Arizona @ New Orleans (Sat. 4:30, FOX)
On the heels of their shootout in the desert on Sunday, the Cardinals will look to improve on their defense and handle the Saints' explosive offense. The Saints defense will have the same problem with the Cardinals offense. All signs point to a shootout.
Kurt Warner added to his Hall of Fame resume with a playoff game in which he had more touchdowns than incompletions. If Warner plays half as good, the Cardinals have a good chance. Warner's success must be attributed to Steve Breaston and Early Doucet, who both stepped up last week both scoring a touchdown each. This gives the New Orleans secondary more receivers to keep their eyes on other than Larry Fitzgerald and could free Fitzgerald to spring some big plays. The run game will need to provide balance with Beanie Wells becoming a power back in front of fans' eyes all season, he needs to step up and gain 80 to 100 yards to keep the Saints' defense honest.
On defense, Karlos Dansby has the game of his life, which was capped off by the game winning fumble return for a touchdown. The secondary will have to do a much better job than they did last week to give the Cards a chance to stop the passing attack of the Saints. New Orleans has the same, if not even better, amount of talent in their receiving corps as Green Bay does.
For the Saints, it is pretty simple on how to succeed: have Drew Brees pick apart the Arizona secondary. Brees should take Aaron Rodgers' performance last week as a way to pick apart the secondary. Brees does have someone Rodgers does not, Reggie Bush. With Pierre Thomas being the main running back, Bush is able to go out of the backfield and catch passes. The extra threat of Bush complements the three main receivers, Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, and Devery Henderson.
On defense, Darren Sharper and Jonathan Vilma are keys to stopping Warner. Sharper has been on fire all season and there should be no reason why it should stop. Vilma has also been a model of consistency at linebacker this season and if he stops Wells up the middle in the run game, Arizona could turn one dimensional, which is still a huge threat. Either way, the New Orleans' secondary needs to eat their Wheaties before Saturday's game.
5 Players to Watch for the Cardinals
QB Kurt Warner
WR Larry Fitzgerald
LB Karlos Dansby
DE Bertrand Berry
WR Early Doucet
5 Players to Watch for the Saints
QB Drew Brees
LB Jonathan Vilma
S Darren Sharper
DE Will Smith
WR Robert Meachem
Key Matchup: Meachem & Colston vs. Bryant McFadden & Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Prediction: Cardinals
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sporting Events to Watch in 2010: #2 Australian Open
The first of tennis' four majors begins Sunday night in Melbourne, Australia. For many tennis fans, this will be the first time that they will see how their favorite players look going in to 2010 season and will not see much of them until the French Open in May. So here is your preview for the Men's and Women's brackets in the 2010 Aussie Open.
Women's Bracket
Top 8 Seeds
1. Serena Williams
2. Dinara Safina
3. Svetlana Kuznetsova
4. Caroline Wozniacki
5. Elena Dementieva
6. Venus Williams
7. Victoria Azarenka
8. Jelena Jankovic
Main Storyline: Last year was the year for the young stars of women's tennis to show their talent. This year it is time for them to win tournaments and what better way to start off the season with a title in Melbourne. Wozniacki and Azarenka are carrying the torch for the next generation of young stars and both should advance to the fourth round easily. After the first three rounds, both will have to step up their game when they their first hack at the other seeded players.
Player Flying Under the Radar: Maria Sharapova
Worst Draw: Safina
Best Draw: Dementieva
Upset Waiting To Happen: Kim Clijsters over Kuznetsova in the fourth round.
Dream Final: Serena v. Safina
What the Final Will Be: Serena v. Clijsters
Winner: Serena
Men's Bracket
Top 8 Seeds
1. Roger Federer
2. Rafa Nadal
3. Novak Djokovic
4. Juan Martin del Potro
5. Andy Murray
6. Nikolay Davydenko
7. Andy Roddick
8. Robin Soderling
Main Storyline: The parody in men's tennis is unbelievable at this time. All top 8 seeds are capable of winning this tournament plus many other seeded players are also fully capable of having a dream run and making it to the final. The Australian Open is usually where the favorites fall out to upcoming stars. In the past five years players like Marcos Baghdatis, Fernando Gonzalez, and Jo-Wilfied Tsonga have pulled off final runs but losing to Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal. The major season ended last season with a dominating performance from del Potro in New York, proving that anything is possible in a major.
