The Arizona Cardinals (10-6) will be facing off against the Green Bay Packers (11-5) in the first round of the playoffs, and this game was a small preview of that matchup.  I say small because the Cardinals decided to rest most of their key players, while the Packers did mostly the opposite.  That is why the Packers routed the Cardinals, and hopefully this approach by Ken Whisenhunt doesn’t disrupt the Cards rhythm going into their rematch in the playoffs.

The offense only managed 187 total yards, with Matt Leinart going 13/21 for 96 yards and 2 interceptions.  One of those interceptions was taken back 45 yards by Charles Woodson for a touchdown.  Leinart has not looked good at all while replacing Warner, and the Cardinals will need a healthy Warner in the playoffs.  That is one of the reasons Whisenhunt held Warner out most of the game.  The defense could not do much to stop the Packers’ offense, with Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers leading the Packers to a 26-0 halftime lead.  The Cards’ defense gave up 345 total yards to the Packers, but this game shouldn’t have too much meaning when it comes to their rematch in the first round.