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1st |
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Final |
| Packers |
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12 |
7 |
0 |
33 |
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Sunday, January 3, 2010 - 3:15 PM CST - University of Phoenix Stadium (Phoenix, Arizona)
TV: FOX | Local Radio: WTAQ 1360 AM, WTAQ 97.5 FM, WIXX 101.1 FM
Live Game Stats (NFL.com) | Dope Sheet | Press Box Notes | Halftime Recap |  Photos
PACKERS-CARDINALS POST-GAME QUOTES
PACKERS HEAD COACH MIKE McCARTHY
On the status of Charles Woodson:
"Charles Woodson jammed his shoulder. I think he's going to be fine. We know that Charles has always fought through injuries. If the situation was different he would have returned in the game."
On the status of Brad Jones:
"We're just being smart with Brad, he's fine. Charles Woodson will be the only person added to our weekly injury list."
On Charles Woodson getting injured:
"Anytime one of your players goes down and doesn't get up, it definitely buckles your knees. It's no different for Charles. When he was walking off he told me right then that he would be fine. I wasn't concerned after that."
On the risk of playing everybody:
"Our focus was clear from day one. We made it clear to everybody. Every team is different. Some teams want an opportunity to rest their players. Some teams maybe feel more comfortable doing that. We're a young team. We were not in the playoffs last year, so I felt it was clear that our football team needed to continue to stay on the pace and continue to make progress. We wanted to come out here and win the game and keep our razors sharp and gain some momentum going into the playoffs. It didn't really matter who we were playing. I understand Arizona had a different agenda. We had 16 games to prove ourselves. We're a level five football team. We like the way we've played the last eight weeks. It was very important for our particular team to maximize this opportunity. My goal going into the game was to play three quarters and see where the game stood. Obviously we made our changes in the third quarter with about four minutes left. I felt very fortunate that we came out of the game healthy. I understand the risk as much as anybody and I understand the concerns that people would have going with this plan. It's in the best interest of our football team to play the best football going into playoffs. That's why we took this approach."
On if he considered or looked at any past games:
"I did not inquire or look into it. I'm not going to stand here and act like I have all of the answers. But I have the pulse of my football team. Our football team needed to stay on course. We set a path. We had some bumps in the road at four and four. We continued to improve each week and won some football games along the way. I thought it was important to take this last opportunity to make sure that we were playing the best we possibly could coming out of the regular season. As we all know (the) playoffs start this week. It's a whole different season and a whole different set of circumstances. I wanted to make sure I gave our team the best chance to play at the highest level possible."
On how big of a part confidence plays:
"Winning is confidence, there is no denying that. Winning breeds confidence, it breeds excitement which breeds encouragement and it breeds adrenaline. It all ties together. I really like the energy of our football team. I love the work ethic of our football team. We'll go right back at it this week. They're fresh. They've had the opportunity the past two Fridays to take care of their legs and they've been building up to this playoff run. We're getting 16 opportunities to get our team ready, and I feel good about where we are today."
On if he tried to stay pretty vanilla and if he was successful with it if that was the plan:
"I ended up going that way. I've had plenty of opportunities to build offenses and we're the same way on defense. We feel like we have plenty of bullets in our gun to play a double header. I did find myself in the second and third quarters scratching stuff off my list and anticipating saving it for next week."
On how much he can take from Arizona for next week:
"Probably not a whole lot. We'll look at this game a lot like we looked at the pre-season game. We'll look at the match-ups. Their starters didn't play very long. They obviously took a different approach. They'll have a different plan for us. That's the chess match part of it. Their coaches will do a good job with the plan. We need to continue to put the players in position. I like the way we're playing. We have a lot of energy. We're playing with confidence. We have an edge to our play. We're healthy and we're fresh. I like the way we're walking into these playoffs."
On what the schedule will be like if they play on Saturday:
"The players are going to be off Monday. We've already set the schedule for Monday and Tuesday. We're going to work Tuesday, regardless if we're on a six-day or seven-day (schedule). How long we work on Tuesday will reflect a six-day or seven-day schedule."
On if he prefers a Saturday or Sunday game:
"I haven't thought about it either way. Playing Arizona (in) six days is fine. You can only go back and look at the cut-ups so long. If I was playing on six days, this would be the week to do it."
On Charles Woodson's season:
"Charles has had an incredible season. I'm sure there are a lot of excellent candidates out there for the defensive MVP, but I don't know how he does not win the award. His teammates are chanting MVP everyday at practice and he goes out and does it every Sunday. He played at a high level again today. He's played tremendous all year and he's a good football player. He's played four positions for us on defense. He's gone against the number one receivers and the top tight end. He's really been an outstanding football player for us this year."
On his feeling heading into the playoffs this year compared to two years ago:
"It felt good two years ago going into it. We had the opportunity to win at home but we had the bye week, so it was really a whole different circumstance. I knew we were going to have to make sure we gained our edge at practice because we were going to be off. This football team is relatively healthy. We're playing very well. They're probably very similar because I know we were probably 6-2 in the second half that year, and we're 7-1 in the second half this year. There are probably a lot of similarities."
