The Atlanta Falcons outscored their opponents 234-139 in the first half during the regular season. but were outscored by opponents 186-154 in the second half. The Arizona Cardinals defense harassed Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryan the entire game.

     Kurt Warner opened with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald, the franchise's first home playoff game since the then Cardinals beat Philadelphia. Which let them win the NFL championship in 1947. Atlanta's 60 yards rushing represented a season low. Atlanta had to throw it around a little bit more than they were used to, which kind of put them behind the eight-ball. Matt Ryan was intercepted twice, and tackled in the end zone for a safety. Matt fumbled the ball away on a botched hand off, which lead to 27 yard return. That fumble was the element that put Arizona ahead for good.

     Atlanta's Michael Turner, the NFL's No. 2 rusher, was out performed by Edgerrin James. James ended the game with 16 carries and 73 yards where Turner ended his season at this game with only 42 yards after 18 carries. Warner, in the playoffs for the first time since leading the Saint Louis Rams to a second Super Bowl in 2001, was 19-of-32, for 271 yards with only one interception. Ryan, the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, completed 26 of 40 passes for 199 yards and two scores. But Ryan's first pass of the playoffs was intercepted by Ralph Brown.

      The Cardinals won their first playoff game since 1998, and their first home playoff game since 1947. They will travel to Carolina to face the Panthers. So will these birds be able to fly past the big cats? We shall see Jan.10th at  8:15