Player to watch: Tommy Haas
Worst Draw: Soderling
Best Draw: Nadal
Upset Waiting to Happen: Sam Querrey over Andy Roddick in 3rd round.
Dream Final: Federer v. Nadal (again)
Actual Final: Nadal v. Djokovic
Winner: Djokovic
Sporting Events to Watch in 2010
1. BCS National Championship
2. Australian Open
Women's Bracket
Top 8 Seeds
1. Serena Williams
2. Dinara Safina
3. Svetlana Kuznetsova
4. Caroline Wozniacki
5. Elena Dementieva
6. Venus Williams
7. Victoria Azarenka
8. Jelena Jankovic
Main Storyline: Last year was the year for the young stars of women's tennis to show their talent. This year it is time for them to win tournaments and what better way to start off the season with a title in Melbourne. Wozniacki and Azarenka are carrying the torch for the next generation of young stars and both should advance to the fourth round easily. After the first three rounds, both will have to step up their game when they their first hack at the other seeded players.
Player Flying Under the Radar: Maria Sharapova
Worst Draw: Safina
Best Draw: Dementieva
Upset Waiting To Happen: Kim Clijsters over Kuznetsova in the fourth round.
Dream Final: Serena v. Safina
What the Final Will Be: Serena v. Clijsters
Winner: Serena
Men's Bracket
Top 8 Seeds
1. Roger Federer
2. Rafa Nadal
3. Novak Djokovic
4. Juan Martin del Potro
5. Andy Murray
6. Nikolay Davydenko
7. Andy Roddick
8. Robin Soderling
Main Storyline: The parody in men's tennis is unbelievable at this time. All top 8 seeds are capable of winning this tournament plus many other seeded players are also fully capable of having a dream run and making it to the final. The Australian Open is usually where the favorites fall out to upcoming stars. In the past five years players like Marcos Baghdatis, Fernando Gonzalez, and Jo-Wilfied Tsonga have pulled off final runs but losing to Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal. The major season ended last season with a dominating performance from del Potro in New York, proving that anything is possible in a major.
Player to watch: Tommy Haas
Worst Draw: Soderling
Best Draw: Nadal
Upset Waiting to Happen: Sam Querrey over Andy Roddick in 3rd round.
Dream Final: Federer v. Nadal (again)
Actual Final: Nadal v. Djokovic
Winner: Djokovic
Sporting Events to Watch in 2010
1. BCS National Championship
2. Australian Open
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Upset Alert: Wednesday College Hoops Preview
Tonight in college basketball, fourteen ranked teams are in action and only four are playing home games, two teams play against ranked opponents. As we saw last night with the Kentucky-Florida game, the away team will always face a rowdy environment and could be upset. Kentucky did not get upset but there were parts of the game in which the momentum swung over to the Gators and Kentucky had to get it back.
Highlighting Wednesday's action are two matchups with ranked opponents. (13) North Carolina visits (19) Clemson and (20) Pitt goes to (15) UCONN. These are obviously the most attention-grabbing games but for the rest of the Top 25 an upset is possible.
Following the listing of the game will be an upset alert rated from 1-10. 1 being the least chance to be upset, 10 being a very high chance of an upset.
(1) Texas @ Iowa State
Upset Alert- 1
There is no way the Longhorns will slip up until their meeting with Kansas in three weeks.
(3) Kansas @ Nebraska
Upset Alert- 1
Coach Bill Self will not let the Jayhawks play as poor as they did in Knoxville on Sunday.
