NFC Championship Pregame - Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals (1 Viewer)

[Die]

Were the Eagles not in the NFCC I could actually see myself rooting for Arizona; it's been a great run. But realistically I see this as a two touchdown win by the Eagles, at least.

I'll agree with your 2 td call. 27-13 Eagles.

 

[Die]

I think the AFC champ whoever it is will be a 7-9 point favorite over whoever wins the NFC.but then again.. that's what it looked like last year too....

If the Eagles are the NFC champ, I'll pick them over either the Steelers or Ravens.

 

[Die]

Interesting that both McNabb and Warner have been debated as possible HOF timber, and that some people on the fence argued that it would take another super bowl appearance to get them in. Well, one of them IS going to get there now.

 

[gonzobill5]

What's the history of a team going on the road in the playoffs, winning, then coming back to play a home game?

 

[Ghost Rider]

What's the history of a team going on the road in the playoffs, winning, then coming back to play a home game?

Indy did it successfully two years ago. That is the only one that comes to mind right now. Also, this has to be the first conference championship game ever that features two teams that both didn't win 10 games in the regular season.

 

[gonzobill5]

What's the history of a team going on the road in the playoffs, winning, then coming back to play a home game?

Indy did it successfully two years ago. That is the only one that comes to mind right now. Also, this has to be the first conference championship game ever that features two teams that both didn't win 10 games in the regular season.

I would guess these home teams would be successful a lot more often then not - you expect to have to go on the road then are rewarded with a home game instead. Coming home after the win has to excite the team, and maybe loosen them up a little.

 

[S.K.A.]

I'm sure by the end of the week, the talking heads will be focused on who Philly will be playing in the superbowl. Despite the impossible task ahead, I'm guessing the Cardinals decide to suit up anyway.

Go Cards.

 

[SierraKiloBravo]

Were the Eagles not in the NFCC I could actually see myself rooting for Arizona; it's been a great run. But realistically I see this as a two touchdown win by the Eagles, at least.

The problem is that ARI has been playing inspired, dominating run defense, while their offense is generating points in bunches and capitalizing off of turnovers, not to mention the fact that Larry Fitzgerald is playing like an absolute beast. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think that ARI is going to torch PHI.

 

[Chase Stuart]

What's the history of a team going on the road in the playoffs, winning, then coming back to play a home game?

Indy did it successfully two years ago. That is the only one that comes to mind right now. Also, this has to be the first conference championship game ever that features two teams that both didn't win 10 games in the regular season.

I would guess these home teams would be successful a lot more often then not - you expect to have to go on the road then are rewarded with a home game instead. Coming home after the win has to excite the team, and maybe loosen them up a little.

The '87 Redskins won at Chicago in the division round and then hosted the NFCCG against the Vikings. So the two teams in modern history to do so both won the SB.This wasn't uncommon in the early 70s, before the NFL changed the seeding rules. The '70 49ers, '71 Cowboys and '71 Dolphins all did this.

 

[hotdogcollars]

Were the Eagles not in the NFCC I could actually see myself rooting for Arizona; it's been a great run. But realistically I see this as a two touchdown win by the Eagles, at least.

The problem is that ARI has been playing inspired, dominating run defense, while their offense is generating points in bunches and capitalizing off of turnovers, not to mention the fact that Larry Fitzgerald is playing like an absolute beast. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think that ARI is going to torch PHI.

they may win, but there is no way they "torch" the eagles. Eagles D has arguably been the best in the NFL the last half of the season+postseason

 

[eagles2007]

well, we're about to see if asante samuel was worth the $57 million or whatever we paid for him.

 

[Jason Wood]

Were the Eagles not in the NFCC I could actually see myself rooting for Arizona; it's been a great run. But realistically I see this as a two touchdown win by the Eagles, at least.

The problem is that ARI has been playing inspired, dominating run defense, while their offense is generating points in bunches and capitalizing off of turnovers, not to mention the fact that Larry Fitzgerald is playing like an absolute beast. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think that ARI is going to torch PHI.

