Keys to a Arizona Cardinals Victory and a Trip to the Super Bowl

by Hawkwind on Jan 17, 2009 8:00 AM MST

The Arizona Cardinals are just over 24 hours from the most important game in franchise history. They're sixty football minutes from either advancing the Super Bowl or making off season vacation plans. Standing in their way are the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that embarrased them not quite two months ago, but the Cardinals will be in the comfy confines of University of Phoenix Staduim. Will that be enough to turn the tide? Only time will tell, but here's what the Cardinals must do to emerge with a victory and head to Super Sunday?

Protect the Ball: At the end of the first quarter in the Thanksgiving Day game, the Cardinals offense had more turnovers than first downs and they got into a quick hole, from which they could never recover. By the end of the game, the Cardinals had turned the ball over four times, resulting in 14 Eagles points, and they lost by 28 points. Kurt Warner and the offense will have to protect the ball and not put the defense in bad situations.
Keep the Crowd in the Game: Keeping the crowd in the game and staying loud will require the Cardinals getting off to a fast start. They need to put points on the board or keep the Eagles out of the end zone (or preferably they could do both). University of Phoenix Stadium is a tough place to play but if the Eagles can neutralize the crowd, they could level the playing field. I wouldn't be surprised to see a bomb to Fitzgerald very early in the game to try and energize the team and the crowd.
Play solid special teams: In a game of two relatively evenly matched teams field position is ultra-important and the Cardinals can not afford to give up a long punt or kick return. DeSean Jackson returned a punt for a score during the regular season and he had a 62 yard return against the Vikings. Quintin Demps is a rookie whose been explosive on kick returns and he's returned a kick for a touchdown during the regular season and had a 46 yarder in the playoffs. The coverage units must play disciplined and tackle well or these rookies can really hurt them. The Cardinals also need a solid game from Ben Graham.

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I can't shake the feeling that this game will come down to the team that makes the fewest mistakes as opposed to the team with the biggest plays. The Cardinals and Eagles are relatively evenly matched and one or two bad plays could spell disaster for either team. What else do the Cardinals have to do to emerge victorious?

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Comments

Here's another key...

keep that chip on their shoulders.

by cfaddct on Jan 17, 2009 11:00 AM MST reply actions

I like the shirts that they were given that says it all, "PROVE IT".

by CardsFan08 on Jan 17, 2009 3:24 PM MST up reply actions

Wilson wearing it on azcardinals.com

Adrian in the shirt

by CardsFan08 on Jan 17, 2009 3:26 PM MST up reply actions

Shouldn't Need That Chip

I realize that the Cardinals have been playing with this chip on their collective shoulders since the start of the playoffs, but at this stage of playoffs, they shouldn’t need that. They are one win from the Super Bowl—if that is not motivation enough they shouldn’t be playing. I am not implying that is what you meant, but their seems to be a resounding theme across the media that the team with “more to play for” will win. That’s just media BS to put some sort of spin on this game.

In reality, this post summarizes who will win. If the Eagles force Warner into mistakes and are able to neutralize the Cards passing game they will win—it is that simple. In my opinion, the Eagles pose a much bigger threat than both the Panther and Falcons. The Panthers and Falcons were both one-dimensional teams that allowed the Cards to commit to shutting down the run. That is not the case with the Eagles. If they put eight in the box to stop Westbrook, McNabb will pick them apart all day long. Because of this, I think the Eagles win a close one.

Chris Iafolla http://heardinthecheapseats.com/

by Chris Iafolla on Jan 18, 2009 9:20 AM MST up reply actions

This game will come down to turnovers

I’m on Arizona…

Why the Cardinals beat the Eagles

by sports bettor on Jan 17, 2009 6:36 PM MST reply actions

COACH LARRY FIELDS - Former Coach of Kurt Warner

To Whom it may Concern:

I own and manage a private day school for special needs children with emotional, social and behavioral challenges. One of Kurt Warner’s former coaches (Coach Larry Fields) works for me. Kurt Warner has stated in interviews with ESPN and in his own biography that Coach Larry Fields was one of his most influencial coaches. Coach Fields is a very humble man of strength and character. Coach Fields never complains, becomes angry and is always the center of calm- he comes to work every day and gives it 150%. This man rarely takes a break -not even to eat lunch. Coach Fields dedicates his life to God every day and he makes a positive difference in not only the lives of the students we serve but in the lives of those around him. Coach Fields is has been experiencing some personal hardships and in an effort to show our love and support we came together as a staff and surprised Coach with a #13 jersey and tickets to Sunday’s game.

The reason I am posting this message is that I am hoping to get a short letter or message to Kurt – to let him know that Coach Fields will be with him on Sunday afternoon. I am copying this letter to this message board in hopes that Kurt will receive this information before the game on tommorow.

As a side note Coach Larry Fields was also a former football player for Washington Redskins as #19 under Coach George Allen. He also came out of a small university in Iowa and tried out for the Washington Redskins as a walk on player. Thanks, Mary

January 16, 2009

Dear Kurt,
I wanted to give you an update on Coach Larry Fields. My staff and I were able to surprise Coach Fields with a #13 Cardinals jersey and tickets for Sunday’s Playoff game against the Eagles. I wish you could have seen the smile on his face and the tears forming in his eyes. He expressed his gratitude and how much having the opportunity to watch "his boy" play meant to him. Coach is a humble man and has never said a word to any of us about how much he really wished he could attend Sunday’s game. Coach is beyond excited. He has been grinning from ear to ear all week long and acting like a very proud Papa. Although, Coach Fields is very proud of your accomplishments as a football player – he’s much more impressed and even prouder of the man and leader you have grown to be – a man who gives his life to God and openly declares his faith.

Take comfort in knowing that Coach is receiving the love, support and care he needs at this time. Just know that Coach Fields is going to be right there with you (in Section 423, Row 3, and ironically in Seat #12) on Sunday afternoon. I hope knowing this will help provide you with any additional strength and inspiration you may need in your endeavors. Our prayers and wishes go out to you and your fellow team mates. God Bless and keep on fighting the good fight.

Best Regards,

Mary L. Langan
Owner/ Managing Member
Desert Choice Schools

by mlangan on Jan 17, 2009 8:02 PM MST reply actions