>Quick Hits - Cardinals get it done in the clutch
What a game.
Back and forth it went between the Eagles and the Cardinals, with each team putting forth a dominant effort at one point or another in a hard fought football game in the deserts of Arizona.
The Cardinals came out on fire, cruising up and down the field seemingly at will against an Eagles defense that prior to today’s game had been almost untouchable. They took a 24-6 lead into the locker room at halftime and looked to have a repeat of last week’s blowout in Carolina.
But Philadelphia was not to be undone that quickly. The Eagles methodically worked their way back into the game in the third quarter, shutting down Arizona’s powerful offense while QB Donovan McNabb led his offense down the field multiple times to eventually take a 25-24 lead with 12 minutes to go in the game.
At that point, things were looking pretty bleak for the Cardinals but QB Kurt Warner, ever the competitor, took his team on a tremendous drive late in the game, eating up close to eight minutes off the clock. The Cardinals culminated that drive with a fantastic touchdown reception by RB Tim Hightower to take the lead for good, 32-25.
It took an excellent defensive stop after that to seal the victory for Arizona, but what really stood out in my mind was the poise under fire that Warner showed on that drive, willing his team towards a NFC Championship and an unlikely berth in Super Bowl 43. Just when you think he’s down and out, Warner gives us another comeback, this time quite possibly pushing his legacy into the stratosphere with a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Final score….
Arizona Cardinals - 32
Philadelphia Eagles - 25