(5) Syracuse @ Rutgers
Upset Alert- 3
Rutgers' arena is loud and always motivates the Scarlet Knights but the Orange should have few difficulties as Rutgers is still a lower-tier Big East team.
Boston College @ (7) Duke
Upset Alert- 1
The Blue Devils should take care of the Eagles, especially at home.
Minnesota @ (8) Michigan State
Upset Alert- 4
Tubby Smith has brought the Golden Gophers back into contention for the NCAA Tournament and could pull a surprise at the Breslin Center tonight.
(9) West Virginia @ South Florida
Upset Alert- 4
A possible slip-up game for the Mountaineers looking forward to their matchup with Syracuse on Saturday.
(16) Wisconsin @ Northwestern
Upset Alert- 2
Wisconsin has been playing excellent basketball in the past month and should dominate all forty minutes.
(17) BYU @ Air Force
Upset Alert- 3
The Cougars are one of the most underrated teams in the nation and should have a big night in Colorado Springs.
(18) Georgia Tech @ Virginia
Upset Alert- 10
This game has all the makings of an upset. Georgia Tech beat Duke on Saturday and play North Carolina this weekend. Virginia is in a perfect spot to catch the Yellow Jackets looking ahead to their matchup with the Tar Heels.
(21) Temple @ Penn
Upset Alert- 6
In any Big 5 game in Philly, an upset is likely. The Quakers have one win this season but with this game being the first of three straight Big 5 games, expect the unexpected.
(23) Ole Miss @ Georgia
Upset Alert- 7
A road game in the SEC is always tough, especially coming off a loss to your rival. That is what the Rebels are facing. Georgia is coming off of a win against Georgia Tech and a close loss to Kentucky in their last two games, which shows that they are ready to play the ranked teams tough and with tonight's game they could go 2 for 3 against ranked teams.
Coming off of the weekend that was chock full of upsets, do not be surprised if another three of four ranked teams go down tonight.
Highlighting Wednesday's action are two matchups with ranked opponents. (13) North Carolina visits (19) Clemson and (20) Pitt goes to (15) UCONN. These are obviously the most attention-grabbing games but for the rest of the Top 25 an upset is possible.
Following the listing of the game will be an upset alert rated from 1-10. 1 being the least chance to be upset, 10 being a very high chance of an upset.
(1) Texas @ Iowa State
Upset Alert- 1
There is no way the Longhorns will slip up until their meeting with Kansas in three weeks.
(3) Kansas @ Nebraska
Upset Alert- 1
Coach Bill Self will not let the Jayhawks play as poor as they did in Knoxville on Sunday.
(5) Syracuse @ Rutgers
Upset Alert- 3
Rutgers' arena is loud and always motivates the Scarlet Knights but the Orange should have few difficulties as Rutgers is still a lower-tier Big East team.
Boston College @ (7) Duke
Upset Alert- 1
The Blue Devils should take care of the Eagles, especially at home.
Minnesota @ (8) Michigan State
Upset Alert- 4
Tubby Smith has brought the Golden Gophers back into contention for the NCAA Tournament and could pull a surprise at the Breslin Center tonight.
(9) West Virginia @ South Florida
Upset Alert- 4
A possible slip-up game for the Mountaineers looking forward to their matchup with Syracuse on Saturday.
(16) Wisconsin @ Northwestern
Upset Alert- 2
Wisconsin has been playing excellent basketball in the past month and should dominate all forty minutes.
(17) BYU @ Air Force
Upset Alert- 3
The Cougars are one of the most underrated teams in the nation and should have a big night in Colorado Springs.
(18) Georgia Tech @ Virginia
Upset Alert- 10
This game has all the makings of an upset. Georgia Tech beat Duke on Saturday and play North Carolina this weekend. Virginia is in a perfect spot to catch the Yellow Jackets looking ahead to their matchup with the Tar Heels.
(21) Temple @ Penn
Upset Alert- 6
In any Big 5 game in Philly, an upset is likely. The Quakers have one win this season but with this game being the first of three straight Big 5 games, expect the unexpected.
