Arizona Cardinals' Top Five Plays of 2008

The Cardinals' Super Bowl run of 2008 was due in large part to its exciting and explosive offense that made even the most imposing defenses look like novices at times.

With a wide range of weapons and a brilliant offensive mind running the show, the Redbirds offense was high-flying to say the least in 2008 and shows no signs of letting up this season.

These five plays were key in consistently moving the ball down the field and putting up high scores...(in no particular order).

1. Screen Pass

Whether it was the bubble screen to Anquan Boldin in the slot or the classic halfback screen to Tim Hightower, the Cardinals utilized the screen pass a lot in 2008.

Run out of several formations, including two or three receivers and multiple tight ends, Arizona often used the screen as an alternative to its unimposing running game late in close contests.

Capitalizing on Boldin's toughness or Hightower's elusiveness and opposing defenses' overpursuit, the screen was a deadly weapon that is expected to continue to be effective in 2009.

2. WR Fade

When you have an elite receiver, you get him the ball whenever possible. And, in Larry Fitzgerald's case, throw the ball up and he'll go get it. This was the philosophy behind one of the Cards' most effective plays.

Run out of two, three and four receiver sets and in isolation or over-the-top of a sideline out or slant, the deep fade captalized on Fitzgerald's size and hands, rendering opposing defensive backs only useful for saving touchdowns.

This play was also extremely effective around the goal line when Fitz was in single coverage.

3. Clear Out

Anquan Boldin's size, strength and toughness have been a cornerstone for the Cardinals' offense since he came to the desert in 2003.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has utilized these attributes in a single play: Boldin comes in motion to the weak side, runs a simple out and has an open field to work with.

The other receivers are bunched on the other side of the formation, creating a mismatch for Boldin to work with. This play was "money" around the goal line and in short yardage, often times extending or finishing drives.

4. Middle Slant

Receivers with above average size like Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston make a career out of going over the middle, using their bodies to shield the ball and make plays.

Combined with the accuracy of Kurt Warner, the Arizona offense shredded opposing defenses with variations of this play.

Run both short and long and out of three and four receiver sets, this simple play has become a stalwart in the Arizona playbook, using the team's size and strength to prey on undersized defensive backs.

5. Gadget Plays

Whether it is a flea flicker, a throwback or a double pass, Coach Ken Whisenhunt has made a career out of using misdirection and trickery to create highlight-reel plays.

While used few and far-between, Whisenhunt will stretch opposing defenses to the breaking point, put defensive players on offense and use all of his team's strengths at the same time.

Run out of multiple sets and formations, "Whiz" constantly keeps opposing defensive coordinators on their toes with these original, exciting plays.