LOL...nice, I want lots more of this chatter over the next few days, the karma gods need to be fed before the Eagles run roughshod over an overmatched opponent next week.

 

[Bri]

Were the Eagles not in the NFCC I could actually see myself rooting for Arizona; it's been a great run. But realistically I see this as a two touchdown win by the Eagles, at least.

I'll agree with your 2 td call. 27-13 Eagles.

I don't think that Cardinals offense only scores 13 when it is clearly firing on all cylinders.I respect the Eagles very good defense but I think this winds up a Cardinals type ballgame-high scoring. I would figure more on a 28-28 game where the Eagles D stops the Cards and Donovan leads the Eagles in for the game winning score moreso than a 2 TD victory with a wow offense only getting 13.This isn't anywhere near the pushover team that used to play in the NFCEast and I think some Eagles fans haven't shaken that.

 

[JuniorNB]

I think we're going to see an awful lot of that confused, frustrated Kurt Warner-face that we're all very accustomed to. Philly's defense will get to him early and often. Warner never starts poorly and then turns it around. He's either hot early or he gets off to a rough start and struggles all teh way.

Philly will stuff the run early and force Warner to throw. Cole will drill him a few times and he's very likely to put the ball on the turf.

Prediction: Philadelphia 24 Arizona 10

 

[harryhood]

I think we're going to see an awful lot of that confused, frustrated Kurt Warner-face that we're all very accustomed to. Philly's defense will get to him early and often. Warner never starts poorly and then turns it around. He's either hot early or he gets off to a rough start and struggles all teh way.Philly will stuff the run early and force Warner to throw. Cole will drill him a few times and he's very likely to put the ball on the turf.Prediction: Philadelphia 24 Arizona 10

Or we could see Fitz be as dominant as he has been in previous games. Warner can recognize a blitz and in "ideal" conditions the Arizona defense is much faster and more dangerous than when they are playing outside(namely the EC, the last time you saw them).I think they have a defense with speed that is built to play inside, I have a hard time thinking Philly puts up anymore than 20 in this game.

 

[JuniorNB]

I think we're going to see an awful lot of that confused, frustrated Kurt Warner-face that we're all very accustomed to. Philly's defense will get to him early and often. Warner never starts poorly and then turns it around. He's either hot early or he gets off to a rough start and struggles all teh way.

Philly will stuff the run early and force Warner to throw. Cole will drill him a few times and he's very likely to put the ball on the turf.

Prediction: Philadelphia 24 Arizona 10

Or we could see Fitz be as dominant as he has been in previous games. Warner can recognize a blitz and in "ideal" conditions the Arizona defense is much faster and more dangerous than when they are playing outside(namely the EC, the last time you saw them).I think they have a defense with speed that is built to play inside, I have a hard time thinking Philly puts up anymore than 20 in this game.

I know. That's why I have the game closer than the one in Philly.

 

[mad sweeney]

Two Nine Win teams.. one who played Cincinnati to a tie, the other who went 3-7 outside their division.

Marketing NIGHTMARE

only half a nightmare...philly has a very marketable fan base. Now, if the title game ends up being BAL v ARI, then there will be trouble in the NFL marketing dept.

Eagles are always a high ratings team and the fan base is notorious for traveling better than anyone. But agreed that a game in Arizona isn't exactly a ratings buster.

Snowbirds. There's literally millions of people from the frigid East already living there so they don't need to travel far to get to see the Eagles. Learning to drive in Phx SUCKS.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Were the Eagles not in the NFCC I could actually see myself rooting for Arizona; it's been a great run. But realistically I see this as a two touchdown win by the Eagles, at least.

The problem is that ARI has been playing inspired, dominating run defense, while their offense is generating points in bunches and capitalizing off of turnovers, not to mention the fact that Larry Fitzgerald is playing like an absolute beast. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think that ARI is going to torch PHI.

I wouldnt say torch but they can win without a doubt.

