NFL Conference Championship Q&A Review ~ Basic Bloganomics

Here's the post of questions that birdbrainz, Lester's Legends, Paul H, and myself did on Friday: Q&A For NFC and AFC Conference Championships

1. What is the No. 1 thing the Cardinals have to do to overcome their bad loss earlier in the year to Philly and win this game?

Birdbrainz said that the Cardinals needed to prevent turnovers and balance their offense. The had one turnover and while rushing for 100 and passing for 267 yards. Lester said they need to play incredible defense. They allowed 454 yards, but got three turnovers. Paul wondered if Kurt Warner could lead the Arizona Cardinals to the big, and he threw four touchdown passes on the day. I said the turnover battle had to be one by Arizona, and they had a +2 for the game.

2. Will Brian Westbrook have a better game against Arizona than he did against the Giants?

We all thought that Westbrook would improve his numbers from the game against the Giants facing Arizona. He did, but barely. He rushed for 45 yards, and the Eagles had to throw the ball to get back in the game in second half.

3. We know Philly is one of the best in defensive scheming throughout the NFL. How do you think the Eagles will attack the Arizona offense and vice versa for the Cardinals offense?

Each team allowed a pair of sacks in this game while the Cardinals were able to protect Warner better than in the previous meeting in Philadelphia. Larry Fitzgerald changed the gameplan for the Eagles defense which is something a couple of us alluded to.

4. Which guy are you looking at to be the player of the game between Philly and Arizona?

birdbrainz said Quintin Mikell: two tackles
Lester said Donovan McNabb: 28-47, 375 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 31 rushing yards, one lost fumble
Paul H said Brian Dawkins: six total tackles
I said Trent Cole: three tackles, one sack

Kurt Warner or Larry Fitzgerald were better choices obviously.

5. What are the three key matchups to watch for in the NFC Championship?

The offensive line of the Cardinals against the Eagles was something we pointed out. Arizona protected Warner well. Fitzgerald against the Eagles secondary was won by Arizona early on in the game. Paul pointed out the battle of quarterbacks, and the Cardinals won that despite having not throwing for as many yards.

6. Who wins the George Halas Trophy in the NFC and why?

Well, three of us picked Philly to move onto the Super Bowl while Paul picked Arizona. Our reasoning was the Eagles were a more balanced team while Paul noted the Cardinals offense playing well prior to the matchup as his reasoning. Paul made the correct pick.

7. Which defense do you like better right now: Baltimore or Pittsburgh?

Three of us said the Ravens had a better defense while Paul picked Pittsburgh. Both played well on that side of the ball, but the Steelers play at the quarterback position was the difference in this game.

8. Willie Parker and the offensive line had a big day against San Diego. Which player on offense will Pittsburgh need to play well in order to beat Baltimore?

birdbrainz said Heath Miller: 3 catches, 62 yards
Lester and Paul said Ben Roethlisberger: 16-33, 255 yards, one touchdown
I said Santonio Holmes: two catches, 70 yards, one touchdown

9. What kind of game do you expect from Joe Flacco against Pittsburgh?

None of us were expecting a good game out of Flacco. He only went 13-30, 141 yards, three interceptions.

10. Which guy are you looking at to be the player of the game between Baltimore and Pittsburgh?

birdbrainz said Jeff Reed: three field goals, two extra points
Lester said Ed Reed: two tackles, one pass defended
Paul said Ray Lewis: six tackles, one pass defended, one forced fumble
I said Troy Polamalu: three tackles, two passes defended, one interception for defensive touchdown which sealed the win.

11. What are the three key matchups to watch for in the AFC Championship?

One thing we all pointed out was the Steelers offensive line against Baltimore's defensive line. The Ravens were able to get four sacks and stop the run, but the defense gave up a couple of big plays. Pittsburgh recorded three sacks on Flacco, but they were a +3 in turnover margin for the game.

12. Who wins the Lamar Hunt Trophy in the AFC and why?

This was a split with birdbrainz and I picking the Steelers while Lester and Paul picked Baltimore. We all thought this would be a defensive struggle. Paul and I noted that it would come down to a big play on defense which happened to seal the game for the Steelers.

NFC notes.......We all did note that Fitzgerald's play would decide the outcome of the NFC Conference Championship. Lester's pick for player of the game was closer than any other selection. The Cardinals answered many of the questions we had about them, and are going to the Super Bowl for the first time.

AFC notes.......We all thought Flacco wouldn't play well and that defense would win the game. My pick for player of the game was closer than any other selection. The Steelers were able to get more stability from their quarterback while Flacco struggled with turnovers as Pittsburgh makes its seventh Super Bowl appearance.

None of us picked both games correctly, and this shows once again why they play the games. Congrats to both the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers! Next stop......

Thanks for reading!