I think we all feel pro-athletics has let us down in that respect.
SI's Ross Tucker
- Thread starter SuperSpck
- Start date
I think we all feel pro-athletics has let us down in that respect.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/10/30/starcaps.ap/index.html
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The makers of an over-the-counter weight-loss pill have suspended sales following accusations the product contains but does not list an ingredient banned by the NFL.
Ullman said he was unaware of any previous consumer complaints about the pills, which he said are aimed at women and have been on the market for about 20 years.
However, a study published in the November/December 2007 issue of the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found traces of Bumetanide in urine tests of people who took StarCaps.
"That's curious that an NFL lineman would know more about a product than the manufacturer," Molloy said. "It's also curious that only after they have been sued would they suspend sales and not do the responsible thing by recalling the product."
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The makers of an over-the-counter weight-loss pill have suspended sales following accusations the product contains but does not list an ingredient banned by the NFL.
Ullman said he was unaware of any previous consumer complaints about the pills, which he said are aimed at women and have been on the market for about 20 years.
However, a study published in the November/December 2007 issue of the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found traces of Bumetanide in urine tests of people who took StarCaps.
"That's curious that an NFL lineman would know more about a product than the manufacturer," Molloy said. "It's also curious that only after they have been sued would they suspend sales and not do the responsible thing by recalling the product."
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That's an interesting read, they point out that many experts wondered why an NFL player would use a diuretic that's so easy to detect in tests.
That said, I still have to wonder, nowhere in there does it say we tested Starcaps and it contains the diuretic, all it says is that users of the Starcaps tested positive for the diuretc. That in no way means it's IN Starcaps, they could be taking it on their own separately to mask something.
But if theyr'e telling the truth Nesbit should be able to fairly easily prove it by having the supplement tested and if he does prove it, he should by all means be compensated by the company.
I'm still of the opinion that until he proves it's in the supplement I'm still assuming it's not.
Good find though clearly not as cut and dry a case as I originally assumed it was and I'm glad that Nesbit is suing.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ross_tucker/11/03/week9.grades/index.html
Cardinals running back Tim Hightower.
It was a big day for rookie running backs as the Ravens' Ray Rice and Chiefs' Jamaal Charles joined the usual suspects (the Titans' Chris Johnson and the Bears' Matt Forte) in having big days.
But Hightower, the former Richmond Spider, provided the most unexpected spark in the extended opportunity he was given by head coach Ken Whisenhunt.
Taking over the full-time role from veteran Edgerrin James, Hightower was dynamic and powerful in providing an effective alternative to Kurt Warner's typically potent Arizona air attack.
Hightower, previously the short-yardage runner, finished with 109 yards on 22 carries and gave every future Cardinals opponent an entirely new dimension to consider.
Cardinals running back Tim Hightower.
It was a big day for rookie running backs as the Ravens' Ray Rice and Chiefs' Jamaal Charles joined the usual suspects (the Titans' Chris Johnson and the Bears' Matt Forte) in having big days.
But Hightower, the former Richmond Spider, provided the most unexpected spark in the extended opportunity he was given by head coach Ken Whisenhunt.
Taking over the full-time role from veteran Edgerrin James, Hightower was dynamic and powerful in providing an effective alternative to Kurt Warner's typically potent Arizona air attack.
Hightower, previously the short-yardage runner, finished with 109 yards on 22 carries and gave every future Cardinals opponent an entirely new dimension to consider.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ross_tucker/12/10/tucks-takes/index.html
I am a huge fan of Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and the way he plays the game of football, but his protestations regarding the low block Lions tackle Gosder Cherilus delivered on Sunday are the very definition of the pot calling the kettle black.
For the record, I have no problem with the block by Cherilus. None. It may be cheap, borderline or however else you want to define it, but it is also legal and to me that is all that matters. His job is to finish every play until the whistle blows, and Allen, of all people, should realize that.
