Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals: Two Teams in Familiar Territory

For two teams that looked like they would be dominated heading into their Wild Card round playoff stipulations against the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers, the Cardinals and Ravens both made a statement on Sunday in regards to why they should be feared.

Last season we saw the same story unfold, which makes this story one to watch in coming weeks.  Baltimore went on an impressive road game streak, and the Arizona Cardinals followed with a march toward the Super Bowl after winning game after game in impressive fashion.

That was 2008 though.  However, today was no exception.

Baltimore stormed into Foxboro at 1:00 pm and basically won the game within the first quarter.  Ray Rice was dominant, Flacco was hitting targets, and above all the Ravens defense was successful in plugging any hole that could have offered the slightest chance for quarterback Tom Brady to take advantage of.

Arizona faced a much tougher task, and you only need to look at the fact that it took an extra quarter for them to get a turnover and win to see my point exactly.  45-45 going into overtime, the Cardinals got a quick and lucky turnover and converted it into points, or more importantly, a win.

Now both teams face much more difficult tasks.  The Baltimore Ravens set to clash with the previously undefeated and above all, well rested Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, will have their hands full with Peyton Manning and the Colts pass defense.

Arizona has been set to meet New Orleans.  A game that is fairly unpredictable given the Saints recent struggles, Drew Brees could come out firing, or could end up missing target after target and barely show up at all.

As exciting as those fixtures are though, I can't help but look ahead.  Arizona with one of the best offenses in football, and Baltimore with one of the best defenses in football.  What a Super Bowl that would be.

For those that are thinking neither team is going to get past the two previously unbeatens, well, think again.

Baltimore Ravens

Let's start with the Ravens.  The word to describe their defense is above all else, smash-mouth.  If you didn't see the way they played today, then you missed the clinic that Ray Rice and Joe Flacco put on for their fans that travelled the distance. 

Tom Brady, who is one of the most feared passers in all of the league, struggled to find his targets.  Whether it was the loss of Wes Welker or not, the Patriots were a different team mentally and physically.  No run game, no defense and a muddled overall roster that had finally realised what it felt to lose a playoff game.

Besides today's game though, the key for the Ravens is obviously Ray Rice.  Heading into the 2009 season as one of the most underrated running backs in the league, Rice showed that he is the future for Baltimore for years to come.  159 yards and two touchdowns, No. 27 is making a name for himself in a big way.

Players aside though, the Ravens are a complete team.  Following a shattering but meaningful loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 13, the Ravens got things together and managed to sneak into the postseason with a winning record.

The thing they do so well though is win games on the road, and win games early.  Some of this could be to do with Ray Lewis' motivational huddles, but the more likely suspect is the fact that they are ranked first in defense for the postseason, and first in rushing for the postseason.  Impressive stats to have, that will give Baltimore a lot of confidence.

Arizona Cardinals

In case you missed Troy Aikman and Joe Buck discussing it today in the booth, Kurt Warner may be playing his final game in the NFL sometime soon.  I can't understand why though.  After today's impressive offensive battle against the Green Bay Packers, Kurt Warner led the Cardinals to the top spot in total offense on the postseason.

With key wide receiver Anquan Boldin still injured, it is questionable if he will play next week against New Orleans. 

Who needs him though when you've got Steve Breaston filling in?  Arguably one of the key reasons why Arizona won the game today, Breaston piled on the yards in almost every drive that the Cardinals were faced with.  A touchdown on the day and 125 yards receiving, capped off a stellar day for the young man.

Defensively, Arizona isn't quite as good as the Ravens just yet.  After today's battle, the Cardinals defensive line may be gassed for the remainder of the playoffs after Aaron Rodgers giving them a workout they won't soon forget.  Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is finding himself again though, and defensive end Darnell Dockett made some great plays in the win.  So at least that is something to build on.

Super Bowl?

At the moment, I'd love to see it.  The Ravens top-rank defense against the Cardinals top-rank offense would be a battle that could almost match Kurt Warner's display in Super Bowl 34.

Whether it is going to happen or not is yet to be determined.  With Ray Rice rushing like there is no tomorrow, and Kurt Warner burning defenders on nearly every pass, it may be something to think about over the coming weeks.

In the meantime though, sit back and enjoy watching these two teams.  As exciting as they are playing right now, they guarantee a lengthy highlight reel for the ages.