Let’s talk about things we’ve never seen before and start with the 7-3, NFC West division-leading Arizona Cardinals.
For the record, I was a Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals season ticket holder from 1988-1999 (by way of Oldhab) and then again from 2006-2007 while living in Los Angeles. I have seen exactly ONE playoff victory, ONE winning season, ZERO division titles, and ZERO home playoff games during 20 years of watching nearly every single Cardinals game. They have not been to the playoffs since 1998, have not won a division title since 1975 (as the St. Louis Cardinals) and have not hosted a playoff game since 1947 (as the Chicago Cardinals). There has been a lot more bad than good over the past 20 years.
I do have a few good memories, but, for the most part, plays like Steve Bono’s run in this video pretty much summarize my experience. And, yes, Oldhab and I did have the opportunity to watch this play in person at Sun Devil Stadium.
This year is different. The season is not over, and surely the Cardinals franchise is prone to unfortunate collapses–in 1988, the Cardinals were 7-4 and proceeded to loose 5 straight games after their franchise quarterback, Neil Lomax, was lost for the season–but so far they have overcome the curses of previous generations. They win the close games that they have traditionally lost; they have a smart coach who is not afraid to make bold decisions; and they don’t lose confidence even when they aren’t playing their best. This is a big deal. It may not seem like it to fans of the Patriots, who at 6-4, are considered a colossal disappointment, but this is literally the first time I have rooted for a quality Cardinals team.
Kurt Warner continues to dominate the league in every passing category; Larry Fitzgerald (from?) and Anquin Bolden are having career years; and the Cardinals defense plays well against the run and has forced the most turnovers in the league. If they can eliminate stupid penalties, they are going to be a difficult team to beat in a home playoff game.
This weekend, the Cardinals face their greatest test of the season when they play the Giants. I am confident they will win. They will be 8-3. They will rise on ESPN’s Power Rankings. I will be happy. Twenty years of pain and rejection will not go unrewarded.