How about that?  Arizona takes it to Atlanta, rattles rookie Matt Ryan, and (gasp) even establishes a running game, as they win a gutsy 30-24 thriller versus the Falcons

SCOTT JACOBS

Instant analysis from Arizona’s big wild card victory over the Falcons:

*Never dismiss the home team.  Especially one who’s as good at home as the Cardinals.  Arizona was 6-2 this year, yet they were a 1.5 point underdog to the road team, Atlanta.  Well today?  Arizona looked like the team that won 11 games, they made huge plays (more on that in a minute), and they dodged the usual collapse that they looked like they were headed for late in the fourth.

*So they do have defense!  Arizona played its best defensive game all season shutting down Matty Ice (ha), and really making it a difficult day for him all day.  Ryan was hit, pestered, sacked for a safety, and Ryan also threw two picks.

*Rookie quarterbacks (no matter how good they are) are still rookie quarterbacks.  Ryan, who looked poised and in control all season clearly looked rattled in the second half (along with Atlanta’s entire offense) and it affected his play.  Ryan held on to the ball too long (evidenced by a crucial safety in the fourth when Ryan held onto the ball for too long), made some poor throws, and tried to force some things.  Yes, he had a nice late drive to put the Falcs within striking distance, but the Cardinals never gave up the ball from there.

*Was that a … running game in Arizona?  You’ll hear it all week, but you’ll hear it here more: If the Cardinals can establish a consistent running game with Edge and Hightower, the sky could be the limit for this team.  The Cards had the worst running attack all year, but they came out and played with a chip on their shoulder today. Heralded as the most one dimensional playoff team in decades, Arizona’s two headed duo came out with a head of steam.  James especially, who took hit after hit and rebounded to make big plays out of nothing.  James had 16 carries for 73 yards, but it was the way he ran the ball, tough, physical, and relentless that really sparked this Cards team today.

*Don’t dismiss Arizona yet. Sure, the Cards will be underdogs next wee at either Carolina or New York.  But, keep this in mind: Arizona led Carolina 17-3 at Carolina earlier in the season, before falling apart and losing 27-23.  The Cards proved in that game that they could hang with Carolina.  If it’s the Giants, well Arizona played them too.  The Cards lost at home to New York by eight, and that was without Brandon Jacobs, but Arizona wasn’t exactly ran off the field.

*Finally: if the Cardinals can stop the run on defense, look out.

(Note, take all of this with caution.  The Cards are the trickiest team to figure out.  They have great potential, but oftentimes don’t play up to it.  But now, with nothing clinched, maybe they will play their hardest.  Only time will tell).

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