Cherilus is a rookie trying to prove himself as a player in this league and one of the ways in which you do that is effort. Cherilus was on his knees as Allen pursued the play from behind. Cherilus, not knowing where the ball was or how the play might finish, cut Allen in a legal fashion and Allen didn't like it. If Allen no longer wanted to be engaged in the action, he shouldn't have been running in pursuit. If he was still attempting to contribute to the play, he should have been protecting himself better.
There already have been and will continue to be several former players that will talk about a brotherhood that exists in the NFL and general guidelines for proper decorum among players, but I never bought into all that. There are enough rules already put in place by the league to protect players, and I never really felt as if anyone should be shown any additional favor within the white lines. Late hits or hits out of bounds are one thing, but legal blocks during the context of a play are fair game as far as I am concerned.
And besides, who is Allen to be talking about cheap shots? He is the player that has already been fined large sums of money for a number of questionable hits already this season. His below the waist lunges at Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub arguably changed the complexion of the Texans season as it knocked Schaub out of the lineup for a number of games. The bottom line is Allen's angry attempted confrontation of Cherilus would have carried a whole lot more weight if Allen hadn't been fined for several more egregious incidents earlier this season.
............................
A couple of us talked about this last week.
I initially defended his anger (which, at the time of the moment I can empathize with)
but it's cool to see Tucker taking the same stand many of our own posters have.
I am a huge fan of Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and the way he plays the game of football, but his protestations regarding the low block Lions tackle Gosder Cherilus delivered on Sunday are the very definition of the pot calling the kettle black.
For the record, I have no problem with the block by Cherilus. None. It may be cheap, borderline or however else you want to define it, but it is also legal and to me that is all that matters. His job is to finish every play until the whistle blows, and Allen, of all people, should realize that.
Cherilus is a rookie trying to prove himself as a player in this league and one of the ways in which you do that is effort. Cherilus was on his knees as Allen pursued the play from behind. Cherilus, not knowing where the ball was or how the play might finish, cut Allen in a legal fashion and Allen didn't like it. If Allen no longer wanted to be engaged in the action, he shouldn't have been running in pursuit. If he was still attempting to contribute to the play, he should have been protecting himself better.
There already have been and will continue to be several former players that will talk about a brotherhood that exists in the NFL and general guidelines for proper decorum among players, but I never bought into all that. There are enough rules already put in place by the league to protect players, and I never really felt as if anyone should be shown any additional favor within the white lines. Late hits or hits out of bounds are one thing, but legal blocks during the context of a play are fair game as far as I am concerned.
And besides, who is Allen to be talking about cheap shots? He is the player that has already been fined large sums of money for a number of questionable hits already this season. His below the waist lunges at Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub arguably changed the complexion of the Texans season as it knocked Schaub out of the lineup for a number of games. The bottom line is Allen's angry attempted confrontation of Cherilus would have carried a whole lot more weight if Allen hadn't been fined for several more egregious incidents earlier this season.
............................
A couple of us talked about this last week.
