Story Archive for 01/10/2010
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Cardiac Cards Advance Past Pack; Saints Await Them
Published on January 10, 2010 at 09:39PM
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)—Michael Adams forced a key Aaron Rodgers fumble in overtime, which Karlos Dansby returned 17 yards for the game-clinching touchdown and the Arizona Cardinals downed the Green Bay Packers, 51-45 in overtime Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in the NFC Wild card playoffs. Early on, it looked as if the Cardinals would blow the Packers out of the water as they built an early 17-0 lead by virtue of a 1-yard touchdown run by Tim Hightower, a 15-yard touchdown pass from Kurt Warner (29 of 33, 379 yards, 5 TD’s) to Early Doucet and a 23-yard field goal by Neil Rackers. The Packers pulled to within 24-10 at halftime and caught fire in the second half. Behind Rodgers’ (28 of 42, 422 yards, 4 TD’s, INT) stellar play, the Packers weathered the Cardinals’ potent offense, outscoring Arizona, 35-21 in the latter 30 minutes, to draw even at 45-45 late in the 4th Quarter when Rodgers hit Spencer Havner on an 11-yard strike. The Cardinals then had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Rackers missed from 34 yards out in the closing seconds. Things looked bleak for the Cardinals, when Green Bay won the coin toss in overtime and received the ball. Nevertheless, Adams saved the Cardinals’ season, and Arizona will next face the New Orleans Saints Saturday afternoon in the NFC Divisional playoffs with the winner advancing to the NFC Championship game. The teams combined for 1,024 yards of offense in the thrilling shootout.