Falcons-Cardinals Blogging Goodness

Well, I was going to live blog this game, but then I had file issues and lost work and yada yada yada. Let's just say that my performance as a blogger matched the nervous, error-prone and highly beatable game that both of these teams brought, which isn't to say it wasn't entertaining.

Anyway, some quick takeaways.

> On the flea flicker touchdown that gave the Cardinals their first score, Edge James just stared at Warner for a three count after tossing the ball back to him. Luckily, his man was too confused to get to the QB in time, but I've never seen that, really.

> NBC chose to show people climbing rocks. Given that the game was in an enclosed space, and that these people weren't seeing the game from far away for free, um, who the hell cares?

> In the third quarter, the Falcons gave up the go-ahead touchdown on a fumble recovery, then had a drive with a hold, a delay of game, and an end zone incompletion that could have been picked and should have been whistled for another hold for a safety. The teams that make the playoffs these days...

> Honestly, does anyone really care that much about who is playing in the Super Bowl halftime show? Springsteen is nice and all, but do we need all of this pub for it?

> I doubt that, Tiki Barber not withstanding, Pat Tillman was (a) really all that great, and (b) that all of the fans visit his memorial. Given that the film you saw was a pretty sparse attendance...

> The Cardinals strategy of keeping Edge James fresh by not using him for most of the year was kind of amazing, really. James looked good enough today to probably get himself another offer from a team that will regret it later, when he's not running fresh against defenders that have played the full year...

> As Tim Hightowere went around the left side for the touchdown that gave the Cardinals a 28-17 lead, the NBC play by play guy (I'm sorry, I blanked on his name, and don't want to find it out) was, I am not making this up, talking about how defensive tackle Grady Jackson knows food.

What needs to happen for NFL coverage to get better? A Presidential inquiry, criminal investigation, antitrust lawsuit or Act of God?

> Matt Ryan had some moments today, but both of the picks were godawful, the safety was on him, and in a sudden shootout game, he just couldn't match the pace. It was particularly odd, given how the Falcons held the ball and re-took the lead in the second quarter, but the start of the third quarter just took them entirely out of their game plan. It also didn't help at all that Michael Turner was strongly contained by the Cardinals DL, especially Bertrand Berry.

> Other than some very big plays -- the flea flicker to Larry Fitzgerald, the swing route that Anquan Boldin took to the house -- the Cardinals did't really control this game to the extent that the scoreboard showed. Maybe part of that was losing Boldin to injury, but he's been hurt a lot this year. In other words, there's no reason to think they can win in Carolina or New York.

> With 7 minutes left to go in the game and down 13, the Falcons went for it on fourth. Cris Collingsworth thought it was "a little early." The play wound up going for 30+ yards to Jerious Norwood. Always nice when the announcers are shown up in the very second that they make the call...

> If you are a fan of either of these teams, I think you've got to be happy with your year. The Falcons clearly have their quarterback, and all they really need is a few more playmakers on defense and more experience; they could have easily won this game if it weren't for the turnovers.

The Cardinals are clearly the best team in their division for the first time ever, and while it's not ideal that the QB and RB are both ancient, they are still in the Final 8, in a year where anything can happen. Besides, you just watched a home playoff win for the first time in anyone's actual fan lifetime, with your team closing the deal on offense with some pretty clutch work from your QB. So how is life bad for you?