Arizona Cardinals-Green Bay Packers: Who Will Succeed When These Teams Meet?

This weekend, the playoffs will arrive and the road to the Super Bowl in Miami, FL will begin. The Green Bay Packers head to Arizona for a second straight week, but it will be a different game, as all the starters will be playing this week. Here is a preview of the wild card game between the Packers and the Cardinals:

Here are a few quick facts between the two teams:

This is the third meeting, and second postseason meeting, between the two teams.

This is one of the oldest rivalries in football, going all the way back to 1921 when the Cardinals played in Chicago.

Green Bay leads the series between these two teams, 43-22-4, and has won the last six of seven regular season games.

The last time these two teams were in the playoffs was in 1983, and the Packers defeated the Cardinals 41-16. 

The Arizona Cardinals won the NFC West this year with a 10-6 record and have the No. 4 overall seed in the playoffs. The Cardinals are the reigning NFC champs, and host this wild card game against the Packers on Sunday. Arizona has the No. 1 red zone offense in the league, and in order to win, they will have to prevail in the red zone.

The Packers will have to stop the Cardinals in red zone, or limit them to field goals and punts, to win this game.

Arizona will need good games out of Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald, especially since Anquan Boldin might be out of the game with an injury he sustained in Week 17. The Cardinals will also need the defense to do well and hope that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie can play, as he also sustained an injury in Week 17.

The Green Bay Packers are the No. 5 team in the NFC, are wild card team, and are 11-5. This team has won its last seven of eight games and is coming off a 33-7 win over the Cardinals in a game where many starters did not play.

This week’s game will be different, though. It should be fun to watch as two of the top offenses in the game square off on Sunday.

Seventeen of the 22 Packers starters have playoff experience, and they will look to contribute heavily for this team. The Green Bay offense has been reeling, but the defense has played tremendously well this season. The Packers have the No. 1 rushing defense, the No. 5 passing defense, and the No. 2 overall defense.

Charles Woodson and Nick Collins, along with excellent linebackers, lead this team. Clay Matthews, a first round draft pick, is an excellent tackler and can put pressure on the quarterback.

The Packers also have the No. 6 total offense, and Aaron Rodgers, a Pro Bowler, leads the team. Green Bay is the first team to have a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,200-yard rusher, and two 1,000-yard receivers. This team has plenty of weapons, and will look to use them effectively to defeat the Cardinals on Sunday. 

The two teams will kickoff on Sunday at 3:40 on FOX. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game. Be sure to tune into this game, as it will be an exciting one to watch!

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What I Love About the Green Bay Packers This Season…

The Packers are coming off a huge win against division-rival Chicago. They needed that win, and they got it. Here’s what I love about the Packers in 2009: 

The offense could be very special this season. The combination of Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings worked very well last season, and it did in Week One. Rodgers connected with Jennings for a 50-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter.

These two may be one of the best one-two combos in the NFL, only to Tom Brady-Randy Moss, Kurt Warner-Larry Fitzgerald-Anquan Boldin, and Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne. 

Not to mention, the Packers may have the best receiving corp in the league. Jennings, Donald Driver, Ruvell Martin, Donald Lee, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley provide Rodgers with enough weapons to spread the ball around, and make teams look dazed after plays. 

The running game also stepped up against the Chicago defense. Ryan Grant took some pressure off Aaron Rodgers, by performing well in the first game of the season. Grant finished with 61 yards and a touchdown.

The defense also stepped up very big, and created scoring opportunities for the offense. They created four interceptions, and had two sacks. Their tackling was on the money, and they did a great job limiting the Bears touchdown opportunities.

The only thing that I think the Packers need to work on is their offensive line. They gave up four sacks, and didn’t protect Rodgers very well. They need to give Rodgers plenty of protection for the offense to be very good this season.

In week two, the Packers play the Cincinnati Bengals at home at 1:00 PM. The Bengals are improved this season, as Carson Palmer, and Chad Ochocinco are healthy. Their defense is also much improved.

