by P.L. Hubble

Created on: January 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 01, 2009

Defense wins Super Bowls. This has been proven over and over throughout Super Bowl history. This would seem to point to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the easy winner. But taking a closer look at the Cardinals reveals that this might not be the case. The Arizona defense has been on fire all the way through the post-season, generating an NFL-best 12 turnovers in 3 games. Time after time, Arizona has gotten superb field position due to an interception or fumble. Clancy Pendergast hit the "reset button" for the playoffs. He gave rookie cornerback Dominique Rogers-Cromartie more responsibilities on man coverage, and began using his pass rushers in more creative ways. With Pro Bowler Adrian Wilson at strong safety, and former Pro Bowlers Darnell Dockett and Bertram Berry at tackle and end respectively, Pendergast has a solid core of players. Starting defensive end Antonio Smith looks to be back into the lineup Sunday too. This defense takes pride in the fact that they shut down every stand-out running back they have faced in the post-season. When crunch time came, the defense also managed to limit the opposing quarterbacks. This unit of the Cardinals relies on speed rather than strength, and has come together at just the right time.

No analysis of the Cardinals team would be complete without looking at the offense too. Veteran Kurt Warner has been outstanding all season, throwing for over 4000 yards. Receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin both had over 1000 yards this season, and Fitzgerald has been nearly unstoppable in the playoffs. The rushing game was not nearly so devastating during the season, finishing dead last in the league, but the playoffs have somehow rejuvenated it. A resurgent Edgerrin James and rookie Tim Hightower have combined for over 100 yards per game in the playoffs, giving Arizona a legitimate double-threat.

Another important factor of the game will be which team handles the unfamiliar stadium best. Arizona was 0-5 against the East Coast this year, but smashed that hurdle when they crushed the Panthers. After their loss at Washington the Cardinals decided to stay in the area for the next weeks game versus the Jets. Although they lost that game too, it gave the coaches a lesson in how to game plan outside of their own facility, this should be an advantage. The weather would also seem to favor Arizona as they are used to playing in hot conditions, and the forecast is for a bright, sunny day.

With all of these ingredients combined, things are shaping up well for a huge upset. With one last win the Cardinals can prove that they do indeed belong in football's biggest game. Look for the underdogs to win in a spectacular game with a close finish.

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