Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals - NFC Championship Game Open Thread
by Michael Bean on Jan 18, 2009 3:03 PM EST
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PrintHmm. Which side to take in this one. Last week, I was perfectly willing to proclaim my confidence in the Eagles to beat the Giants on the road. Couldn't have felt more confident about that one. The match ups were too juicy for Philly versus that particular Giants team:
As the #4 seed, there's a very legitimate possibility that the Cardinals could be hosting next week's NFC Championship game. That would happen if the Eagles took down the Giants in the Meadowlands Sunday afternoon.
Not going to spend much time explaining why I think that's exactly going to happen, but I do. Both road teams won during the regular season; McNabb's no stranger to big games; but most importantly to me, New York doesn't have enough offensive firepower to repeat as champs. I personally think their run is short lived and will end tomorrow against the Eagles. There's just nobody on the Giants that can scare Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. With no Plaxico Burress to worry about, match up problems disappear and the Eagles can do what they like to do best: blitz with abandon while leaving their excellent CBs alone 1-on-1. That's not risky against the Giants with no Plax.
Well what about Brandon Jacobs you might say? I don't know. I don't think he's enough to win a game against that Eagles defense. Manning has to have targets in the passing game for it work and I don't see where the Giants have an edge in any match up on the outside.
As for the Cardinals, I wrote that I thought they'd give the Panthers a much closer game than people were expecting. It's hard to predict a 6 turnover performance of course, but people were too low on Arizona just one week after playing very sound football against Atlanta. Even down 7-0 early I thought the Cards had a shot to make a game of it after getting a critical stop in the 1st quarter (from a game thread, so pardon the shoddy grammar and spelling):
I'll say it still even with it 7-0. I think this games going to be close till the end. Another long drive though by Carolina on that previous one would have been devastating. Turned the field though field position wise and are in bizness. Had to avoid a big early hole though and it looks like they're off the brink of disaster for now.
The main reason I thought people were misguided a bit last week was because most across the country aren't quite aware of the big game mojo littered throughout Ken Whisenhunt's resume. Whiz is a top flight game theorist and strategist - he's so good at pulling off the unexpected, while finding ways to set up what he wants to do at just the right time.
There's more...
(you really should read this book if you like to think, read, are interested in logic, game theory/strategy, or you just want to learn something new about making sound informed decisions in all sorts of daily life transactions, then you're going to both really love the book and learn a ton from it. That covers just about all of y'all so...).
And by unexpected, I don't mean gadget plays all the time. I mean a game plan that is tough to foresee coming yet still within the general framework of what's feasible, somewhat familiar, and sustainable over the course of prolonged stretches of the game, not just a singular play or series. Take last week for example. There was a steady dose of the running game early, something the Cardinals haven't done at all this year. But don't let that talking point skew the whole picture - Larry Fitzgerald still also had monster numbers in the first half. In other words, Whiz was being unpredictable while still finding just the right times to go to his All-World play maker on the outside.
That all sounds easy in theory to do - throw early to set up the run like we did in '05 for example - but it's not. Opposing coordinators know that's the plan. Remember the movie Princess Bride? Remember the scene where 'Mr. Inconceivable' is going through all the likely strategies Westley must be considering in their Battle of the Wits. The train of thought from the yappy bald fellow is not all that incongruous with what coordinators go through each week trying to get inside the head of their opposing counterpart as they draw up comprehensive game plans and contingency options for all sorts of scenarios:
Whiz has frequently found a way to outfox his opponent, most of the time by simply not being afraid to roll the dice and trust his guys to execute like professionals, even in areas where they've been mediocre all year.
This week though?? I have no idea. My inclination says that Philadelphia is going to win this game. Who knows though, and part of my reluctance stems from Whiz's success getting his teams to play loose on the biggest of stages.
I will say this: Arizona has to turn the Eagles over 2-3 times to win this one because I think Jim Johnson and the Eagles defense will have some success themselves getting after Kurt Warner and forcing a turnover. The Cards may need a few fortuitous bounces to change the field and tide of the game if they're going to complete the unthinkable and advance on to the Super Bowl.
Anyway, I think the early moments of this game will tell a lot about what will happen. If McNabb is given time by his offensive line and is able to cleanly scan the field, the Cards are probably in trouble. If McNabb seems a bit rattled for whatever reason - be it from a fluke INT, a sack, whatever - than this one could be interesting and hedge in AZ's favor. It might also be clear whether or not Jim Johnson and the blitzing Eagles have the Cards confused in their protection packages. Struggles early might mean struggles often. Clean pick ups of the blitz might mean a big day for Kurt Warner and his targets down the field. Philly's a fairly feast or famine type of team. Will we see one or the other early on? I think so, personally.
