Championship Weekend

Why I think the Cardinals will beat the Eagles

Let's start with considering nothing but two teams playing in University of Phoenix stadium. Even with two perfectly matched teams, if one of them happens to be the Arizona Cardinals, that stadium will be lit up and there would be no way the other team could hear anything.

Managers from the Atlanta Falcons wondered if our defense knew the snap count, we had that much ups off the ball in that game. And when a team can't hear their quarterback, it doesn't matter how good McNabb can be, there will be mistakes.

But the teams aren't evenly matched, there's much more to each team that makes them strong. The Eagles have McNabb and Westbrook, two all-star players that have shown storybook performances this season. After a lull, McNabb snapped back into his groove - and at the right time - to a Cardinals team that was at an all-time embarrasing low on Thanksgiving night. Since then, McNabb and the Eagles have worked their way back to stardom and won their ticket to the Championship game.

Consider this, however, Warner - who was pretty much considered a wash up in seasons past - has had an unbelievable season connecting with two of the greatest receivers in the NFL, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. The Dynamic Duo has blown away more receiving yards than most other teams in the NFL, Larry topping the charts at #2 regular season yards, #1 by almost double in the postseason.

The Eagles secondary should be prepared, but don't get on your toes and back-peddle just yet: Hightower and Edge may have something to prove in this game, too. Edge has had a forgettable season, while rookie Hightower had a couple games to prove himself worthy to be a member of the NFL - even a TD in the playoffs. But Edge, and the Cardinals' running game came to life against the Seahawks in the regular season, and into the postseason agains both the Falcons and the Panthers. If Edge is on his game, and Terrell "T Smeazy" Smith at fullback is pulling the blocks - watch out for a explosive game by the Arizona Cardinals.

The question then remains, and its this question which will be the answer to who goes to the Super Bowl, who's defense will win this game?

Both teams have explosive, quick moving, powerful offenses; but one team's defense will prevail and lock in a win and a trip to the Super Bowl. This is where, my crowd noise theory comes into play. With our defense working in the fog of noise brought to you by the "Red Sea" of UPHX Stadtium, you got yourself a staggaring advantage on the side of the home team. Not to also mention that one of the least respected teams in the NFL has allowed only 60 and 75 rushing yards in their two playoff games, and had a field day with Delomme last week as they intercepted passes 5 times, and recovered 1 fumble.

Can the Cardinals prevail? I think so. If nothing else, consider my record on picks: I picked Barack Obama to win the Presidency - so I have a pretty good record so far.

But go ahead, bet on the Eagles - it'll make my odds go up.

Go Cards.