 

[babydemon90]

I think the AFC champ whoever it is will be a 7-9 point favorite over whoever wins the NFC.but then again.. that's what it looked like last year too....

no chance if it is the eagles in the bowl, not with their d and especially if it would be the ravens

LOLNov 23 Baltimore over Philadelphia 36-7

I'll go out on a limb and say if the eagles are in the superbowl with the Ravens, and down by 3 points, they WON'T bench McNabb and put in Kolb this time.

 

[JuniorNB]

I think the AFC champ whoever it is will be a 7-9 point favorite over whoever wins the NFC.but then again.. that's what it looked like last year too....

no chance if it is the eagles in the bowl, not with their d and especially if it would be the ravens

LOLNov 23 Baltimore over Philadelphia 36-7

I'll go out on a limb and say if the eagles are in the superbowl with the Ravens, and down by 3 points, they WON'T bench McNabb and put in Kolb this time.

 

[Chase Stuart]

well, we're about to see if asante samuel was worth the $57 million or whatever we paid for him.

I would think his performance the last two weeks already means he's worth it.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Go Cards.

 

[Jason Wood]

well, we're about to see if asante samuel was worth the $57 million or whatever we paid for him.

I would think his performance the last two weeks already means he's worth it.

 

[dgreen]

Go Cards.

 

[unckeyherb]

Eh. Was Thanksgiving nearly two months ago before the Cards have rallied to hold 2 of the top 5 rushing games to a combined 120 somthing yards? Was that before the Cards had won three in a row and one of the games was blowing out an NFC favorite (at home)?

No question, the Cards have improved a ton since the last time they met the eagles. Not for nothing though, the Eagles have improved more since then. Also, we are not and never have been a top rushing team. We rely on passing and getting our playmakers out in the open. Gints run-defense is superior to the Cards and that didn't do them much good. NFC favorite? See Dallas, Minny at home, Giants at home the last 3 weeks.

And actually, the home field advantage last week made a huge difference in the game. The Cards d-line was all over Ryan's snap count, and that lead to some huge game changing plays, and the Falcs had a few false starts etc.

Your D-line was all over a rookie's snap count. Congrats. It was stated after the game that Ryan flat out did not change the snap count and went on one the whole time. A seasoned playoff vet like McNabb and that oline is not going to make stupid false start penalties.

I see what your saying, but you cant compare this Cardinal team to the team in November and to try to act like the home field advantage didn't matter last week is just absurd.

Granted, but like I said above, if the Cards have improved by 50% since Thanksgiving, the Eagles have improved 100%. The offense is clicking much more and our defense is straight up playing lights out. How many TD's did the gints score AT HOME with 2 WEEKS rest and a HEALTHY JACOBS? zero.

A couple of comments regarding the above post in bold. Also some things to think about. Will Boldin play? If not you can double team Fitz all day, (I know, hes amazing and even double-coverage won't stop him.) That being said, Asante is playing like he's worth $50 million and is a ball hawk. Warner is not necessarily known for being good at protecting the ball. I'd bet Asante grabs at least one pick and wouldn't be surprised if he returns it for a TD.

Jim Johnson will be bringing all sorts of blitzes and like I said above, Warner (with or without his gloves) has been very good at fumbling the ball.

I see the Birds walking away from this and its not going to be close.

One Man's opinion.

 

[S.K.A.]

Eh. Was Thanksgiving nearly two months ago before the Cards have rallied to hold 2 of the top 5 rushing games to a combined 120 somthing yards? Was that before the Cards had won three in a row and one of the games was blowing out an NFC favorite (at home)?

No question, the Cards have improved a ton since the last time they met the eagles. Not for nothing though, the Eagles have improved more since then. Also, we are not and never have been a top rushing team. We rely on passing and getting our playmakers out in the open. Gints run-defense is superior to the Cards and that didn't do them much good. NFC favorite? See Dallas, Minny at home, Giants at home the last 3 weeks.

And actually, the home field advantage last week made a huge difference in the game. The Cards d-line was all over Ryan's snap count, and that lead to some huge game changing plays, and the Falcs had a few false starts etc.

