Harry

Those of you previously subjected to my horse racing analogies will not be surprised when I turn to another sport to answer a question I have gotten quite often this week. Can the Cards beat the Giants and more importantly how far can they go in the playoffs?

Actually both questions will likely be answered this Sunday. One thing is certain. The Cards’ passing game is good enough to beat anyone. As to the team’s other units, I would not see much to intimidate me if I were the opposition.

For those of you who do not follow boxing, a puncher’s chance refers to a fighter who is over-matched in skills, but has the power to connect with one punch and knock out his opponent. George Foreman’s last title win was the ultimate example.

Simply put, the Cards can outscore anyone; yes anyone, in this league when their passing game is clicking. That means decent protection, few penalties and no turnovers. Obviously, playing home games in a dome is the ideal playoff scenario for that strategy.

To win Sunday the Cards must do all of the above. They must also fix the kick coverage, even if that means playing first line players on special teams. Is it worth that risk? The question is more how do the Cards see themselves? If making the playoffs and winning a home game is all they seek, leave things as they are; take the loss and hope for no serious injuries.

If the Cards think they are made of stronger stuff, they must play the next two games like they were the 7th game of the World Series. Home field advantage is everything, because they won’t beat the Giants flying east or anyone else for that matter. Win this game and they are for real. Lose and they’re left as a mediocre team that will win an incredibly weak division by default.

Either way, it’s a great deal more upon which to build than the Cards have had in a long time.

BullheadCardFan

Good read and analogy. Even though we are 7-3 we definitely have many holes in our game. Giving away TDs, poor field position, dumb penalties, poor tackling and the prevent defense that we play are some of these. But as you say if we play a complete game and do it for the entire game we have a chance to beat a really good NYG team and build our confidence. The way we have been consistant in making all the above mistakes its hard for me to envision this happening. But I will be there on Sunday rooting for the big win.

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nidan

Good analogy

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DogTv

Spielman

I think it goes beyond just the passing game, really. The defense has a tendency to make and give up big plays, which really only strengthens the analogy.

I won't be surprised by anything between a 10 point win and a 14 point loss in this one.

DemsMyBoys

Do I think we CAN beat the Giants? Yes. Will we beat them? I'm not sure. I don't think there can be an one punch knock-out of the Giants. They're too good a team. However, I don't think Manning is a great quarterback. Yet. And I think Kurt is.

The Cardinals have to be on top of their game and I think they will be. And I hope the fans are because this is a team that needs to have their fans yelling their vocal chords raw.

My brother, who up until last week thought the Cards would fold (he's one of those), thinks they can take the Giants. He a pretty good student of the game and for him to say this is HUGE.

I'll be miles from the stadium... But yelling my self silly.