Arizona Cardinals Playoff Chances
By Scott Allen
As the Arizona Cardinals head into their regular season finale today at home against the 4-11 Seattle Seahawks, they already know which seed they are locked into. Going into this weekend though, there are still a few possibilities for the Cardinals wild card round opponent.
A look at the suspects:
Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons are the most likely opponent. All they need to do is win and they will finish no worse than the 5th seed as the wild card. Combined with a Carolina loss, they win their division and gain the number 2 seed. The Falcons pose problems for the Cards in some areas like most teams do of course. Number one, they have a running game with Michael Turner. They also have rookie of the year candidate quarterback Matt Ryan. The Falcons have surprised this season. The Cards can’t afford to let their guard down for even one minute against this tough opponent.
Carolina Panthers – The Panthers must lose their game in New Orleans and Atlanta has to win in order for this scenario to play out. Of the possibilities, Carolina may prove to be the toughest test. The Cards lost a game most agree they should have won back in Charlotte in October, losing 27-23 after holding a second half 17-3 lead.
Dallas Cowboys – It would be a rematch of the exciting game from October 12th in Glendale. The Cowboys need to win in Philadelphia and hope Atlanta loses to the Rams. A scenario most likely not going to be played out.
No matter the scenario, the Cardinals need to bring their “A” game today against Seattle. They need some kind of momentum heading into next week’s match up at home. The Cards had the opportunity to be able to rest their starters today, however since they decided to rest during game play against Minnesota and New England the past two weeks, that luxury has gone by the way side. Kurt Warner and the rest of the Cardinals offense need to get itself back into gear and working on all cylinders. Let’s just hope the Cards can remain healthy today. Linebacker Clark Haggans went on IR this week and linebacker Travis Laboy is still nursing his ankle injuries. The Cards, obviously hurting at that position, signed free agent Victor Hobson.
Go Cards!
Scott Allen
AZScott