Your D-line was all over a rookie's snap count. Congrats. It was stated after the game that Ryan flat out did not change the snap count and went on one the whole time. A seasoned playoff vet like McNabb and that oline is not going to make stupid false start penalties.

I see what your saying, but you cant compare this Cardinal team to the team in November and to try to act like the home field advantage didn't matter last week is just absurd.

Granted, but like I said above, if the Cards have improved by 50% since Thanksgiving, the Eagles have improved 100%. The offense is clicking much more and our defense is straight up playing lights out. How many TD's did the gints score AT HOME with 2 WEEKS rest and a HEALTHY JACOBS? zero.

A couple of comments regarding the above post in bold. Also some things to think about. Will Boldin play? If not you can double team Fitz all day, (I know, hes amazing and even double-coverage won't stop him.) That being said, Asante is playing like he's worth $50 million and is a ball hawk. Warner is not necessarily known for being good at protecting the ball. I'd bet Asante grabs at least one pick and wouldn't be surprised if he returns it for a TD.

Jim Johnson will be bringing all sorts of blitzes and like I said above, Warner (with or without his gloves) has been very good at fumbling the ball.

I see the Birds walking away from this and its not going to be close.

One Man's opinion.

Somebody should have told the Panthers to double Fitz, that would have changed everything.I'm sure John Abraham and Julius Peppers are wishing they would have blitzed the Cardinals. What were they thinking?

I believe the birds will definitely win. By definitely, I am saying a 100% probability.

Sorry for the heavy dose of sarcasm. I can't help but think that people working for Atlanta and Carolina may have thought of these things as well. One thing I will say for the Cardinals, at least they don't have to game plan for much of a running game compared to the last two weeks.

 

[JuniorNB]

Eh. Was Thanksgiving nearly two months ago before the Cards have rallied to hold 2 of the top 5 rushing games to a combined 120 somthing yards? Was that before the Cards had won three in a row and one of the games was blowing out an NFC favorite (at home)?

No question, the Cards have improved a ton since the last time they met the eagles. Not for nothing though, the Eagles have improved more since then. Also, we are not and never have been a top rushing team. We rely on passing and getting our playmakers out in the open. Gints run-defense is superior to the Cards and that didn't do them much good. NFC favorite? See Dallas, Minny at home, Giants at home the last 3 weeks.

And actually, the home field advantage last week made a huge difference in the game. The Cards d-line was all over Ryan's snap count, and that lead to some huge game changing plays, and the Falcs had a few false starts etc.

Your D-line was all over a rookie's snap count. Congrats. It was stated after the game that Ryan flat out did not change the snap count and went on one the whole time. A seasoned playoff vet like McNabb and that oline is not going to make stupid false start penalties.

I see what your saying, but you cant compare this Cardinal team to the team in November and to try to act like the home field advantage didn't matter last week is just absurd.

Granted, but like I said above, if the Cards have improved by 50% since Thanksgiving, the Eagles have improved 100%. The offense is clicking much more and our defense is straight up playing lights out. How many TD's did the gints score AT HOME with 2 WEEKS rest and a HEALTHY JACOBS? zero.

A couple of comments regarding the above post in bold. Also some things to think about. Will Boldin play? If not you can double team Fitz all day, (I know, hes amazing and even double-coverage won't stop him.) That being said, Asante is playing like he's worth $50 million and is a ball hawk. Warner is not necessarily known for being good at protecting the ball. I'd bet Asante grabs at least one pick and wouldn't be surprised if he returns it for a TD.

Jim Johnson will be bringing all sorts of blitzes and like I said above, Warner (with or without his gloves) has been very good at fumbling the ball.

I see the Birds walking away from this and its not going to be close.

One Man's opinion.

Somebody should have told the Panthers to double Fitz, that would have changed everything.I'm sure John Abraham and Julius Peppers are wishing they would have blitzed the Cardinals. What were they thinking?

Actually, someone should have told Delhomme not to throw it to the guys in white, red, and black, no matter how open they might be.

 

[S.K.A.]

Yes, agreed. As long as the Eagles game plan to not throw it to the Cardinals, they'll fare much better. That was poor planning on Carolina's part for sure.