I initially defended his anger (which, at the time of the moment I can empathize with)
but it's cool to see Tucker taking the same stand many of our own posters have.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/01/03/Tucker.wildcard/index.html
Arizona Cardinals:
Quarterbacks --
Gutsy performance by Kurt Warner, running for first downs and converting third downs when necessary. Not a huge day from a numbers standpoint but he did what it took to win and that is all that matters in the playoffs. Grade: A-
Running Backs --
Edgerrin James has said he wants out so maybe the Cards decided to use him while they still had him. The veteran former Colt was steady and provided Arizona with a previously nonexistent running game. Tim Hightower provided a nice spark and score off the bench. Grade: B+
Wide Receivers --
Solid effort by a usually spectacular unit. Larry Fitzgerald went up in the air to make a catch in traffic for a touchdown and Anquan Boldin had a catch and run for a touchdown before being slowed by a strained hamstring. Boldin and Jerheme Urban both had critical drops with Urban's leading to an interception. Grade: B
Offensive Line --
Arguably the best performance of the season by this much-maligned unit. Effectively opened holes for both James and Hightower. More importantly, provided Warner with plenty of time to make the throws he needed to, locking up Falcons pass-rushing specialist all day long and limiting him to one pressure. Grade: A
Defensive Line --
Fantastic performance by a non-descript group. Every guy took their turns jumping the snap count as Bertrand Berry, Chike Okeafor and Antonio Smith put a lot of pressure on Matt Ryan. Darnell Dockett was a force as well, causing a fumble that was returned by Antrell Rolle for a touchdown. Grade: A+
Linebackers --
Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes had nice games helping to shut down Michael Turner. Dansby, however, lost his gap control on the goal line on Turner's touchdown. Grade: C
Defensive Backs --
Pretty good day at the office for this group with Rod Hood and Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie doing a nice job covering the Falcons receivers and making the tackles immediately after the catch. Rolle's touchdown was a huge play but Adrian Wilson was caught out of position a number of times during the contest. Grade: B-
Special Teams --
Neil Rackers missed a field goal that could have made the lead virtually insurmountable but was good on kickoffs. Ben Graham had a great field-position game, putting four punts inside the 20. Grade: B+
Coaching --
Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt had his charges ready after crawling to the finish in the regular season. Smart move to make sure his guys had confidence coming into the playoffs by beating Seattle in the finale. His decisions to give the ball to James early in the game and allow Warner to throw in the fourth quarter to close out the win were brilliant. Grade: A-
Atlanta Falcons:
Quarterbacks --
Not a bad job for a rookie but Matt Ryan is held to a higher standard and he did not play as well as he needed to. He was very accurate in completing a ton of third downs and showed his characteristic moxie but held on the ball way too long a number of times, including the aforementioned safety and the interception by Rodgers-Cromartie. Grade: B-
Running Backs --
There was not a lot of room to run for Michael Turner but the Falcons needed more from their MVP candidate. Jerious Norwood showed his characteristic burst on one reception and good hustle on the Marcus Pollard fumble. Grade: C-
Wide Receivers --
Not bad but not good enough for this unit. Roddy White made a ton of big catches but dropped an easy one early that would have gone a long way. Grade: B
Offensive Line --
Poor day at the office for this group that was a step slow against a Cardinals defensive line that clearly had some type of key on the snap count. Each and every member of the unit took their turns either getting beat or penalized against an average Cards defensive line. Grade: D
Defensive Line --
This unit was not able to stop a Cardinals rushing attack that had been an afterthought all year. Abraham did little to get to Warner. Grade: C-
Linebackers --
Keith Brooking and Curtis Lofton bit badly on the game-clinching completion to Stephen Spach. This unit was not able to shut down James and Hightower, which was their main task. Grade: C-
Defensive Backs --
Overall a pretty sterling performance by this group. The Falcons blitzed often which put the Falcons D-backs into some tough spots. They responded well for the most part. Grade: B+
Special Teams --
Nothing noteworthy here other than an excellent job by the coverage units. Did not get a spark in the return game on either punts or kickoffs. Grade: C
Coaching --
Mike Smith had his team ready to play but they weren't able to get it done up front on both sides of the ball, which had been this team's calling card. A great season ends with less than his finest moment. Grade: B-
Arizona Cardinals:
Quarterbacks --
Gutsy performance by Kurt Warner, running for first downs and converting third downs when necessary. Not a huge day from a numbers standpoint but he did what it took to win and that is all that matters in the playoffs. Grade: A-
