2002 RECORD: 5-11 TEAM RANK (NFL): Defense (29th); Offense (27th) ADDITIONS: Free agents -- FS Dexter Jackson (Bucs), FB James Hodgins (Rams), QB Jeff Blake (Ravens), RB Emmitt Smith (Cowboys). Draft picks -- 1a. WR Bryant Johnson (Penn State); 1b. DE Calvin Pace (Wake Forest); 2. WR Anquan Boldin (Florida State); 3. LB Gerald Hayes (Pittsburgh); 5. DT Kenny King (Alabama); 6a. OT Reggie Wells (Clarion); 6b. MLB Tony Gilbert (Georgia). SUBTRACTIONS: WR David Boston (Chargers), QB Jake Plummer (Cardinals), WR MarTay Jenkins (Falcons), WR Frank Sanders (Ravens), C Mark Gruttadauria (released). Team news | Roster | More on Cardinals draft

		Mon., May 19 Taking an optimistic approach, what do Cardinals fans have to look forward to this season? Even in his football dotage, Emmitt Smith might still have enough left in the tank to eke out a 12th season of 1,000 yards, and to nudge his career total closer to the 20,000-yard benchmark about which he has spoken. The plusses for Smith are that he should have an effective lead blocker in fullback James Hodgins, and he will be running behind a truly gargantuan offensive line, with right guard Leonard Davis a Pro Bowl-caliber player. For all those Cowboys fans in the Valley of the Sun, just watching Smith for a year or two, even if past his prime, should be a meaningful experience. Smith and Marcel Shipp, though, are going to have to log plenty of carries. Jeff Blake throws one of the prettiest deep balls in the league, but the Cardinals' receiving corps is barely NFL level. Of the 12 wideouts currently on the roster, just one has more than 25 career catches, and the group averages 1.8 regular-season starts, 10 receptions and 0.5 touchdown catches.

Arizona entered the 2002 season with the hope of being an improved football team. But that hope quickly faded into business as usual for a club that has had just one winning season since 1985 and has averaged under six wins per season over that 18-year span (101-185-1).

The offense was littered with disappointments. Thomas Jones, given yet another opportunity to be the No. 1 back with the departure of Michael Pittman, was again a disappointment, losing the job to Marcel Shipp. David Boston, coming off a career year (98 receptions) that saw him emerge as one of the NFL's top receivers, battled injuries all season and finished with just 32 receptions. Add in another inconsistent season from QB Jake Plummer and it's easy to see why the Cardinals were No. 29 in the NFL in scoring (16.4 points per game).

A team that struggles on offense the way the Cardinals did last season better make up for it on defense to have any chance to be competitive. Well, the Cardinals obviously weren't very competitive, and the defense was no better than the offense, actually ranking an identical No. 29 in the NFL in points allowed per game (26.1). All of which brings us to the present and a team that remarkably took a step backward over the offseason.

What they've added?
This category would probably be more accurate if it were titled "what they've lost." Gone are Boston (to San Diego) and Plummer (to Denver), the Cardinals' two biggest offensive weapons.

Obviously, the most talked-about addition this offseason was running back Emmitt Smith. With a huge Cowboys fan base in Arizona, Smith should at least put a few more people in the seats. While Smith appears to have more football left in his tank, he'll have to share some of the carries with third-year back Marcel Shipp.

On defense, the Cardinals added Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson, signing the former Buc to a five-year, $14 million deal that included a $2.75 million signing bonus. While Jackson was considered the prime free safety in free agency, his value was likely inflated by his Super Bowl performance. Jackson will replace Kwamie Lassiter, who is an unrestricted free agent.

The Cardinals caused some head scratching with their draft. After trading out of the No. 6 spot -- and the chance to pick from players like DE Terrell Suggs, DTs Johnathan Sullivan and Kevin Williams and QB Byron Leftwich -- the Cardinals selected WR Bryant Johnson and DE Calvin Pace at No. 17 and No. 18 respectively. Both were generally regarded as late first-round, early second-round picks and were considered reaches at that point in the first round.

Fantasy Focus

Will Emmitt Smith reach his goal of 1,200 yards? A thousand yards is more likely. The Cards have little choice but to hand off to Smith frequently. Their two best receivers may be rookies Bryant Johnson and Anquan Boldin. However, this puts Smith in a familiar situation. The Cowboys were feeble passers last season, and Smith struggled to find openings as defenders stacked the line. In his favor, though, the Cards' offensive line averages 330 pounds, anchored by 370-pound guard Leonard Davis and 350-pound tackle Anthony Clement on the right side. Since Smith gained 975 yards with an injury-ravaged line, expect him to surpass 1,000 yards with better blockers. But the Cards will score few touchdowns, keeping Smith as no better than a No. 3 back in 10-team leagues. -- Roger Rotter, ESPN.com Fantasy editor

Both Johnson and Pace could be expected to step right in and contribute right away. Pace will be counted on to help a defense that recorded only 21 sacks last season, while Johnson joins a receiving corps that has only one player -- Larry Foster -- with more than two years of NFL experience.

What they're missing?
Despite the selection of Johnson, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Cardinals looked to add some help at wide receiver if someone becomes available.

If Johnson and second-round pick Anquan Boldin can develop quickly, the need for receiving help would be alleviated. However, anyone familiar with the history of rookie receivers knows that is a risky proposition.

Another spot the Cardinals could be looking to upgrade is cornerback, where a veteran backup is needed to add depth. Look for Arizona to try to add a CB following June 1 cuts.

What it all means?
The Cardinals will probably be pretty bad and as a result, Dave McGinnis might not be able to hold onto his head coaching job. While widely regarded as a good coach, another five-win season could be too much for McGinnis to overcome.

Playing in a division where they are clearly the No. 4 team, five wins is probably as optimistic as any Cardinals fan can be.

Sure, Emmitt Smith might put a few more fans in the seats at Sun Devil Stadium. But he probably won't produce any more wins, and in the end, that's all that really matters.

Peter Lawrence-Riddell is the NFL editor for ESPN.com.