Arizona Cardinals Blogs

Heart attacks were felt across the nation on Sunday (especially by me), leading to plenty of hospitalizations. While you’re incapacitated, why not get the full scoop on week 14’s heart-stopping action?

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 14, 2011"

Week 13 in the NFL saw a variety of last second comebacks, including more “Jebus and Teebs” magic and a scare for the undefeated champs. Need to know more? Welcome to The Final Drive.

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 13, 2011"

There’s no way around it. This division sucks. Quarterback questions abound for three of its four teams and 9-7 will likely win it all. The final division preview starts now!

Seattle Seahawks

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The NFC West"

 

The only thing more frightening than the onslaught of awful Halloween costumes I saw over the weekend is the NFL schedule for week eight. I had to struggle to find five games worth discussing. Jacksonville-Dallas? Ew. Redskins-Lions? Gross. Bills-Chiefs? Really? Here are the games I'll be paying attention to this weekend.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 8"

Well, if this third preseason game was any indication of how the regular season will look, Bears fans are in for a bumpy ride. The Bears' offensive woes continued against the Cardinals as the first-team unit failed to score any points. Here are my notes from Saturday night's 14-9 loss to the Cardinals.

Continue reading "Bears' offense can't finish against the Cardinals"

 

Tonight the Chicago Bears take on the Arizona Cardinals in what will really be their final tune-up before their regular season opens up on September 12th. The third preseason game is always the outing in which you can place the most weight on how the team will perform in later weeks, as the starters will play into the third quarter and the coaches usually attempt to make a gameplan. Here's what I'll be watching for later tonight after I get back from being social and rev up my DVR.

Continue reading "Joe's Preseason Preview: Cardinals at Bears"

We're another weekend closer to the NFL kicking off for real! After my last look at the AFC South, this time around I'll be examining the teams in the NFC West, a division that is always up for grabs. (Unless you're the Rams.)

Continue reading "Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: NFC West"

Legendary St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner retired last week after 12 improbable seasons in the NFL.

Warner, a two-time AP NFL MVP and five-time Pro Bowl selection, walked away from the gridiron, and $11.5 million, while he was still playing at an elite level.

Continue reading "Nobody played the QB position better ..."

After Tim Hightower took the opening hand-off 70 yards for a touchdown, all I could think of was how awful the Saints fans would feel if their team lost in their playoff opener. Luckily for them Reggie Bush showed up with his bird-killing cleats on, leading the Saints to a 45-14 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals to kick-off the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Continue reading "Reggie Bush goes off as Saints crush ..."

In case you haven't heard, we're knee-deep in the NFL playoffs. Today kicks-off the best weekend of football all year. Eight teams remain in the Super Bowl hunt, with the top seeds in each conference joining in on the action. Let's not waste any time, here's the Opening Drive for Divisional Saturday in the NFL!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Saturday"

It was, as they say, one for the ages in Arizona tonight as the Cardinals took on the Green Bay Packers in what turned out to be the most exciting post-season match-up thus far this season.  When all was said and done, the Cardinals pulled off a victory in an offensive slug-fest that dragged into overtime and ended with a staggering final score of 45-51.

Continue reading "Wild Cards Trump Green Bay; Rodgers Ripped Off"

It's fitting that in a game with over 1000 yards of offense, a defensive play decides the outcome. On the first drive of overtime, an Aaron Rodgers fumble was recovered by Cardinal Karlos Dansby and taken back 17 yards for the game-winning touchdown, eliminating the Packers from post-season play with a final of 51-45.

Continue reading "Cardinals eliminate Packers in an ..."

 

After the Cowboys and the Jets dominated their opponents to move onto the divisional round, we've got some great action on tap today with a physical match-up in New England and a (hopefully) high-flying contest in the Arizona desert. Here's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Sunday!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Wild-Card Sunday"

There were a few games I couldn’t even pretend to drum up a story for. Monday night’s Baltimore v. Cleveland match-up is beyond ugly. Still, there's plenty of drama for the week 10 edition of the Opening Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10"

 So that almost happened. Despite being out-played, out-coached, and out-classed in the first half, the Chicago Bears mounted a valiant comeback before falling to the Arizona Cardinals 41-21.   

Continue reading "Bears can't catch up to Cardinals, lose 41-21"

It wasn’t pretty, but I’ll take it. The Bears put down the Cleveland Browns by a final score of 30-6 Sunday at Soldier Field. While a 24-point win against a number of other teams would have been memorable, that margin wasn’t enough for Bears fans who wanted to see domination like they saw in Cincinnati. Instead, they saw Lovie Smith’s squad do little more than take advantage of Cleveland’s never-ending mistakes.

Continue reading "Cutler gets "Jay-Roughed" in Bears' ..."

