Post Game Reaction: Cardinals Win Thriller In OT, 51-45
by Andrew602 on Jan 10, 2010 7:03 PM MST
87 comments
Cornerback Michael Adams struggled to say the least, through the first four quarters for the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The 5'8 cornerback was picked on the majority of the day, missed a key sack on a drive that resulted in a Packers touchdown, and also was flagged several times.
When the game went to overtime, the stout defensive back redeemed himself - sacking Aaron Rodgers and forcing a fumble that led to the game-winning touchdown.
In a game that was the highest scoring postseason game in NFL history, that featured a postseason record 13 touchdowns, the Arizona Cardinals unofficially upset the Green Bay Packers in Glendale, Arizona. The game began with two Green Bay turnovers that resulted in 14 points. After taking a 17-0 lead, Charles Woodson took it upon himself to get his team back in the game. As the Cardinals were driving for their fourth score of the game, Woodson tomahawked the ball out of Larry Fitzgeralds grasp, forcing the first and only turnover by Arizona on the day.
The turnover led to the eventual comeback of Rodgers and the offense.
The next three and a half quarters would be an offensive slug fest, with both teams reaching the 45 point mark with less then two minutes to play. With three timeouts remaining, Kurt Warner looked to add to his already impressive day by leading the Cardinals within field goal range before time expired. The only problem was that Neil Rackers couldn't make the chip shot with 14 seconds to go. Regulation ended, and the Packers won the toss, only for the eventual sack>strip>fumble>touchdown to happen.
The Positives
- Kurt Warner played in the twelfth postseason game of his career, and was outstanding. He recording a 154.1 quarterback rating when all was said and done. He threw for 379 yards and 5 touchdowns over a Packers defense that ranked 5th in the league not that long ago. For his career, he's done just about everything right when the season's been on the line, and that didn't stop today.
- The Cardinals running game silently ran for 156 yards against the 1st ranked rushing defense in the league. How that happened you ask? Much of the yards can be credited to Beanie Wells, who rushed for 92 on the day. The added rushing game is what propelled the Cardinals through the playoffs last year. The same might be said this time around.
- The offensive line played smart and only allowed one sack to a Packers defense that forced 37 the entire season. Protection will be key throughout the remainder of the playoffs.
- The Cardinals defense set the tone early, intercepting Rodgers on the first pass of the game. On the very next drive, the Cardinals forced a fumble from Packers veteran wide out, Donald Driver. Those plays alone were important to the Cardinals success in getting passed the first round.
- More positives to come throughout the week so stay with us. For now just bask in the glory.
The Negatives
- Yes, Michael Adams redeemed himself on the final play of overtime, but his play throughout the day may have been the primary reason the Cardinals had so much trouble with the Packers lethal passing attack. We can't count on Adams forcing game-winning fumbles against the Saints next week. Something needs to change.
- The Cardinals defense as a whole were burned by Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 422 yards and 4 touchdowns. Drew Brees will not be as kind next week. Although Bill Davis had some success blitzing Rodgers(5 sacks), there were often holes in coverage that the Packers were able to exploit all game long.
- The Cardinals slowly melted down after jumping out to a 17-0 lead. The offense was driving in the 2nd quarter when Larry Fitzgerald couldn't hang onto the ball, fumbling after being hit by Charles Woodson. That was the first mistake that shifted much of the momentum into the Packers hands. The second mistake happened in the 3rd quarter, when Green Bay unexpectedly onside kicked the ball to the dismay of the Cardinals return unit. The Packers recovered the ball and eventually drove into the end zone to get within seven points.
Final Thoughts
What a game. That's about all I can say at this point. It was one of the most exciting games in Cardinals history without a doubt. I'm happy with the way the Cardinals could move the ball at ease against a very good Green Bay defense, but I'm generally concerned with the lack of effort that was made by the secondary. What are your thoughts on the game?
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Congrats
The Cardinals are going to absolutely thrash the Saints next week. I’m projecting a 62-28 victory. 1999 Kurt Warner is back. As for my Pack…the future looks very, very dark. But congratulations to Phoenix and your fans. The better team won.
actually - the Pack's future is bright..
