The National Football Post | National Football Post Diner News
interesting note on cards passing on 1st down.FROM KENT SOMERS OF THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC… “Obviously, in this type of situation, where you have a game two weeks away, you want to make sure you got as many of your guys available for that game,” Whisenhunt said. “That’s got to take priority.” Boldin has a left shoulder injury while Arrington has a right knee sprain “I think that both these guys want to play and if they’re ready to go, they’ll play,” Whisenhunt said. “But I think also, you have to be smart with that situation. If this was a game that for us meant to get into the playoffs, it would be a completely different scenario.” The Cardinals (8-6) have two more regular-season games but already have clinched the NFC West Division. They will play their first home playoff game since 1947 either Jan. 3 or 4. Arrington doesn’t start but he’s an important part of the team’s spread formations. Boldin was selected to the third Pro Bowl of his career. Tim Hightower and Edgerrin James would take over Arrington’s workload, while Steve Breaston would start in place of Boldin.
Weather is going to have a huge effect on the games in the East Coast this weekend. The Northeast is expecting a big snowstorm tonight and will have more snow as the weekend progresses. This is not good news for the road-weary Arizona Cardinals. The Pats are not playing very well on defense right now, injuries have taken their toll and they’re struggling to rush the passer with consistency. They are not a good first-down pass defense, ranking 30th in the NFL, and the Cards are all about passing on first down. The Pats will double Larry Fitzgerald all over the field, and if the Cards do not have Boldin it will help make the Pats’ coverages easier to configure. What the Pats have to do in this game is find a way to play better in the red zone. The Pats have always been a great RZ team, but for some reason they cannot make a play and seem to be giving up touchdowns too often. In fact, in the conference championship, it was the outstanding play of their RZ defense that allowed them to defeat the Chargers. This game will be a tough challenge for the Cards, dealing with weather and the determination of the Pats.