Time: Sat. 8:15 PM ETWeather: High: 59, Low: 38, 60% chance of rain, estimated 14 mph cross wind
Favorite: Carolina by 10
Barack Obama was recently named TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year. While the President-elect is certainly worthy of the nod, my vote would have gone to second-year Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt. While Obama will be expected to lead the free world beginning January 20th, the task facing Whisenhunt two years ago was just as ominous. Taking control of a fledgling laughing stock, Whisenhunt now has the Cardinals knocking on the door of the NFC Championship Game; way faster than Obama could ever dream of fixing the American economy.
The turnaround began last season when Whisenhunt handed the reigns of the offense over to the 36-year-old Kurt Warner, burying first-round pick Matt Leinart on the Arizona bench. Whisenhunt showed faith in a quarterback that’ so many love to question.
And what happens when people unwisely question the hall-of-fame bound Kurt Warner?
He usually ends up with MVP-like numbers with his team in the Super Bowl mix. This season is no exception. Warner’s full-blown NFL resurrection (4,854 yards, 32 TDs) is the main reason why Arizona boasts the most explosive offense remaining in the playoffs. In fact, when they are firing on all cylinders, Arizona’s offense and Warner’s old Greatest Show on Turf attack, look eerily similar. The big question heading into this game revolves around one of Warner’s main targets, Anquan Boldin. Boldin pulled his hamstring while scoring a 71-yard touchdown in last week’s 30-24 win over Atlanta. He plans on testing the injury before the game, yet sources close to Arizona expect little, if anything, from Boldin. Anybody smell some cat and mouse? Either way, one thing is certain: Boldin is far from 100%. Arizona’s third wide-receiver, Steve Breaston, will be asked to help shoulder the load. Breaston has been phenomenal during his 2008 coming-out party; hauling in 77 catches for 1,006 yards. His productivity now becomes vital for Arizona.
Meanwhile, the #2-seeded Carolina Panthers enter the game 12-4, healthy, and ready to play. The Panthers are led by Head Coach John Fox, who is quietly becoming one of the best coaches of his era. The one thing Fox lacks is a Super Bowl ring, and this current group of Panthers would love to fill that void. I suspect Fox knows he’ll need to score in the high 20’s-low 30’s to beat Arizona, so look for him to alter his game plan and take numerous shots down the field to Steve Smith. The rest of the time, Carolina will look to grind out the clock with their two-back attack of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. As is normally the case with playoff football, pay close attention to who wins the turnover battle. In this particular game it could easily be the deciding factor.
The only thing that might slow down Arizona is the game-time weather. If this turns into a cold and rainy affair, edge Carolina. If not, look for Warner to pick apart Carolina’s defense, with or without Boldin. Once the Cards get rollin’, Carolina’s run-oriented offense will have a very tough time keeping up.
Prediction: Arizona 31 Carolina 24
The turnaround began last season when Whisenhunt handed the reigns of the offense over to the 36-year-old Kurt Warner, burying first-round pick Matt Leinart on the Arizona bench. Whisenhunt showed faith in a quarterback that’ so many love to question.
And what happens when people unwisely question the hall-of-fame bound Kurt Warner?
He usually ends up with MVP-like numbers with his team in the Super Bowl mix. This season is no exception. Warner’s full-blown NFL resurrection (4,854 yards, 32 TDs) is the main reason why Arizona boasts the most explosive offense remaining in the playoffs. In fact, when they are firing on all cylinders, Arizona’s offense and Warner’s old Greatest Show on Turf attack, look eerily similar. The big question heading into this game revolves around one of Warner’s main targets, Anquan Boldin. Boldin pulled his hamstring while scoring a 71-yard touchdown in last week’s 30-24 win over Atlanta. He plans on testing the injury before the game, yet sources close to Arizona expect little, if anything, from Boldin. Anybody smell some cat and mouse? Either way, one thing is certain: Boldin is far from 100%. Arizona’s third wide-receiver, Steve Breaston, will be asked to help shoulder the load. Breaston has been phenomenal during his 2008 coming-out party; hauling in 77 catches for 1,006 yards. His productivity now becomes vital for Arizona.
Meanwhile, the #2-seeded Carolina Panthers enter the game 12-4, healthy, and ready to play. The Panthers are led by Head Coach John Fox, who is quietly becoming one of the best coaches of his era. The one thing Fox lacks is a Super Bowl ring, and this current group of Panthers would love to fill that void. I suspect Fox knows he’ll need to score in the high 20’s-low 30’s to beat Arizona, so look for him to alter his game plan and take numerous shots down the field to Steve Smith. The rest of the time, Carolina will look to grind out the clock with their two-back attack of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. As is normally the case with playoff football, pay close attention to who wins the turnover battle. In this particular game it could easily be the deciding factor.
The only thing that might slow down Arizona is the game-time weather. If this turns into a cold and rainy affair, edge Carolina. If not, look for Warner to pick apart Carolina’s defense, with or without Boldin. Once the Cards get rollin’, Carolina’s run-oriented offense will have a very tough time keeping up.
Prediction: Arizona 31 Carolina 24
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