will we ever win?

Looking Ahead - Kurt Warner

So, will it be a blowout, a nail-biter, or a disappointing loss? By the numbers, even with a big offense, the Cardinals are in the playoffs only because of the terrible division they're in; the Eagles (with a consistent Reid) are actually much stronger than their record, as the math would forecast at least an 11 and 5 season, which is probably conservative, as several close games were flat out mismanaged by Mr. Andy.

The Cards big offense is the key to the game. Warner is the key to shutting that down. Over Warner's career against the Eagles (6 games), Jimmy Johnson has nicely tamed Kurt, the NFCCG of Jan 2002 the one exception where he had a QB rating of 94.5, but where Warner only threw 1 TD. Warner's career rating vs. the Eagles is only 69.3, where he has 7TDs and 9INTs. He's only managed to average 220yds/game and 20pts/game against the Eagles along with probably many sacks (that I didn't count). That would be a big step backwards relative to what the Cardinals have averaged this season - which is less than the Rams of 1999!!!

Warner's most successful game was that NFCCG, where he didn't beat the Eagles, but instead needed a run game to help him out. This year they meet again in the NFCCG, but Warner is without a complementary back that can do the damage Faulk did. Additionally, he's playing against a McNabb with 11 vs. 3 years of experience; he's also working with an ARI defense that isn't what the Rams were in 1999. Unlike Thanksgiving 2008, expect a closer game vs. ARI this time 'round, but don't expect a loss. I wouldn't be surprised to see the score flipped from 2001's NFCCG to 29-24, Birds.

Playoffs? We're talking about the Playoffs???? Unreal! 'Member the Phightins!!! (And try to forget the CIN/BAL games this year!)