Overlooked

The quarterback on defense is normally the middle linebacker, but in these two NFL Conference Championship games this weekend the defensive quarterbacks will be the safeties. You've heard about Brian Dawkins, Troy Polamalu, and Ed Reed, but Antrel Rolle or Adrian Wilson of the Cardinals have been left out of the conversation this week.


Although left out of the conversation, both of these safeties are playing out of their minds.

Wilson, who is an 8 year veteran out of NC State has played solid over the past two playoff games with 9 tackles and 1 forced fumble. In the regular season, he had 75 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 picks.

Rolle, who is a 4 year veteran out of "The U" has been playing out of his mind these last two games. Rolle has 9 tackles and 1 pick and has made countless other plays that are not shown in the stat columns. Rolle is in his first season as a full-time free safety, making the move from cornerback with the drafting of rookie CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Yes, the big name safeties in these two games deserve the attention they have garnered, but the Cardinals hands down have the best secondary and safety tandem in these two games. You have to be a die hard fan or look at the depth chart to name Polamalu, Dawkins, or Reed's sidekick at safety, while you know the names Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle of the top of your head.

These two safeties will give Donovan McNabb a hard time this weekend and will be the key to victory for the Cardinals. Jim Johnson's Eagle defense is great, but Kurt Warner who was snubbed for the MVP award this year will manage to put points on the board. The Cardinals overcame the hump last week by winning in the Eastern time zone in cold weather. They also toughened up and held the great Panthers rushing attack to only 75 yards. Look for the Eagles offense to struggle against the Cardinals defense, and the Cardinals to put up just enough points to go on to the Super Bowl.

Peace,


Ricky Writer