nicksmith January 16, 2009 Entertainment, Features, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 148 views Comments Print This Post  Email This Post

Donovan McNabb leads the Philadelphia Eagles to a heroic comeback in the 4th quarter, tying it up at 29 in the final second on a David Akers field goal. Kurt Warner and the high-powered Arizona Cardinals offense were too much in overtime as a long pass to Leonard Pope set up the game winning Neil Rackers field goal.

The following is a news report based on a simulation of the NFC Championship Game between the Arizona Cardinals and the visiting Philadelphia Eagles using Madden 09. If you do not feel like reading the summary you can watch the highlights or just listen to Playboy Cyber Girl of the Year Jo Garcia talk about Madden. You should also visit our friends at Bleacher Report and check out the still images from the simulated NFC Championship game.

Scoring began and ended off of the foot of Neil Rackers.

PHI (2-1) 10 0 7 12 0 29
ARI (3-0) 3 10 6 10 3 32

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Offense was the story as the surprising Arizona Cardinals have secured their first ever Super Bowl bid.

Kurt Warner thew for 428 yards, none more important than the 33-yard strike to tight end Leonard Pope in overtime to set up the game winning 37-yard field goal by Neil Rackers.

The Arizona Cardinals will face the winner of the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Championship game in the Super Bowl in Tampa the first day February. The last time the Cardinals were champions was before there were Super Bowls and more than sixty years ago. They look to end the current longest championship in the NFL by winning their fourth playoff game since ending the regular season on a sour note.

While Warner had over 400 yards, he did so with 3 interceptions and only one touchdown. Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb kept the Eagles in the game with his 358 yards passing and lead a 2-minute drill for the ages at the end of regulation that resulted in a David Akers field goal to tie the game with one second left. That was the third and final field goal of David Akers on the day. He had a very solid day by making all five of his kick attempts including two extra point conversions. But it was Neil Rackers whole stole the show, connecting on six of six field goals and connecting on both of his extra point attempts.

The big name receivers of Arizona were held in check as Boldin caught 6 passes for 58 yards and Larry Fitzgerald caught 5 passes for 77 yards. Boldin was able to go after suffering an injury to Atlanta in the Wild Card game. This was the first playoff game that Fitzgerald did not have 100-yards as well as the first that tight end Leonard Pope topped the 100-yard mark with his 108 yards.

Pope had struggled all year and rebounded from an injury, getting the start when Stephan Spach went down with a season ending torn ACL injury. His 33-yard reception from Warner may have been the biggest play of the day and his NFL career to date.

The Eagles had success both running the ball and through the air. Brian Westbrook lead the team with 121 yards on the ground and a touchdown. It may be his failed 2-pt conversion though that Eagles fans will remember though. Westbrook was stopped at the goaline in a play that the Eagles have relied on throughout the season and fans have considered automatic. DeSean Jackson had the biggest receiving day of all with 128 yards including a 59-yard touchdown pass from McNabb. Brent Celek was the recipient of the other McNabb passing touchdown.

Defense was not much of a factor as the two teams combined for over 1500 yards. Brian Dawkins highlighted the defense that held Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower to 114 combined rushing yards. Stewart Bradley lead the team in tackles as he did in the regular season. Domique Rodgers-Cromartie continued to play like a veteran rather than a rookie, picking off a pass from McNabb.

Leaders:

Passing:
(ARI) K. Warner – 428
(PHI) D. McNabb – 358

Rushing:
(ARI) E. James – 97
(PHI) B. Westbrook – 121

Receiving:
(ARI) L. Pope – 108
(PHI) D. Jackson – 128

Tackles:
(ARI) K. Dansby – 15
(PHI) S. Bradley – 21

Kicking:
(ARI) N. Rackers – 6/6
(PHI) D. Akers – 3/3