Running Backs --
Edgerrin James has said he wants out so maybe the Cards decided to use him while they still had him. The veteran former Colt was steady and provided Arizona with a previously nonexistent running game. Tim Hightower provided a nice spark and score off the bench. Grade: B+
Wide Receivers --
Solid effort by a usually spectacular unit. Larry Fitzgerald went up in the air to make a catch in traffic for a touchdown and Anquan Boldin had a catch and run for a touchdown before being slowed by a strained hamstring. Boldin and Jerheme Urban both had critical drops with Urban's leading to an interception. Grade: B
Offensive Line --
Arguably the best performance of the season by this much-maligned unit. Effectively opened holes for both James and Hightower. More importantly, provided Warner with plenty of time to make the throws he needed to, locking up Falcons pass-rushing specialist all day long and limiting him to one pressure. Grade: A
Defensive Line --
Fantastic performance by a non-descript group. Every guy took their turns jumping the snap count as Bertrand Berry, Chike Okeafor and Antonio Smith put a lot of pressure on Matt Ryan. Darnell Dockett was a force as well, causing a fumble that was returned by Antrell Rolle for a touchdown. Grade: A+
Linebackers --
Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes had nice games helping to shut down Michael Turner. Dansby, however, lost his gap control on the goal line on Turner's touchdown. Grade: C
Defensive Backs --
Pretty good day at the office for this group with Rod Hood and Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie doing a nice job covering the Falcons receivers and making the tackles immediately after the catch. Rolle's touchdown was a huge play but Adrian Wilson was caught out of position a number of times during the contest. Grade: B-
Special Teams --
Neil Rackers missed a field goal that could have made the lead virtually insurmountable but was good on kickoffs. Ben Graham had a great field-position game, putting four punts inside the 20. Grade: B+
Coaching --
Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt had his charges ready after crawling to the finish in the regular season. Smart move to make sure his guys had confidence coming into the playoffs by beating Seattle in the finale. His decisions to give the ball to James early in the game and allow Warner to throw in the fourth quarter to close out the win were brilliant. Grade: A-
Atlanta Falcons:
Quarterbacks --
Not a bad job for a rookie but Matt Ryan is held to a higher standard and he did not play as well as he needed to. He was very accurate in completing a ton of third downs and showed his characteristic moxie but held on the ball way too long a number of times, including the aforementioned safety and the interception by Rodgers-Cromartie. Grade: B-
Running Backs --
There was not a lot of room to run for Michael Turner but the Falcons needed more from their MVP candidate. Jerious Norwood showed his characteristic burst on one reception and good hustle on the Marcus Pollard fumble. Grade: C-
Wide Receivers --
Not bad but not good enough for this unit. Roddy White made a ton of big catches but dropped an easy one early that would have gone a long way. Grade: B
Offensive Line --
Poor day at the office for this group that was a step slow against a Cardinals defensive line that clearly had some type of key on the snap count. Each and every member of the unit took their turns either getting beat or penalized against an average Cards defensive line. Grade: D
Defensive Line --
This unit was not able to stop a Cardinals rushing attack that had been an afterthought all year. Abraham did little to get to Warner. Grade: C-
Linebackers --
Keith Brooking and Curtis Lofton bit badly on the game-clinching completion to Stephen Spach. This unit was not able to shut down James and Hightower, which was their main task. Grade: C-
Defensive Backs --
Overall a pretty sterling performance by this group. The Falcons blitzed often which put the Falcons D-backs into some tough spots. They responded well for the most part. Grade: B+
Special Teams --
Nothing noteworthy here other than an excellent job by the coverage units. Did not get a spark in the return game on either punts or kickoffs. Grade: C
Coaching --
Mike Smith had his team ready to play but they weren't able to get it done up front on both sides of the ball, which had been this team's calling card. A great season ends with less than his finest moment. Grade: B-
DeAnna
Just A Face in The Crowd
hmmm... he gave the Cards defensive line an A+ but further down called them average 
Capital Card
The Kobayashi of Kool-Aid
hmmm... he gave the Cards defensive line an A+ but further down called them average
I actually agree with this statement. I don't think there is much question that our DL, as a whole, played above their talent level in this game. I hope they can continue this trend for three more games this season.
I think this is Berry's last year in the league, so he will need to be upgraded with no one currently on the roster to replace him. I also think we'll lose Antonio Smith this offseason, with Calais ready to step up in his spot in the rotation.
