Eagles 23 Giants 11
After last years stellar playoff performance and Super Bowl MVP, Eli Manning remembered that he was, well, Eli Manning. The Giants QB went 15/29 for 169 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions as the number one seed in the NFC fell to the Eagles.
It was a windy day, the Eagles do play tough defense, but Mannings poor performance cost the Giants a chance to repeat as Super Bowl champions. And it's easy to blame the quarterback whenever a team loses. But the Giants' business model is: play stout defense, run, run, run the ball, don't turn the ball over. Manning's two interceptions and the offense's inability to get the ball into the endzone cost the Giants.
And don't forget about the absence of Plaxico Burress. Out after shooting himself in the leg in a night club earlier in the season (which I wouldn't recommend), the lanky receiver was an impossible match up for most db's and sorely missed by the Giants offense which, after five trips to the red zone, failed to score a singel touchdown.
Cardinals 33 Panthers 13
News flash: HELL HAS FROZEN OVER! The Arizona Cardinals, yes those Arizona Cardinals, will host the NFC Championship game. Not only did the Cardinals beat the second seed Panthers in Carolina, they dominated. Think you had a bad day? Check out Panther QB Jake Delhomme's numbers: 17/34, 205 yards, 1 TD, and 5, yes, 5 interceptions.
Most analysts said Arizona's defense was too soft. They forced 6 turnovers, had 2 sacks, and held Carolina's vaunted rushing attack to 75 yards. If that's soft, what's hard?
Carolina was supposed to be the team with the dominating defense. Just a heads up to the coaching staff, the next time you play the Cardinals, try to cover Larry Fitzgerald--he's kind of good. The Carolina secondary was torched by Fitzgerald (8 receptions, 166 yards).
This is what Bizarro World must be like. Ask yourself, did you ever think you would hear the words, "The Cardinals are one win away from the Super Bowl?" I know, it's crazy, right? And they've got a real shot. If the game against the Eagles were in Philadelphia, I don't think they'd have a chance. But with the game at home.....I'll give you my pick later this week.
1 comment:
Never thought I would be cheering for the AZ Cardinals this weekend..but.. hey not..that poor franchise hasn't done anything in my lifetime. I cannot name 5 players that were actually good on that team since I have followed football..oh yea..nevermind..Emmitt Smith..haha what a joke..and gotta love Pat Tillman. Ever since I moved to the fabulous city of Las Vegas I'd thought I'd never meet a Cardinal fan, but there is a big Cardinal community down here. As of this weekend I will be cheering for the underdogs and of course lay some money on it..GO BIG RED!! represent the desert!!!
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