by Mo Siddiq

Created on: January 29, 2009

Everyone was certain of the upset-to-be, of the outcome of this game that would change the direction of the desert's long-losing franchise. Rookie quarterback Matt Leinart, in his NFL debut, had just dissected the undefeated Chicago Bear's league leading defense for a 20-0 halftime lead. The Cardinals were going to win, and after watching Leinart that night on Monday Night Football, the franchise was assured of better days ahead. That night's edition of SportsCenter, however, featured one highlight more than any other: Cardinals then-coach Dennis Green screaming repeatedly, angrily, and, most of all, helplessly: "The bears were who we thought they wereand we let em off the hook!" Arizona had stumbled in the final quarter of play. The Bears had won. The upset-to-be never materialized, and the direction of all involved with the franchise led to same conclusion as in years past: on the couch, in front of the TV, watching other teams play for the Lombardi Trophy. To understand why this year will be different, one has to understand what has forged these Cardinals through the grueling 17-week NFL season.

The 2008 season had no reason to be particularly good. Leinart, the promising quarterback of the future, hadn't even won the starting role. The Cardinals hopes lay on the shoulders of 38 year-old Kurt Warner. Little did people guess that Warner, given the combination of his life and football experience as well as ability, would be the best man to revive a franchise that was left for dead in the desert.

Warner gained new authority with the Cardinals after being named the starter. Everyone had watched him work hard on a quest to literally earn his role and right to play for the franchise. Warner also had a Super Bowl ring, but it was his path to success that earned him tacit respect. Undrafted after college and cut by the Packers during training camp, Warner bagged groceries for $5.50 an hour and bounced around in the Arena Football League and Europe before debuting with St. Louis Rams. The Rams were, just like the Cardinals, a team that had never tasted much success or appeared in the Super Bowl. Under Warner, they were deemed the Greatest Show on Turf and appeared in two title games, winning one of them. The offense trusted and respected Warner and for a franchise that had never won, this was a critically important foundation.

Warner immediately found rhythm with Cardinals Pro Bowl receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, and early in the season, the Cardinals

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