Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints | 2010 NFL Divisional Playoff Preview
2010 NFL Divisional Playoff Preview
Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints
(4) Arizona (11-6) at (1) New Orleans (13-3)
Sat., January 16th – 4:30pm ET
Line: New Orleans – 6.5/56
Site: Louisiana Superdome (68,000) — New Orleans, Louisiana
Surface: Sportexe Momentum
Home Record: Arizona 5-4; New Orleans 6-2
Away Record: Arizona 6-2; New Orleans 7-1
Versus N-F-C: Arizona 9-4; New Orleans 9-3
Versus N-F-C South: Arizona 0-1
Versus N-F-C West: New Orleans 1-0
Versus Playoff Teams: Arizona 2-2; New Orleans 3-1
Current Win/Loss Streak: Arizona 1W (Playoffs); New Orleans 3L
Current Road Win/Loss Streak: Arizona 1W
Current Home Win/Loss Streak: New Orleans 2L
Television: FOX
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
Playoff Record: Arizona 6-6; New Orleans 2-6
All-Time Series: Arizona (13-12)
Last Meeting: December 16, 2007 (New Orleans, 31-24 at New Orleans)
Series Streak: New Orleans has won two of the last three meetings.
This could be another shootout as Arizona, put up 51 points in an overtime win over Green Bay last week, while New Orleans leads the league, averaging 31.9ppg.
Kurt Warner, who reportedly could retire after season, threw for 379 yards with five touchdowns and no picks. His offensive line, which has been underrated all year, did an incredible job of protecting him. There’s no doubt, that Warner is still at the top of his game, having thrown for over 3,700 yards with 26 TDs and 14 picks. He has the best receiver in the NFC in Larry Fitzgerald (97 catches, 13 TDs), and another good one in Anquan Boldin (84 catches), who has been hampered by an ankle injury recently and missed last week’s game. That’s what makes the 51 points more amazing. Warner can spread it out and hit players like Steve Breaston, who caught 7 passes for 125 yards and one score.
The running game has improved, as rookie Beanie Wells has rushed for nearly 800 yards and 7 TDs, and had a big game with 91 yards on just 14 carries last Sunday. Warner will be licking his chops against the Saints’ secondary. However, the defense, which has improved, allowing just 20.3ppg, are ranked 20th in yards allowed overall during the regular season. Against Green Bay, they allowed 493 yards of offense and 403 in the air. The pass defense ranks 23 and that’s a concern this week. Up front, Darnell Dockett, leads with DE Calais Campbell with 7 sacks. LB Karlos Dansby is the leader with 109 tackles and a pick. S Adrian Wilson (74 tackles, 5 picks, 2 sacks) is a Pro Bowler, who plays like a linebacker. The special teams has improved on kick returns, as LaRod Stephens-Howling has a 99-yard TD to his credit this year. He’s also become a threat as a running back.
New Orleans had a very strong year, but they didn’t end on a strong note. The defense started to falter and they ended the year ranked 25th in overall defense, allowing 21.3ppg. The positive thing was that they had a bye to rest some injured players. Offensively, QB Drew Brees had a great year, tossing for 4,388 yards with 34 TDs and just 11 picks. He was only sacked 20 times, based on a solid offensive line and quick feet. The Saints’ running game was surprisingly good, ranking 6th in the NFL, led by Pierre Thomas, who rushed for 793 yards and six TDs. But they can hit you in so many ways, with Reggie Bush (390yds, 47 catches) and Mike Bell (654yds, 5 TDs). At receiver, Brees spreads it around, but his top target is Marques Colston (70 for 1,074 yds, 9TDs).
The defense is another story. They have to rely on pressure and forcing turnovers, because they will give up some yards. Up front, DE Will Smith (6-3, 282) leads with 13 sacks. The linebackers are solid, led by veteran Jonathan Vilma (6-1, 230), who has 110 tackles with 2 sacks and 3 picks. S Darren Sharper is the leader of the secondary with 71 tackles, 9 picks and 15 passes defensed. The corners are a concern though it looks like starters Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter are finally healthy. They haven’t had those players together since midseason. The special teams are a concern as young kicker Garrett Hartley, made 9 of 11 kicks after taking over for veteran John Carney. Bush has had a terrible year returning punts (4.8ypr), while Courtney Roby (27.5ypr, 1TD) is strong returning kicks.
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