PACKERS SAFETY ATARI BIGBY
On coming out to win the game this week:
"No matter what anybody says, we came out here to win the game. That was our mindset. They [Cardinals] took most of their starters out, but we were winning from start to finish. We'll see what happens next week."
On if anything from today's game has an effect on next week's game:
"You know, I don't really know. When the playoffs come around everybody turns it up a notch. We expect them [Cardinals] to turn it up and we know we're going to turn it up. It's going to be a tough game. Everybody wants to see that challenge."
PACKERS RUNNING BACK RYAN GRANT
On having momentum:
"We need to keep the pedal to the metal. We need to keep going with the style of football we are trying to play."
On this game having an effect on next week's game:
"You don't know. You've got to give the Cardinals respect for what they've done all season. We expect that they will play at a fast pace. We expect them to be a different team next week. But we feel good. We came out healthy, that was our number one thing for us and guys played at a high level. We expected to be in a playoff game regardless of what happened, but we like the momentum we have."
PACKERS WIDE RECEIVER GREG JENNINGS
On the game:
"The game can always go a little better. We have some things we need to work on. But we came out and we established the run, we were able to throw the ball offensively and keep the ball out of their [Cardinals] hands and come away with an impressive win."
On the Cardinals:
"We saw a little bit of them. We watched film on them so we kind of have an idea of what we think they are going to do. It is what it is though. We came out here in the preseason and we got the best of them then. We got the best of them today in the regular season. That's going to be our goal against them next week also."
On each team seeing what the other has to offer:
"It's tough because they get to see what we have to offer, but at the same time we get to see what they do and what they're about. Obviously there are some things we can take away from this game."
On having momentum:
"It's definitely important. We definitely feel like we have momentum. To come out here and win in this fashion, I forget what the final score was; it was a lot to a little. The defense played outstanding as they have done all year. Any time we can put the ball in the endzone and let our defense play down hill its good for the Packers."
On having a road warrior mentality going into the playoffs:
"We put ourselves in this position so it isn't going to be different then any other football game. We've got to come out here; obviously they had their [Cardinals] crowd behind them. We actually had a nice Packers crowd behind us as well. Playing on the road is always tougher with the atmosphere and the environment and things like that. These are 45 guys that dress up and go out there and take that field. That's all we need for us to be on the same page and to have the same goals."
PACKERS LINEBACKER CLAY MATTHEWS
On if he expects a different game next week:
"It's the playoffs, so we knew going into this, I think their game plan was to kind of stay a little conservative, as far as their offensive and defensive plan. We think they're going to come out with a new game plan and new strategy, seeing as they have good film on us now from playing us this week. That same thing goes for us. I think it's a momentum-builder going into the playoffs, now 11-5, and just overall, having a dominant performance. We come back out here and do that again, and we're off to a good start, so just continue that momentum and hopefully we take it into next week."
On if they held back a little bit to not show the Cardinals everything they had:
"I think so. It's a game within a game. We definitely had some defenses out there, but Dom [Capers] has always got a few tricks up his sleeve. We'll look to pull them out next week if we need to, but at the same time, it comes down to individual battles and who wants it more. If we just have that approach and do what we did today, good things will happen for us."
PACKERS NOSE TACKLE RYAN PICKETT
On being able to go next week:
"Oh yeah, I'll be ready to go next week. If this would've been for the playoffs, I would've played today. This gave me a little extra time to be more ready for next week."
On setting the franchise record for rushing defense:
"It means a lot. That was our number one goal coming in here. To be the number one rush defense and to be the number one overall defense; that was another goal we had, but I don't think we finished number one overall. This means a lot. Last year we couldn't stop the run. So to go from like 26th in the league last season to 1st this season says a lot about our team."
On keeping track of the ranking during the game:
"Oh yeah we were keeping track of that during the game. This was a record that we wanted bad. We worked hard all year to be in that position and to be in the position coming into the last game to get it, we wanted it bad."
PACKERS QUARTERBACK AARON RODGERS
On if he liked the starters playing a majority of this game:
"I did. We talked about going in to win, to play and get on a roll. We were hoping something like this would happen, to get a big lead and get out of there by the third quarter. But we were ready to play all four quarters."
On what the starters playing a majority of this game does for the team:
"It keeps the momentum. I think the way we were playing the last eight games, to win seven of them, and to be one pass short of winning the last eight, that says a lot about the direction that we're going and the identity we've got on offense and defense. We really played well in the second half of the season, and we need to keep that going."
On if he feels fortunate the team escaped without serious injuries:
"Injuries happen, at random times, doesn't matter what week, could be Week 1 or Week 17. They're a part of the game, and we realize that. I think you've got to play to win every week. From a momentum standpoint, that's what we wanted to do. I think, from a fan standpoint, it was appreciated, when the starting guys are playing."
