Wiley Wisenhunt Wins With Wise Warner

The 37 year old former grocery clerk and NY Giants castaway, Kurt Warner, is going to another Superbowl. Warner’s accuracy and fourth quarter comeback ability enabled the Arizona redbirds to punch a ticket to Tampa. Ken Whisenhunt, the rookie Cardinal coach, credits his team’s capacity to gel at the right time as the reason they will be one of two teams playing February football.
Arizona’s defense has stepped up this post-season. Knocked all season long, they exposed Donovan McNabb and contained the hot, Brian Westbrook, in Sunday’s game. McNabb had three touchdowns for the Eaglesa and still put up impressive numbers in the second half. But the formerly coy Cardinals came through when the pressure was on the defense late in the game. Much of the victory can be attributed to Todd Haley’s potent offense, led by the veteran Warner. Warner completed four touchdown passes for 279 yards in the Philly win. Wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, was the recipient of three of those. The former University of Pittsburgh player had nine total receptions for 162 yards. His 419 receiving yards in the post-season means a new single-season record. Jerry Rice can no longer lay claim to that remarkable feat.
The Eagles disappointed defensively and Jim Johnson was out coached. Philly came into the championship game with the top defense in the league. Credit Arizona for being able to control the pounded presented to them all game long. The Eagles offense collapsed in the first half and McNabb was horrendous. When he finally was able to put something together, it was too little, too late. The Cards surrendered 18 unanswered points by the 4th quarter and it looked like Philadelphia might fly away with a late miracle. The Eagles had a 25-24 lead when Warner wasted no time in displaying his determination to drive his team down the field. Tailback, Tim Hightower, put Arizona back on top with a touchdown pass from his smart quarterback Kurt. The Cardinals punter, Ben Graham, should take a bow also for sealing the deal by pinning Philly deep in their own territory. The Eagles last attempt failed as DeSean Jackson lateraled to Westbrook, who fumbled to end the game. McNabb did have on last rally with under three minutes to make the Eagles NFC champs. But, on 4th and 10 from at the Arizona 47, his pass to Kevin Curtis was ruled incomplete. It appeared to be defensive passer interference, but the referees did not make the call and there was no challenge. Curtis had four receptions for 122 yards. Eagles tight end, Brent Celek, scored two touchdowns as well.
I am happy for the Cardinals. The franchise has had tough luck through the years. It will be interesting to see Russ Grim and Whisenhunt match up with their former Pittsburgh team in two weeks.