(23) Ole Miss @ Georgia
Upset Alert- 7
A road game in the SEC is always tough, especially coming off a loss to your rival. That is what the Rebels are facing. Georgia is coming off of a win against Georgia Tech and a close loss to Kentucky in their last two games, which shows that they are ready to play the ranked teams tough and with tonight's game they could go 2 for 3 against ranked teams.
Coming off of the weekend that was chock full of upsets, do not be surprised if another three of four ranked teams go down tonight.
Z88.9 Sports Top 10 (January 12th)
TOP 10 FUTURE HALL OF FAMERS LEFT IN NFL PLAYOFFS
10. Jeff Saturday
9. Darren Sharper
8. Antonio Gates
7. Drew Brees
6. LaDainian Tomlinson
5. Ed Reed
4. Ray Lewis
3. Kurt Warner
2. Brett Favre
1. Peyton Manning
10. Jeff Saturday
9. Darren Sharper
8. Antonio Gates
7. Drew Brees
6. LaDainian Tomlinson
5. Ed Reed
4. Ray Lewis
3. Kurt Warner
2. Brett Favre
1. Peyton Manning
Sunday, January 10, 2010
College Hoopla: January 10th Edition
Welcome to my new weekly post dedicated to NCAA Men's Basketball titled College Hoopla. And their was a ton of hoopla going on in the Top 25 this weekend. Usually when three of the top five teams in the polls lose in a week it is shocking but that happened in a 24-hour span plus the upsetting of five other ranked teams puts the casualty list to eight this weekend. Here are this week's best in college hoops:
Player of the Week
Austin Freeman, Georgetown
The Hoyas' guard scored 28 of his 33 points in the second half against (13) UCONN at the Verizon Center on Saturday. Freeman also led the Hoyas' in scoring on the road at Marquette on Wednesday with 20 in the Hoyas' loss.
Team of the Week
Tennessee
Bruce Pearl's team has been through alot in the past month with three players being suspended and senior Tyler Smith being kicked of the team due to legal issues. After a crippling loss to USC last month, the Vols have won four straight including beating (1) Kansas on Sunday at Thompson-Boiling Arena 76-68.
Upset of the Week
Missouri over (10) Kansas State 74-68
With all ten Tigers who played in this game making some type of contibution to their win over K-State in Columbia on Saturday, the Tigers started off their Big 12 campaign with a statement win and showing the conference that they are a force to be reckoned with.
What the Top 10 Should Be:
(1) Texas
(2) Kentucky
(3) Syracuse
(4) Villanova
(5) Kansas
(6) North Carolina
(7) Purdue
(8) Georgetown
(9) Tennessee
(10) Duke
Monday to Friday Games to Watch:
Monday 1/11: Villanova @ Louisville (7:00 ESPN)
Tuesday 1/12:Kentucky @ Florida (9:00 ESPN)
Wednesday 1/13: Temple @ Penn (7:00)
Thursday 1/14: Gonzaga @ St. Mary's (11:00 ESPN2)
Friday 1/15: South Dakota St. @ North Dakota St. (8:00)
Weekend 6-Pack:
Syracuse @ West Virginia (Sat. 12:00 ESPN)
Georgia Tech @ North Carolina (Sat. 2:00 ESPN)
Notre Dame @ Cincinnati (Sat. 4:00 ESPNU)
Ole Miss @ Tennessee (Sat. 1:30)
Georgetown @ Villanova (Sun. 12:00)
UCONN @ Michigan (Sun. 1:30 CBS)
Come back next week and every week until the championship for more College Hoopla.
Player of the Week
Austin Freeman, Georgetown
The Hoyas' guard scored 28 of his 33 points in the second half against (13) UCONN at the Verizon Center on Saturday. Freeman also led the Hoyas' in scoring on the road at Marquette on Wednesday with 20 in the Hoyas' loss.