On what he can take from this game, given they faced a vanilla defense:
"You take some confidence, but you've got to realize that once their first unit went out, they really didn't blitz much, if at all. They played kind of against their statistics up to that point, the style of defense they've played. So, we'll look at the film and critique it, but the body of work we'll focus on will be really the last four or five games they played before this game."
On if their success today and in the preseason gives them an edge for the playoffs:
"I think so. We've put together five quarters with our first offense of very good play. We had two quarters, scoring 31, in the preseason against the majority of their starters. Then, three quarters today where we moved the ball pretty well, only punted one time. I know that they subbed out a lot of their guys, but you can take a lot of confidence out of any type of win. We'll take it any way we can get it, and we're excited about this second season."
On if he expects a different atmosphere here next week:
"Not totally different. I think they'll be amped up, but the crowd was into it early in the game. Obviously, they're going to play their guys. I'm sure Antrel [Rolle] will come back and play. I'm not sure what DRC's availability is going to be. It's going to be a different game for sure. They're going to play way different on defense, and we're going to play different on offense."
On if it meant something to him to reach 30 touchdown passes on the season:
"It did. It was a good accomplishment. When you're making the goals, in quarterback school, with [quarterbacks] coach [Tom] Clements, that was definitely one of the goals."
On coming up just short of the single-season franchise record for passing yards:
"I can't say I wasn't aware of that. I knew I was short by the time I came out. But, I will definitely take a repeat of this season and the way we played for the rest of my career. That would be great."
On what has changed for this team in the last eight games:
"Confidence, 100 percent confidence on both sides of the ball. The defense continued to take the ball away, like they've been doing the entire season, but they just had more confidence in (defensive coordinator) Dom [Capers'] schemes, and they just played them better. I think the more experience they got within each individual call, the better they could play it. Offensively, I think the insertion of Mark Tauscher into the lineup really meant a lot to those guys. I think he's played great, and I think the direction we've gone, having Jermichael [Finley] play more snaps for us, has really opened our offense up."
PACKERS TACKLE MARK TAUSCHER
On the momentum they take into the playoffs having won seven of their last eight:
"I think it's important to be playing well, especially when the playoffs are starting. You want to feel good about what you're doing. I think we obviously feel that way."
On the progress the offensive line has made this year:
"I think we're playing better. We're improving each time we go out. It really comes down to how productive we are as an offense, which is a direct reflection of how we as a group are doing. When we're playing well, our offense is going to move the ball and do a lot of good things."
ARIZONA CARDINALS HEAD COACH KEN WHISENHUNT
Opening Statement:
"Well, obviously it didn't quite go the way it was planned for us today. The biggest concern coming out of this game was our health. We got a couple of guys that were nicked up and that's disappointing. We'll have to see how the week progresses. Anquan (Boldin) with his ankle, Calais (Campbell) with his thumb and Dominique (Rodgers-Cromartie) got spiked with some cleats on his knee. That happened on the third play of the game and was really scary from the standpoint of a good player. One thing you are trying to do is keep from having someone get injured. Hopefully we'll have good news on these guys as we go forward. I certainly think too the Minnesota game affected our team. We were geared up and ready to play and knew that if Minnesota didn't win, we had one plan and if Minnesota won, we had another plan. Obviously from the standpoint of mentally being prepared to play this game a certain way, it affected us when Minnesota got up so high. I'd like to have seen our team respond a little better than that, but that is what I think contributed to that."
On if that was Green Bay's game plan also:
"I can't speak to what they were doing. I know we had a plan going in about what we were going to do if the situation was the way it ended up being. It was very difficult to stick to that plan, but all I can tell you is that hopefully it will play out for us next week."
On what he saw out of Matt Leinart today:
"It wasn't his best performance today. That's tough because Matt's done a good job for us this year and I think the big thing for him is to bounce back. A lot of good work he's done doesn't shake my confidence in him. I just think he didn't have his best day today."
On his thought process of playing certain players, particularly Larry Fitzgerald:
"Well, Fitz we couldn't get out. I think (Larry Fitzgerald) wanted an opportunity to get the touchdown, which he got. We tried to do it based on the number of plays that these guys have gotten on their bodies this year, especially defensively. We kept kind of a pitch count of the number of plays that they've played. The ones that have gotten an excessive amount—I shouldn't say excessive—the ones that have gotten the most plays this year was kind of the way we did it. It's difficult when you've got a 45-man roster. You can't sit everybody, so we tried to do it the best way we could. That was the thought process going in. In Anquan (Boldin's) situation, I wish he'd come out one play earlier than he did obviously. We did have a lot of those things in mind as far as who we were trying to make sure that we got out of the game. I don't think you can always be 100 percent correct."
On if the thought process went based on the way the game went:
"I think so; it was going to be based on the way the game went. We pretty much had an idea in mind of what we wanted to do going in.
On if Green Bay gained confidence based on the way they played and if there will be any lingering effects next week:
"I think our team is ready to play in the playoffs. I think, once again, we didn't do a lot today on either side of the ball and that was difficult. Our hope is that will pay off for us next week."
