National Football League

Cardinals in position for another playoff run

Published Jan. 8, 2010 5:33 p.m. ET

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A year ago, the Arizona Cardinals — called the “worst playoff team in NFL history’’ by TV analyst Cris Collinsworth — stepped up to a postseason table, caught fire and played the lack of respect card all the way to the Super Bowl.

So what card are these guys going to play this January after posting the franchise’s first 10-win season since 1978 and spitting in the eye of the Super Bowl jinx?

“The hand that’s dealt, baby,’’ said linebacker Chike Okeafor said after practice Wednesday. “Make plays or go home. It’s real simple. It comes down to heart and want-to.’’

Call it the character card — a card they’ll desperately need — because they won’t catch anybody off guard this postseason.

They earned respect and a nod as a serious Super Bowl contender in part because of their explosive offense and improving defense, but also because no other team in the playoffs showed more spunk, resolve and resiliency during the regular season.

The Cardinals stumbled out of the gate to a 1-2 record, losing both games at home, and were promptly declared “toast’’ by some analysts.

They gave up a 99-yard drive in the waning minutes and lost at Tennessee. They blew an opportunity to clinch the NFC West title with a seven-turnover loss against San Francisco. They were blown out by Green Bay at home in the final regular season game, after benching most of their starters two series into the first quarter of a meaningless game.

And yet, here they are — division champions for the second straight season. Yes, they lost six games, the most of any NFC playoff team, but never two in a row.

This is the team that defied the odds and became only the third team in the last 11 years to return to the playoffs after losing a Super Bowl. What hangover?

That, quarterback Kurt Warner said, is all about character.

He said, “It comes down to confidence, believing in what we have in the locker room and not being satisfied with what we did last year. That’s the hardest thing to do in this business, to keep your edge and not get complacent or overconfident.

“Just because we did it last year, we’re not satisfied. That speaks to the character of our guys and what they want to be. It’s not about one run in the playoffs or one opportunity in the Super Bowl. We want to be consistent winners.”

Point proved in the regular season. But now it’s show-and-tell time for these Birds to establish they are not one-hit wonders. Their first chance comes this Sunday at home against the same Packers who played their regulars most of for Sunday’s game.

These are the same Packers who also throttled the Cardinals in the preseason — another meaningless game. Edge, Packers?

Warner dismissed it. “Those games,’’ he said, “were what they were. I’m sure they’re confident now. Obviously, we haven’t done much against them.’’

These aren’t the same Cardinals of a year ago. They made a breathtaking run into the Super Bowl off a 9-7 season, gaining valuable experience despite a heartbreaking, last-second loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This is a better team than last year, more well-rounded. They know they belong. It shows in their swagger, the confidence missing during all those lean years in the desert.

That confidence grew out of last January, but don’t be fooled into believing that will carry the team this year, said Warner.

“Different team, different time, different year,’’ he said. “Would you like to do the same thing? Sure. But I don’t know if you take a lot from that. You can’t use last year for anything we do this year. It’s going to take that same kind of effort the next few weeks if we are going to make a run.’’

They are far better equipped this time around. Last year, 16 of the Cardinals’ 22 starters on both sides of the ball made their playoff debuts.

This year? The Cardinals have 38 players with playoff experience, including 17 starters who were with the team during its run last year.

“Things are changing, that’s for sure,’’ Okeafor said. “It’s all about do we build on that? Are we content, resting on our laurels? We got some respect now. Or we willing to build on that?’’

The answer appears to be a resounding “yes” in the locker room, but Sunday could present some serious challenges if three of the team’s key players — wide receiver Anquan Boldin, defensive end Calais Campbell and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie — aren’t healthy.

Only Campbell practiced Wednesday. Rodgers-Cromartie practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, while Boldin remained on the sideline.

Ironically, the Cardinals suffered more injuries benching most of their starters than the Packers did playing theirs. Boldin injured an ankle and twisted a knee. Rodgers-Cromartie, a Pro Bowler, left on a cart with a bruised kneecap, while Campbell suffered a fractured thumb.

“You don’t replace guys like ‘Q’ (Anquan Boldin),’’ Warner said. “You never want to go into games like this not 100% and not with your top players.’’

But this is a team that has bounced back time and time again this season. Who needs the lack of respect card?

“We know we’re talented,’’ said Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. “The thing we’ve been missing is consistency. We’re searching for that right now. This is another opportunity for us to find it. We know what’s at stake.’’

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