Expect Aaron Rodgers to have a huge game, along with Greg Jennings, who is Rodgers favorite target. I also like the defense to show the nation why they will be a top defense in the NFL in 2009.

Prediction: Packers 24, Bengals 10. 

Now sit back and watch the game, as both teams will fight for the victory.  

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What I Love About The Green Bay Packers This Season…

The Packers are coming off a huge win against division-rival Chicago. They needed that win, and they got it. Here’s what I love about the Packers in 2009: 

The offense could be very special this season. The combination of Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings worked very well last season, and it did in Week 1. Rodgers connected with Jennings for a 50-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter. These two may be one of the best 1-2 combos in the NFL, only to Tom Brady-Randy Moss, Kurt Warner-Larry Fitzgerald-Anquan Boldin, and Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne. 

Not to mention, the Packers may have the best receiving corp in the league. Jennings, Donald Driver, Ruvell Martin, Donald Lee, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley provide Rodgers with enough weapons to spread the ball around, and make teams look dazed after plays. 

The running game also stepped up against the Chicago defense. Ryan Grant took some pressure off Aaron Rodgers by performing well in the first game of the season. Grant finished with 61 yards and a touchdown.

The defense also stepped up very big and created scoring opportunities for the offense. They created four interceptions and had two sacks. Their tackling was on the money  and they did a great job limiting the Bears touchdown opportunities.

The only thing that I think the Packers need to work on is their offensive line. They gave up four sacks and didn’t protect Rodgers very well. They need to give Rodgers plenty of protection for the offense to be very good this season.

In week two, the Packers play the Cincinnati Bengals at home at 1:00 PM. The Bengals are improved this season, as Carson Palmer, and Chad Ochocinco are healthy. Their defense is also much improved.

Expect Aaron Rodgers to have a huge game, along with Greg Jennings, who is Rodgers’ favorite target. I also like the defense to show the nation why they will be a top defense in the NFL in 2009.

Prediction: Packers 24, Bengals 10. 

Now sit back and watch the game, as both teams will fight for the victory.  

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NFL Season Preview: NFC East

Football is just around the corner with training camp starting in roughly two weeks.

The NFC East almost had a representative in the Super Bowl with the Eagles falling to the Cardinals.

Can the NFC East pull it off this year and get a team to the Super Bowl?

Here’s a preview of the four NFC East teams:

 

NFC East

 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles made plenty of big moves this offseason to make them a contender, but how will they do when the season starts, and when they start to play games?

Donovan McNabb is a top 10 quarterback, and has receivers that are young, but experienced with Kevin Curtis as the No. 1 receiver.

Also, the Eagles have DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, a late steal in the first round of the 2009 draft.

Brian Westbrook is a top 10 running back, but has been battling injuries. That’s why they drafted LeSean McCoy, who could be the steal of the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Those two backs could complement each other like Darren Sproles complemented LaDainian Tomlinson last season.

Their offensive line lost Jon Runyan, but gained Jason Peters, so they should be fine They have plenty of blocking power with Peters, Jamaal Jackson, Shawn Andrews, Stacy Andrews, and Todd Herremans.

Their defense is mostly the same from last season, which includes an excellant secondary. Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, Quintin Mikell, and Quintin Demps all are expierienced vetrens, and showed their worth to the Eagles last season. Trent Cole anchors a pretty good defensive line.

 

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys lost vetrens Terrell Owens, Roy Williams, Anthony Henry, and Greg Ellis.

The loss of Owens may be a gain for the Cowboys, but only time will tell. Owens may have been a distraction, but he gave Romo a go-to receiver on every down.

Jason Witten, who in my opinion is the best tight end in the NFL, is gutsy and never gives up. Plus, he knows how to catch balls at all times, and can block extremely well for a tight end.

Roy E. Williams has experience, but fell apart at the end of last season. Now, he is the expected No. 1 receiver. He must contribute early in order for the Cowboys to be successful.