On the success of playoff run last year and how this game fits in relative to last year:
"I think last year was different. This year we won 3-4 coming in and I thought we were playing pretty good football. This year we felt like we were in a good position going in. It didn't feel like we had to play a lot of things in the last game in order to keep momentum. Once again, we were trying to put our team in the best position health-wise to get us ready for the playoffs. That, to me, is what the most important thing is. I don't think it really has anything to do with the game next week."
On if it was more difficult playing a team you knew you were going to face in the playoffs:
"I think it was tough for us game planning-wise because we had things we wanted to do if Minnesota had lost the game and we had things we wanted to do had Minnesota won. That's the tough part of it. Who knows if that's right? They came in and ran their stuff today and had success and that was important to them. I guess ultimately we'll see next week if it helped us or not and that is really what I was concerned about with this game."
On playing Brian St. Pierre:
"I did have the idea of putting Brian (St. Pierre) in. At one point we thought about making Kurt (Warner) the third quarterback and not playing him at all, but I decided I wanted to give him a couple of reps. I knew at that point when Brian was the third quarterback that we couldn't put him until the fourth quarter. I did have the intention of playing him in the fourth quarter."
On Green Bay keeping Aaron Rodgers in most of the game:
"They had their plan. I guess they felt good about what they were doing. We tried not to do a lot of the things that we thought would be good and hopefully that will work out for us next week. They did a nice job, they performed well. You got to give them credit for that.
On his concern about the health of this team, particularly with Bertrand Berry and Antrel Rolle:
"I anticipate that we'll be ok. Bertrand (Berry) was down because we were trying to get enough linebackers up for special teams because we knew in the second half or in the second quarter that a lot of those guys were going to be playing defense. I was concerned about most of all at that point was those guys getting worn out and not having guys to play special teams because you didn't want to put the starters back in there. That was the reason Bertrand was down and we discussed that with him. With Antrel (Rolle), there was no reason to put him in at that point because of his quad. That situation we feel will work itself out during the week. Now Calais (Campbell), obviously we are concerned about that, but we've also dealt with that before with Reggie (Wells) and Dominique (Rodgers-Cromartie) and both of those guys were able to play the next week. Hopefully it will be similar this time."
On not losing two games in a row this season:
"Our team has shown to react to those situations pretty well. It would be easy for me to say, ‘yeah, I'm kind of glad it worked out that way because we seem to respond to it well,' but if we don't play well next week and it doesn't go well for us, it won't look good. I think we had a plan going into this game. It's unfortunate that we didn't make more plays this game because we had a lot of mistakes and that's the one area we're going to try to work to clean up this week. They had a plan; they executed what they wanted to do. I guess we get a chance next week to see how we do."
On Michael Adams having a tough first quarter and Dominique (Rodgers-Cromartie) getting injured:
"Until I see the tape, it's hard to evaluate him. I don't think you want to make a knee-jerk response to what you see on the field. On the one interference call, it looked their guy was pushing Michael as much as he was pushing back. On the other one, he should've had safety help deep on the one completion. There's always litigating factors that are involved. I would hesitate to make a judgment."
On not being able to take Larry Fitzgerald out of the game:
"We were trying to get him something to get him going. Larry's worked very hard this year to have a good season when he's been getting double covered a lot. We were trying to get him some opportunities for the ball, but it didn't work out the way we wanted it to. We talked about it a number of times, getting Larry out of there, and we even talked with Larry about it. Was it a risk? Yeah, it was a risk, but we were trying to get something going with Larry."
CARDINALS WIDE RECEIVER ANQUAN BOLDIN
On what happened when he hobbled off the field:
"I don't know. You can go back and watch it. It felt like it just got caught underneath. I'm not sure exactly what happened."
On if he could have continued playing if he needed to:
"Today? Nah. I guess my knee and my ankle got caught up, so I did the right thing by just getting out of there."
On if he wanted to get out of the game earlier before he got hurt:
"I mean, they asked me to go one more series. I'm not one to shy away from competition. I don't regret anything about today as far as going in and competing, even at that point."
On if the team is confident heading into the playoffs:
"Yeah. This week we put together a basic game plan pretty much knowing we were going to have to see them again next week. Depending on when the game is, we'll get back in either Tuesday or Wednesday and work on everything we need to this week."
CARDINALS CORNERBACK RALPH BROWN
On how much people should take from this game going into next week against the Packers:
"You can't take much because our starters only played a series or a few series on offense. Some guys stayed in, but it was patchy who was in for the whole game. You don't want to take too much. The guys are down because we don't like losing. We hate losing actually. Going into the playoffs, losing isn't a good feeling. We wanted to go in with the win, but we didn't get that. We have to make up for that next weekend, go in with a more positive attitude, and hopefully make up for that."
On what the biggest challenge is going against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense:
"Not giving up big plays. They have a very efficient offense. What they do, they do it well. Aaron Rodgers has an arm as good as anybody's, maybe as good as or better than Brett Favre's when he was in his prime or peak. That offense has a host of receivers that are very good at catching the ball and running after the catch. They have a good running game as well, so we will have our hands full next week. We just need to study a lot of tape and do our job."