 

[unckeyherb]

Somebody should have told the Panthers to double Fitz, that would have changed everything.I'm sure John Abraham and Julius Peppers are wishing they would have blitzed the Cardinals. What were they thinking?I believe the birds will definitely win. By definitely, I am saying a 100% probability.Sorry for the heavy dose of sarcasm. I can't help but think that people working for Atlanta and Carolina may have thought of these things as well. One thing I will say for the Cardinals, at least they don't have to game plan for much of a running game compared to the last two weeks.

No problem with sarcasm, I guess its better than providing actual reasons or thoughts as to why a Cards team that got smoked 48-20 six weeks ago is now going to beat an improved Eagles team. To answer your comments, I am sure that Carolina doubled Fitz, however like it or not the Eagles secondary is head and shoulders better than most teams, carolina included (not to mention that Dellehomme did everything in his power to keep the defense on the field for the entire game.) As I said before, I think that Asante will have AT LEAST one int. and he has the potential to take it the house every time he touches the ball. Comparing the blitz packages of the Panthers 19th ranked def those of 3rd ranked Eagles def doesn't really hold water either. Look, "any given Sunday..." I'm just saying, I think the Eagles have the cards beat in most areas, except for passing offense. However, the combination of Boldin possibly not playing combined with the age old addage..defense wins championships, leads me to think that the Eagles should be able to control this game pretty much from the get-go. If I am wrong, I'll come back and eat crow. No worries there.

 

[The Noid]

What's the history of a team going on the road in the playoffs, winning, then coming back to play a home game?

Indy did it successfully two years ago. That is the only one that comes to mind right now. Also, this has to be the first conference championship game ever that features two teams that both didn't win 10 games in the regular season.

Home field has usually meant more in the divisional round, than in the conference championship. Of course, this year the divisional round saw home field (and the bye week) be pretty meaningless.

 

[Tom Servo]

Go Cards.

 

[fore2right]

Cards 30-27.

 

[Meat]

I like the Eagles in this game (homer here), but people absolutely should not underestimate the Cardinals. NOBODY should be comparing either team to what happened when they met in November. Short week for the Cards, Eagles coming out fired up - game on the East Coast... etc. etc.

 

[sdseagles]

The key for the Eagles will be getting to Kurt Warner. The Philly DBs don't match up well with the big, physical receivers of Arizona. Boldin is expected to start, so if Warner has time to throw, he will pick them apart. But if the Eagles force him to rush his throws, disrupt his timing, and knock him on his ###, they will create turnovers and will win the game. But they also need to move the ball on offense; something they proved the ability to do that not long ago. And you can be sure the Eagles won't do them the same kind of favors that Carolina and Jake Delhomme did.

Two different teams than the ones that met on Thanksgiving. Who wants it more? Should be a fun game to watch. Hopefully the Eagles prevail, but I, for one, am not taking the Cardinals lightly. They didn't get to this point by accident . . .

 

[S.K.A.]

I agree that the key to a Philly win will be pressure on the quarterback. Warner will make bad decisions if he has to move out of the pocket or has a pass rush in his face.

With the tight end Spach going out with an injury, this will hurt Arizona. Boldin and Fitzgerald will command double teams. Someone else will need to emerge and it won't be the tight end.

I expect Philly to do a lot of swing passes to Westbrook out in the flat. Westbrook needs to have a good game in order for Philly to be successful and Arizona has shown the ability to shut down the run game.

The one surprise element, in my opinion, will be the crowd. I won't be surprised if the crowd messes with Philly's snap count more than anticipated. The stadium will have 70k plus and nobody knows how loud they can be. This is unchartered territory.

 

[Deadpool]

i am putting a jar of cactus jelly up against a philly cheesesteak with red raiders...

 

[sdseagles]

The one surprise element, in my opinion, will be the crowd. I won't be surprised if the crowd messes with Philly's snap count more than anticipated. The stadium will have 70k plus and nobody knows how loud they can be. This is unchartered territory.