You have an excellent and young QB. Good WRs (as long as they stay healthy.) Defense, well, um..
by TheOriginalCardsFan on Jan 10, 2010 8:06 PM MST up reply actions
The Defense is a strength
I’m very concerned that Rodgers (who is fragile to begin with) will not be able to rebound from such a shocking, crushing moment. Forget that Adams clearly grabbed Rodgers’ facemask. That’s just something that will replay over and over in his head as the Cardinals march through the playoffs again.
great win...only good game this week
Non Sibi Sed Patriae.
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!
I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life
Today's win was nice
but we need to focus on stopping the pass next week. Not sure how Billy Davis is going to do it, but the Card’s need to stop the pass on Saturday. If Drew Brees throws for over 400 yards, we aren’t going to be partying in Miami next month…
We all bleed Cardinal Red, but most of us don't recognize it!
Great game, agree on all points
hope Adams is very limited from now on caus he is gonna have a big target on his back from now on. Cant believe he didnt lay that hit on Rodgers in the first half.
Hey guys
Eagles fan here congratulating you guys on a fantastic win! That was definitely one of the best NFL games I’ve ever seen. The Cards look like they are built for another big postseason run. I’ll be back to talk with you guys for the Saints game on Saturday. See you later!
This is why we can't have nice things
please. he’s being payed already to do what he is supposed to do. why does everyone feel a player needs a new and bigger contract when he is performing good?
Packers fan here
That was one of the best games I have ever watched. Congrats on the win.
Warner was a beast and Fitz had some great catches. Good luck the rest of the year.
Just wished we had a few more minutes in regulation ;)
by Bernie's Mustache Wax on Jan 10, 2010 7:25 PM MST reply actions
There's a long way to go to the SB!
Whatta a great game to watch.
I’m very concerned about what Brees is going to do to this AZ defense that didn’t show up. Plus, without a field goal kicker you can rely on to kick a clutch field goal, we’re really in a situation for next week.
Congrats on a great game and win
Saints fan here. I’ll be curious to see which D shows up Saturday. Come check out Canal Street Chronicles sometime this week. Most of us are civil and courteous, but there might be some exceptions, so be forewarned. When you’ve been a Saints fan for as long as I have, you know better than to get arrogant. Our history, much like the Cards before last year, hasn’t had much to celebrate.
It should be a great game. Don’t let the last three Saints’ games fool you. They’ll be well rested and healthier than they have been since before midseason. I hope we get out to a fast start because Warner and that Cards O is downright scary when they get their mojo going.
"I said this early on that this was a good football team, they just maybe had to have a stick put in certain parts of their body to play a little harder in certain places to where we’re able to take interceptions and score touchdowns."--Gregg Williams
by David "Satch" Kelly on Jan 10, 2010 7:34 PM MST reply actions
It should be quite the shootout
I am really looking forward to Saturday. I doubt it will be the same high scoring affair of tonight, but it should be good.
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
Who dat! Who dat!
Who dat trash talking with an all-time franchise record of 275-377-5? Not this Saints fan, anyway. Kurt Warner scares the bejeebus out of me. I’m just thankful we don’t have Jason David anymore.
BURN THE BLACK PANTS!!!
I wanna congratulate
for the victory.
This game is an all-time PO classic. I was really impressed!
I think the Arizona is on the way to repeat last year’s run.
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Jan 10, 2010 7:35 PM MST reply actions
Warner had more Touchdowns than Incompletions
That says it all.
Like I said earlier, this was probably the best game I have ever seen. Probably going to be another shootout against the Saints.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand band-wagoner fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
Who Dat!!!!!!!!!!!!1
We will be ready for some blackened cardinals!!! Come on down for a good old
New Orleans butt wooping!!!
That's a pretty bold comment..
…considering how badly the Saints sputtered down the stretch before they clinched. It’s not like the Saints are not even average defensively.
by TheOriginalCardsFan on Jan 10, 2010 8:05 PM MST up reply actions
i meant to say the Saints are not even considered average defensively
by TheOriginalCardsFan on Jan 10, 2010 8:05 PM MST up reply actions
+1
If the cardinals could do this to the packers, i’m sure they’ll put up a few touchdowns against the saints.
Moreover, Saints have been playing some week football 5 weeks in a row now. The two weeks before these last 3 loses, they barley escaped with wins against Atlanta and Washington.
Saints are definitely explosive and if they can put up 40+ points, they’ll be hard to beat unless Warner and offense are perfect again.
anyone still live there?