On his 80-yard interception return:
"Well, every time they went empty on tape I knew they all ran slants and the outside guy, he runs kind of a five-yard underneath route. I played inside runner cover-3, a shell, and they ran the slants. As soon as the quarterback looked outside, I came off my man and jumped outside to the five-yard under route and intercepted the ball. I tried to score. The quarterback had a really good angle on me, so I tried to wait for my blockers and see what I could do after that."
On if Green Bay has a mental or physical edge over the Cardinals after two big wins this year:
"I really don't think so. When you go into the playoffs, everything is out of the window. It doesn't matter how many times someone beats you in the regular season. When you go into the playoffs guys are playing for different reasons, different motives. The tables can change in one game. I don't think it is going to affect us at all next week. We'll be ready to play."
On how much different the game plans for both teams will be next week compared to this week:
"They were doing everything that we have been studying on tape the whole game. Everything we studied on tape, they did. I think there are going to be a few more wrinkles in their game plan next week, but they've done what they've done the whole year and they've been successful at it. They feel like no one can stop what they do. On our side of the ball, there weren't as many starters in there. It was really more vanilla. I think there's going to be more that we give them next week."
On how the injury to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will impact him and Michael Adams next week:
"I don't think it will impact us much. He's a tough guy. He's played with turf toe. He's played with a lot of tough injuries and nicks that a lot of people really don't know about. I'm pretty sure he'll be ready Saturday or Sunday when we play the game."
CARDINALS DEFENSIVE END CALAIS CAMPBELL
On if he will be alright after hurting his thumb at the end of the game:
"I hope so. I'm pretty tough."
On what happened to his thumb:
"I'm not sure yet. I have to get it looked at again tomorrow."
On when he hurt his thumb:
"It was one of the plays I was in at the end. I don't really know exactly when it happened because I played for a while and then I came out and had it looked at. They told me I had to go get it looked at some more."
On if he hurt himself near the end of the game:
"Yeah. It was my last couple plays in there. I don't know if you saw me run off."
CARDINALS DEFENSIVE TACKLE DARNELL DOCKETT
On what he took from playing against Aaron Rodgers today:
"I mean, I knew he was a great player before tonight. It didn't take me to watch him tonight to say, ‘Oh, he's a good player.' I've watched him all year. It's going to be a dogfight next week. That's the best way to put it."
CARDINALS RUNNING BACK TIM HIGHTOWER
On if he saw anything in the game they could carry on to next week:
"I'm not looking at this game. I'm looking at this game for one thing; find the mistakes that we did and use it as motivation to come in next week and get a win."
CARDINALS WIDE RECEIVER LARRY FITZGERALD
On playing into the fourth quarter today:
"Coach didn't ask me to come out of the game. That's my job to play ball until he tells me to come out. You got to be committed to the cause. That's just part of it."
On if he is worried about being injured:
"You don't worry about stuff like that you just play football. I've been playing tackle football since I was seven years old and God has kept me relatively healthy throughout those years and I'm just going to continue to play hard."
On getting to 13 touchdown receptions this season:
"I really didn't give it too much thought. I'm just fortunate to have some really good teammates around me, great quarterback play, and some outstanding coaches that know how to get things done in the red zone and throughout the course of this season. So I'm thankful for those guys."
On if playing the Packers this week did anything psychologically for next week:
"Anytime you step on the field it means something. We know this is a very balanced football team, very well coached and they play hard and you saw that again today. We're going to have to have a great effort to come out here and be victorious next week. We're not David and their not Goliath. We just have to go out there and play good football. We know what to expect from them, their going to come out here and play good football and it is going to be a good test."
On if there is anything he can take from today's game into next week:
"Yeah, definitely. We go back to practice tomorrow and we watch the tape. Were going to see the mistakes that we made and there are things we need to correct. Obviously we made some mistakes out there that need to be corrected. You have to tip your hat, they made some plays out there and you know the game next week is going to be a true test of will on our part and theirs."
CARDINALS DEFENSIVE TACKLE BRYAN ROBINSON
Any concern about the way the team played today:
"I guess the concern is we didn't play well. Coach had a plan going into the game. You want to win every game. I'm not going to say we didn't try to win, but we are looking at the big picture. If this happens next week, then bring that same question to me and I try to dissect it for you. We will see what happens next week."
About Coach Whisenhunt's two plans going into the game today:
"And he did. When we came in here, we saw the score of the Minnesota game. I think it was 24-0 and I think he did what he had to do and tell guys they may only play this or that. Get some young guys to play more to see who we can trust for the playoffs. My thing is you want to win every game, but looking at the big picture, we are trying to play in Florida in February."
Anything you can take away from today's game at all:
"There's quite a bit of stuff I can't tell you right now because we don't want to tip our hand, but we will look at the film and there is a lot of stuff we can work on."
CARDINALS CORNERBACK DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE
On how his knee feels:
"It is feeling a whole lot better from the first half."
On if he thinks he will be able to play next week:
"They are just saying it's a bruised knee cap. They did the film work and have not got the results back."
