How fitting that the NFC Championship will be played just outside of Phoenix, Arizona—a town whose name refers to a mythical bird that appears to die in flames before resurrecting itself from the ashes to appear as strong as ever.
Not only do the two teams competing for the NFC title have birds for mascots, they are both led by quarterbacks who have risen from the ashes this season to earn their teams playoff berths.
This weekend, they go head-to-head to claim the right to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLIII.
Arizona is led by Kurt Warner, who "burst" onto the scene in 1999 as the ringmaster for "The Greatest Show on Turf" to lead the St. Louis Rams to victory over the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, then saw his career take a long slow slide as he suffered injuries that kept him from returning to form.
While their 9-7 regular season record wasn't spectacular, their postseason chances weren't really in jeopardy seeing as all they had to do was win the NFC West title.
Warner's performance this year has been of the renaissance variety, throwing for 4,583 yards, 30 touchdowns, and completing nearly 70 percent of his passes.
The Eagles have at the helm one Donovan McNabb, who has had a career—and season—of ups and downs, but was able to pull it together at the last minute and snatch the No. 6 seed away from the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.
McNabb's performance thus far in the playoffs has been what most have come to expect—or at least desperately hope for—517 yards passing with two touchdowns, another one gained rushing, and some key heroics to take the Eagles to Scottsdale, and possibly to the Super Bowl.
These two teams have plenty of detractors, current company included.
Philly couldn't manage anything better than a tie against Cincinnati, a "cardinal" sin in my book, if you'll excuse the pun.
Arizona gained entry into the post season by beating Seattle, San Francisco, and St. Louis—not exactly what you would call the most challenging schedule in the league.
But, lament as I might, it doesn't change the fact that these two teams are preparing for a showdown next week, so we may as well accept it and look to what each must consider if they want to win the game.
Key Matchups to Watch
Larry Fitzgerald vs. Eagles Defensive Backs
Fitzgerald has been largely responsible for Arizona's success in the postseason. He has made catches in the open, in single coverage, in double coverage: Just throw the ball up there and tell him "go get it!"—and he does. If Anquan Boldin isn't able to go, Fitzgerald will once again have to step up and be the big play receiver.
Asante Samuel comes into this game with two interceptions and hunts down passes like a Patriot missile hunts down SCUDs. These two will line up head-to-head often come game time, and with Quintin Mikkel and Brian Dawkins providing backside support, Fitzgerald may find the circus catches he has made in his last two games a bit harder to pull off.
Kurt Warner vs. Eagles Zone Blitz
Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson loves the zone blitz, as well he should. Multiple fronts and varying cover schemes can prevent an offense from knowing who will be coming from where, and who might drop back and spy.
14 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Matt Craig 5 months ago
Good Preview
If you would have said to me at the beginning of the season that the Arizona Cardinals were going to host the NFC Championship game I woulda said "Get the heck outta here." If this game becomes a Shoot-Out or even a slug-fest decided by 3 points it could be one of the Greatest NFC Championship game.
A Look bad at these two teams and their seasons. Arizona playing bad December football. To overcome what looked like a final nail in the coffin when they got blow-out by the Patriots in Foxboro, Coach Whisenhunt turned his team around and now they Host the championship game.
McNabb playing poorly and getting benched against Balitmore and talk of McNabb and Reid losing their jobs. McNabb comes backs in a start against Arizona on Thursday Night in dominating fashion. This Game will be a shoot-out in my opinion.
Its hard to pick when both teams seem like they are a team of destiny, but Eagles win 34-28
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Bryan Hollister 5 months ago
I for one believe you make your own destiny, particularly in a performance-based system like Pro Football. Pardon the pun, but "destiny" is for the birds.
Winner is the one who came maintain their performance in te biggest game of the conference.
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Seattle Lion Fan 5 months ago
You do realize that if the Ravens get by the Steelers, no matter who wins the NFC, it's gonna be a Super Bird Bowl!
(Sorry, I just had to...)
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Bryan Hollister 5 months ago
LOL
That's a mighty big IF there, Seattle.
But I don't blame you at all for taking the shot. Gotta do it when they present themselves
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Dean Walker 5 months ago
I'd like to point out the old adage "Offense sells tickets but defense wins championships." No. 1 & 2 defenses face off in the AFC this weekend. The cards end up with 5 ints and a fumble on their side. Asante Samuel had one of the biggest int's of the postseason. After all is said and done, I'm putting my money on a low-scoring Superbowl, no matter who comes into it.
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Johnny Monroe 5 months ago
Both teams have the poise, heart, and character of a champion. I do believe the Eagles do advance and will put on a caveat of special plays to look back and make you say "damn".
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Alexeiv Goodenov 5 months ago
McNabb never faded out as Warner did.
As well, McNabb was never as great as Warner in his prime ( 99-01 ).
They can only be compared as borderline Hall of Famers at the beginning of the season and now both will make it to Canton with what they've done this season.
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Orlando Morales 5 months ago
this is a pretty good break down. I see the Eagles pulling out a close one 27-20. One thing people aren't realizing about the last time these two played. Larry Fitzgerald was singled up on Lito Sheppard for the brunt of the day. Asante Samuel was hurt at the time. I recognize the fact that both teams have greatly improved since then, but I'm just saying, the fact that Samuel will be there this time instead of Lito gives me a bit more reassurance. Lito has really fallen into Andy Reid's dog house. Seeing as he's been relegated to fifth string.
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Adrian Staehle 5 months ago
battle of the birds in superbowl ravens arizona
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Thomas Brown 5 months ago
itll be birds no matter what -- eagles or cardinals
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Bryan Hollister 5 months ago
Um, Thomas, unless Baltimore makes it past Pittsburgh, the Super bowl WON'T be a battle of the birds as Adrian is implying with his comment. Engage your brain before you open your "mouth", and don't come on my articles calling people dumbass, pard. If you have no constructive criticism to add, then kindly go back to sniffing glue and playing with your tinker toys.
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."
Words for you to live by, Thomas.
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steve winchester 5 months ago
Eagles All the way to avenge the whole spygate bull crap ! watch donoven dominate this game and the eagles to stop the B.S run that az has EAGLES and stealers watch and learn my friends !
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steve winchester 5 months ago
and the Utes would destroy the gaters ! i dont care what any one says!
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L.J. Burgess 5 months ago
lolz.
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