Um… I struggled to find six games with real significant drama. Bob Sanders will return to the Colts, but it’s against the lowly Rams! The Packers face the bumbling Browns, New England faces winless Tampa Bay in London, and Buffalo takes on Carolina. *shudder* Here’s the best of week seven in my Opening Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 7"

In a crazy week six in the NFL, we saw both New York teams fall, one squad completely give up, and three teams continue their undefeated ways. The Final Drive of week six starts right now! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

Plenty of drama in a weekend that saw one team break a 19-game losing streak and another keep their undefeated streak going. Let’s start the Final Drive of week 3! 

(1-2) Detroit Lions 19 (1-2) Washington Redskins 14 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

 

In week three, two early unbeatens face off at the Metrodome while numerous 0-2 teams try to avoid the near-insurmountable playoff climb out of the 0-3 hole. Let’s get started with this week’s Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

 

With 16 games in the regular season, losing your first two isn’t a cause for panic, but it is a cause for concern. In the Week 2 edition of the Opening Drive, here are some teams who need to avoid an 0-2 start.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 2"

UFC's Randy Couture Could Help the New York Jets Defense

New York Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace will not play in Sunday’s season opener versus the Texans in Houston because he was suspended for four games in July for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances. 

Continue reading "UFC's Randy Couture Could Help the ..."

The United Football League (UFL) is scheduled to begin their inaugural season on October 8, 2009.

 

The upstart league will have four teams competing in seven cities and games will be played on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

Continue reading "The United Football League (UFL) Will Thrive"

         Ah, summer's end. The kids are getting ready for school, the Pirates are firmly ensconced in last place, and hurricane season is in full effect. Time for some pre-season football!

Continue reading "Preseason: Vick, Stallworth, and ..."

OK, now I’m sold.

 

Since the end of the regular season I’ve been waiting for the Patriots to get a rush linebacker I could believe in. Whether it was a rookie day one draft pick, a free agent, or by trade, I wanted someone that could get to the quarterback better than Mike Vrabel did in 2008. His trade to Kansas City made the need urgent.

Continue reading "A Burgess Believer"

After an amazingly close loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl 43 can the ,Arizona Cardinals, get there again?  That seems to be the question on everyone's mind.  I seem to think that it is entirely possible again this year since none of the other teams in the NFC West have done much rebuilding since last season.  The only reason the Cards made it to the playoffs last year was because every other team in the west totally sucked.  It was by sheer circumstance of being not the crappiest team in the crappiest division that the cards even made it that far.  And then once they took out the crybaby Boldin did they even do anything of consequence.  I think this season should be a great one. As long as they remember Warner to Fitzgerald is the key to their success and not to switch it up mid game like they tried during the Super Bowl.

Continue reading "Arizona Cardinals in SuperBowl XLIII: ..."

The Baltimore Sun beat me to the punch on this topic, listing the Ravens top 5 options not currently on the roster for replacing the seemingly retired Mason:  http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-sp.mason15jul15,0,430

Continue reading "Replacing Derrick Mason: The Ravens ..."

     According to ESPN the Dallas Cowboys have released Terrell Owens. Thank God!!!

   

    There are a few things to look at over the next few weeks. One, where will Owens end up? Two, how will this affect the draft and Roy Williams? Three, who will become the replacement in the Cowboy's receiving courps?

Continue reading "T. O. is Released From the Dallas Cowboys"

Whoa.  

Continue reading "Oops..."

Just read that the Chicago Bears have been mentioned in trade rumors to move Linebacker and probable Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher to the Arizona Cardinals and in return, get rights to Anquan Boldin, one of the top receivers in NFL.

Continue reading "Boldin to Bears for Urlacher May Be Worth It"

Most Super Bowl responses came out on either Monday or Tuesday of this week, but I needed a few days to catch my breath. I've spent most of the week wearing Steelers clothes, getting excited greetings from a guy at the Tin Can who looked like hw was out of an Adam Sandler movie and the occasional joking heckle from the other side of my weekly poker game. All the negative comments directed towards me stopped once the game ended and the Steelers brought home the Six Pack to Pittsburgh. After a game that exciting and nearly devastating, I'd even high five this girl (you know the one I mean).

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLIII Champs"

I think it speaks volumes for what the mentality must have been on the Zona bench after they scored, that just 2 days after their D-Coordinator was canned.  If Zona could have held at the end.....(blown coverage on Holmes catch), Zona would be celebrating.  But I am not a "what if" guy......Rothlisberger showed why he gets the big bucks!  However I will end by saying this; To anyone that is being honest with themselves, there was a clip by the Steelers on the Harrison

Continue reading "NFL Officiating"

Now THAT was a finish. With toes touching and his hands grasping, Santonio Holmes drove a stake into the collective heart of the Arizona Cardinals and their fans. It was the last score of a thrilling fourth quarter that saw the Cardinals rally from thirteen points down to take a 23 – 20 lead with 2:37 left on the clock. That was 35 seconds more than the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to drive 78 yards to the end zone, regaining the lead and winning the forty-third Super Bowl. I won’t waste your time recapping plays like James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return or Larry Fitzgerald’s 64-yard catch and run. You watched those on Sunday. Instead, I’ll try to hit the nuances and little snippets you may have missed as you stuffed down wings and left the room during gameplay so you wouldn’t have to miss a commercial.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Super Bowl XLIII"

Superbowl XLIII is over and the Pittsburgh Steelers now have their 6th championship. They defeated the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 27-23. Both teams put up a solid effort but in the end the fans from Pittsburgh got to waive their Terrible Towels and watch their beloved team "win one for the other thumb."

