The Cardinals have won the NFC West. Mathematical improbabilities aside, it’s done, it’s finished. So, what’s in the Cards for the rest of the 2008 season? Burnsy breaks it down in the inaugural edition of “Legit or Lame.”

The Cardinals will beat the Giants on Sunday:
Lame, but barely. It’s gonna be a lot closer than anyone thinks. The controlled climate and fast track will allow the Cardinals passing game to get up points wise with the Giants.

If the Cardinals want to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl they must beat the Giants Sunday:
Legit. Follow me here. Must beat the Giants, must go 5-1 down the stretch, hope the Giants trip up somewhere else, either at Washington or at Dallas. Both teams finish 12-4, Cards get home-field for NFC title game and could win that game at home.

The Cardinals are capable of beating the Giants on the road in an NFC title game:
Lame. Can’t be done.

The Cardinals will win one of their two late season road games in cold weather cities, Philly or Foxboro:
Lame. Nope. If the Philly game wasn’t coming after 1.) The Giants and 2.) a short week, then maybe, just maybe they could win in Philly. That team looks to be teetering. But it’s such short week, and it’s gonna be so cold, just don’t see it.

So you’re saying they’re chances of winning one of those remaining two road games is better against the Patriots:
Legit, though I wouldn’t bet on it.

With the Cardinals wrapping this up so early, they’ll rest guys as the season winds down:
Lame. If the Cards want to catch Carolina for the two seed in the NFC, they have to take advantage of a schedule that looks more favorable than the Panthers. Could see Carolina going 3-3 down the stretch.

Can the Cardinals go 5-1 down the stretch to pass Carolina:
Lame. Requires beating the Giants and one of those cold weather road teams. Can’t do it.

The Cardinals can beat Carolina on the road:
Legit. Should’ve done it already.

All of this speculation is fun, but who is kidding who, it doesn’t matter. They’re in, enjoy it:
Legit. Hate to be in blowin’ sunshine up your wazoo mode, but it’s true. We never have any expectations of the Cardinals. They could lose in the first round and it would still be a season to remember.

Terry Porter also joined Burnsy on the Sportsline. The coach previewed the upcoming Lakers game, LB’s status (he’s still in Brazil), and why Shaq’s status was “active” in a back-to-back situation last night in Utah.

 

 Terry Porter - Part I [6:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (158)

 

 Terry Porter - Part II [6:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (175)