Team of the Week
Tennessee
Bruce Pearl's team has been through alot in the past month with three players being suspended and senior Tyler Smith being kicked of the team due to legal issues. After a crippling loss to USC last month, the Vols have won four straight including beating (1) Kansas on Sunday at Thompson-Boiling Arena 76-68.
Upset of the Week
Missouri over (10) Kansas State 74-68
With all ten Tigers who played in this game making some type of contibution to their win over K-State in Columbia on Saturday, the Tigers started off their Big 12 campaign with a statement win and showing the conference that they are a force to be reckoned with.
What the Top 10 Should Be:
(1) Texas
(2) Kentucky
(3) Syracuse
(4) Villanova
(5) Kansas
(6) North Carolina
(7) Purdue
(8) Georgetown
(9) Tennessee
(10) Duke
Monday to Friday Games to Watch:
Monday 1/11: Villanova @ Louisville (7:00 ESPN)
Tuesday 1/12:Kentucky @ Florida (9:00 ESPN)
Wednesday 1/13: Temple @ Penn (7:00)
Thursday 1/14: Gonzaga @ St. Mary's (11:00 ESPN2)
Friday 1/15: South Dakota St. @ North Dakota St. (8:00)
Weekend 6-Pack:
Syracuse @ West Virginia (Sat. 12:00 ESPN)
Georgia Tech @ North Carolina (Sat. 2:00 ESPN)
Notre Dame @ Cincinnati (Sat. 4:00 ESPNU)
Ole Miss @ Tennessee (Sat. 1:30)
Georgetown @ Villanova (Sun. 12:00)
UCONN @ Michigan (Sun. 1:30 CBS)
Come back next week and every week until the championship for more College Hoopla.
Wild-Card Weekend Not Too Wild Until The End
Wild-Card weekend has come and gone for another year and has provided us with few memories, if some fans even have a few from this weekend. The only moment worth being remembered is Karlos Dansby's touchdown in overtime. Unless you are a fan of one the four winning teams, this weekend was one to forget and that is why I am here to help you remember with my recap of Wild-Card Weekend
AFC
Jets 24, Bengals 14
Ravens 33, Patriots 14
The Jets came one step closer to back up Rex Ryan's guarantee of being the favorites to win the Super Bowl. The Ravens proved that last year was not a fluke by winning a third road playoff game in the past two years in Foxboro. Disappointment must be flowing through the veins of Bengal and Patriot fans right now. Both the Jets and Ravens relied on the run game to succeed and it worked. Both teams had two running backs carry the ball over 15 times and score at least one touchdown. Both teams' defenses also came to play while the losing teams' D did not show all game. By giving up only 14 points each, both the Jets and Ravens will challenge the Colts and Chargers next weekend on the road.
Next Week's Games:
Baltimore @ Indianapolis (Saturday, 8:15, CBS)
NY Jets @ San Diego (Sunday, 4:40, CBS)
NFC
Cowboys 34, Eagles 14
Cardinals 51, Packers 45 (OT)
These two games do not even belong in the same category. The Cowboys proved early in their game that they were going to advance. Meanwhile, in Arizona, the Packers and Cardinals provided fans with a much needed competitive game. The Cowboys domianted Philly for the second straight week and are on high on confidence going to Minnesota next week, while the loss triggered many questions about the future of the Eagles.
The Cardinals-Packers game set a few records that I did not think would be broken in this game. 96 points and over 1,000 total yards made this game an instant classic. After halftime both defenses decided to go into hiding after a first half filled with turnovers. Green Bay got back into the game with a Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings touchdown and then tried a successful onside kick with led to a Rodgers touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson and got the Packers' momentum going in the right direction. Fast forward to the fourth quarter, where the Packers down 45-38 came back yet again with a drive filled with wide open receivers and culminated in another touchdown pass by Rodgers, this time to linebacker/tight end Spencer Havner. After leaving the Cardinals with way too much time, they drove down the field and Neil Rackers missed the game-winning field goal. In overtime, it was fitting that a defensive touchdown by Dansby would end the shootout that had no end in sight.
