Battle of the Birds

Who thought the Arizona Cardinals would beat the Atlanta Falcons in the wild card round? Who thought they would beat the Carolina Panthers in the divisional round? Who thought the Philadelphia Eagles would beat the New York Giants in the divisional round? Well, it wasn’t me.

The NFC playoff picture is now a “battle of the birds.” The Eagles against the Cardinals. Who has this game?

In week 13, the Eagles bashed the Cardinals in a 48-20 victory that would propel them to the playoffs. The Cardinals, playing in the weak NFC West division, found that game to have little impact on their season, but it was an embarrassing loss. Arizona allowed over 400 total yards, turned the ball over 4 times, and barely had more than 20 minutes of possession.

Both teams enter the NFC championship game on 3-game winning streaks. The Eagles have beaten Dallas, Minnesota, and now the Giants. The Cardinals defeated Seattle, Atlanta, and Carolina on their winning streak.

For the Cardinals sake, they are playing at home. Arizona is 7-2 at home (including the playoffs). The Eagles are barely a .500 team on the road, going 5-4-1 (including the playoffs) when they travel.

Also for Arizona, their defense has shined in the playoffs. They forced 3 turnovers against Atlanta and 6 against Carolina. 7 of the 9 turnovers have been interceptions. Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie and Ralph Brown both have 2 INT’s while Antrel Rolle, Gerald Hayes, and Roderick Hood each have 1.

The Arizona offense has only turned the ball over twice in the playoffs, once each game. The turnover differential is one success the Cardinals have.

The Cardinals rely on their offense having the ball. When they control the ball longer than their opponent, they are a 9-2 team. When they control the ball less than their opponent, they are 2-5.

However, the Eagles do not find trips to the west coast to be intimidating. Philly has gone 2-0 in their trips out west this season.

The Eagles’ defense has been outstanding over the past 3 weeks. Their D has forced 10 turnovers in their past 3 wins, 6 of which are fumbles. Their dazzling defense has 3 touchdowns too!

Donovan McNabb’s game is proficient in the playoffs. He threw for 517 yards with 2 touchdowns, but his 3 interceptions are forgettable. McNabb has also rushed for a touchdown.

Who has this game? I am going to say the Eagles, but it will be close. The Cardinals are a much better team at home than they are on the road and their secondary has shined, but that is what will keep them close.

The Eagles’ overall defense is much stronger than that of the Cardinals. They can pressure the quarterback and pick the ball off. The Eagles beat the Cardinals earlier and trounced all over them earlier. I expect this game to be much closer.

Prediction:
Eagles over Cardinals, 23-20.

I will have a preview of the Ravens/Steelers playoff game tomorrow.