In a wild, unforgettable, record setting day, the Cardinals survive blowing a huge lead, to beat Green Bay in Overtime

SCOTT JACOBS

Phew.  Did you catch your breath yet?  I’m still gasping for air.

I was watching at home in my pajamas.  Just imagine how the fans, or better yet the players must be feeling right now.

In the highest scoring playoff game in NFL history– I repeat NFL history!– Arizona beat the Packers 51-45.  What can you say that won’t be said in the next 24-48 hours.  In a game dominated by offensive explosions, the Cardinals advanced to the NFC Divisional playoff round with defense, and Karlos Dansby running for his life into the endzone, securing an insane win.

Arizona flew out to an early 17-0 lead, and was in total control throughout the first half.  They went to break up 24-10, and came right out of the intermission and scored a touchdown increasing their lead to a seemingly insurmountable 21 point.  That’s when the fireworks started.  55 points later, the Cardinals danced their way to the second round.

The Cardinals were favorites by 3, but everyone picked against them– geez, you would think people would learn–  and even without Anquan Boldin, they lit up the scoreboard unlike anything I’d ever seen.  Early Doucett was brilliant, and Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower were terrific as the Cardinals did whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted.

Green Bay mounted an incredible comeback– which included an onside kick that they recovered– but ultimately their efforts were all for naught.

Michael Adams, who forced the fumble that won the game for Arizona, was awful for much of the game, getting beat constantly, missing tackles, and getting some stupid penalties.  But he got close enough to Rodgers when it mattered, and an Arizona D which could not get any pressure on Green Bay, finally did.

Arizona had more touchdowns than incompletions.  Kurt Warner was brilliant, and continued to cement his status as one of the greatest post-season players ever.  If he’s not elected into the Hall of Fame, well, then we’ve got some serious problems.

A look at some of the startling numbers:

1st downs:  AZ 30 GB 32
Total net yards:  AZ 531 GB 493
Passing yards:  AZ 375 GB 403
Touchdowns:  AZ 7  GB 6

There were enough highlights in this game to make up for the three other duds of games that we had before it.

And yes– it’s not too early to say it– this was the greatest playoff game I’ve ever seen.  It wasn’t the world’s most well played game, but it was entertainment unlike any other.  And how fitting I suppose, that it ended on a touchdown, when the Cardinals had a chance to end it on a field goal.

All week everyone said that Arizona had no chance, given the way Green Bay manhandled them in two meaningless games. Well, when they finally played their starters Arizona was unstoppable.  They punted just once.  So we can put to rest once and for all that the Packers are this year’s Cardinals– because maybe, just maybe, this year’s Cardinals are last year’s Cardinals.

Next week’s game against New Orleans is a game Arizona can win.  It won’t be easy, but there will be points.  And Arizona can score points.  Add an effective run game into the mix and maybe even a healthier Boldin, and Arizona should have a real shot to knock off the once undefeated 13-0 Saints, who have since dropped their last three.

So continue to doubt Arizona.  Doubt them at your own risk.

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