Regardless of who wins, if Pittsburgh were to win later in the day, the Super Bowl would have intriguing story lines for us. If it's Arizona, it's a match up with former offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and former offensive line coach Russ Grimm. If it's Philly, it's a rematch of the Week 3 debacle, when Big Ben was sacked 8 times and hurried countless others.
I have some Steelers related stuff for us in the early afternoon, but let's start here to talk about this game as it unfolds as we nervously await the AFC Championship game between your Pittsburgh Steelers and the sewer's Baltimore Ravens. Don't be too nervous though - everything's aligned in our favor and for what it's worth, your homeboy Blitz not only likes Pittsburgh's chances, he's contemplating a big, big last minute bet on them, something I've felt confident enough to do only one other time this year - last week against San Diego (mom, if you're reading, I hope you gave up by now or got caught up being nostalgic about having kids in your house many moons ago with the Princess Bride on every couple of weeks at least; gambling's bad, or something, I remember).
I'll be right here throughout. Join me. Oh, I think we should all agree on one thing - if the Steelers were to win later, we want Arizona. Period. No two ways about it. At least if we're talking about the best possible match up for winning's sake. If you're heart is set on revenge, so be it. But for this Steelers fan, it's go Cards...unequivocally.
It's Championship Sunday my friends. Time to see who's for real and ready to bring it all one more time with the table stakes as high as they can be in each conference - by day's end two tested and weary teams will be heading to Tampa Bay and Super Bowl 43.
First up: Philly and Arizona.
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I LOVED that movie! Btw, it would be "inconthievable"
I even had a friend who laughed like the Sicilian did- and it was just as annoying to hear. :)
Regardless of who we will play after the Eagles/Cards game- I’m sure that either team will be easier than Baltimore. I think Arizona presents a little more risk- Fitzgerald and the other dreadlocked guy on that team are sick ballers. I don’t see Arizona winning if they are contained though.
Ha, one of the funniest steelers related pieces I’ve ever read was from http://www.steelerfury.com/articles/title/Monday-Evening-Quarterback—Week-Six/ regarding the broncos game from last year which we all remember.
Bruce “Vizzini” Arians. Here’s the transcript of the meeting where Arians drew up the offensive gameplan:
Arians: “It’s so simple. All I have to do is divine from what I know of you: are you the sort of man who would put eight men in the box to sell out to stop the run? Now, a clever man would put eight men in the box, because he would know that only a great fool would reach for what he was given. I am not a great fool, so I can clearly not choose to pass against a stacked front. But Shanahan must have known I was not a great fool, he would have counted on it, so I can clearly not choose to run the ball.”
Tomlin: “You’ve made your decision then?”
Arians: “Not remotely!”
I voted for the Philly win
I kept telling my giant fan friends that philly would fall apart….but now I’m not so sure. they seem to be playing very tight. I wouldn’t be surprised if the eagles lose….but I’m thinking the eagles will win this one.
Do the Cards even have defense???
L!
yea me too
theyre like us – peaking at the right time.
by Michael Bean on Jan 18, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
that said!
cards are sick at home and they too are hot..its a tough one to call but phillys the more complete team on paper without doubt.
by Michael Bean on Jan 18, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
The cards D has looked rather good the last two weeks, especially vs. atlanta. One thing is for sure: If we win this game against baltimore, the superbowl is far from a clinch. I worry the most about the eagles due to game 3 and matchups, but the cardinals scare me because of the whiz-related items in this post.
yea
cards D has shut down Michael Turner and the Panters two headed running attack to under 100 yards. Those are two of the top 5 rushing teams in the league i believe. theyre hot right now. still, their talents not in the same league as phillys and they dont get after the QB like Philly – AZ is dangerous but they cant expose us on offense like Philly can. And our D, particularly our pass defense has shut down plenty of amazing passing attacks.
wasnt long ago that the cards were giving up sacks and not running for shit either.
James
He wasn’t benched, they were just resting him for the playoffs!
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 3:11 PM EST reply actions
yeah he did
But why is his player trying to keep him out of the endzone?
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 18, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
And other great Princess Bride quotes that may apply to our game
We face each other as God intended. Sportsmanlike. No tricks, no weapons, skill against skill alone.
Ravens: First things first, to the death.
Steelers: No. To the pain.