Patrick Crayton will also contribute as a receiver. Also, look for Miles Austin to contribute in huge ways.

So, Romo has receiving options and a proven running game with Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Plus, Romo is mobile and has a pretty good offense line.

Look for the Cowboys to be a good offense, that may or not be a year away from being a Super Bowl contender.

The Cowboys have excellant linebackers, but their secondary is kind of weak. 

They have Terrence Newman and Keith Hamlin, who will noth start, but who else will?

Most likely Mike Jenkins will start at cornerback, but who else will start at safety?

Their defensive line has a few questions, like who will start?

Most likely Marcus Spears, Jay Ratliff, Igor Olshansky, and Jason Hatcher. If that’s the case, they must perform well, and help Romo by keeping teams scoreless and creating scores.

 

New York Giants

The Giants are an excellant team, but have a gaping hole. Who will be their No. 1 wide receiver?

Will it be Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss, Hakeem Nicks, Domenik Hixon, or Mario Manningham?

Or, can they all possibly contribute enough to fill the need at receiver and give Eli Manning go-to guys week in and week out?

I believe Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss will be Eli Manning’s favorite receivers. They have the most playing time and are comfortable with Manning.

However, I think Hakeem Nicks could be a big time help to Manning. He is a big target, like we saw at North Carolina.

Kevin Boss is an emerging tight end who proved to Manning as a valuable piece to make key catches.

Their running game is led by Brandon Jacobs, who is a monster, but must stay healthy. Ahmad Bradshaw is a good third down back, and is a back that can big yards when you need them in key situations. Also, even though they lost Derrick Ward, they have a young kid named Danny Ware who they are high on.

If you’re a Giants fan, you shouldn’t have to worry about their defense. They added Chris Canty to boost their defensive line, which was an excellent free agent pick-up.

Look for the Giants to be in a lot of low scoring games. If their offense hits a hot stretch, look out, because they have a lot of pieces to make a run.

 

Washington Redskins

The Redskins added a big acquisition in Albert Haynesworth, but can he contribute like he did for the Titans?

Their defensive line could be scary with Haynesworth, Phillip Daniels, and possibly Brian Orakpo.

They also have a good secondary with LeRon Landry, Deangelo Hall, and Carlos Rogers. Plus, London Fletcher, and Rocky McIntosh lead their linebacking core.

They have a good defense, and then they have the offense.

Jason Campbell is the quarterback. He throws to Santana Moss, Malcom Kelly, Chris Cooley, and Antwaan Randel-El.

Plus, their running game is good. Clinton Portis, and Ladell Betts are a good combo, especially if Portis gets injured, then Betts can come in.

The Redskins will be tough, they just have to put all the pieces together to be a top-notch team in the 2009 NFC East.

 

Prediction

Eagles win the division, and the Giants are the Wild Card team, but the Cowboys and Redskins could also squeak in as a third NFC East team in the playoffs.

The NFC East may be the best division in the NFL, and I think it is.

We will see when the season kicks off in September.

One Last Look at The 2009 NFL Mock Draft

The NFL draft is roughly two hours before the draft, and why not make a final mock draft that show where the players will be taken.

At No. 1, the Detroit Lions are on the clock. The Lions will draft Matthew Stafford, and will look to him to be their new franchise leader.

At No. 2, the St. Louis Rams are on the clock. The Rams will select Jason Smith. Smith will fill a hole that Orlando Pace left, as he signed with the Bears.

At No. 3, the Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock. The Chiefs will select Aaron Curry. Curry is a perfect fit at linebacker, and is the best player in this draft.

At No. 4, the Seattle Seahawks are on the clock. The Seahawks will select Mark Sanchez. Sanchez will be their future quarterback, and can be mentored by Matthew Hasselbeck.

At No. 5, the Cleveland Browns are on the clock. The Browns will select B.J. Raji. Raji, a nose tackle, can fit perfectly into the Browns 3-4 system.

At No. 6, the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock. The Bengals will select Eugene Monroe. The Bengals take Monroe, so they can give Palmer more time to pass the ball.

