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Cards Edge Eagles for NFC Title

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 18, 2009 5:40 PM CST

(AP) – That's not a mirage rising out of the desert, folks: It's the Arizona Cardinals soaring to their first Super Bowl. The once-dysfunctional team capitalized on Larry Fitzgerald's three first-half touchdown receptions today, then coolly marched downfield to Kurt Warner's 8-yard scoring pass to rookie Tim Hightower with 2:53 left. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles 32-25 today for the NFC championship, the AP reports.

Donovan McNabb was superb in leading Philadelphia's second-half rally, but he misfired from midfield four times in the final moments. Arizona (12-7) will face the AFC champion in 2 weeks in Tampa for the NFL title. Baltimore played at Pittsburgh later in the day for the AFC crown.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is caught by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is caught by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt celebrates with Gabe Watson, right, on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 32-25.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt celebrates with Gabe Watson, right, on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 32-25.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson reacts after he sacked Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson reacts after he sacked Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Matt Ware holds his daughter Jayden Ware Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Matt Ware holds his daughter Jayden Ware Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals players Jerheme Urban, left, and Steve Breaston holds a newspaper Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 32-25.
Arizona Cardinals players Jerheme Urban, left, and Steve Breaston holds a newspaper Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 32-25.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, left, celebrates his touchdown with running back Correll Buckhalter (28) during the second half of the NFL NFC championship football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, left, celebrates his touchdown with running back Correll Buckhalter (28) during the second half of the NFL NFC championship football game against the...   (Mark J. Terrill)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.   (Matt York)
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) reacts after teammate Tim Hightower caught a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) reacts after teammate Tim Hightower caught a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson makes a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson makes a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant (81) can't come up with a pass with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Ralph Brown (20) defending on Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant (81) can't come up with a pass with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Ralph Brown (20) defending on Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Nwambe
Jan 19, 2009 6:33 AM CST
Outrageous the things people will say on the Internet HAVE YOU NO SHAME, MR C!?
Guest
Jan 18, 2009 7:52 PM CST
I can't believe you just said that Mr. C

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