As a team what do you take away from this one:
"We really have to get in that film room and on that practice field and really hit it hard. They came in and they really gave it to us."
Any doubt on you playing next Saturday:
"I'm playing ball."
How are you going to rehab the knee:
"Ice it, ride the bike. Stim treatment trying to get movement back into it."
CARDINALS WIDE RECEIVER JERHEME URBAN
On how to gage today's game:
"What was it, 33-7? That's where you gage it. We were on the big-time losing end. Tonight, they came out ready to play. We didn't. We have to get back onto the field this week and get prepared for a meaningful game. This week was obviously a different week for us with all of the different scenarios before hand and afterwards, but that's no excuse. They came out here and they played to win this game. They played their starters most of the game. We have a lot of work cut out for us before next week."
On if there were two game plans headed into this game based on the playoff scenarios:
"No. I mean, coaches were calling plays on offense and we had guys running free and stuff. We just weren't making plays for whatever reason. They made more plays than we did. You have to tip your hat to them. I know (Charles) Woodson had that pick-six. That was a great drive on the slant route. A couple other plays they made on defense. We didn't have enough attention to detail, the little things. They did. They wanted it more than us. They came out here and just pushed us around the field."
On what makes Charles Woodson such a great cornerback:
"Oh, I think he's definitely the best corner in the game right now. He's the most physical. He's the best tackling corner in the league, that's why they put him inside. They let him come off the edge and blitz, be run support a lot of times. He's a 12-year veteran. He's savvy. He's been around. He's been at the top of his game. I think that his last few years in Oakland when he wasn't going to the Pro Bowl and stuff and he got that second chance in Green Bay. It seems like he's really jumped at that opportunity. He's just an unbelievable professional. Whether it's our preseason game, that third game this year, he came out here like it was the Super Bowl. You don't see that from a 12-year veteran too often. He just really takes pride in his craft and you can tell he studies. You can tell he's been around the game. You have to tip your hat to him. We're obviously going to have to focus on him next week."
On if today's outcome hurts the team's confidence going into next week:
"I mean, you would have to sit here and be hard pressed to say it doesn't. At the same time, fortunately for us, we made a Super Bowl run last year. During that run, we had to overcome two losses from regular season opponents in Carolina and then that shellacking we took last Thanksgiving in Philly. They had to come back here and we were able to turn things around. That's what we're going to have to do this year. The guys who are on this team who were here last year are going to have to look at that opportunity, in my opinion, and just say, ‘Where was our mental focus last year.' It's the same thing. We got shellacked today. Philly did pretty much the same number to us on Thanksgiving last year. We're going to have to draw from that experience and improve next week."
On if it was part of some stealth game plan to lose big this week to get everyone talking negatively about the Cardinals:
"Well, you know, just between you and me, coach talked about that this week, ‘Let's go out there and let's let all the TV pundits and everybody go ahead and bury us. That way we can be the underdog again.' But no, we won 10 games this year. We're a good football team. We have made strides from last year. We have a lot of guys with playoff experience and having experience that we can draw from regarding Philly last year. That's what we have to do. If we want to get to the point where we want to be as an organization, we have to be more consistent in the regular season. But hey, this is the playoffs. We played a lot of good football last year when people didn't think we were able to. We have to do that again next week."
CARDINALS QUARTERBACK KURT WARNER
On the two different game plans going into the game; playing and resting:
"It is what it is. Coaches make decisions based on scenarios moving forward and we took two different approaches to it. It is what it is and they played well today and beat us in all phases. The good thing is we get another opportunity and we get the chance to play again next week. It is a good football team in a lot phases and I think they are playing good football at the right time and its going to take a good effort to beat them."
On if the mindset would have been different had Minnesota won:
"I'm sure. It would've had to be different. We would've had to pull out all the stops and tried to win. When you find out early that Minnesota had taken care of business there really wasn't much that was going happen in our favor and moving forward we just want to make sure we are healthy going into the playoffs."
On if there will be lingering feelings of this games going into next weeks game:
"It can always be. I think it is one of those things that you never know until it's over and then everyone is going to blame this or that. Who knows? I mean the bottom line is we have to play better. Now it's time to get locked and loaded and focus in and come up with the best game plan possible and go execute it. Whoever does it the best will come out with a win. That's what the playoffs are about; two good football teams who play every time out and we didn't do that today. Next week is when it all matters and we've got to show up and do it better next week or we are going to be going home for good."
On if he can take anything out of this game to help him in the next:
"Definitely. You watch what they do, you watch how they approach things and you look at players more up close and personal. You understand you've got your work cut out for you. You understand how good they are as a football team. You take that out of this and you say it's going to take everything we've got no matter what seed anybody is. No matter the fact that they are coming to our place, that is a good football team. We are going to have to play very well to beat them and I think that is the biggest thing you take out of this is; that you better get focused next week because a good football team is coming here next week."
