I have selected the Arizona Cardinals to beat rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons.
Don't get me wrong. I like the way Atlanta has played this season. I just believe the playoffs are a different animal. Rookies are usually not in playoff games, and I expect mistakes.
On the other hand, Kurt Warner has been there before.
Let the game begin.
The Cardinals start on their own 12-yard line. Warner is under pressure quickly on a safety blitz and throws his first pass incomplete. Second-and-10.
Warner hit as he lets the ball go and it falls short, incomplete. Another blitz. Third-and-10. That's a completion, but it is short of a first down.
Atlanta takes over on the 47-yard line of Arizona in excellent field position. 1st down. Ryan play action fake, as he runs for 4 yards. 2nd and 6. Turner runs the ball for just a yard. 3rd and 5 to go. Ryan fires across the middle and its intercepted.
That was a bad throw as he stared down the receiver and tipped the defensive back off to where the pass was headed. There's mistake No. 1! How many of those can Ryan get away with?
Warner takes over and hands it to Edgerrin James, who gets six yards. A draw play to James again, who picks up a first down. James runs for his third straight carry for six yards.
This is a good plan for Arizona. Warner, on a flea-flicker to Fitzgerald in the end zone, Touchdown!
James loosened the defense up a bit, and bam, a great pass and a better catch. He was double-teamed and outjumped both defenders in just a normal catch for Fitzgerald.
If James continues to look strong running the ball, this could be a long day for the Falcons.
Arizona kicks to Atlanta, who downs the ball in the end zone, touchback. The Falcons will start on the 20-yard line.
Turner starts this drive with a run, and no gain. Movement by Atlanta, 2nd and 14.
This game is starting poorly for Atlanta. Turner is stopped after a short gain. Third and 12. This time, Ryan completes a pass for a first down.
1st and 10 from the 30. Ryan throws it away, thinking Arizona was offsides. They were not. Turner stopped in the backfield, for a loss. 3rd and 11 to go.
Atlanta must be shocked they cannot run the ball, so far, against the Arizona defensive line. Time out Atlanta, as they regroup and devise a strategy for another first down.
Ryan is sacked, and the Falcons must punt. Atlanta is out of their game right now, without the running game being effective. Arizona takes over for their third series of this game.
Arizona runs the ball again! James picks up a few yards. 2nd and 5. Warner passes to Fitzgerald again for a good gain. Edgerrin James gains another seven yards. Wow!
James is averaging 6.6 yards a carry, so far. It looks like Arizona and Atlanta switched uniforms, with the running game Arizona has established.
Arrington carries for a short loss. 3rd and 5. Warner throws incomplete, on a drop by Boldin. The Cardinals punt perfectly and Atlanta takes over on their own 5-yard line.
Turner runs for three yards. 2nd down and seven to go. Play action fake and that one is nearly picked off again. 3rd and seven to go. Ryan is sacked again and Arizona will have to punt from their own end zone.
6 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Paul Augustin, Jr. 6 months ago
That's not a game recap. That reads like a radio play-by-play transcript. Way too long. Very few people are going to read the whole thing.
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thomas moreland 6 months ago
how can it not be a recap. i have every play for you! i get a lot of reads too! but thanks for the imput! 2-0 now in the playoffs.
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Christian Karcole 6 months ago
Suggestion...I wouldn't do every play. It becomes very boring and too tough for the reader to read. Take a look at my running diaries the past two weeks...you could do something like that. Add your own thoughts in there and liven it up a bit.
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thomas moreland 6 months ago
i already shortened up the last two lol and i do make my own comments as well.i like doing every play sometimes. its good practice for actual play by play on the radio. if people stop readin got cause its too lonfg no big deal. but i did condense the miami/ravens and philly. vikings ones a bit. thanks for the suggestion. iv e made the top 35 nfl writers in 3 months i try to keep readers happy! lol 90 articles
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Christian Karcole 6 months ago
Alright, just a few suggestions here and there. Keep up the work.
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thomas moreland 6 months ago
thanks c i left you a note check out my eagles vikings one! thanks thomas
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