At No. 7, the Oakland Raiders are on the clock. The Raiders will select Michael Crabtree. Al Davis won’t pass up an elite receiver that could make a huge splash in the NFL.

At No. 8, the Jacksonvlle Jaguars are on the clock. The Jaguars will select Andre Smith. Smith, now fills a hole that the Jaguars had going into the draft.

At No. 9, the Green Bay Packers are on the clock. The Packers select Brian Orakpo. Orakpo has a ton of athleticism, and can step right into their new 3-4 system.

At No. 10, the San Francisco 49ers are on the clock. The 49ers will select Michael Oher. Oher fills a need that the 49ers had going into the draft.

At No. 11, the Buffalo Bills are on the clock. The Bills will select Aaron Maybin. Maybin will step right in as a great pass rusher.

At No. 12, the Denver Broncos are on the clock. The Broncos will select Tyson Jackson. Jackson is ready for the NFL, and the Broncos need a defensive tackle that can lead them on defense.

At No. 13, the Washington Redskins are on the clock. The Redskins will select Robert Ayers. They want Sanchez, but won’t pull off the deal. Instead, they will focus on defense and take Ayers.

At No. 14, the New Orleans Saints are on the clock. The Saints will select Brian Cushing. The Saints need a linebacker, and get a NFL-ready linebacker in Cushing.

At No. 15, the Houston Texans are on the clock. The Texans take Clay Matthews, and fill a need at linebacker.

At No. 16, the San Diego Chargers are on the clock. The Chargers select Malcom Jenkins, and get an NFL-ready cornerback, that they desperately need.

At No. 17, the New York Jets are on the clock. The Jets select Josh Freeman. The Jets need a quarterback, and get a quarterback with a big arm.

At No. 18, the Denver Broncos are on the clock. The Broncos select Rey Maualuga. The finish the first round with excellent pick-ups to improve their defense immensely.

At No. 19, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock. The Bucs take Michael Johnson, and improve a defensive line that needs help.

At No. 20, the Detroit Lions are on the clock. The Lions select Eben Britton, and get a offensive lineman that can help block for Stafford or Culpepper.

At No. 21, the Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock. The Eagles will select Beanie Wells, and get a running back that can compete alongside Brian Westbrook.

At No. 22, the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock. The Vikings will select William Beatty. The Vikings could also take Alex Mack, but take an offensive tackle instead.

At No. 23, the New England Patriots are on the clock. The Patriots select Darius Butler,and improve their secondary.

At No. 24, the Atlanta Falcons are on the clock. The Falcons select Peria Jerry. The Falcons get a defensive tackle that can boost the Falcons defense.

At No. 25, the Miami Dolphins are on the clock. The Dolphins select Everette Brown, and get a replacement for the aging Joey Porter.

At No. 26, the Baltimore Ravens are on the clock. The Ravens select Larry English. English is a defensive tackle and linebacker, and can help fill the hole that Bart Scott left.

At No. 27, the Indianapolis Colts are on the clock. The Colts select Vontae Davis, and get a cornerback to pair up alongside Kevin Hayden.

At No. 28, the Buffalo Bills are on the clock. The Bills select Brandon Pettigrew. The Bills could take Max Unger here, but instead get a passing threat to go alongside Terrell Owens.

At No. 29, the New York Giants are on the clock. The Giants select Jeremy Maclin. Maclin likely will go much higher, but the Giants will still get a wider receiver anyway.

At No. 30, the Tennessee Titans are on the clock. The Titans select Percy Harvin, and get a playmaker at wide receiver to lead them next season.

At No. 31, the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock. The Cardinals select Knowshon Moreno. Moreno is the top back in the draft, but is the second running back chosen in the draft.

At No. 32, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock. The Steelers select Max Unger, and get a big offensive tackle to help protect Big Ben.

Don’t forget to tune into the draft at 3:00, and see who your favorite teams select in this year’s draft.

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