On if Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's injury early on in the game deflated the team:
" I don't know if it deflated us but yeah it shocks you. I think the bottom line is you want to get out of this game healthy knowing, from a seeding stand point, that nothing really matters. So you want to get out healthy. When he gets banged up, not knowing how serious he is, I think, we want to be healthy, we don't want any of our big guns getting hurt and going down and then go into the playoffs undermanned from that stand point. I think it makes you take notice. You heard about a couple of injuries earlier in the day that happened as well, and you never want that to happen at any point in time especially when you are going into the playoffs. So hopefully he'll be okay and the other guys that we got nicked up will be okay and we will be at full strength next week."
On if he feels the team has something to run on after this game:
"I don't know. To me, everything starts right now. I don't care what we did in the past, what we did last year it doesn't matter. It's time to get focused, its time to go out and play football. It's one and done. If you don't show up to play you go home and that's what it is all about. We are happy to have that opportunity, we are happy to play here but we know that every game from this point is going to be a dog fight and we better bring our A game or we are going home."
On how it compares to the end of his 2000 regular season:
"It's a different scenario because we had to win that last game and we had to get some help and then we went back down and played them again. This one's a little bit different because there wasn't anything necessarily riding on this. I think the situation is we got to be up close and personal with a kind of football team we are going to be playing next week. They are good in a lot of phases, really aggressive and we are going to have to play well if we think that we are going to have a chance to beat them."
On if he gave any advice to Matt Leinart:
"I just tried to encourage him, keep doing what you are doing. Sometimes you have these days and these moments but I didn't get a chance to talk to him a lot it the course of the game. It is part of the learning curve, that you have games like this. I think the hard situation there was that it was such a weird situation going in. It wasn't like a normal game or a normal situation. You just keep plugging, keep battling and you learn from these kinds of experiences."
On whether the speculation about the seeding affected how prepared the team was:
"You never want to say that you are not mentally prepared. I think it was a hard week for a lot of people going in, wondering what the scenario was going to be, thinking that it wasn't going to be for anything but then in the back of their minds thinking that it was. I just think there are a lot of things going on when you face a week like that and obviously, for whatever reason, it affected the way that we played. I don't want to say that that's what affected it, but we didn't come in sharp and I think it had a lot to do with the scenarios and trying to figure it out. You come in here and you watch the game before your game to see what your game is going to mean and I think that is a tough way to play. We didn't give our best effort today and that probably had something to do with it. We have to change it and get back on track real quickly because we are going to play a good football team next week."
SCORING SUMMARY & GAME NOTES
4th Qtr
 GB 33, AZ 7
AZ: Fitzgerald, 3 pass from St. Pierre (Rackers kick), 2:59
1 play, 3 yards, TOP :05
Key plays: An interception by Ralph Brown was returned 80 yards. Including a penalty on Packers QB Matt Flynn, the Cardinals had first-and-goal on the 3, and they scored on one play.
3rd Qtr
 GB 33, AZ 0
GB: Finley, 5 pass from Rodgers (Crosby kick), 4:16
14 plays, 94 yards, TOP 7:31
Key plays: The Packers picked up first downs on passes of 11 yards to Finley, 17 to Jackson, 8 to Jones, 8 and 14 to Driver, and 12 to Jackson before Finley caught the TD pass on first-and-goal.
Injury update: Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin has an ankle injury and will not return. Rodgers-Cromartie (knee) and Woodson (shoulder) also will not return.
2nd Qtr
Injury update: Packers CB Charles Woodson has left the game with a shoulder injury. His return is questionable.
GB 26, AZ 0
GB: Woodson, 45 interception return (Crosby kick), 4:31
Key plays: On second-and-11 from the Arizona 32, Woodson snagged a pass intended for Larry Fitzgerald and had a convoy of blockers down the far sideline.
GB 19, AZ 0
GB: Crosby, 26 field goal, 6:33
11 plays, 53 yards, TOP 6:00
Key plays: Grant had three runs for 21 yards before Green's 1-yard plunge picked up a third-and-1. An 11-yard pass to Finley made it first down in the red zone, but a third-down pass to Jones in the end zone was incomplete, leading to the field goal.
GB 16, AZ 0
GB: Safety, holding penalty on Arizona in end zone, 12:33
Key plays: On third-and-9 from the Arizona 3, Clay Matthews was held on his pass rush up the middle by Reggie Wells in the end zone. Atari Bigby intercepted the pass, but the Packers took the penalty and the two points.
1st Qtr
GB 14, AZ 0
GB: Rodgers, 1 run (Crosby kick), 2:41
6 plays, 86 yards, TOP 3:19
Key plays: Passes of 19 yards to Driver and 12 yards to Jennings preceded a 51-yard heave to Nelson down to the 1. Rodgers jumped and reached the ball over the pile for the score.
GB 7, AZ 0
GB: Grant, 1 run (Crosby kick), 8:45
10 plays, 69 yards, TOP 6:15
Key plays: A 1-yard sneak by Rodgers on fourth down moved the chains, and consecutive passes of 7 yards to Driver and 8 yards to Jennings got the Packers into scoring range. A pass interference penalty on a deep ball to Jennings put the ball on the 1-yard line, and Grant ran it in on second down.