Continue reading "Superbowl Aftermath"

Patriot Gets Pissed On 

New England Patriots star quarterback Matt Cassel was urinated on by some moronic booze bag last Friday night at ESPN’s Tampa Bay Super Bowl fiesta.

 

Continue reading "Kurt and Brenda Warner and a Patriot ..."

I would just like to throw my two cents in on the big game this year. It was not a fumble. That call was bullshit. His arm is clearly moving forward and he still had possesion of the ball. I know ther

Continue reading "Super Bowl"

 

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

Continue reading "Predictions Super Bowl XLIII"

Despite the fact that I would kind of like to see the Arizona Cardinals pull off an upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, I think that the Yellow and Black will prevail in this one.  The way I see it, the Cardinals are good enough to score two TDs, but not more than one field goal.  The Steelers, on the other hand, will also get two TD scores against an Arizona defense that really isn't that great (unless they can force turnovers, which the Steelers don't give up), plus kick a few more field goals to pull out the win.

Continue reading "Super Bowl Prediction: Steelers 23, Cardinals 17"

I’m Not Picking the Winner

 

By now everyone in the country who is on TV, writes for a newspaper, blogs, or breathes has made their Super Bowl pick.  I’m not going to do that.  I will not succumb. 

Continue reading "I'm Not Picking the Winner"

Before I talk football, I want to vent about the Blues a bit. Prior to the All-Star break, the club managed to win at Chicago and mount a ridiculous comeback to win at Boston. If not for a horrible missed call by the refs (this isn't just about me being a homer, if a guy catches the puck in his glove and the entire catching portion of the glove is across the goal line, it's pretty obvious that so is the puck) in the home game against the Blackhawks, the Blues easily could've been riding a four-game winning streak heading into the break. So with seven points in their last four games, how do the Blues come back from the break? By blowing a home game against one of the worst teams in the Eastern (and in my opinion weaker) Conference. It was 1-1 with two minutes left and we allowed a goal when they were outnumbered 4-2 in our zone.

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLIII"

After two weeks of so-called experts and reporters breaking down each team's strengths and weaknesses and what Kurt Warner's favorite food is and what Big Ben likes in music and dislikes ...it's nice to have the game just a mere 24+ hours away. I do like the hype to an extent, but once you hit Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Super Bowl weekend...you're ready for the game!

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLIII Prediction"

Now that I’ve adequately covered each individual team, now it’s time to analyze the game between them! It’s the last game of the season so it’s also the last edition of the Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joey A's Super Bowl Opening Drive: Game Preview"

Now that our coaching staff is set and we are starting all over...again..., I started thinking about Tony Grossi's recent article in the Plain Dealer. In his article, he wondered what the Browns would be like if we would have drafted Kurt Warner in the expansion draft. It has been ten years now, and we have been to the playoffs once. Butch Davis was our coach, and we lost a close one in Pittsburgh. Actually, it was a heart-breaking loss because we were winning most of the game.

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns: If you had another ..."

After years of being the “sexy pick” of the NFC West, Ken Wisenhunt's Arizona Cardinals finally lived up to the hype this season by beating up on the mediocre teams in their division and winning the NFC Championship.

Continue reading "Joey A's Super Bowl Opening Drive: ..."

I was sitting on the couch last night watching some the recap of the media day's highlights and interviews when it finally sank in... the freakin' Cardinals are in the Super Bowl. For me this is just something that I've thought was impossible for at least the last 20 years. I am not a Cardinal fan at all. I just have a mutual respect for them out of the love for the game that I have. I also had the pleasure of serving in Iraq with late Pat Tillman. I follow the Cardinals kind of like my In-Laws. When something important happens I take notice, but most of the time I could care less. What a fool I was!

Continue reading "Super Bowl set for Sunday!!!"

With the economy still on a steady decline it doesn’t seem to be hurting the NFL during its favorite time of the year… Playoff time. Now with Super Bowl XLIII just around the corner it seems like you still have to make a Hail-Mary pass to the loan office if you want to score a first hand view of any of these games. 

Continue reading "Why the Playoffs and the Super Bowl ..."

You and your buddies have been planning your Super Bowl party for months.  Deep down inside, you know the party with its canned beer, half-eaten bag of stale chips and a couch that seats three will suck, but at least you’ll be around your boys for the most hallowed of all sports days.

Continue reading "How To Host A Successful Super Bowl Party"

 What is it inside someone that elevates them to greatness? How does someone transcend from ordinary to legendary? What defines a hero? Dictionary.com defines a hero as “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.” I met a man like this once. His name was Pat Tillman.            I, like so many others, served in the United States military and had the opportunity to deploy overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I spent my first few weeks, adjusting to the life in  the desert, and then was notified that I would be going forward into Baghdad, Iraq. We flew into Baghdad at night and with the U.S. Army Ranger Battalion.            A few days later, one of the maintenance guys walks over with someone behind him. It was then that I met Pat Tillman for the first time. I have had the opportunity to meet NFL players in the past, but this was different. He was one of us. He was a soldier.           As the days turned to weeks our base camp a.k.a.