I thought the AW comment about being out of position was an interesting take, and one that I don't disagree with. This, coupled with him having a target on his back by the refs, makes me wonder how hard the organization will work to extend his contract.
It's going to be a very interesting offseason, where I think we are going to see a lot more changes to our starters than we've seen in the past few seasons.
1.Warner (Are we really going to pay him $8-10 MM next year??? I don't think so)
2.Edge - no chance of coming back.
3.TE of the day (IMO, we don't have a decent one on the roster)
4.Berry - no chance of coming back.
5.Okeafor - no chance of coming back.
6.Dansby - no chance of coming back....he'll get FA money that we won't attempt to match.
7.Boldin (I think his K will be redone, but I'll list him here as a possibility)
8.Maybe 1 OL, but I'm guessing all 5 starters will be back next year.
So by my count, I see at least 5, maybe 6 new starters next year, not all of which will be upgrades.
Go Cards!!!
moklerman
Rise from the Ashes III
I don't know if I agree with this fire sale assumption. If Boldin re-structures, Edge's contract is gone, Dansby is gone, etc.why would the Cards be unable to re-sign the guys that they want to re-sign? We know it won't be all of them but the 1-3 guys on that list they target should be do-able.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/01/11/ari.car.grades/index.html
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterbacks: For the second week in a row, Kurt Warner put together a solid, gutsy winning performance despite not having overwhelming matters. Warner's one interception was the only blemish on an otherwise stellar night. Warner is no dummy. He knew without Anquan Boldin he had to go to Larry Fitzgerald and it worked, especially in the first half. Grade: B+
Running Backs: Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower were the best running back duo in the game, and that is saying something. James was his normal steady self in the first half while Hightower supplied the sledge hammer in closing out the game in the second half. Having the lead allowed the Cards to stick with the ground game, a formula for success they would like to continue in the NFC Championship game. Grade: B+
Wide Receivers: Fitzgerald has the best ball skills and body control in the NFL and both skills were on exhibit against the Panthers. Fitzgerald caught eight balls for 166 yards in a heroic performance given the fact that Boldin was out. Steve Breaston was enough of a threat on the other side that Fitzgerald was shockingly able to get free on a number of occasions. Grade: A+
Offensive Line: The big guys picked up where they left off against Atlanta in the wild card game, helping the Cardinals run extremely effectively while keeping Warner clean almost all night. Offensive line coach Russ Grimm has his group playing their best when it matters most. Grade: A
Defensive Line: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were effectively contained by the Arizona defensive line and getting behind big in the first half rendered them irrelevant. Antonio Smith and Darnell Dockett both took turns making plays in the backfield and forcing Jake Delhomme turnovers. This group appears to be gaining confidence by the minute. Grade: A
Linebackers: If you don't know the names Gerald Hayes and Karlos Dansby, you haven't been paying attention the last two weeks. Dansby led the Cardinals in tackles with eight and Hayes shot the gap to make an important tackle for the loss in the backfield -- just like last week. He also had an interception, but who didn't? Grade: A
Defensive Backs: The Cards looked like they knew what was coming all night and seemingly everybody was able to take part in the fun. It would be easier to name the Cards defensive backs that didn't have an interception and their only critical mistake was when Antrel Rolle panicked and interfered with Steve Smith for a big Panthers gain. Grade: A-
Special Teams: Neil Rackers had a solid night, going 4 for 5 and holding up his end of the bargain. They didn't get much on their returns but didn't have many opportunities, given Delhomme's woeful performance. Grade: B-
Coaching: Ken Whisenhunt cemented his place in Cardinals lore and ensured he will be the head coach of the Cardinals for at least the next five years, if not longer. The Cards are playing their best football at the most important time of the year and the credit has to go to Whisenhunt. Defensive coordinator Clancy Prendergast gets a special mention for confusing and pressuring Delhomme into a horrific performance of epic proportions. Grade: A+
Carolina Panthers