Ravens: I don’t think I’m quite familiar with that phrase.
Steelers: I’ll explain and I’ll use small words so that you’ll be sure to understand, you warthog faced buffoon.
Ravens: That may be the first time in my life a man has dared insult me.
Fitz
almost was stopped by his own guy!
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 3:13 PM EST reply actions
LOL
Just thinking that – the only guy who could keep him out was his teammate….
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 18, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
I'd Rather See the Eggles
Warm weather, skill position players, a qb that has won the big game, a running-game-compliment north-south back. Regardless of Phillies sack potential, I’d rather see the Eggles, sorry. This is based on how they are playing now, not September.
by rushthequarterback on Jan 18, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions
I'd rather see the cards
you just won’t see our D get run on that way, and we can get to the QB – warner’s especially vulnerable to the patented deebo stripsack
yup
agreed. the question is which DEFENSE gives pittsburgh more trouble. Our defense will do fine against either of them for the most part. At least to me thats the story.
by Michael Bean on Jan 18, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
Big Play Potential is More Scary
In Tampa, the field will play fast. I don’t fear a short passing attack and I think the game will feature more offense than you do.
by rushthequarterback on Jan 18, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
Sacks
I’d like to see that, but I just checked and Warner’s only been sacked 15 times in last 14 games. He gets the ball out and gets some protection.
Don’t get me wrong – I give us the edge in either match-up, but I think we are better than Philly at every position, but not true with the Cards.
by rushthequarterback on Jan 18, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
I guess the last 5 or 6 weeks of the season were a massive head fake by whiz
run game? what run game?
WHiz knows our sytem inside out
ala Grudin against the Raiders in ’03.
Yeah
It will be dangerous to face them. We are a more physical team – but you just never know what Boldin and Fitzgerald can do against you – if you aren’t careful….
by SteelerBuddha on Jan 18, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
Fitzgerald is a beast
All us Pit fines are surprised. We saw the same thing in college.
How bout we beat the Ravens first!!
But if I had to pick. I’d pick the loser of this game!
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
McNabb
with tons of time! Went with his 23rd read.
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 3:22 PM EST reply actions
The Eagles need receivers!!!!!!!!!!
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 3:38 PM EST reply actions
McNabb off right now
Throwing the ball at peoples feet
change of subject
seen this?
http://www.wpxi.com/video/18499045/index.html
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 3:48 PM EST reply actions
that's cool
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
WOW. Haven't I seen that play somewhere before???
Oh Yeah Cincy playoff game in ’05.
Yeah, and against us in 2004 AFCCG
I think
by rushthequarterback on Jan 18, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Really?
I’ve erased all memories of that game.
Wiser than I
I have much to learn
by rushthequarterback on Jan 18, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
not if the Eagles can't get in the endzone
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
I try not to root for a certain team to play.....
…let the chips fall where they may, and if the steelers make it to the SB, if they play their A game…they’re gonna win anyway!!!
L!
wow
edge rips another one off – who would have thought the cards could run nearly at will on the eagles?
I Hope the Cards blow them out if they are going to win.
I live in Iggle country and they were so obnoxious (of course) last week at the the Pub I go to. I couldn’t enjoy the first half. Hopefully, this week they will all have cleared out by the time I get there. Can’t stand to hear even one more E-A-G-L-E-S chant.
good.
I should have no problem hearing the game, getting a seat, or most importantly, getting a refill.
um...
…who do you think on our team that can effectively cover fitzgerald? b/c they way this game is looking that’s who we’re gonna need to figure out how to stop
"From here on out, the Steelers are bird exterminators. It doesn't matter if it's the Ravens, Eagles, or Cardinals." ~random Steeler Fan!
sadly
with 2 weeks rest Boldin would be pretty healthy if they make it.
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
don't care for too many ravens...
but that mason is a heck of a player – can’t believe he beat the cowboys with one arm
Also live in philly
I have vested intrest in the iggles winning. I was offered tickets if it’s an iggles stillers superbowl. Still I wouldn’t mind seeing them lose just to quiet the green mob.
who's is coaching one heck of a game
Really impressed with the game he is calling so far. He seems two steps ahead.
i'm trying to hold off as well
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
the guys a competetor
you knew he’d suit up. don’t expect him to do much more than inspire.
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
Let him play hurt,
or let the Ravens claim he’s going to play only to never show up, or let him be completely healthy. No matter the circumstance, I’d like to think that the Steelers coaches have planned approriately.
