But I no longer can perform a public service by providing Arizona more bulletin-board material. See, I think the Cardinals are going to win Sunday and play in the Super Bowl.
(I can't believe I just wrote that.)
Arizona is playing at home, where it is 7-2 this season. Its defense is playing at a high level and forcing turnovers - nine in two playoff games. And I've yet to see a team be able to stop Larry Fitzgerald from catching those Kurt Warner fly balls.
So read it and weep Cardinal fans:
Eagles, 20-17.
Bob Romantic, East Valley Tribune sports editor:
As much as I'd like to hop on the Cardinals' bandwagon, I just can't make that leap.
And as much as the Cardinals would like to forget the 48-20 drubbing at the hands of the Eagles on Thanksgiving night, I just can't.
I don't think the Eagles will be four touchdowns better again in Sunday's NFC title game - there were too many factors going against the Cards in that game - but I still think they're the better team.
Philly has a much better defense and a much better running game than Arizona (the latter isn't saying a whole lot). Those are things you can count on.
Getting nine turnovers (as Arizona has done in two playoff games) and relying on your ability to throw the ball in the red zone - those things tend to come and go.
Great defense is always reliable, and the Eagles have a great defense. If the Cards have to pass the ball on every down, I see Philly winning the turnover battle.
And the game.
Eagles, 27-23