Quarterbacks: Easiest grade I have ever given. Delhomme could not have possibly played worse with five interceptions and a costly fumble. It will be tough for him to ever live down this night. Grade: F
Running Backs: This grade should probably be an incomplete given the lack of opportunities given to the duo known as Smash and Dash (DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart). Their yards per carry were fine, that was not the problem. Delhomme was. Grade: C
Wide Receivers: Though Delhomme was the goat, his receivers clearly did not help him. They were blanketed for most of the night and that forced Delhomme to try to squeeze the ball into some tight spaces. Smith (two catches for 43 yards and 1 TD) was a non-factor until the game was over. Grade: D-
Offensive Line: Not their finest day. Delhomme was stripped by Smith after he beat Travelle Wharton. Jeremy Bridges and Jeff Otah didn't work together on a Cardinals pick stunt and the result was costly. The Panthers needed better from a unit that had a great regular season. Grade: D
Defensive Line: No pass rush. Couldn't stop the run. Julius Peppers made one nice play -- the lone highlight from this group. Grade: D
Linebackers: Thomas Davis and Jon Beason are athletic young players that the Panthers can build around. They made a number of tackles but didn't do anything that had a significant impact on the game. Grade: C
Defensive Backs: Safety Chris Harris was by far the Panthers' best player. If only others would have followed his lead. He looked like he was shot out of a cannon in delivering a number of bone-crushing hits. Letting Fitzgerald get that open is mind-boggling. Grade: C
Special Teams: Mark Jones provided a spark on the opening kickoff with a nice return that set-up the Panthers first touchdown, providing an indication that the rout was on. It was, for Arizona, which scored the next 30 points and never looked back. Grade: C+
Coaching: Not having a better gameplan for Fitzgerald is inexcusable. John Fox and his cohorts cannot shoulder all of the blame for Delhomme's performance; because, at some point, you have to expect your veteran quarterback to perform better. That being said, the Panthers showed zero resiliency after things started to go poorly. Grade: D-
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterbacks: For the second week in a row, Kurt Warner put together a solid, gutsy winning performance despite not having overwhelming matters. Warner's one interception was the only blemish on an otherwise stellar night. Warner is no dummy. He knew without Anquan Boldin he had to go to Larry Fitzgerald and it worked, especially in the first half. Grade: B+
Running Backs: Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower were the best running back duo in the game, and that is saying something. James was his normal steady self in the first half while Hightower supplied the sledge hammer in closing out the game in the second half. Having the lead allowed the Cards to stick with the ground game, a formula for success they would like to continue in the NFC Championship game. Grade: B+
Wide Receivers: Fitzgerald has the best ball skills and body control in the NFL and both skills were on exhibit against the Panthers. Fitzgerald caught eight balls for 166 yards in a heroic performance given the fact that Boldin was out. Steve Breaston was enough of a threat on the other side that Fitzgerald was shockingly able to get free on a number of occasions. Grade: A+
Offensive Line: The big guys picked up where they left off against Atlanta in the wild card game, helping the Cardinals run extremely effectively while keeping Warner clean almost all night. Offensive line coach Russ Grimm has his group playing their best when it matters most. Grade: A
Defensive Line: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were effectively contained by the Arizona defensive line and getting behind big in the first half rendered them irrelevant. Antonio Smith and Darnell Dockett both took turns making plays in the backfield and forcing Jake Delhomme turnovers. This group appears to be gaining confidence by the minute. Grade: A
Linebackers: If you don't know the names Gerald Hayes and Karlos Dansby, you haven't been paying attention the last two weeks. Dansby led the Cardinals in tackles with eight and Hayes shot the gap to make an important tackle for the loss in the backfield -- just like last week. He also had an interception, but who didn't? Grade: A
Defensive Backs: The Cards looked like they knew what was coming all night and seemingly everybody was able to take part in the fun. It would be easier to name the Cards defensive backs that didn't have an interception and their only critical mistake was when Antrel Rolle panicked and interfered with Steve Smith for a big Panthers gain. Grade: A-