"I've been around long enough to know how ignorant I am. I don't assume the universe obeys my preconceptions. Huh! But I know a frelling fact when it hits me in the face!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jan 10, 2010 10:43 PM MST up reply actions
The Saints have had problems with the 3-4 defense before.
That could work to our advantage.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand band-wagoner fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
Made Getting up at 5am In Beijing with 6 degree F temps Oh so worth while
and the Saints game will be at 4am!! Damn that game was amazing!! Whiz had some great plays up his sleeve. Am so glad for playing possum in the last game as the Packer’s defense just didn’t know what hit them!! Think we might get some respect now?
Yes
Whisenhunt earned my instant respect in this game. He is without doubt one of the best coaches in the league. Regrettably, I don’t see enough of this Cardinal team, but they are going to lay an absolute BEATDOWN on an unprepared and frankly psychotic New Orleans team.
Not by the looks of things… I took a peek over at the saints sbnation website and they’re hardly worried. I don’t know why they’re not. Possibly because our defense gave up 45 points.
Mainly because we know our team
The last 3 loses were bad but we were missing half our starters in all 3 games
We ran a vanilla offense and basic defense
We are well rested up We should have no injuries
And our coach will have our players ready
We played our worse game of the year against Dallas with half our starters out and they played their best game of the year and we still had a chance to win at the end
This is not a slam on the Cards I just dont see anyone in the nfc coming to our dome and beating us
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 10, 2010 8:27 PM MST up reply actions
If their attention to detail has any relation to your's then we have a chance.
Your punctuation is absolutely atrocious.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Jan 10, 2010 8:39 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Yea
We have grammar police on our site also that dont understand if your just writing for fun there’s no use in being perfect.
Is this better.
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 10, 2010 8:42 PM MST up reply actions
Hey, you're way up on social network chat rooms.
They can’t spell or even define punctuation because for them it simply doesn’t exist.
"I don’t know why people feel the need to come up with reasons 'why' for everything..." - Missing Barry
by victor frankenstein on Jan 10, 2010 8:46 PM MST up reply actions
Not really.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Jan 10, 2010 8:51 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
"Yours"
Not “your’s.” Sorry, but I can’t have you abusing my homey…even if he is from Mississippi.
And yes, you certainly have a chance. Warner is no better than Brees, but he’s been doing it a lot longer. Many of the fans at CSC are assuming that we’ll win any shootout because our offense is better, but I don’t think that’s the case: you win shootouts when your defense is better, even if only marginally. If we have any edge over the Cards, it’s going to be our defense causing turnovers. That’s a big “if.”
BURN THE BLACK PANTS!!!
No washington played a great game
And we beat our div. rival atlanta by 7 points div. games are always tough i really thought that would be the game we were going to lose before hand
I never thought we would go undefeated but after we lost to dallas our coach started sitting players with even the smallest injury and stopped calling our explosive plays 3 out of 4 defensive backs has had almost the whoole last month off same as 2 of our linebackers and our main defensive tackle
the cards will see a well rested healthy Saints team
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 10, 2010 8:36 PM MST reply actions
impressive coaching
You have to give huge credit to Whisenhunt on a brilliant offensive game plan that had all receivers involved, and the execution was incredible. I don’t recall any dropped passes by the Cardinals. And the offensive line was fantastic, allowing Warner to have one of the best games I’ve ever seen any QB have. Talk about razor sharp. These guys obviously did great game planning. The defense seemed gassed in the second half, especially after having to stay out there so long after the on-side kick. Although Adams had his problems, as did the whole secondary, alot of it can be attributed to lack of pressure on Rodgers. Something wasn’t clicking on the pass rush that will have to improved moving forward. All in all, though, a great team performance.
I hope some of ya'll come over to canal street chronicles
And participate in a little pre game chatter
We usually keep it pretty easy going and try to keep the insults away
But there’s a 24 hour waiting period on posting so you might want to join ahead of time
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 10, 2010 8:39 PM MST reply actions
Hilarious comparison: Rodgers & Romo
Check out this comparison between Rodgers’ fumble and Romo’s botched snap from a few years ago, with pictures:
I like the story
about Liverpool better
"I've been around long enough to know how ignorant I am. I don't assume the universe obeys my preconceptions. Huh! But I know a frelling fact when it hits me in the face!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Jan 10, 2010 8:53 PM MST up reply actions
Bandwagon, and proud of it.
