Falcons vs. Cardinals Preview

Okay. This is it. The Atlanta Falcons are in the playoffs and are coming into the the tournament winning three consecutive games. The Arizona Cardinals are limping into the postseason, winning only two of their final six games. In fact, six of the nine wins that Arizona produced came from their divisional opponents in which all have losing records. But they do have a high-powered offense where receivers Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston all went over 1,000 yards receiving for the 2008 year. Here's a closer look at the game:

WHEN THE FALCONS ARE ON OFFENSE...

Quarterback Matt Ryan had a great season and was rewarded this week as he won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. But he has struggled the latter part of the season as he has thrown five interceptions in the last five games. But still makes plays when the team needs him to. The Falcons are going to try to keep Arizona's offense off the field by grinding it out with Michael Turner who has over 1,600 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns on the year. Both of those numbers were good enough to put him in second place in both categories and ever came in second place for NFL MVP. The Cardinals defense will try to contain Turner as well as spell running back Jerious Norwood with the help of linebacker Carlos Dansby and cornerback Antrel Rolle. Dansby leads the team in tackles with 119 while Rolle is right behind him with 89. Adrian Wilson could also come down from his safety position to help with the run defense as they give up 110 rushing yards-per-game.

If the Cardinals do stop the running attack, no worries because Ryan has a No. 1 receiver in Roddy White who pulled down 88 catches, 1,382 yards and seven touchdowns. Michael Jenkins has developed into a solid No.2 receiver and has come up with big catches all season long. The Cardinals pass defense is not great as they give up around 220 passing yards-per-game and Bertrand Berry leads the team in sacks with only five.

WHEN THE FALCONS ARE ON DEFENSE...

John Abraham is the play maker for the Falcons defense and Lawyer Miloy is the emotional leader. Both of theses players will have to play at a high level on Saturday in order to shut down Boldin, Fitzgerald and Breaston. Abraham leads the team and all NFL defensive lineman in sacks with 16.5 (and yet he didn't make the Pro Bowl), and Miloy isn't the safety he was five years ago, but he did have a good season with 93 tackles and one interception. Kieth Brooking led the team in tackles again with 102 and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton has a stellar rookie campaign with 94 tackles.

Arizona has one of the best passing attacks in the league and will try to attack a small Falcons secondary early and often. Brent Grimes, Chris Houston and Dominique Foxworth are the corners for the Falcons and will have their hands full. But they are aggressive at the point of attack and will be in your face for the entire game. Quarterback Kurt Warner is having his best season and will try to use his playoff experience to carry his team to victory.

THE BOTTOM LINE...

What this game comes down to is ball control and which team can pressure the quarterback. The one thing that the Falcons do better than any team is getting off to a fast start. The led the NFC in first quarter points and were third in first quarter points allowed. They are also coming into this game with a three-game winning and are as confident as they have ever been. The Cardinals are confident because they are hosting a playoff game and are coming of a much needed victory. But they have struggled and have not faced a running attack like the Falcons. The same can be said for the Falcons as they have not faced a passing game like Arizona, but they are able to apply pressure with their defensive line and do not have to blitz. Also, the Falcons are known as being one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL and if they hit the Cardinals hard early it will be hard for the Arizona to hit back. So with that the Falcons win 24-17 and win their first road playoff game since 2002.