Continue reading "Heroes!!!"

After some tremendous post-season play, the Super Bowl is set. In this edition of the Final Drive, I look back at Sunday’s Conference Championship games.

Arizona Cardinals 32, Philadelphia Eagles 25

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Conference ..."

I've posted lists of this length and magnitude elsewhere in the past. Before I get to the rankings, I like to explain my general rationale and some of the specifics of the decision-making process. Here are some essential rules, so you can better understand my thinking:

Continue reading "The NFL's Top 100 Players"

The stage was officially set after Sunday's two Conference games for the 43rd Super Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers both jumped over their last hurdles to go to the big dance. But don't ask either coach if they'll be satisfied with just making it. They want to win it! I'll bring you a in-depth 7 part preview of the big game as I'll give my prediction on the game on the 7th and final post. So let's get to it! This is the 'intro' post to the 7 part series.

Continue reading "Setting the Stage: Arizona Cardinals"

Even before he's introduced as the next New York Jets head coach and begins to assemble his staff, Rex Ryan has an influential assistant.

"We talk football all the time," Ryan's famous father, Buddy Ryan, said Monday.

Continue reading "About time Rex Ryan got a chance..."

So after watching the Steelers/ Ravens game, I have noticed one thing about Pittsburgh... they are a dirty team.  Ryan Clark hit Willis McGahee helmet-to-helmet in the closing minutes of the Fourth Quarter to force a fumble, which was recovered by the Steelers.  Unfortunately for the NFL and for fans of the game, the referees did not call the hit illegal.  A very similar hit was called illegal (and a fine was given) earlier this season on Anquan Boldin, which knocked him out for several games.  These hits are very dangerous and can cause paralysis.  The league needs to be more uniform in the hits they call.  There are less calls made against offensive players making helmet to helmet blocks (see video of Hines Ward breaking Keith Rivers' jaw in a game against Cincinnati).  Also less frequent are helmet-to-helmet hits on running backs from defenders.  It's like the league feels that defensive players deserve to get hit this way, and since running backs are naturally taking the most hits, they deserve it in a way.  Receivers and quarterbacks are too fragile to allow these hits to be put on them, so the league fines players for hits on these guys.  Come on!  The reason some are called illegal is "to prevent injury".  All of these hits, regardless of position, can injure the guy.  (Did you see McGahee carted off the field on a stretcher, or Keith Rivers get his jaw broken?)  Bottom line, both of these hits referenced were by Pittsburgh Steelers players, and neither were fined or even called as penalties.  I feel like the NFL gives Pittsburgh a free pass because they have a reputation as a physical, hard-hitting football team.  The league needs to get their act together and fix this very baised system. 

Continue reading "Steelers' cheap shots"

Living near Philadelphia, every time the Eagles do badly, I always hear some sort of excuse. For the past 8 years, that reason has always seemed to be Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. I am sick and tired about hearing how Andy Reid needs to be fired, and that Donovan McNabb needs to be traded. For 5 of the last 8 years, the Eagles were one win away from going to the super bowl, and 1 time, getting to go. The reason for the loss to the Cardinals though, had very little to do with either Andy Reid or Donovan McNabb. In fact, if I were to make a list of reasons why the Eagles loss, there would be a lot of reasons I would put in front of Reid/McNabb.

Continue reading "The Real Reasons for the Eagles loss ..."

The NFL's final four are set. We're left with a two, a four, and two sixes. The four is actually more surprising than the sixes. I would guess that very few people had the Arizona Cardinals hosting the NFC Championship. I certainly didn't and I even managed to go four-of-five in my picks last week (five-of-six if you count Utah over Florida, which I'll give myself the benefit of a doubt since the BCS leaves us with nothing but doubt). The Cards got over the hump by winning on the other side of the Mississippi River. Sure, Jake Delhomme was awful, setting all kinds of records for turnovers (6) and interceptions (5), but the Cardinals fell behind 7-0 quickly and responded just as quickly. They could have gotten down on themselves while trailing on the road, but they fought back and blew out the Panthers instead. Hell, they even had a running game for the first time in weeks. That likely won't be the case against the Eagles, but they may not need it as they look to have Anquan Boldin back. When Kurt Warner is right, he's one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league. With Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, they have two of the biggest deep threats in the league, so they have a chance against any defense, even one as good as the Eagles have been lately.