Hard to imagine it will be any worse than it was in the Meadowlands. Or much different than it was in Minnesota. The Eagles will be prepared for that much, I would hope

 

[JerseyEagles]

I agree that the key to a Philly win will be pressure on the quarterback. Warner will make bad decisions if he has to move out of the pocket or has a pass rush in his face.

With the tight end Spach going out with an injury, this will hurt Arizona. Boldin and Fitzgerald will command double teams. Someone else will need to emerge and it won't be the tight end.

I expect Philly to do a lot of swing passes to Westbrook out in the flat. Westbrook needs to have a good game in order for Philly to be successful and Arizona has shown the ability to shut down the run game.

The one surprise element, in my opinion, will be the crowd. I won't be surprised if the crowd messes with Philly's snap count more than anticipated. The stadium will have 70k plus 30k Cards fans, 20k "new" Cards fans and 20k Eagles fans . Nobody knows how loud they can be. This is unchartered territory.

fixed

 

[Kuz]

I agree that the key to a Philly win will be pressure on the quarterback. Warner will make bad decisions if he has to move out of the pocket or has a pass rush in his face.

With the tight end Spach going out with an injury, this will hurt Arizona. Boldin and Fitzgerald will command double teams. Someone else will need to emerge and it won't be the tight end.

I expect Philly to do a lot of swing passes to Westbrook out in the flat. Westbrook needs to have a good game in order for Philly to be successful and Arizona has shown the ability to shut down the run game.

The one surprise element, in my opinion, will be the crowd. I won't be surprised if the crowd messes with Philly's snap count more than anticipated. The stadium will have 70k plus 30k Cards fans, 20k "new" Cards fans and 20k Eagles fans . Nobody knows how loud they can be. This is unchartered territory.

fixed

Classic..

 

[harryhood]

The key for the Eagles will be getting to Kurt Warner. The Philly DBs don't match up well with the big, physical receivers of Arizona. Boldin is expected to start, so if Warner has time to throw, he will pick them apart. But if the Eagles force him to rush his throws, disrupt his timing, and knock him on his ###, they will create turnovers and will win the game. But they also need to move the ball on offense; something they proved the ability to do that not long ago. And you can be sure the Eagles won't do them the same kind of favors that Carolina and Jake Delhomme did.Two different teams than the ones that met on Thanksgiving. Who wants it more? Should be a fun game to watch. Hopefully the Eagles prevail, but I, for one, am not taking the Cardinals lightly. They didn't get to this point by accident . . .

Now here is an eagles fan with a level head, above was well stated. This is going to be the best offense you have seen since, well, the last time Arizona came into your building, but the stakes and location are drastically altered. And a banged up Samuel and Co are going to have a tough time hanging with Fitz, Breaston, Boldin(possibly). Those three are on a totally different planet than Wade, Rice, Shiancoe, Toomer, Hixon, Smith, BossI think this game is going to be closer than the Giants game because well, Arizona can put up 7 every time they get close instead of 3. If Warner has time advantage goes to Arizona.

 

[The Noid]

All this talk about Philly winning the game if/when they get to the QB who can't handle pressure reminds me of the NFC championship against Tampa in '03. We all thought we would have Brad Johnson on his back the entire game and I don't think the Eagles sacked him once and barely pressured him.

Two different QBs, granted, but it could wind up being the same (sad) story for the Eagles if they come up small again in that area.

 

[hotdogcollars]

All this talk about Philly winning the game if/when they get to the QB who can't handle pressure reminds me of the NFC championship against Tampa in '03. We all thought we would have Brad Johnson on his back the entire game and I don't think the Eagles sacked him once and barely pressured him.Two different QBs, granted, but it could wind up being the same (sad) story for the Eagles if they come up small again in that area.

