Arizona Cardinals’ Benediction: Brought To You By Michael Adams
Michael Adams, the 5′8″ reserve defensive back who had been picked on repeatedly in coverage by Aaron Rodgers the past two weeks, initiated the game winning play by causing a fumble while sacking Rodgers.
It was scooped up and run in for a touchdown by linebacker Karlos Dansby on the fourth play of overtime to bless the Cardinals with a 51-45 victory.
Miracle in the Meadowlands, Immaculate Reception, and how about Cardinals Benediction?
In an instant classic, Rodgers led Green Bay back from a 17-0 deficit with a 21-point fourth quarter to tie the game at an amazing 45. Rodgers passed for a Green Bay postseason record 422 yards with 4 TDs and one interception for an exceptional 121.3 quarterback rating.
The best qb rating possible is 158.3. Kurt Warner produced a 154.1 rating by completing 29 of his 33 passes for a whopping 379 yards and 5 touchdowns without a turnover.
With Anquan Boldin being declared inactive for the contest, the entire receiving corps stepped up. Larry Fitzgerald did his usual damage with 2 TDs on 6 catches for 82 yards including a dramatic one-handed diving snare.
Wide receivers Steve Breaston, Early Doucet and Tight End Ben Patrick had their best games of the year, Breaston with the team-high seven receptions and 125 yards and a TD. He also ran for 28 yards on one carry.
Second year receiver Doucet spelled Boldin more directly, and played like him too. The second-year pro caught 6 balls for 77 yards and 2 TDs. Patrick caught all 3 of the balls thrown his way for 42 yards.
Forget about the fact that the No.1 ranked rush defense of the Packers gave up 156 ground yards including 91 tough yards by rookie Beanie Wells, and that both teams combined for over 1,000 total yards even though they boast 6 defensive Pro Bowlers between them: lets throw stats aside for a moment. You’d almost have to to give an honest assessment of this game.
This was a shootout in a battle of wills. Both teams showed the hearts of champions.
If there is such a thing as a character loss, this is it for the Packers. They battled back in an exciting fashion by having their way with the Arizona defense for a good portion of the game.
But by the same token, this was a character win for the Cardinals. They did not succumb to defeat even after squandering a 24-10 halftime lead. Things were looking like almost sure defeat when Neil Rackers reverted to his Cincinnati Bengal form and badly shanked a 34-yarder at the end of regulation that would have won it, and then the Packers won the toss to begin overtime.
And then it was Adams. The DB had been much maligned in games and in fan forums for being a hair late or an inch shy. Michael Adams kept bringing the heat and battled through a long string of near-misses. Several times in the contest he had been very close to making many plays and fell short.
On the final play of the game, his persistence and determination paid off in a big way—as he made the biggest play of his life and the game deciding play of one of the best playoff games in NFL history.
Congrats, however what you fail to mention is the non-call on Adams pulling Rodgers facemask on that last play. Had the penalty been called it would have negated the fumble since Rodgers was unable to attempt recovery. That means the refs gift wrapped that game for you!!!!!!! Good luck to ya…..
Lenny thats about as sour grapes as it comes. There were many many calls throughout the game for both sides. Besides, the call you mention in my mind was a good no call. One penalty in particular comes to mind that was a 15-yarder in favor of the Packers that the announcers acknowledged was a gift for the Packers. Give respect where it is due. The Cardinals won the game, in a game perhaps neither offense deserved to lose. The Packers don’t need to hang their heads, but they don’t need to be coming up with excuses like that either.
Thanks, I have a bad feeling about Brees and the Saints.
Lenny, I’m not going to bash, just clarify. The intent of the rule is protection, but because the league went to an automatic 15 yard penalty instead of differentiating btwn 5 and 15, the officials have more discretion as to whether or not there was a grasp or incidental contact. If you watch the play, Adams makes a clear play on the ball knocking it loose. The facemask was part of the follow through of that, not the effort to get the ball. Yes, he touched it, but did not grip and jerk. Also, as commentators reflected, once the ball is loose (as it was), the officials’ primary focus is on the ball, so they would’ve been looking down, not up at Rodgers’ grill. Great game for the offenses, not for the D, but one stand out play to end it was a classic.
Warner vs Rodgers it just how I thought it would happen. Both defenses just didn’t have quite enough against the passing game. Which we all know is Kurts strong point. Brees is good, but I think with the right combo out there, our D can take it to the Saints. BRING THE FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great points Bill, well said and spot on.
Todd, the Saints are scary when they are in rhythm, but then so are the Cardinals. Can we really get back to the SB and get some redemption?
SB would be nice………one game at time. One guy I know that never missed a game predicetd last seasons entire playoff run, with the exception of Cards SB loss.
So here is my 2cents.
Cards beat Saints, Dallas wins we play and beat Dallas.
On the AFC side of things…..Chargers and Cots will match up and it will be Cards vs Chargers for SB…….how’s that? Or am I just talking out of my @$$. HAHA
hahahaha, only time will tell. I think Cardinals-Chargers would be awesome. And I think we would match up pretty well against the Chargers honestly.
Where will the games be……..AZ vs DAL / AZ vs MIN?
its a toss-up IMO
Chris, do you think Early Doucet will take over for Boldin next year?
I do. I think Q will get traded to bolster other areas of need. Like another game changer anywhere on D. Could use another shut down corner to pair with DRC, a dominant linebacker or D-line pass rush or run stuffer. On offense they need an heir apparent to Warner and I think they are beginning to waffle on Leinart personally. O-line can always use bolstering especially if Gandy is gone. TE is still a need unless Ben Patrick continues to improve.