Which player will deliver the moment Saturday that has you chirping or grumbling Monday morning?
Vinny Iyer of the Sporting News lists the five gamebreakers he thinks are most likely to be featured in The Highlight of their NFL playoff game's highlights this weekend.
At the top of the list: Steve Smith of the Panthers.
No. 2: Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals.
We're not so sure. Yes, Smith makes sense, and he's got the history. But the Cardinals are acutely aware of his explosiveness after he burned them for a 65-yard, somewhat controversial score in the Panthers 27-23 in Week 8. (The controversy: Arizona coaches thought Smith stepped out-of-bounds during his sprint down the sidelines. Replay officials thought otherwise. Said Cards coach Ken Whisenhunt on Tuesday: "I just hope he had a rag to wipe that white paint off his shoes.")
Our gamebreaker guess: DeAngelo Williams, breaking arm tackles of undersized Arizona lineman for a score. Say, third quarter, 35 yards. (Larry Fitzgerald is a fine No. 2, however.)
Who do you think will provide the offensive or defensive moment of the game? Tell us what you think the play will look like.
Your Morning Buzz:
ESPN.com writers Pat Yasinskas (formerly with the Observer) and Mike Sando debate the week's big questions, including this: Who's the best WR on the field Saturday, Steve Smith or Larry Fitzgerald?
Ken Whisenhunt may have been shut out of Coach of the Year voting, but Cards fans should be happy with him, writes Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic.
Edgerrin James was ready to quit over his benching, reports the Republic's Bob McManaman.
Over on SI.com, Peter King and Don Banks (and readers) are having an interesting debate about the NFL's overtime rules. (King wants a new system - with no coin flip.)
We're moving!
8 years ago
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Smitty, no doubt about it
ReplyDeleteGo vote for DeAngelo!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-air-and-ground
After watching Jonathan Stewart stiff arm Tampa's Ronde Barber so hard he bounced, I think he will have a breakout playoff debut!
ReplyDeleteSorry to burst your bubble, but my guess is its going to be Steve Breaston that will make you panther fans feel that burn come next week. GO CARDS!!!
ReplyDeleteMike from Shelby
ReplyDeleteIt all depends on if Jake is on his game. Always the big battle depends on how the troops are lead into battle.
Why in the world doesn't Charlotte.com has a Blog post for the Skipper Beck story?
ReplyDeleteAre you protecting him Observer???
Skipper Beck story is prominent on charlotteobserver.com, left column, second story from the top.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Peter
I saw Heidi Fleiss in the Beck Box at the game.
ReplyDeleteBeck Box...that is funny.
Got EDGE?
ReplyDeleteThe Observer most liley does not have a blog on "The Beck Story" because a lawsuit would throw McClatchy into bankruptcy. They are quick to remove any post about Beck so enjoy this one while you can.
ReplyDeleteI can't understand how someone who lives in Charlotte or even in North Carolina could not be a Carolina fan. I have many friends that do not support Carolina Panthers. I only have one thing to say, "Go ahead and jump on the wagon with the Carolina Panthers!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSmith is going to use Whisenhunt's comments for extra motivation.
ReplyDeleteInstead of going 65 yards down the sideline, he is going to burn them for 80 down the middle of the field.
Game maker/breaker: Ken Lucas
ReplyDeleteMaybe for a change the game breaker will be a defensive back. Weak secondary the past few games. Love to see a pic for 6!!! Offense should take care of itself.
ReplyDeleteI think the gamebreaker will be a hit by julius peppers hitting a cardinal with the ball flying in the air for a touchdown return by beason
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteGot EDGE?
Hell yeah we got the EDGE... the Double Trouble.
For you Cards fans I'll try and type slower and spell it out for ya.
D-Will and J-Stew
Jan. 10...Jake Delhomme's Birthday. Jan. 10...Home playoff game against Arizona. Coincidence? I think Not.
ReplyDeleteDEF game breaker - ARI: Dockett/Watson - if they can control the line of scrimmage, ARI has a chance. CAR: Beason/Peppers - despite the talk about the secondary, this D is linebacker/lineman centric. Peppers is a freak. Beason is the leader. If they have big games CAR rolls.
ReplyDeleteOFF game breaker - ARI: Breaston - Not that he'll be the best WR on the field, but if Q is out, or limited, then Breaston will be called upon to fill that role. He's had a good season and a breakout playoff game could be possible. CAR: OFF line - Love the combination of Double Trouble and Smith is always threat. Moose lends support to both of them with blocking and providing a threat opposite Smith. If the OLine isn't ready, with the returning players, then the O will struggle.
-Concerned Cardinal
Fascinating-- who knew it would be Jake Delhomme?
ReplyDelete