Continue reading "Conference Title Games"

 

           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

Continue reading "Predictions Conference Championships"

• Well here we are again ! One game away from the main event. If you would have asked me around mid-season  for my Conference Championship finalists , I would have never anticipated these match-ups. With the exception of Pittsburgh , who I actually did have as one of the AFC´s contenders , Arizona ,Baltimoreand Philadelphia's were´nt even on my radar. Low and behold here they are , one game away from a trip to sunny Tampa. But as improbable as this semi-final sounds , we still must give credit where credit is due. Arizona is probably the most suspect of the three . A 9-7 division winner ,playing in a division that is suspect in itself  and, who only by virtue of winning that weak NFC west , got them into the post season . Lets face it , if they were in any other division , a 9-7 record even doesn´t get them in the playoffs. Be that as it may , they beat an up an coming Falcons team at home in the first round of the playoffs. With Warner hooking up with Fitzgerald and Boldin on touchdowns of 42 and 71 yrds. respectfully. And the defense surprising the Falcons by holding star runningback Michael Turner to just 60 yrds. rushing while intercepting Matt Ryan twice and sacking him in the endzone for a safety. Next up was the second seed CarolinaPanthers in the Divisionals. Going on that dreaded east-coast trip again where they have performed poorly during the season. They manhandled the Panthers on both sides of the ball whipping them 33-13. They held DeAngelo Williams , a 1500 yrd. rusher , to just 63 yrds. rushing while intercepting Jake Delhomme five times and forced a fumble. Arizona´s offense is known for putting up big numbers but now their defense is starting to show that they are also a big part of their success. Pretty impressive for sure , but I am still not sold on them being a championship caliber team. Baltimore squeaked into the playoffs after beating up on Jacksonville, and Miami winning against the Jets knocking the the Patriots out despite their win against the Bills. Baltimore´s relentless defense forced five turnovers on their way to smothering division winner Miami in the first round of the playoffs. In the divisional playoffs Tennessee dented Baltimore´s armor to the tune of 391 yards , but turned the ball over on three occasions inside their 20 , which ultimately cost them the ball game losing 13-10. It´s not by coincidence that the Ravens lead the NFL in take-a-ways with 34. Offensively , Baltimoreis riding on the cannon arm of rookie QB Joe Flacco along a solid running game with LeRon McLain , 902 rushing yards and 10 TD´s , and veteran Willis McGahee , 671 rushing yards and 7 TD´s, sharing the ground attack duties. Flacco makes good decisions with the ball  to go along with his accurate powerful right arm. But Baltimore can be vulnerable at times as proven by the Titans 391yards or the Giants 207 yards rushing their 30-10 thumping of the Ravens. And , don´t forget ,Willie Parker is healthy again and had 791 rushing yards and 5 TD´s despite missing five games with injuries. The Philadelphia Eagles are the New YorkGiants of ´07 . Just as the giants had their woes last season , the Eagles have had their share as well. Starting with the halftime benching of QB Donavan McNabb by Andy Reid , citing the seven turnovers in seven quarters being the reason for the benching. Followed by a week of Reid not saying who would start the next game against Arizona, furthering the despair between Reid and the squad. Then the Cardinals flew into town and McNabb , who got the nod , had a superb game throwing for 260 yards and four TD´s . That was the start of winning the their last four out of five regular season games. Their thrashing of their division rival Cowboys 44-6 in the last game of the season propelled them to the post season knocking out the `Boys playoff hopes. McNabb had another good day throwing for two scores and running for another. They carried over their momentum , just as the ´07 Giants had done , to the post season winning big on the road against Minnesota and then following that up with a huge victory over the # 1 seed and defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants . Does the word “Deja-Vous “ ring a bell ? A solid offence with versatile back Brian Westbrook  who , without a doubt , will force Arizonato keep 22 eyes on him all game long. A rejuvenated McNabb who is still dangerous and foxy and who is now beaming with confidence. And  capable receivers with the ever so dangerous DeSean Jackson leading the way. Along with Jim Johnsons´stout defence , Philly could be very dangerous indeed. Pittsburgh knows whats expected of them and I have no doubt that their no#1 ranked defence knows just how to respond. A healthy Willie Parker is back to take the pressure off of Big Ben and add some power to the ground game . Veteran Hines Ward is another seasoned player who knows how to raise his game this time of year. But again, the big part of this team´s success is their defence. Ranked # 1 over all ( #2 vs. run  - #1 vs. pass ) , 2ndin sacks with 51 , and fewest points allowed , 223 , they are an overwhelming force. Flying around the ball putting the big hits on opponents and simply demoralizing offences is their game plan week in – week out .Aaron Smith , James Farrior , James Harrison , and Troy Polamalu to name a few are a total wrecking crew waiting to pummel offences to the ground. And they will definitely be out in force come Sunday. Enough said ´bout those guys !! That being said : . Eagles 29 – Cardinals 24Eagles defence rattles Warner , Boldin not healthy. . Steelers 16 – Ravens 13The first two meetings were close and low scoring , expect more of same. Final thought : As a head coach of a German – American football team over in Germany , I live for stats. I love them to death. But they all go out the window come this time of year. One given: The team that turns the ball over more and has six or more penalties , loses the game 91% of the time!! ENJOY THE GAMES FOLKS !!!!

Continue reading "NFL Championship Match-Ups : "Unlikely ..."