Next Week's Games:
Arizona @ New Orleans (Saturday, 4:30, FOX)
Dallas @ Minnesota (Sunday, 1:00, FOX)
Check back on Friday for the first two of my four divisional playoff previews.
AFC
Jets 24, Bengals 14
Ravens 33, Patriots 14
The Jets came one step closer to back up Rex Ryan's guarantee of being the favorites to win the Super Bowl. The Ravens proved that last year was not a fluke by winning a third road playoff game in the past two years in Foxboro. Disappointment must be flowing through the veins of Bengal and Patriot fans right now. Both the Jets and Ravens relied on the run game to succeed and it worked. Both teams had two running backs carry the ball over 15 times and score at least one touchdown. Both teams' defenses also came to play while the losing teams' D did not show all game. By giving up only 14 points each, both the Jets and Ravens will challenge the Colts and Chargers next weekend on the road.
Next Week's Games:
Baltimore @ Indianapolis (Saturday, 8:15, CBS)
NY Jets @ San Diego (Sunday, 4:40, CBS)
NFC
Cowboys 34, Eagles 14
Cardinals 51, Packers 45 (OT)
These two games do not even belong in the same category. The Cowboys proved early in their game that they were going to advance. Meanwhile, in Arizona, the Packers and Cardinals provided fans with a much needed competitive game. The Cowboys domianted Philly for the second straight week and are on high on confidence going to Minnesota next week, while the loss triggered many questions about the future of the Eagles.
The Cardinals-Packers game set a few records that I did not think would be broken in this game. 96 points and over 1,000 total yards made this game an instant classic. After halftime both defenses decided to go into hiding after a first half filled with turnovers. Green Bay got back into the game with a Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings touchdown and then tried a successful onside kick with led to a Rodgers touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson and got the Packers' momentum going in the right direction. Fast forward to the fourth quarter, where the Packers down 45-38 came back yet again with a drive filled with wide open receivers and culminated in another touchdown pass by Rodgers, this time to linebacker/tight end Spencer Havner. After leaving the Cardinals with way too much time, they drove down the field and Neil Rackers missed the game-winning field goal. In overtime, it was fitting that a defensive touchdown by Dansby would end the shootout that had no end in sight.
Next Week's Games:
Arizona @ New Orleans (Saturday, 4:30, FOX)
Dallas @ Minnesota (Sunday, 1:00, FOX)
Check back on Friday for the first two of my four divisional playoff previews.
Playoff Preview (Packers @ Cardinals)
Green Bay @ Arizona (Sun, 4:40, FOX)
In the third rematch of Week 17 in the Wild-Card round, the Packers go back to the desert and will face the Cardinals' starters this week. Last week's game meant nothing to both teams, they were both in the playoffs and knew they were facing each other. The Cardinals started Matt Leinart last week and played most of their backups. This week is completely different because Kurt Warner leads Arizona into battle.
The Green Bay Packers are one of the hottest, if not the hottest team in the league and will look to continue they run with a win over Arizona for the second straight week. Aaron Rodgers is making Packer fans forget about the Favre era with good reason. Throwing for almost 4500 yards and having two 1,000 yard receivers, Rodgers is quickly becoming the next great quarterback for the Packers. But, it has not just been Rodgers, Ryan Grant is having an amazing year as well at running back. Grant's performance is flying way underneath the radar with the way Rodgers has performed. With the emergence of tight end Jermichael Finley, Rodgers has found a safety valve in the passing game to complement Donald Driver and Greg Jennings.
On defense, the Packers have been as good as the offense. Three of their top six tacklers are linebackers and they have been the heart of their defense this season. Nick Barnett's veteran leadership has helped with the development of A.J. Hawk and Clay Matthews. Matthews has been the standout on the defense with 10 sacks and has provided defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac with a weapon of the end to rush the quarterback. But the real star on the defensive side of the ball this season has been Charles Woodson. The former Heisman winner 9 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 defensive touchdowns. Woodson will be called upon to shut down Larry Fitzgerald today.
