Why the Philadelphia Eagles Should, but Won't Beat the Cardinals

Well I think we can all agree that this is not the NFC Championship match-up we anticipated. For a long time, it seemed that the Giants were destined to return to the Super Bowl, but they were quickly dismissed by an unappreciated Eagles team.

To even more of a surprise, the Arizona Cardinals finished with a decent 9-7 record in an extremely weak conference. The Cardinals essentially won the NFC West half way through the season. However, they were automatically cast as the underdogs in the playoffs.

These teams have both impressed and surprised their fans throughout the playoffs. Now it is time for them to set aside the demoralizing comments made by the critics and focus on the game ahead. Kurt Warner, at the ripe age of 37, could possibly lead the Cardinals through the NFC title game, while Donovan McNabb will try to pilot his mighty Eagles to another Super Bowl.  

Now, here are three reasons why the Eagles should win on Sunday.

1. Better Defense

Ranked third in total yards allowed, they allow an average of 5.5 yards per catch and 3.5 yards per rush. Those stats are a little "too good" for a team that finished 9-6-1. Newly formed schemes and plays created by the Defensive Coordinator has really allowed for the defense to step up.

2. Solid Run Game

Brian Westbrook headlines the Eagles' powerful and dominant run game. Westbrook will be the go-to-guy for the Eagles once the pass rush is put on McNabb, but he won't be able to do it alone. Other runningbacks will have to step up to aid both of these players.

3. More Playoff Experience

Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid have been to five NFC Championships together. The majority of the players on the Cardinals have never been in the playoffs. They haven't hosted a playoff game since '47, before last week. and they have never been in an NFC Championship. I would give this one to the Eagles.  

And here are three reasons why the Cardinals will win on Sunday

1. Kurt Warner

He's a two-time MVP winner, Super Bowl Champion, and he's only 37! Warner is back on the radar and more dangerous than ever. His determination and ability to lead a talented group of individuals is what makes this Arizona team such a threat, and is why they will soar past the Eagles.

2. Dominant Receiving Squad

Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. These are two reasons why the Eagles defense should be nervous. Although Boldin is listed as questionable, he will most likely play. If he decides not to, then defenses will still have a nightmare trying to cover Fitzgerald man-to-man.

3. Home Field Advantage

This is the Cardinals second playoff game at home since '47. The fans are riled up, the athletes are psyched to play, and the tickets sold out in just 6 minutes! Home field is definitely an advantage that Arizona has and needs in order to beat this well-matched opponent.  

Both teams will certainly not fail in putting on a show for the spectators. Last week the Eagles upset the Giants with a 23-11 win, but the Cardinals spanked the Panthers 33-13 in Carolina.

So this is a message to all Eagles fans: Be afraid, be very afraid.