Wow - I never thought Arizona stood a chance, so my "match-up" theory still needs work.
But, I was right in that Green Bay failed to match Arizona's intensity to begin the game, and it cost them the game. You cannot give up 17 unanswered points, in the playoffs, on the road and expect to win. Give the boyz credit for making it close, but we see how exploitable this Packers' defense can be and it ain't pretty.
I also have to give the Cardinals' coaching staff some props because how many times have we all seen instances where teams blow leads and tend to become too conservative? I thought it was a brilliant move by Kenny to continue to pass the ball and play aggressively. The way the momentum swung in the 3rd quarter, if Arizona flinched and got away from what they do best, Green Bay would have won in regulation. This is what I mean when I talk about how some coaches make decisions within the context of how a particular game is unfolding - they don't have hard and set rules that they never deviate from. And, to Mac's credit, I thought he also took some chances - the onside kick was a game-changing play and the reason the game went to overtime.
Never, ever in my wildest dreams did I think a Boldin-less Cardinals' offense would put up 51 points on a Green Bay defense they struggled to move the ball against TWICE this season. Amazing what can happen when you fail to pressure the passer without heavy, or effective, blitzing.
Just an unbelievable game - probably the greatest playoff game of all time. I told somebody at the local watering hole that when overtime came around, they should have called the game and replayed the game. It was a shame only one team could come out a winner.
loved watching the pack this year though ..