My son (15) and I – neither of us mindful of ANY playoff scheduling – walk into a Barro’s pizza joint EXACTLY as the game is beginning.
Now, Jr. is a GB fan because GB was his flag football team. Yeah, and Favre. Me, I’m blissfully ignorant ( Oh, I knew about last week)…until right then. And , yeah, what happened during the first half helps. Oh, and last year.
He puts his head in his hands, and I leaned over and said "Four quarters. A lot can happen."
I dropped him at home and headed to mine – put the local streaming on, and fell asleep at halftime. I remember thinking "This is in the bag."
I woke up three plays before the fumble.
I remember thinking "Huh…Overtime???"
"I don’t know why people feel the need to come up with reasons 'why' for everything..." - Missing Barry
by victor frankenstein on Jan 10, 2010 8:41 PM MST reply actions
Why are there Saint fans here?
Talking trash? The Saints might win the Cards might win. We will find out.
by Iamjoecollector on Jan 10, 2010 9:17 PM MST reply actions
Thank God I was so very wrong
I came out saying our chances where slim coming into this game, and for once it was good being wrong. Very good.
An amazing game and one I was very lucky to be at, which also happened to be my first playoff NFL game ever.
GO CARDS!!!
"Yeah I could have been king, but maybe I already am king. Hail to the king baby." Ash from Army of Darkness
Extremely happy we escaped with the win
And hoping that we see another great game next week. The cards better step it up in practice this week, the d needs to play like they did in the first half for all four quarters.
Welcome to ROTB
Love the screen name by the way.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Ulcer-inducing game once more...
…but I cannot wait for the re-air since my TiVo cut off the end of the game. Congrats Cardinals.
So already the opposing teams “fans” already are showing up? Are their own blogs so cluttered with moronic commentary they feel the need to bring their drivel here? It’s going to take most the week to get the stink of cheese out of the blog.
Great game, GB. Enjoy the off season. See you next post-season.
And consider it “even” on the playoff front for that 1982 41-14 drubbing.
Don't waste time or Time will waste you.
Always add the extra hour in on TiVo!
Every time I don’t do it OT happens.
by sparkley918 on Jan 11, 2010 11:33 AM MST up reply actions
+1
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
"Ulcer-inducing game once more..." My stomach was in knots
Character win. Breaston, Doucet, Patrick all had their best games of the year. Doucet looked like Boldin 2.0??
http://undrafteds.com/
More on Coaching
One play sorta stuck with me…am sure there are many others, but Breaston’s beautiful rush around the end with great blocking!!! How often do we see wide receivers rushing in this game? Mixing it up ;)
that, and also
lining Dockett up as the fullback on Hightower’s TD run. that was pretty damn awesome to see!
Until spring training starts - let's go Cardinals and Suns!
Our own version of using Refrigerator Perry as a fullback.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand band-wagoner fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
Biggist supprize of the game was how much of a bad ass Doucet was.
i just got homw from the game my heart is still pounding my ears still ringing. Isat in row 10 in the endzone that dansby ran the ball in and every one was falling over hugging and kissing. game of the year
The Devil Birds just got cha
Classic!
wish I could have been there thats awesome hahaha
I could tell Doucet was surging, http://fantasyfootball.com/wildcard-weekend-sleeper-arizona-cardinals-wr-early-doucet/
http://undrafteds.com/
Rackers
Prior to his injury, the guy had been great this season. I was a little concerned when they cut Nugent, though, because it seemed like Rackers may have been trying to come back too soon from what was described as a pretty significant groin injury. In fact, this could have been the pivotal part of the game yesterday when he missed the chip shot at the end of regulation. If Rodgers doesn’t fumble and drives GB down (like he had been doing the entire 2nd half), the Cardinals go out. I don’t know …… I think whoever made the decision to bring Rackers back too soon should be called to task.
he seemed fine to me when he nailed the kick off through the upright… i’ll chalk this one up as a choke on rackers.
Rackers is not a clutch kicker
Just think of all the Niner games he could have won over the years with a FG and choked it.
Don't waste time or Time will waste you.
I had a theory...