That game was won by Tampa's defense IMO. If i remember correctly, they had a pick 6 and pretty much shut down the birds all day. Not saying Arizona's D isnt playing well, but they are not the Buc D from 5 years ago.This game more than any other in the postseason thus far, will depend on the Eagles Offense coming out firing. They cant afford 2 quarters of poor play like the first 2 playoff games. Against the Vikings (Tavaris) and the Giants (windy and cold), they could rely on their D to keep them in the game. Against the Cards, at home, in the dome, with Super Bowl caliber QB they can only ask the D to do so much

 

[Day Drinker]

Well, I was at the Atlanta game and I'll be at the NFC Championship game this weekend, so know that I am slightly biassed, even though I am realistic. I have said this the past two weeks, and I'll say it again. The Cardinals success is COMPLETELY dependent on if their defense shows up. When they play well, they are as talented as any other Defense in the league, but they have lacked consistency throughout the year. Our offense will get theirs, so whoever wins the turnover battle will win this game.

I am more confident this week than I was against the Panthers, that's for sure. There IS a home field advantage in the desert, like it or not EAGLE fans. Bring it on, it will be fun.

 

[S.K.A.]

I read it somewhere and I thought it was very accurate. Watching the Cardinals season and improbable playoff run is akin to watching Forrest Gump shed his leg braces.

 

[Day Drinker]

I read it somewhere and I thought it was very accurate. Watching the Cardinals season and improbable playoff run is akin to watching Forrest Gump shed his leg braces.

We Are RUN-N-N-NING!Great call. I hope it keeps up.

 

[AYBABTUS]

The only thing that scares me about this game as an Eagles fan is that the Eagles offense has started out slow for the last 2 games and their defense held them in it until McNabb & Co. finally found their game. As great as the defense has been I don't think they're gunna shut down the Cards (w/ Boldin) as easily as they have the Vikings and Giants.

That being said...

27-24 Eagles.

Should be a gooder

 

[JetMaxx]

I agree that the key to a Philly win will be pressure on the quarterback. Warner will make bad decisions if he has to move out of the pocket or has a pass rush in his face.

With the tight end Spach going out with an injury, this will hurt Arizona. Boldin and Fitzgerald will command double teams. Someone else will need to emerge and it won't be the tight end.

I expect Philly to do a lot of swing passes to Westbrook out in the flat. Westbrook needs to have a good game in order for Philly to be successful and Arizona has shown the ability to shut down the run game.

The one surprise element, in my opinion, will be the crowd. I won't be surprised if the crowd messes with Philly's snap count more than anticipated. The stadium will have 70k plus 30k Cards fans, 20k "new" Cards fans and 20k Eagles fans . Nobody knows how loud they can be. This is unchartered territory.

fixed

 

[madviking10]

Obviously not a Cardinals fanatic but excited about the home state team making the playoffs.

Talked to some friends after the Cardinals/Eagles won. Checked the interest level in going to the game. (I dont know a single Cardinals fan.) Everyone said too expensive and that they would just watch it on TV. I get a kick out of the excitement level of the tailgating experience. I decided, FINE, I will go by myself and at least tailgate in the GREEN lot and see if I can get into an NFC Championship game for $100.

I secured a GREEN parking pass today for $75. (Love the GREEN lot because you actually set-up on a football field just outside the stadium in the grass.) Going to roll three hours north on Sunday morning and be in line waiting for the Green lot to open around nine thirty. Taking a DIRECTV setup, my little red truck, a few beers, a grill, some brats, and some snacks. Ill wear the colors of the home state and decorate my truck with Cardinal flags and such.

Im going to take a $100 bill and wont go into the stadium unless my ticket costs me that or less.

What are my chances of being inside the stadium on Sunday???

If I dont make it in, I will just watch the game in the parking lot and hope that it ends in a huge aftergame party. I really believe however that by at least the end of the first quarter Big Ben will get me in the show.

(BTW, wife and the dudes at work think I'm crazy. What else am I going to do however? The Vikings are out yet another year and I might never get a chance again to see an NFC Championship game. I figure at the worst, it's a good people watching experience and a fun way to see what $100 can buy. Wish me luck even if you hate the idea.

 

[LHUCKS]

Respect the avatar!!!

 

[Penguin]

If I was Kurt Warner (or Brenda for that matter) I'd be hunting your high yellow ### down like a hyena that hasn't eatin' in months!