For personal reasons, I really want to pick the Cardinals and Ravens to win this weekend.

 

I have many friends who are Ravens fans including my younger brother who was a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band (and he may be a part of them again in the near future.)  He was, even if it was somewhat obliquely, a “Raven.”   He and I spend just about every Raven’s game texting back and forth.  He’s too young to really remember the Raven’s success of the early 2000’s.  He had just turned 9 when the Raven’s won the Super Bowl and all he really remembers about it is me (a lifelong Giants fan) fuming for most of the game and storming out when it was over.  So for his sake, I like to see the Ravens win.

Continue reading "Heads or Hearts on Championship Weekend"

Legendary quarterback Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals defeated the heavily-favored Carolina Panthers 33-13 Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

Warner, 37, a two-time NFL MVP and the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV, went 22-32 and threw two touchdowns while leading the Birds surprising slaying of the Cats (12-5).

Continue reading "Kurt Warner is an All-Time Great!"

For the second straight week, all of the NFL’s contests are rematches. Who are the ad wizards that are responsible for this? I smell a fix! (I kid, I kid.) After my two favorite football weekends of the year, this Sunday is without question the best singular day of action. I’ve got you covered with all the details in the penultimate edition of the Opening Drive.

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Conference ..."

Continue reading "The Birds and the "D's""

The Arizona Cardinals are playing for the NFC title this coming weekend.  That is a miracle in the world of the NFL.  The Cards, who have been the nomads of the NFL for years, are rising like a phoenix in the Arizona desert.  They played in the shadow of the Chicago Bears.  I remember I saw them play a game in the old Comiskey Park, I don't know who they played, but it was freezing and I remember how cold it was.  Then the moved to St. Louis, where they didn't win anything or even come close.

Continue reading "Rooting for the Cards"

 

The crystal ball had a dreadful performance this past week, posting a woeful 1-3 record.  This is playoff time, so that is totally unacceptable!  The crystal ball started off 1-0, but then dropped its last three for the weekend!  Anyway, that puts the crystal ball at 3-5 for the post-season, and 36-31-1 overall.  That’s five games over .500 (.537 to be exact).  Hopefully the crystal ball will perform better this coming week, as the pressure mounts in the Championship games!  Let’s take a look back, and review what happened last week.

Continue reading "Divisional Round Review"

 

• Drew Brees won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.  I can’t argue with that pick.  Anytime you come within a deep out route of Dan Marino’s single season passing record, you can be the Offensive POY.

Continue reading "Quick Hits and Playoff Week 2 Picks"

Although "my" Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs last weekend, the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs for both leagues offers a host of great matchups, Vikings or no Vikings...

Continue reading "Quick Picks For The NFL Divisional Playoffs"

The playoffs are finally here, and not a moment too soon. After a crazy regular season, twelve teams are left with their eyes on the Super Bowl. Let’s get you ready for this weekend with a wild-card edition of the Opening Drive.

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

Thin-slicing. It is the act cutting through all extraneous information and getting to the key items that characterize something. Malcolm Gladwell wrote an entertaining and informative book on thin-slicing called

Continue reading "Thin-slicing Week 1 of the NFL Playoffs"

Well it's a clear as day now. In order to get in, the Patriots must win out and get some much needed help.

Assistance wasn't provided last night as Dallas gave away their final game at Texas Stadium to visiting Baltimore. And how the Ravens won was unbelievable. Two consecutive runs gained 159 yards and two touchdowns. The Cowboys looked more like security detail clearing the way through the paparazzi than defenders going in for the tackle.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 16"

The facts are daunting.

The Patriots defense allowed points scored, either touchdowns or field goals, the last 41 times the opponents entered the red zone. Arizona is the second highest scoring team in the league that features receivers 6-0 Steve Breaston, 6-1 Anquan Boldin, and 6-3 Larry Fitzgerald. New England's cornerbacks measure 5-9 Ellis Hobbs, 5-11 Jonathan Wilhite, and 5-11 Deltha O'Neal.

Continue reading "Goal to Grow"

The Cardinals should provide the perfect test for the Patriots in their second to last game of the season. Their strengths on offense (throwing the ball) are the Pats biggest weaknesses and their weaknesses on offense (running the ball) are the Pats biggest strength. So expect them to spread the field and try to attack the Pats banged up secondary.

Continue reading "5 Keyz: Patriots vs. Cardinals"

I would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for putting the boots to the Arizona Cardinals, with their back-up quarterback, to the tune of 35-14. As if the Cards didn't have reason enough to win this Sunday. They're still jockeying for playoff positioning. Now they are hungry to bounce back from Sunday's butt-kicking.

Continue reading "Another Inspired Patriots Opponent"

Because of my work schedule, I was unable to preview this past Sunday's MN/Arizona game.  However, had I done so, I would have predicted a 35-14 Arizona victory (that was the number in my head).  I would have gotten the scoring correct, at least!

Continue reading "Vikings 35, Cardinals 14: An Impressive ..."

Where was this in the first two weeks of the season?

