Sports Then and Now

The Arizona Cardinals pulled out a victory for the ages with a 51-45 win over the Green Bay Packers

During the last week, Sports Then and Now ran a series featuring the 50 greatest games and moments in the history the NFL conference playoffs. The game Sunday evening between the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers will certainly move near the top of that list.

Ironically, in a game that featured NFL Playoff records for points, total yards and first downs, it was a defensive play that proved to be the difference.

The Packers rebounded from a 31-10 second half deficit to send the game into overtime tied at 45-45.

Considering that Green Bay had scored five touchdowns in the second half it seemed logical that when they won the coin toss for overtime it would lead to a quick score.

However, the score proved to be for the Cardinals. On third down, Aaron Rodgers was sacked and stripped by Michael Adams with the ball bouncing right to Karlos Dansby, who returned the ball 17 yards for the game-winner.

The 51-45 final score set a new record for point in a postseason game. The previous record was 95 set by the Eagles and Lions in 1995.

Both quarterbacks were basically unstoppable, especially in the second half.

Kurt Warner, who is rumored to be leaning toward retiring after the postseason, completed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards and five touchdowns.

Rodgers, making his first postseason start, threw an interception on his first pass attempt, but rebounded to complete 28 of 42 passes for 422 yards and four touchdowns.

The Cardinals will look to prolong their season and Warner’s career next Saturday when they travel to New Orleans to face the Saints.