That Rackers missed all those potentially game-winning kicks when Green was here because he couldn’t stand Green. Well, that is out the window, unless… He doesn’t like the Whiz. No, impossible
by sparkley918 on Jan 11, 2010 11:37 AM MST up reply actions
who does the kicking duties next week?
... we sittin here talking about practice. not a game, not a game.
Pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat CARDiac CARDs
This was one of the best playoff games I have ever seen. I look forward to another offensive display next week.
I am very worried about the defensive, however. The rocked the first half and looked wiped out in the second half. DRC was way too slow. We need to make sure that our defense is ready for the high-powered Saints offense.
Warner is a GOD! More touchdowns than incompletions? Perfect passer rating? Leading this team with effortless precision? Can Warner stay with the Cardinals FOREVER?!?!?!
-- Red headed Cardinals Fan
(Sort of like being the red-headed step child...everyone jokes about beating us a lot.)
Congrats guys!
It’s awesome to watch the Cards’ offense (especially since my team’s offense sucks) and I hope you guys make it all the way to the SB!
by pedro_oliveira on Jan 10, 2010 11:22 PM MST reply actions
Congrats From Green Bay
That was a great game to watch. I aquired additional grey hairs and had to take an asprin to prevent a heart attack :-). Kurt Warner was on fire. Good luck in the post season!!!!
Hats off to the pack.
Packers ffans showing a lot of class on rotb. Very honorable. I like that it was the best game ive ever been to and my wifes first. which coincidently is leading to my purchase of season tickets. Should save about 300 to 400 dollors next year. Sorry Stub Hub
The Devil Birds just got cha
I may have to as well.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Let the wallets open and the coins drop. (wallet opens. chirp chirp brushes away the cob webs)
The Devil Birds just got cha
Frick'n Amazing!
CONGRATS CARD FANS! Chief fan here, but would love to see you win it all. D is improved over last year, offense is amazing. Warner had an absolute perfect game, what else can you say! Time to beat the SAINTS!
by casselreadychiefs on Jan 10, 2010 11:46 PM MST reply actions
New to RotB, thoughts on the game.
Ok, first off I need to say this: Today’s game proves to me that Cardinals Fans are more likely to have heart attacks,shorter lifespans, etc than any other NFL fans.
Reason I say that is because it’s not uncommon during a Cardinals game to feel on top of the world one moment (early lead, in field goal range with time winding down when tied) before hitting rock bottom (missed FG, Packers win OT coin toss) and then soaring back to the top of the world (Dansby TD, Cardinals win), all in a 5 minute timespan.
All kidding aside I wasn’t able to watch the whole game cause of work (they did have the TVs on the game though) but I’d like to point out some things I liked about what I saw.
1: Doucet filled in nicely for Boldin from what I saw, I didn’t see his final stat line but I’d say that I was impressed with his peformance based on what I saw (first half, bits of the 4th quarter)
2: Using Dockett and Waston to lead block on that Hightower TD run was a brilliant move by Whisenhunt, though I didn’t notice until they showed the replay.
3: Karlos Dansby. Those 2 words speak for themselves.
Can’t wait for next week and I hope I fit in well here.
BRING ON THE SAINTS!
by VengefulNemesis354 on Jan 10, 2010 11:51 PM MST reply actions
point #2
I loved that play too! I say bring on more of the same next week. I was hopeful to see Rolle in the wildcat but maybe next time.
http://undrafteds.com/
+1
I was waiting for that too. I also waited for the flee flicker. Too bad that didnt’ work as planned.
Looking for the double reverse.
They lined up LSH in a slot position and put him in motion. I can see them setting up a double reverse with him and Breaston.
Welcome to ROTB Vengeful
Yes I nearly had a heart attack yesterday.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Adams did struggle, but my top negative goes to McFaddeen.
Sweet beard of Zeus, am I the only one who watches him get routinely smoked on coverage, avoid tackling like it is a disease, and generally look like he has no idea who he should be covering on every down?
Pay close attention to him – if I was Brees, I would be throwing at his man every single time.
by Roy Green was here on Jan 11, 2010 9:30 AM MST reply actions
Congrats
Great game. Loking forward to the same kind of shootout next week in the dome.
Oh Man, I want to be in that number; when the SAINTS go marching in. (To Miami) WHODAT
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