Rinds, Signs, and Trying Times

Right now you, faithful Wadsworthians (trying that one on for size), are likely asking yourselves two questions. 1) Why the Brian Dawkins video clip and 2) is that title inspired/borrowed from a Jonas Brothers album? The answer to the first question can be answered with another question. Did you watch the video? Aside from its message-there is no guarantee of tomorrow in playoff football- being totally applicable to todays Cards game, that shit got me fired up! The answer to the second question is yes, I found inspiration from a Disney created pop brothers trio. As always though, there is a method to my madness, or if I may take the liberty, a method to my logic. On to the breakdown.

Alright, lets just hit this up in order. How many of you picked up on the rinds/cheese/packers connection? I'll pat myself on the back for that one later. For now when looking across the field at todays opponent, I don't like what I see. The Packers are skilled, smart, and playing about as well as anyone else in the league. With all the league hullabaloo focused on the Colts and Saints bid for a perfect season, the Packers hot finish seemed to slip through the cracks. The Pack won 7 of their last 8 with their only loss coming off a last second TD against the Steelers. I already linked that video once before in a previous post so feel free to scroll down and watch that, but I can't put myself through those flashbacks again. You might be stronger souls than I so watch at your own risk, but I cant do it.

Signs: Sometimes, despite almost all signs pointing in one direction, the outcome is exactly the opposite. This is most certainly true in our everyday lives and as Cards fans we better hope it holds true today. All signs point to a Packers win. As previously mentioned, they're playing exceptional football. They've dominated the two previous-albeit meaningless- contests this season and most importantly, they matchup extremely well against our beloved birds. Their strength on offense is their exceptional passing game. Our defensive weakness is our pass coverage. They have an exceptional CB in Charles Woodson who can matchup with Fitz, and boast an impressive pass rush to go against our shaky offensive line. Sounds as if I'm preparing you all for some "trying times" doesn't it? Not so fast. Lets take a look at how the Cardinals are going to get a big win today.

Ok so ya, I copped out on the "trying times" part of this title analogy thing that we had going here. We'll try and work it back in again but for now remove those judgmental eyes off me and lets illustrate a Cardinals win. For much of the first half of the season, the Packers greatly struggled with their pass protection. While they were able to straighten this out during their hot streak, the Cards must find a way to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers. More specifically they must find a way to do this when not blitzing. Darnell Dockett might be the most important player in todays game. If Dock can put forth a Super Bowl type performance, the Cards can drop more players in coverage closing down some of Rodgers throwing windows. Also, to quote another member of the Wadsworth brains trust "I want A-dub coming off that blindside so hard not even Sandra Bullock can stop him." As simple as it sounds, thats it. Effective defensive pressure will be the key to this game. On the offensive side it all starts up front. When the line protects Kurt and gives him time, he makes the defense pay. It is vital to get him in rhythm early. Once Kurt gets going, the offensive possibilities are endless (you have to scroll down a bit). Also a quick mention of the special teams. Mason Crosby, the Packers kicker, has struggled this season. Cardinals special teams have been nearly flawless all year. It is absolutely essential that the Cards win the special teams battle, both field goals and field position.

A few more notes: First, it doesn't appear Q is going to be able to play. No official word yet, but he didn't practice at all this week. That hurts but this team has won without Q in the past, including a playoff game last year, and thats just what they will have to do today. Lastly, its prediction time. I said before and I'll say it again. Sometimes all signs point one way but the outcome turns out another. Thats why today's result will prove to be "trying times" for Packers fans (weak, i know). Finals score 34-31 Cards. See you in New Orleans.

Lastly, a little bit of Trelian Logic to close this out...