Speaking of Fitzgerald, he needs to have a huge game for the Cardinals to succeed. Anquan Boldin is out and Steve Breaston has to help Fitzgerald in the receving corps to help Kurt Warner spread the ball out to everyone. Warner is one of the most successful postseason quarterbacks in the history of the league and with word coming out this weekend that it is likely he will retire after the playoffs should give him extra motivation to win in what could be his final season. Unlike past seasons, Warner now has a reliable run game led by Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower to go to to provide balance.
On defense, the Cardinals' strong point is their secondary. Led by Antrel Rolle and Adrian Wilson, the secondary has gotten contributions from Bryant McFadden and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Facing the Packers' receivers will not be that big of a task for them but if the Packers do break free expect a long day.
5 Players to watch for the Cardinals
QB Kurt Warner
RB Beanie Wells
S Adrian Wilson
CB Bryant McFadden
WR Larry Fitzgerald
5 Players to watch for the Packers
QB Aaron Rodgers
CB Charles Woodson
LB Clay Matthews
RB Ryan Grant
TE Jermichael Finley
Matchup to watch: Fitzgerald v. Woodson
Prediction: Packers
In the third rematch of Week 17 in the Wild-Card round, the Packers go back to the desert and will face the Cardinals' starters this week. Last week's game meant nothing to both teams, they were both in the playoffs and knew they were facing each other. The Cardinals started Matt Leinart last week and played most of their backups. This week is completely different because Kurt Warner leads Arizona into battle.
The Green Bay Packers are one of the hottest, if not the hottest team in the league and will look to continue they run with a win over Arizona for the second straight week. Aaron Rodgers is making Packer fans forget about the Favre era with good reason. Throwing for almost 4500 yards and having two 1,000 yard receivers, Rodgers is quickly becoming the next great quarterback for the Packers. But, it has not just been Rodgers, Ryan Grant is having an amazing year as well at running back. Grant's performance is flying way underneath the radar with the way Rodgers has performed. With the emergence of tight end Jermichael Finley, Rodgers has found a safety valve in the passing game to complement Donald Driver and Greg Jennings.
On defense, the Packers have been as good as the offense. Three of their top six tacklers are linebackers and they have been the heart of their defense this season. Nick Barnett's veteran leadership has helped with the development of A.J. Hawk and Clay Matthews. Matthews has been the standout on the defense with 10 sacks and has provided defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac with a weapon of the end to rush the quarterback. But the real star on the defensive side of the ball this season has been Charles Woodson. The former Heisman winner 9 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 defensive touchdowns. Woodson will be called upon to shut down Larry Fitzgerald today.
Speaking of Fitzgerald, he needs to have a huge game for the Cardinals to succeed. Anquan Boldin is out and Steve Breaston has to help Fitzgerald in the receving corps to help Kurt Warner spread the ball out to everyone. Warner is one of the most successful postseason quarterbacks in the history of the league and with word coming out this weekend that it is likely he will retire after the playoffs should give him extra motivation to win in what could be his final season. Unlike past seasons, Warner now has a reliable run game led by Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower to go to to provide balance.
On defense, the Cardinals' strong point is their secondary. Led by Antrel Rolle and Adrian Wilson, the secondary has gotten contributions from Bryant McFadden and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Facing the Packers' receivers will not be that big of a task for them but if the Packers do break free expect a long day.
5 Players to watch for the Cardinals
QB Kurt Warner
RB Beanie Wells
S Adrian Wilson
CB Bryant McFadden
WR Larry Fitzgerald
5 Players to watch for the Packers
QB Aaron Rodgers
CB Charles Woodson
LB Clay Matthews
RB Ryan Grant
TE Jermichael Finley
Matchup to watch: Fitzgerald v. Woodson
Prediction: Packers
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