Tavaris Jackson, bench after two losses this season, had four TD passes (two of them over 40 yards) to led Minnesota to a not-so-surprising win over the playoff-bound Arizona Cardinals. Jackson went 11-for-17 with 163 yard with no picks or fumbles. He was sacked three times but also had three carries for three yards, all of them for one yard, avoiding other potential sacks. This was the kind of spark the Vikings haven't had since Dante Culpepper had his MVP-caliber season--only to be upstaged by record-setting QB Peyton Manning.

Continue reading "Surprising T-Jack leads to win with ..."

Anyone who foresaw a Vikings blowout raise your hands. I didn’t think so.

The Vikings saved their best game of the year for a time they really needed it and put themselves on the fast track to the playoffs, up one game on the Bears with two left.

Continue reading "Vikings pillage Arizona, 35-14"

So I was 4 points off in my prediction last week as the Cardinals clinched the NFC West and with it a playoff birth. With the red birds in they’ll be looking for a favorable match up during wild card weekend, as it is unlikely the Giants will be dethroned as conference champions and one member of the South will undoubtedly take slot 2. The rest of the race is completely up in the air. Arizona can help shape their destiny today going against Minnesota, who is narrowly holding down a playoff spot in the NFC North.  The Cardinals looked poised to take the number three spot and judging by the strength of their remaining schedule they can as long as they topple the Vikings. With a difficult game against New England next week Arizona should have an easier going week 17 against the Seahawks.

Continue reading "Sizing up the playoff competition"

     Happy Holidays!!!!!

     To you and yours I hope that you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  

      As the NFL reaches the last quarter of the season, fantasy owners are positioning themselves for the playoffs. As the fantasy playoffs continue, quality free agent pick-ups could be the boost that your team needs to climb to the top of the mountain. So, as we do each week, we are providing fantasy football players with the best information in the most interesting format possible. So, enjoy your viewing of this video that is sure to bring you what you need and remind you of things that you want.

Continue reading "Fantasy Sportsgirl Video - Your Fantasy ..."

Arizona has become a team to cheer for, a sleeper squad who may become a threat to win it all. With Matt Leinhart underperforming the 37-year-old veteran Kurt Warner has become a quintessential piece to stabilize the Cardinals and bring them onto their playoff run. With his talented receiving core of Boldin, Breaston, and Fitzgerald there’s no reason why Warner shouldn’t be able to put away the 2-10 Rams and gain the NFC West title Sunday.

Continue reading "Looks to be an easy in for the Cardinals"

Week 13 is in the books as we are getting closer to the playoffs in the National Football League (still 4 weeks away, but with the way this season has flown bye, it won't be long!). Before I begin I want to apologize to my 3 readers for not keeping up with the Fallout Report. I'll have it on time (every Tuesday) from now until the playoffs. With that said, let's see how I did!

Continue reading "NFL Week 13 Fallout"

For those of you too busy with cooking dinner or crying babies to follow Thanksgiving’s slate of NFL action, I’m here with a quick recap. (You didn’t miss much.)

Tennessee Titans 47, Detroit Lions 10

Continue reading "Joey A's Thanksgiving Day Recap"

Happy Thanksgiving all. The NFL is already in its 13th week of the season (hard to believe isn't it?). I went 3-1 in Week 12 (without any assistance from the Crypt Keeper once again, mind you). Since I've had luck with out any help from a Crystal Ball or a Crypt Keeper, I'll go at my picks alone again this week and hope the wins keep on coming! So let's dig in!

Continue reading "NFL Week 13 Predictions"

Arizona Cardinals Prepare For Philadelphia Eagles
Kurt Warner Is Possible MVP Candidate Of The Year

    The Az. Cardinals are 7-4...WOW!!! I have supported this team through thick and thin (mostly thin) since the Cardinals in 1988, decided to call Arizona their home. I have spent the last twenty, sometimes embarrassing, sometimes very embarrassing  years, rooting for this highly-let's call it-unorthodox organization. The Cards are 7-4. To actually get a chance to witness this historical event is better then exciting. Better then monumental. Better then chocolate ice cream on a summer afternoon after you just had a quickie from the girl next door. O.K. -let's not get carried away. To be able to see what the Card's are doing this year is awesome. It's incredible and fun-to-watch football. It is...WOW!!! 

Continue reading "Cardinals Report: Week 13"

Check it. A quick review. About two weeks ago against the Jets, Matt Cassel becomes the first player to pass for 400 yards and run for 60-plus. The following week he throws for 415 yards, becoming the first Patriot to throw two consecutive 400-yard games.

Continue reading "Getting the Most Out of Cassel"

Week 11 is in the books as we roll onto Week 12 in the National Football League. I went 3-1 last week in my picks (picking without any assistance by the Crypt Keeper). With the success of last week, I've decided to go at it alone again this week. I'm feeling confident with my picks this week. Not 'cocky' confident, but...'determined' confident. So with that said, without any shenanigans again, let's get these predictions rock and rollin!