I know most of you are just steelers fans here, but the penguins played a great game today. Not to mention the penguins encouraged everyone to bring terrible towels to the arena, and are generally cool with the steelers getting all the press. Here’s their goalie as he skated on to the ice today (seriously):
http://cdn.nhl.com/penguins/images/upload/2009/01/flower.jpg
nice photo
Looks like a lot of TTs in the stands as well.
That's awesome, but
what up with those powder blue uniforms? When did that happen?
by DistrictSteelerFan on Jan 18, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
HERE WE GO HERE GO HERE GOO!!!!
STEEEEELERS!!!! GO GOG GOGO GOOOOO!!!! WOOOOO!!!!!
yes I’m pumped.
L!
The NFC game is just bad. I would love for the steelers to be in the position the cardinals are at right now.
mcnab has one helluv an arm
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 5:11 PM EST reply actions
If you need a two point conversion at some point...
Why not go for it a the earliest moment possible so you know what you have to do for the rest of the game? Like after PHI scored that TD…then they know they will need two TDs instead of just a TD and FG over the last 20 min. or so.
i woulda said take the guarnteed point ...
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, but seriously. needed 2, got 0
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, there was a lot of time in this instance.
But as a general proposition, if you are down 18 with lets say 10 min. left…and you recognize at some point you will need to go for two…why not take the earliest chance. Just to know what you have left to do so you can plan accordingly.
I just pose the quesiton
b/c it seems like a lot of coaches, if they need 2 TDs and a two point, go for the two point after the second TD instead of the first. Doesn’t make sense to me.
Too much time left to go for two!
Easy to say after the missed XP.
and we have a game!
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 5:29 PM EST reply actions
ben would get hit while throwing it then catch it, then get sacked
somehow, he would get sacked another time while all of this i going on.
What a game!
What resilience. No quit in Eggles.
by rushthequarterback on Jan 18, 2009 5:35 PM EST reply actions
from dale lolley
rolle is inactive today, frank walker active in his place. I sense some payback for slobbergate coming :)
i cant remember who wrote the article
but some reporter attended steelers pratice thoughout the week and said that our O has an interesting game plan
ARZ's angst
Such a long suffering fan base has another hard pill to swallow. And some of those diehards have been cheering for this team going on two weeks now.
Holy Crap!
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 5:44 PM EST reply actions
missed XP could come back to hurt
they werent able to get it back there.
They just need a FG
Philly should already have 27 pts.
I'm only watching the score on nfl.com
(while attempting to do some work before the Steelers game) so I have no idea how the game looks on the field — but wow. I really thought the Eagles were out of it, seeing the score at halftime. And the missed extra point — huh. I thought that was the Eagles going for a two-point conversion, but I guess it was actually a missed kick!
They missed an XP
and then missed the 2 pt conversion to try to make up for it.
move the chains, burn the clock
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 5:51 PM EST reply actions
the call is Warner under center - straight ahead
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 5:52 PM EST reply actions
ive been saying it all year, dont run counters on 4th and short
the steelers have proven that this year to be ineffective.
However, it did work this once
All I know is you don't mess with a guy that came back from a broken face.
Coach kept saying “don’t call me that”
Good game.
i hope our game doesn’t go this way, but I’m afraid that’s wishful thinking.
2 burned. mcnab burned one, then this one
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
wait until we see who has possession first
would hate to see you marching the Ravens down the field!
Arizona would never have gone for 2 there.
Score should be 31-27 instead of 32-25.
Not hard to remember when its currently in the DVD player
“Pop quiz hot shot, there’s a bomb on a bus…er…cruiseliner…”
Ok
Is someone sitting down with McNabb right now to make sure he is clear on the OT rules in the playoffs?
Perfect.
One more play and everyone should be emtying out of local pub. Most of them (eagle fans) probably left at half time.
Hank Baskett
Think all that press on Kendra’s got Hank down? Or too much Kendra over the weekend
Bring on the first course of bird dinners!
Whatever it takes!
by SteelerInSeattle on Jan 18, 2009 6:13 PM EST reply actions
Big congrats to Coach Whiz, Coach Grimm, and Larry Fitzgerald.
Not too many of us are that suprised.
DINNER
Those aren’t dinners those are appetizers.
See you all for post game celebration!
GO STILLERS!
Is it game time yet!!!!
Here We Go Steelers!!!!!!!!
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jan 18, 2009 6:17 PM EST reply actions
Never thought I'd say this as a Seahawks fan, but
GO STEELERS. Your team is in the best position to beat the goddam Cards.
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