Opponents' Storylines, Weeks 5-9

Amberly Richardson continues her look around the league, as she breaks down the top-storylines of each team the Cardinals will face next season, and how they will relate to Arizona come game time. Up next, Weeks 5-9.

Click here for Weeks 1-4

Week 5: vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bills finished their 2007 campaign with a 7-9 record and struggled on both sides of the ball. There is talk of whether the Bills will stay in New York or not. Ticket sales are dismal, so eight Bills’ matches will be played in Toronto, Canada over the next five years. The move is suppose to be a good one for those who would like to see the Bills stay in Western New York.

The Cardinals’ defense should face QB Trent Edwards who is expected to be the hope of the franchise.

Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys finished first in the NFC East last season with a 13-3 record. Dallas will give Arizona a run for its money. Terrell Owens, a storyline in himself, brings an explosion to the Cowboys’ offense. Marion Barber will lead the ground game, complimented with 2007 first-round draft pick Felix Jones.

Tony Romo should have no problem performing at a high level because it’s not a playoff game, and the Arizona heat could be too hot for reported romance Jessica Simpson.

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: @ Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have loaded up on some admirable depth. They were active in free agency picking up some receiving help in former Seattle Seahawk D.J. Hackett and secondary assistance with Cardinals’ cut Terrence Holt. Arizona could use these two additions to its advantage when working on a game plan.

Week 9: @ St. Louis Rams

In a less than challenging division, the Rams finished dead-last in addition to a losing 3-13 record. The story in St. Louis is how fast second-overall selection Chris Long can transform the defense.

On the tune of rookies, the Rams season will likey come down to those fresh faces. Donnie Avery (second-round) and Keenan Burton (fourth-round) are expected to see passes immediately.

QB Marc Bulger had a very poor showing last year with more interceptions than touchdowns. He will face a new and improved Cardinals secondary that will be ready to help Bulger's pick numbers twice this season..

Amberly Richardson is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and a correspondent for Scout.com. She has contributed to the official Web sites of several NFL players for Sixthman Communications. Her analysis has been published by the NFL Network, Fox Sports and MySpace Sports.