Continue reading "NFL Week 12 Predictions"

1. NY Giants: Their only loss came to the Browns, who proved once again this week, that they can win big games every so often without reason. The Giants dominated a stellar Ravens defense, doused a red hot offense, and the scary part is, is that Eli Manning didn't even need to throw two TD's.

Continue reading "NFL" Top 10, Week 11"

The first ever NFL Shankster Rankings. Comments welcome, where did I mess up?


1. NY Giants - Clearly prepared to defend their title the Giants are playing to win.

2. Carolina - Did anyone predict they would be here now?

Continue reading "The NFL Shankster Rankings [1-32]"

Continue reading "Vet's Picks for Week 10"

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the "Inbound Link Contest".  We have a winner!  A big congratulations go out to Marija.  Thank you for all your hard work on this.  While we had a lot of people participate, Marija was able to win with only 4 links!  So it wouldn't have taken a lot to win this contest!  We'll be having another contest soon so stay tuned.

Continue reading "Inbound link contest winner announced!"

We have been patient the entire summer and September means we are finally rewarded with football… glorious football.  This season brings new hope for thirty-two NFL teams and while San Diego, New England, Indianapolis and Dallas are overwhelming favorites to win a championship, the Giants proved last year that the Super Bowl winner can be anyone’s guess.

Continue reading "A 2008 NFL Preview (in 750 words or less)"

I am not about to fall into the trap of getting too excited about preseason results. The New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals first-team offenses looked good, or their first-team defenses continued looking bad depending on who you ask. The Saints didn't have new acquisition Jeremy Shockey or old standby Deuce McAllister, so it will be exciting to see what firepower they add.

Continue reading "Saints Over Cards in Preseason - ..."

The Cardinals finished last season .500. It wasn’t playoff worthy nor was it very impressive. The fact is the Cardinals play in a bad division where the only team that should make the playoffs from it every year is the Seattle Seahawks. However, the Cardinals actually have a lot of talent on their team, it’s a shame that it couldn’t translate to victories last season. The Cardinals have improved their team via the draft with quite possibly my favorite rookie players, with the exception of Glen Dorsey and Darren McFadden. So lets take a look at the Cardinals this year.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #24: The ..."

Matt Leinart, the man supposed to save my Arizona Cardinals looked like a little retard during last week's broadcast of this year's ESPY'S. While everyone was dressed up in big boy clothes (suits, tie

Continue reading "What was the deal with Matt Leinart ..."

To try and motivate our bloggers to get inbound links we're going to have a contest to see which blogger can get the most inbound links to their blog. The contest begins now and ends July 31st, 2008. To be entered in to the contest all you have to do is go out and get as many websites to link to your blog as you can and at the end of the month send us an email listing all those links. All links must be active from August 1st through August 7th when we'll be judging the entries - a winner will be announced on August 7th. All entry emails must be received by Midnight on July 31st, 2008. You can email them to sportsfan@nbabasketballonline.com

Continue reading "Inbound link contest - Win $100!"

Every year, the NFL shuffles the deck and teams get new cards. In this eternal poker game, we all know that each team will again ask for new cards after the season ends. This, my friends, is a metaphor. 4.5 years of college in all your mouthpieces.

Continue reading "NFL Free Agency Cinema"

Brian Griese was traded back to his old team today for an undisclosed 2009 draft pick. We all knew this was coming, especially since he was due a $300,000 roster bonus tomorrow and wouldn’t have stayed on the roster even if he hadn’t been traded. This is comforting news for Angelo, who got something,

Continue reading "Griese traded to Bucs for '09 draft ..."

Free Agency starts this coming Friday at 12:01am and if it's anything like last year (which it very well could be with the amount of cap space the Patriots have) it will be a whirlwind weekend. Last year Adalius Thomas was rumored to already be signed, sealed and delivered to the San Francisco 49ers when news broke that the Patriots would be big players in free agency. The Pats signed Thomas by noon the next day. That was just the start - Kyle Brady, Donte' Stallworth, Kelley Washington soon followed. What we learned is that the Pats keep quiet about their intentions and it serves to their advantage.

Continue reading "Potential Patriots Free Agent Pick Up: Calvin Pace"

This has been a dream season for Cleveland Browns’ fans. After watching a putrid product on the field for years, Browns’ fans were treated to high scoring, competitive football every weekend this season. The city embraced the “Believeland” moniker, and NFL pundits have openly stated that the Browns are the surprise of the NFL this season.

Continue reading "The Problem with Derek Anderson (December ..."

http://lebasketbawl.blogspot.com/2008/01/dwight-howard-daddy.html

Continue reading "Dwight Howard, Daddy!"

It's been noted numerously the suspicious nature of professional athletes. Perhaps after Sunday's loss, Tony Romo will stop inviting celebrity girlfriends to Texas Stadium when hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. After Carrie Underwood, of American Idol fame, witnessed the Cowboys lose to the lowly Eagles last season, Romo found new depths of suckitude to display for current love interest Jessica Simpson.

Continue reading "D'oh! Romo Looks Downright Lienart-esque ..."