PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 20

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Things were supposed to be different during the Denny Green era.

They weren't.

Things are supposed to be different during the Ken Whisenhunt era.

For now, we're willing to consider that they might be.  But we're still skeptical, and thus unwilling to put the franchise higher than No. 20.

They're in front of 12 other teams because of a stellar corps of receivers and a promising young quarterback in Matt Leinart, who could be better in the long run than Vince Young.  Tailback Edgerrin James still has something left, despite a disappointing 2006 season.  But until the offensive line improves, the skill-position players won't get the most out of their skills.

If Russ Grimm can do for the offensive line in Arizona what he did for the wall of blockers in the 'Burgh, things could change.  And significant improvements on offense tend to make a defense better.

Then again, we're talking about a franchise that has won only one postseason game since the Truman administration.  On the bright side, they're due.

And they can get to the playoffs, thanks to the fact that they're in a wide-open division in a wide-open conference.  Still, we'll believe it when we see it.

Key departures:  LT Leonard Davis, G chris Liewinski.

Key arrivals:  OT Mike Gandy, S Terrence Holt, FR Terrelle Smith.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  DT Alan Branch.

Coach's current job security:  Three years.