Special Teams: Neil Rackers had a solid night, going 4 for 5 and holding up his end of the bargain. They didn't get much on their returns but didn't have many opportunities, given Delhomme's woeful performance. Grade: B-
Coaching: Ken Whisenhunt cemented his place in Cardinals lore and ensured he will be the head coach of the Cardinals for at least the next five years, if not longer. The Cards are playing their best football at the most important time of the year and the credit has to go to Whisenhunt. Defensive coordinator Clancy Prendergast gets a special mention for confusing and pressuring Delhomme into a horrific performance of epic proportions. Grade: A+
Carolina Panthers
Quarterbacks: Easiest grade I have ever given. Delhomme could not have possibly played worse with five interceptions and a costly fumble. It will be tough for him to ever live down this night. Grade: F
Running Backs: This grade should probably be an incomplete given the lack of opportunities given to the duo known as Smash and Dash (DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart). Their yards per carry were fine, that was not the problem. Delhomme was. Grade: C
Wide Receivers: Though Delhomme was the goat, his receivers clearly did not help him. They were blanketed for most of the night and that forced Delhomme to try to squeeze the ball into some tight spaces. Smith (two catches for 43 yards and 1 TD) was a non-factor until the game was over. Grade: D-
Offensive Line: Not their finest day. Delhomme was stripped by Smith after he beat Travelle Wharton. Jeremy Bridges and Jeff Otah didn't work together on a Cardinals pick stunt and the result was costly. The Panthers needed better from a unit that had a great regular season. Grade: D
Defensive Line: No pass rush. Couldn't stop the run. Julius Peppers made one nice play -- the lone highlight from this group. Grade: D
Linebackers: Thomas Davis and Jon Beason are athletic young players that the Panthers can build around. They made a number of tackles but didn't do anything that had a significant impact on the game. Grade: C
Defensive Backs: Safety Chris Harris was by far the Panthers' best player. If only others would have followed his lead. He looked like he was shot out of a cannon in delivering a number of bone-crushing hits. Letting Fitzgerald get that open is mind-boggling. Grade: C
Special Teams: Mark Jones provided a spark on the opening kickoff with a nice return that set-up the Panthers first touchdown, providing an indication that the rout was on. It was, for Arizona, which scored the next 30 points and never looked back. Grade: C+
Coaching: Not having a better gameplan for Fitzgerald is inexcusable. John Fox and his cohorts cannot shoulder all of the blame for Delhomme's performance; because, at some point, you have to expect your veteran quarterback to perform better. That being said, the Panthers showed zero resiliency after things started to go poorly. Grade: D-
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ross_tucker/01/18/nfc.grades/index.html?eref=T1
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback: Kurt Warner started out on fire, playing a near perfect half and making the Eagles pay for every blitz they threw at him. He then hit a lull in the third quarter before heating up again in the fourth quarter for the game-winning drive when it mattered most. Warner was the better quarterback in the game, going 21 of 28 for 279 yards and four touchdowns. He is the No. 1 reason the Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl. Grade: A
Running Backs: Solid performance for the third week in a row. Edgerrin James was effective, especially in the first half, and finished with 73 yards on 16 carries. Tim Hightower was fantastic in short yardage. J.J. Arrington, James, and Hightower all made plays in the passing game, including Hightower's game-winning touchdown. Grade: B+
Wide Receivers: Larry Fitzgerald proved yet again that he is a big-time player because of the plays he makes in the most important games. He was a man possessed, finishing with 152 yards on nine catches and three touchdowns. Anquan Boldin kept the Eagles honest, opening the door for Fitzgerald's performance. Grade: A+
Offensive Line: Arizona had fantastic blocking to start the game on the opening drive both protecting Warner and giving both James and Hightower room to run to the left side. It held up pretty well overall with the exception of left tackle Mike Gandy, who was beaten a number of times by Trent Cole and had a false start. There was excellent blocking on the game-winning drive, especially on the screen pass touchdown to Hightower. Grade: B
