While this game pits what has been the laughing stock of the NFL, in the Cardinals, against last year's NFC Champions, things may be a bit closer than the tale would have you believe. The Cardinals have done a lot in the off-season, bulking their team up to the point of hype by pre-season analysts. Running back Edgerin James has signed on, and with the addition of college stand-out quarterback Matt Leinart, there should be immediate improvement on the offensive end.
As for the Seahawks, there's just not much to say. They made it all the way to the Super Bowl last year, and are bringing the vast majority of that team back for 2006. Sure, people will grumble about myths and bad luck that follow the losers of the Super Bowl, but myths and bad luck don't control football games: preparation and talent does, and the Seahawks have that in full.
