The Arizona Cardinals were minutes away from winning Super Bowl XLIII in one of the most surprising postseason runs in recent history. After taking a three point lead, the defense was carved up by Ben Roethlisberger in the Pittsburgh version of “The Drive,” culminating in a Santonio Holmes touchdown that would forever have a place in the NFL films archives.
The postseason was met with some turmoil, as famed wide receiver Anquan Boldin was unhappy, Kurt Warner was another year older, Matt Leinart had impossibly regressed to uncharted levels, and integral pieces in Rod Hood, Travis Laboy, and Edgerrin James left the franchise for separate teams.
Arizona went off and signed Beanie Wells, the impressive and stoutly built running back out of Ohio State. Although Big Ten players haven’t panned out as well as others in recent history, Wells looked to have a lot of upside. But he was in no way, shape, or form the answer for a team that finished near last in running the football.
What has Arizona done after their off-season roller coaster ride? Simply cruise to another NFC west divisional title, and has a chance to finish as high as the three seed should Dallas pull the upset at home against Philadelphia. Regardless if the team grabs the three or the four, the Arizona Cardinals are the team to beat for a plethora of reasons. There is an outside shot for the Cardinals to get the two seed should Minnesota lose out AND Dallas win next week AND Arizona win, but for now we’ll pretend they’re playing opening week.
First, lets look at the landscape of the NFC right now. The Saints and Vikings, both expected to finish first and second respectively in the conference, are pretty much limping to the finish line. As I type this, Minnesota lost in overtime against the Chicago Bears, and New Orleans is now losers of two straight – that includes a loss at home against Tampa Bay.
The race is about as wide open as it gets. The Eagles and Cowboys are your proverbial lightning rod teams, heavily reliant on the big play to win ballgames. Dallas plays tougher defense, but there’s still no go to player on the offensive side of the ball. Miles Austin might be a poor mans DeSean Jackson, but without any help from Roy Williams he’s going to be facing double teams early and often come postseason. Philadelphia does have the most electric player in the NFC in MeSean DeSean, but when is the last time the Eagles have put anyone way? Seems like they lack a certain killer instinct if you look past the surface.
Of course I’m highlighting the shortcomings of these teams while ignoring the real positives, but I’m trying to illustrate how wide open the door is for this race.
Green Bay looks to be playing some of the best football amongst the whole lot heading into January, but don’t they look a lot like the Arizona Cardinals of last season?
Let’s talk facts instead of opinion here for a minute. Does anyone think Larry Fitzgerald isn’t the best weapon in the National Football League? Chris Johnson fans might have an argument, but I’d counter with the fact that CJ gets 25-30 touches a game, and Larry does work inside of double/triple teams every Sunday. Complementing him are standout receivers Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston, who have both proven that they can get the job done in key situations.
On defense, the team is loaded with playmakers. The reason why the Cardinals ran through the 2008-2009 playoffs is because they were opportunistic on defense, and were able to get to opposing quarterbacks consistently. Is there a team with more household names than the Cardinals, and for good reason? Calais Campbell, Darnell Dockett, Gerald Hayes, Karlos Dansby, and Chike Okeafor all are an integral part of the front seven. The secondary features two of the best in football in Rodgers-Cromartie and Adrian Wilson, who pretty much catch anythin thrown their way. Bryant McFadden and Antrel Rolle aren’t slouches either.
The old adage of playing great defense wins Super Bowls still holds some weight, but this National Football League is all about scoring points. The three hottest teams in football right now are unquestionably the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, and Green Bay Packers. Not far behind are the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, five teams who fill up offensive statsheets on the regular.
Arizona’s running game has slightly improved, and the passing game has always been there. The other old adage of having to run the football is equally as strong, but consider this: In no situation will the Arizona Cardinals face inclement weather, as only Philadelphia plays outside of a dome. The Green Bay Packers obviously play at Lambeau, but in no circumstance would Arizona have to travel to Green Bay, as the Packers were a wild card winner and the Cardinals a divisional winner.
Lastly, the Cardinals have been there. They are the defending NFC champions, and have at least somewhat patched the two problems the team faced last season. Their defense now ranks in the top half in terms of PPG allowed, and they’ve run the ball at a slightly better rate than during their ‘09 campaign. Kurt Warner might be one of the most composed postseason players behind center in history: 8-3 record as a starter with a 2:1 TD to INT ratio and a QB rating of 99.
The race may be wide open, but don’t count out the ever-feisty Arizona Cardinals. There’s a reason they surprised everyone last season, and the way the media has pushed them aside for the media darling Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints makes you wonder if the lack of respect will inspire them even further.
Travis Yost is a native New Yorker and recent Arizona State University product . He is the team beat writer for the Ottawa Senators over at Hockey Buzz, and covers all sports here at The Prose. 
I’m pretty excited for the playoffs this year, even if the Giants embarrassingly blew it. Great article. Most people are sleeping on the Patriots as well thinking they’re washed up, and Brady had a stunning game going 23/26 with 267 yds. and 4 TD’s. Some exciting match-ups coming in January.
After watching the way Minnesota and New Orleans are falling off late this year, I would not be shocked by an Zona @ Philly Part II NFC Championship Game.
Great guy, great player, great career..Really a shame to see him go.
Just imagine I read it twice. While I am not as accomplished on this issue, I match with your determinations because they create sense. Thanks and goodluck to you.
Cool blog by the way. I’m going from blog to blog asking different people what they think about the Super Bowl. So we think about the Saints winning? Are you happy with it? Are you pissed with it? Give me your opinion.