Defensive Line: For the third straight week, this group shut down the run. They did not have a big impact on the Eagles' passing game as most of the pressure came from blitzes and second-level pressure. Antonio Smith's body-slam was just plain dumb and he was lucky it did not have a major impact on the game. Grade: B-
Linebackers: Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes made their presence felt a number of times in the run game and Dansby got his hand on at least one ball. Nothing spectacular, just steady enough to get it done. Grade: B-
Defensive Backs: Longtime Cardinal Adrian Wilson officially introduced himself to the country with a performance for the ages. The defense's equivalent of Fitzgerald had seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie is a stud and proved it most of the game with the exception of the deep ball to DeSean Jackson. Aaron Francisco had a costly fumble after his interception and was beat deep by Kevin Curtis on a critical 3rd and 19. Grade: B+
Special Teams: Neil Rackers had an important 49-yarder at the end of the first half. He and Ben Graham had kicks out of bounds that they did not intend. Grade: B
Coaching: Clancy Pendergast and Todd Haley called amazing games for the Cardinals defense and offense, respectively. Ken Whisenhunt had his team ready to go at the outset and instilled enough confidence in his charges that they were able to come from behind in the fourth quarter. Whisenhunt has officially turned around a franchise, which is no easy task. Grade: A+
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback: Kurt Warner started out on fire, playing a near perfect half and making the Eagles pay for every blitz they threw at him. He then hit a lull in the third quarter before heating up again in the fourth quarter for the game-winning drive when it mattered most. Warner was the better quarterback in the game, going 21 of 28 for 279 yards and four touchdowns. He is the No. 1 reason the Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl. Grade: A
Running Backs: Solid performance for the third week in a row. Edgerrin James was effective, especially in the first half, and finished with 73 yards on 16 carries. Tim Hightower was fantastic in short yardage. J.J. Arrington, James, and Hightower all made plays in the passing game, including Hightower's game-winning touchdown. Grade: B+
Wide Receivers: Larry Fitzgerald proved yet again that he is a big-time player because of the plays he makes in the most important games. He was a man possessed, finishing with 152 yards on nine catches and three touchdowns. Anquan Boldin kept the Eagles honest, opening the door for Fitzgerald's performance. Grade: A+
Offensive Line: Arizona had fantastic blocking to start the game on the opening drive both protecting Warner and giving both James and Hightower room to run to the left side. It held up pretty well overall with the exception of left tackle Mike Gandy, who was beaten a number of times by Trent Cole and had a false start. There was excellent blocking on the game-winning drive, especially on the screen pass touchdown to Hightower. Grade: B
Defensive Line: For the third straight week, this group shut down the run. They did not have a big impact on the Eagles' passing game as most of the pressure came from blitzes and second-level pressure. Antonio Smith's body-slam was just plain dumb and he was lucky it did not have a major impact on the game. Grade: B-
Linebackers: Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes made their presence felt a number of times in the run game and Dansby got his hand on at least one ball. Nothing spectacular, just steady enough to get it done. Grade: B-
Defensive Backs: Longtime Cardinal Adrian Wilson officially introduced himself to the country with a performance for the ages. The defense's equivalent of Fitzgerald had seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie is a stud and proved it most of the game with the exception of the deep ball to DeSean Jackson. Aaron Francisco had a costly fumble after his interception and was beat deep by Kevin Curtis on a critical 3rd and 19. Grade: B+
Special Teams: Neil Rackers had an important 49-yarder at the end of the first half. He and Ben Graham had kicks out of bounds that they did not intend. Grade: B
Coaching: Clancy Pendergast and Todd Haley called amazing games for the Cardinals defense and offense, respectively. Ken Whisenhunt had his team ready to go at the outset and instilled enough confidence in his charges that they were able to come from behind in the fourth quarter. Whisenhunt has officially turned around a franchise, which is no easy task. Grade: A+
