It was a year of a self awakening. On the cusp of a young self coming of age, willing to embrace what the present rather than the future had in store for a wandering soul on the opposite side of the country. Far away from family, but embraced by old and new friends in a new city. One that will always be home.

This new home, yet oddly familiar, housed a football club that has been beloved while living in another part of the country. A team who’s love caused pain, pleasure, chastising and ridicule but loved none the less by one. One who knew that the struggle will be overcame and greatness achieved into the future and days to pass.

It was a balmy afternoon, mid 60’s in the beginning of Janurary. A friend of mine who has season tix for the Cardinals made an offer. An offer I couldn’t refuse: tix to the playoff game against the Packers on Janurary 10th, 2010 in exchange for nothing. Ecstaticly I accepted the invitation and made moves to achieve a life long dream: to see my favourite team play in their home stadium for the playoffs!

A loaned Adrian Wilson jersey donned by an eager fan entering the University of Phoenix Stadium passing the hyped tailgate that is more lax on the west coast than the obnoxious Philly tailgates I’m used to. Everyone was welcomed, even Packers fans, we were all one family, just one team had to win.

We took our seats, complimentary towels in hand, ready to wave with hopes our team would become the victor. 4 quarters pass of back to back straight shootout football. Rodgers goes for 400yds 4 TDs and an INT, Kurt Warner goes for over 300yds 5 TDS 0 INTs and exciting game through and through. Emotions are high, tensions in the air. Local Phoenix fans and celebrities chomping at the bit hoping for the W. Then it happens….

First play….Sack?! Is the ball loose? Wait…. Is that Wilson or Dansby? OMG OMG OMG!!!!! OMG OMG OMG!!!!!! Booth review. It stands! A walk off strip sack returned for a GW TD with the hopes of a return to the Super Bowl! Chills all over the body, thrills for stadium and an everlasting memory for a lifelong fan who’s dream became true. (But it wouldn’t be. Kurt Warner gets knocked out by the Saints to the chagrin of most. A very ugly play, clean and unfortunate). 

This year reminds me of 6 years ago. Aaron Rodgers is not the newb he was 6 years ago, but he’s damn sure playing like it lately. His 400+ yards against a defense who didn’t show up, could happen again with a depleted D who’s All-Pro DB Tyrann Mathieu is out and a signing of former  Pro Bowler and ex-Eagle pass rushing specialist Jason Babin. Lacy is coming off a disappointing season, but seems to have regained his step. James Jones is a formidable threat for our defense in the Red Zone and big plays. Davante Adams and Randall Cobb are players to watch for, their slot play can breakdown defenses with the quickness. If they show up.

Carson Palmer is reminiscent of Kurt Warner. Aged, injury prone, skilled and well traveled. He is making a strong case for MVP and I’m all about it. His 104 QBR is the highest in the NFL. Higher than Cam’s and Brady’s. That IQ and skill will play a huge role in dissecting this defense while David Johnson looks to cut open the line and bruise the secondary. Larry Fitzgerald and crew will have a great day, with the hopes John “Smoky” Brown or Michael Floyd can break a big one. Please Dwight Freeney and Babin, please show up tonight!!!!! Campbell, the near 7 footer should put enough pressure on Rodgers that Buchannon and the other secondary should keep him contained while the best DB in football Patrick Peterson looks to lock down the outside, hopefully, Jones.

Even though this game is a resemblance of 5 years ago and we have put a shalacking on the Pack this year, ahem 38-8….. The Packers look to come back into their form against our number 2 team of the NFC, so it may not be a shootout. I’m calling it right now:

Both QBs go off for over 300 and Johnson goes for 120 all purpose with the Cards winning 34-21. Book it!

Photo courtesy of azfamily.com