There is a popular saying that history tends to repeat itself in all types of different situations. The Yankees and Red Sox always find a way to play each other in the playoffs. Even Tom Brady and Peyton Manning played against each other in the playoffs a few years in a row.
This weekend, the No. 6 seeded Philadelphia Eagles will play the No. 4 seeded Arizona Cardinals to determine who will represent the NFC Conference in Tampa Bay for Super Bowl XLIII. If anyone predicted these two teams to square off against each other in the NFC Championship game, they deserve to be an analyst on ESPN's NFL Countdown.
Earlier this season, the Eagles had no trouble against the Cardinals as Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook led the way on to a 48-20 victory on Thanksgiving night.
With the upcoming matchup this weekend, we are witnessing history repeat itself. No, I'm not talking about the previous matchup we witnessed earlier this season. Clearly, I'm not talking about a previous matchup between the Cardinals and Eagles in the NFC Championship game, since this is the Cardinals first appearance.
So exactly what am I talking about?
This might sound crazy, the Arizona Cardinals should remind the Philadelphia Eagles of the St. Louis Rams team they played in the 2002 NFC Championship game.
From 1999-2001, Kurt Warner won the most valuable player award twice and made two Super Bowl appearances (2000,2002). He knows what it is like to deny the Eagles a chance to play in the Super Bowl, as he helped the Rams defeat them 29-24 in the 2002 NFC Championship game.
Now, Warner is looking to deny the Eagles of another shot at playing in the big show, only with a different team and a different cast. However, the Cardinals and Rams are more similar than people realize.
The obvious comparison for the Eagles and their opponents in the NFC Championship in 2002 and 2008 is the quarterback. In both games, they faced off against Kurt Warner, who was the leader behind the high-powered offense.
When Warner played with the Rams, they were given the nickname of "the greatest show on turf" because of their high-powered offense.
Marshall Faulk was one of the most dangerous weapons in football at running back as he showed teams he could not only run but catch the ball. Torry Holt and Issac Bruce provided Warner with a dynamic-duo at the wide receiver position.
In 2001, the Rams offense finished first in the league as they scored 501 points on offense, averaging 31.4 points per game.
Even though they weren't known for their strong defensive play, the Rams defense stepped it up in their first game of the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers. In the divisional round of the 2002 playoffs, the Rams forced eight turnovers against the Packers, including six interceptions from Brett Favre.
The Cardinals appear to be following the same foot steps of the Rams team that the Eagles played against in the 2002 NFC Championship.
Statistically, the Cardinals offense this season may not be as great as the Rams (ranked third with 427 points scored, 26.7 points per game). Kurt Warner is the same quarterback the Eagles had to face in 2002. Instead of worrying about wide receivers Torry Holt and Issac Bruce, the Eagles now have to worry about wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin (if he is healthy enough).
The same can be said about the defense. The Rams' defense stepped it up in the 2002 playoffs, just like the Cardinals have this year. After struggling at defense this season, the Cardinals defense have recorded nine turnovers and allowed just 37 points in two playoff games.
The Eagles may not realize it. The fans may not realize it. The matchup of the Arizona Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles in the upcoming NFC Championship game is a simple case of history repeating itself that none of us realize. It appears the Eagles are playing against a similar team they played against in the 2002 NFC Championship.
For the Cardinals and their fans, history may be on their side. For the Eagles and their fans, hopefully the outcome will be different than the one we saw in the 2002 game.
43 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Kevin McGuire 5 months ago
Hopefully this game ends up differently than the Eagles-Rams NFC Championship game...
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Amen to that. Thanks for the comments Kevin!
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Garrett Derr 5 months ago
POTD thats all I have to say
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robert allred 5 months ago
Nice write-up. There is definitely some similarities between the two teams, and I for one sincerely hope that history does in fact repeat itself! Haha
Good luck this weekend. I wish I could say I was rooting for your team, because most of you Eagle fans seem to be alright guys, but unfortunately my religion will not allow me to do so. For this weekend and this weekend only, I'll be sporting the Cardinal red!
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Thanks for the comments Robert. I figured you would hope that history would repeat itself haha.
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Richard Marsh 5 months ago
Excellent article and I had almost forgotten about the 2002 game. I think the big difference in those Rams and these Cardinals is the Rams were consistent the whole year. They beat up on teams like the Colts did a couple of years ago. They were never annihilated like the Cardinals have been at least 4 times this year. With a little better play calling it's not inconceivable that the Eagles should have won 11 or maybe 12 games this year. I think the comparison begins and ends with Kurt Warner and the receivers. The only way I see the Eagles losing is by turnovers and that remains to be seen. I still think it's so weird to be a an Eagles and Mets fan at the same time. Trust me I have no friends in either New York or Philly because of it but what can I tell you. Eagles 31 Cardinals 17. Superbowl prediction, next week.
