the Green Bay Packers . While Kolb managed to complete 10 of 18, for 148 yards and no interceptions, he did not manage to throw a touchdown pass either. Neither did he successfully throw a substantial pass down field, other than one in which Fitzgerald completed an awe-inspiring, miracle catch. Unless Larry plans on turning water into wine every game, Kolb will need to step it up.
Which is why the looming aura of a past disappointment has yet to be expunged. While a ridiculous amount of money may keep a player or two around, it won’t create the chemistry essential for a winning season. There are certain things in this world that money simply cannot buy.
Just don’t tell that to the New York Yankees .