Maybe I shouldn't admit this too loudly, but I am a huge Arizona Cardinals fan. Yes, I know they haven't gone to the playoffs in years and they are for all intents and purposes, the poster child for NFL futility. All that said, I still think the Arizona Cardinals had the most disappointing season last year for a couple of reasons.

The first reason they had a disappointing season was that they were opening their new stadium, University of Phoenix Stadium. This stadium with the retractable roof and retractable field (yes, that's right, field) was hailed as a true piece of architectural and engineering genius. And while a stadium does not make a team, the Cardinals had high hopes for last year. Unfortunately, the Cardinals only went 3-5 at home last year, including the 23-24 loss to the Chicago Bears in the "Monday Night Meltdown".

A second major reason the Cardinals had a disappointing season was all the new talent they brought in didn't get the job done. Edgerrin James bolted the Indianapolis Colts for a multi-year contract and while he did become the first 1,000 yard rusher for the Cardinals since Adrian Murrel, it was a disappointing season. Matt Leinart in his rookie year didn't perform badly considering his level of experience. In fact, had he started the first five games of last year, the Cardinals may have done better than their disappointing 1-4 start under Kurt Warner.

Granted, to the outside world the Arizona Cardinals probably didn't have many expectations last year. However, to die hard fans, last year was supposed to be a watershed year. Obviously it didn't turn out that way. With a new head coach, maybe 2007-2008 will have something different in store for fans of the Cardinals. All I know is that I am personally tired of telling my friends, "This year belongs to the Cardinals!", only being made to look like a fool in the end.

Learn more about this author, William Lutz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Which team was the most disappointing in the NFL 2006-07 season??
We want to hear your view. Write now!