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Thanks for the comments Richard. And I agree, the Rams had a 13-3 record that season and were more consistent than the Arizona Cardinals. Not to mention the Cards don't have a running back that had the same impact that Marshall Faulk had for the Rams.
The Eagles could have easily won 11 or 12 games this year. Your're absolutely right, a few different calls could have resulted in a few more wins this season. Thanks again for the comments.
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Ray Bogusz 5 months ago
Am I the only person pulling for Arizona?
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Deep Release 5 months ago
I believe you can find one, or two, members of the Bidwell family who share in your sentiment.
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Well, we're Eagles fans haha. There's plenty of people across the country rooting for the Cards!
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thomas moreland 5 months ago
they sold me last week go cards!!
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Cole Lillie 5 months ago
I hope Warner leads the Cards to victory
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
I love Warner to death. He's a great guy. Buttttt I have to root against him on Sunday!
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Glenn Card 5 months ago
Ok I admit it. I've been bad mouthing McNabb all year and every time I do the Eagles win another game. So for you Dan.
McNabb has no magic left. The Cardinal defence will be hanging all over him because he's got no more mobility.
Ok that should do it. You're in.
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Haha that's awesome Glenn. Hopefully, the negative comment of McNabb will force another solid performance!
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Deep Release 5 months ago
If I remember that game correctly, Eagles fans should hope for some of it to repeat. Namely: heavy doses of Buckhalter - early and often.
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Buckhalter did have a great game that day. If Westbrook's out, it looks like we may need him to step it up once again. Thanks for the comments.
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Cody Swartz 5 months ago
Wow, Dan, you made some really good points in your article. Especially since both the '01 Rams and '08 Cardinals picked off a QB either five or six times in the divisional round.
Both teams have Kurt Warner, elite receivers, and a defense that has stepped it up. Much more similar than I thought.
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Thanksf or the comments Cody. It is crazy how both teams have such similar statistics. Not many people realize all the similarities.
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Christian Karcole 5 months ago
Hmm, interesting. I never even thought about Kurt Warner and that game..only thing that cannot compare is Faulk.
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Exactly. Edge is not even close to the same impact as Marshall Faulk haha. Thanks for the comments Christian.
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TR 5 months ago
Great points, Dan, I had forgotten who was involved in that 2002 game. I wasn't even thinking about it other than to marvel at Kurt Warner's durability. He has played in this postseason like a much younger man. However, like Kevin, I am hoping for a different result in this one. I have no emotional investment in either team other than my respect for McNabb.
Excellent read!
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Thanks for the comments Terry. Not many people realize the similarities to the Rams team from a few years ago. I'm hoping for a different result as well this time around too!
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Orlando Morales 5 months ago
Nice write up Dan. Here's another shocking fact that people might not realize about this NFC championship game. In the Eagles last four appearances in the NFCCG, the Eagles have played their opponents three of the four times. The one opponent they didn't play in the regular season was the Falcons, and they won that game. The other three games ( Panthers, Rams, Buccaneers) they lost.
I don't know if it's just a coincidence, just a weird obscure fact that I noticed.
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Thanks for the comments Orlando. And that's an interesting fact, I never realized that until now. That is crazy how it works out like that.
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Shane H. 5 months ago
Very good comparison there with the two teams. I never really thought about it but you did a good job pointing things out. 5 stars, but that's becoming a norm
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Dan Parzych 5 months ago
Thanks for the comments Shane, I appreciate it!
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Matt Craig 5 months ago
Good Comparison between the to Teams. I like what Terry said about I dont remember who was in the 2002 game. In the 2000s in the NFC when in doubt guess Philly lol. There is a comparsion between the running back as well. That both came from the Colts.
What might make this game difficult for the Eagles is two things, Boldin will play on Sunday and Westbrook may not play (knee) or if he does how effective will he be? However McNabb doesnt need big name receivers. McNabb has 29,000+ passing yards in his career without big name guys.
In my opinion this game will be a shoot-out and the Eagles win by a touchdown
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Iggles R One 5 months ago
Matt, Brain is the man ----- but this season he fell short and we are still going to the bowl. Westbrook has just 936 yards rushing and his average of 4.0 yards per carry was tied for the lowest in his career. He caught 54 passes for 402 yards, his lowest totals since 2003, he did set a career-best with 14 TDs, though.
I agree Eagles win by a touch down and Philly goes crazy. It is our turn. E A G L E S!!!!
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Matt Craig 5 months ago
I hear you about Westbrook, I think he'll be a big part of the offense the point I make is a knee injury is nothing to mess with. With a guy like Buckhalter as the back-up Westbrook wont have to take the brunt of the work and he'll be able to rest a little for the Super Bowl. I hope all goes well for your team and mine.
