The Arizona Cardinals are playing for the NFC title this coming weekend. That is a miracle in the world of the NFL. The Cards, who have been the nomads of the NFL for years, are rising like a phoenix in the Arizona desert. They played in the shadow of the Chicago Bears. I remember I saw them play a game in the old Comiskey Park, I don't know who they played, but it was freezing and I remember how cold it was. Then the moved to St. Louis, where they didn't win anything or even come close.
After some time in the desert, the waiting has finally paid off. They are a really good team, and a really exciting team.
They have an explosive passing game. Larry Fitzgerald, is an emerging star. He played great against Carolina.
What makes this team for real is an improved running game and defense. Before, they couldn't stop anyone. Now, you have to make plays against them. Before they couldn't run the ball. Now, they have two good rushers, who can move the chains and eat up clock. The Cards don't have to rely upon Kurt Warner, their QB with an arm, to bail them out.
I was shocked they beat the Panthers, but so was everyone else. That was a big surprise. But they got six turnovers, and you have to win that game. The Cards host the Eagles for the NFC title. That's wierd to write, but probably wierder for long-time Cards fans. Their head coach came from the Pittsburgh Steelers. What if the Cards won and faced the Steelers in the Super Bowl? A great offense vs. a great defense. I'll take the defense. But let it come to that. There will be some drama in the desert and I hope the Cards are flyin' high.