Injury update: Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has left the game with a left knee injury. It is being called a contusion. His return has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable.
Milestone alert: On the first play from scrimmage, WR Donald Driver caught a 14-yard pass, which put him over 1,000 yards for the sixth straight season and seventh overall (both team records).
**
Weather at kickoff: The roof of University of Phoenix Stadium remained closed at kickoff.
The Packers won the coin toss and elected to receive.
Today's attendance: 67,597
**
Today's captains: WR Donald Driver (offense), CB Charles Woodson (defense) and LS Brett Goode (special teams)
**
PACKERS INACTIVES:
18 WR Patrick Williams
29 S Derrick Martin
35 FB Korey Hall
39 CB Trevor Ford
54 LB Brandon Chillar
68 T Breno Giacomini
79 NT Ryan Pickett
96 DE Michael Montgomery
PACKERS STARTING LINEUP CHANGES:
On defense, B.J. Raji (#90) starts at NT for Ryan Pickett (#79).
CARDINALS INACTIVES:
2 QB Brian St. Pierre (Third QB)
21 FS Antrel Rolle
35 FB Dan Kreider
67 G/T Herman Johnson
87 WR Sean Morey
89 TE Ben Patrick
91 DE Kenny Ibewema
92 DE Bertrand Berry
CARDINALS STARTING LINEUP CHANGES:
On defense, Rashad Johnson (#49) starts at FS for Antrel Rolle (#21).
CARDINALS ROSTER MOVE:
The Cardinals released K Mike Nugent (#12) and signed DE Jason Banks (#79) from the practice squad. |
 | Badger Mutual Family of the Game
Seventh-graders in the state of Wisconsin are eligible to enter an essay contest to see their family named the Badger Mutual Insurance Family of the Game. Winners will receive four game tickets, pre-game VIP on-field passes, recognition on the video board during the game and much more. To enter, Wisconsin seventh-graders should write an essay of 500 words or less that tells "Why Education Is Important to Me." Print out a registration form on packers.com. |
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 | Coldwell Banker "Take it to the House"
Two lucky couples will have a chance to win a house courtesy of Coldwell Banker during halftime at every home game. Visit one of Coldwell Banker's Open Houses to sign up!
"Take it to the House" TV Commercial - Real | Windows |
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 | Crunch Time Catch
The Crunch Time Catch presented by Copps and Pick 'n Save gives two contestants the chance to show their skills catching punts. Both contestants will attempt to catch a thirty yard punt. If they succeed they move on to a sixty yard punt for the chance to win an Ariens® snow thrower or lawnmower. |
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 | Kohl's Fan of the Game
Four randomly selected fans will be selected at every Packer home game to win Kohl's Gift Cards. |
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 | Kraft Best Seats in the House Sweepstakes
Watch the game from the "Best Seats in the House". Winners and a guest will watch the game from recliners in the stands. The area will also include a color TV and a fully catered picnic lunch. Entry forms available at participating retailers. |
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 | MasterCard Fan Photographer
All Associated Bank customers who make a signature-based transaction will automatically be entered into the sweepstakes. You and a guest will receive passes to be on the field for the Packers warm-up to take pictures that will be posted on Packers.com. |
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 | Miller Lite End Zone
Watch for Miller promotions throughout the season for a chance to be part of this exciting section. |
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 | Nicolet Water Boy/Girl Sweepstakes
Win a chance to be the Official Water Boy/Girl of the Green Bay Packers. Children between the ages of 8 and 14 may enter by sending in an official entry form available at participating retailers. |
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 | Novartis "Blood Pressure Success Zone"
Stop by the Novartis "Blood Pressure Success Zone" located in the Atrium to have your blood pressure screened. While you are there be sure to pick up information on how you can be eligible to win Packers home game tickets, Packers Pro Shop gift cards and a trip for 2 to the Packers away game in Jacksonville!
To learn more about the program, visit www.packers.bpsuccesszone.com |
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 | Operation Fan Mail
The Green Bay Packers and Festival Foods this season are recognizing military families separated by active duty with a new program, 'Operation Fan Mail.' The families will be recognized on the field during home pregame activities.
To choose families, the Packers and Festival Foods are asking interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted. Essays can be sent to: Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628, or by clicking here. |
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 | Shopko Kickoff Kid promotion
Packer fans 12 and under can win the opportunity of a lifetime: Packers Honorary Kickoff Kid! One lucky fan will be selected for each 2006 home game to run onto the field after the Packers first kickoff to retrieve the tee. Each winner will receive the opportunity to be on the field during pre-game warm-ups, four (4) game tickets for the winner and his/her family, and a Packers Goodie Bag. Visit participating Shopko stores for your chance to win! |
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 | Verizon Jr. Captain
For every home game one lucky Packers fan between the ages of 7 and 14 is selected to be the Verizon Jr. Captain of the game and join the team captains on the field during the coin toss. Sign up at participating Verizon Wireless locations. verizonwireless.com |
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