Hears to an All-PA Super Bowl
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Ross Romano 5 months ago
I see some of the similarities you're talking about. Both the Cardinals and the Rams could score a lot of points and each team had probably the most dangerous receiving duo of its' time.
However, that Rams team was far, far superior to this Cardinals squad. You mention the Rams weren't known for defense, but that's simply because it was overshadowed by the O. Those Rams teams had outstanding defenses. In 2001-02, they finished 3rd in the league in total defense, behind only Baltimore and Pittsburgh, and allowed the 7th-fewest points in the league. By contrast the Cardinals finished a pathetic 28th in the league in points allowed, and it is in this case the Eagles who were third in total D.
Perhaps the biggest difference, though, is the running back. Marshal Faulk for several years was the most dangerous weapon in the entire NFL. Before LT, there was Marshall. These Cardinals have a very poor running game, so the Eagles will be able to blitz Warner all day.
The Rams were a powerhouse. They outscored their opponents in by an insane 230 points. That's an average margin of over 14 points per game. They went 14-2 and were much more comparable to last year's Patriots than this year's Cardinals. Remember what an unbelievable upset it was at the time when those no-name Patriots beat them in the Super Bowl. Nobody expected the Eagles to beat that team.
So while I see what you're saying about Warner and the receivers, this Cardinals team is not those Rams. The Cardinals outscored their opponents by only 1 point this year, not 230 like the Rams. They have played very well in the playoffs, but I expect Donovan and the Eagles to enjoy this game and head to Tampa for the Super Bowl.
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Silver Fox 5 months ago
Interesting article. In comparison to the 2002 Rams, I see it with the WRs, but the Cardinals lack a Marshall Faulk. I expect a well-played, entertaining game from both teams. Eagles 30 Cardinals 24.
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Bryn Swartz 5 months ago
I thought you were going to talk about the 1947 NFC championship game.....great article though.
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Robb Humphrey 5 months ago
Great article
This is a perfect similarity to the shootout when Warner was hot-gunned...
The question I have is can Baltimore handle him now when Dockett drops McNabb on his head on Saturday and blows the game...
34-31 ARI
Robb
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Henry Gula 5 months ago
That's really interesting. It is funny how history has a way of repeating itself, especially in the NFL. I think the Eagles-Cardinals will be quite a game, but I do think the Donovan and the Eagles will be able to pull through. But then again the Cards defense could show up to play and Warner could decide to balence the offense. These two teams are pretty even. It's gonna be interesting this Sunday!
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Farris Gunning 5 months ago
I like the article and I've always liked reading your stuff Dan. Unfortunately I think Arizona is going to come up with the "W" on this one. I'd love to root for you and as a Raider Fan have no issues with either team. I just think AZ is going to the big show this year. Take care Dan.
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Austin Penny 5 months ago
well put together, dan.
the comparison is a good one, but one thing the Cards team of this year lacks is experience. the Rams had been there and done that when they knocked off the Eagles but for the Cards, the prospect of perhaps running through the tunnel in Tampa in 2 weeks might be enough to send them back home with goosebumps!
5 stars, POTD
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Scott Eisenlohr 5 months ago
The only thing I am worried about this game is that the Eagles are overconfident. Whether spoken or not, if that is the case, the Eagles will get smoked.
It is up to the coaches to get the players motivated. They still have to play like they are underdogs.
Good story. Five stars (I already gave two POTD away - another time for you, buddy).
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Mike Kent 5 months ago
Great job
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Jack Lambert 5 months ago
Nonsense , the 2002 Rams were 14-2 , this 9-7 Cardinal team is not even close to the level of that Ram team. If Philly does not turn it over and plays defense like they are capable of , they should cruise. Against the Steelers in the Super Bowl they can probably forget it though - I know they beat up on the Steelers early in the year , but the rematch will be in the Steelers favor , the refs will make sure of it.
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PrimeTyme Koby 5 months ago
Its going to be a longggggggggggggggggggggggggg day for Philly Fans, The beards will be cut by Monday morning, Sorry There weill be no rocky balboa story today. Warner is a bonafide 'Prime Tyme" player
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PrimeTyme Koby 5 months ago
Ohhh Yeah Love Your article man, I wrote something similar to it this week, u should check it out
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Christopher Whalen 5 months ago
I'm picking this article up late, but still a very good read. I certainly did not see the Steelers-Cardinals matchup from anywhere, but I did start to think of the Cardinals being reminiscent of the Rams from 2002.
The big points of contention like you stated Dan are that James is not Faulk and the Cardinals were blown out badly a few times. But if you take out the lack of concentration based on clinching the division so early in the Eagles, Patriots, Vikings games then they might resemble that team more. No back in the game is what Marshall was but they don't need that at this point.
No possible excuse for the Jets rout in week 4.
POTD DAN!
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