The Arizona Cardinals had the strongest finish in the NFC last season. While the team barely made the playoffs, this didn’t matter much once the postseason rolled around. The team caught fire and scored big playoff wins against the likes of the Panthers and Giants, advancing to the Super Bowl and nearly winning it against the Pittsburgh Steelers before a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown by Santonio Holmes earned the Steelers the game and the Super Bowl championship with it.

Kurt Warner had been unsure about his future in the NFL, toying with the idea of ​​retiring. Anquan Boldin was unhappy with his status on his team and threatened to leave. Edgerrin James was lost in free agency and was now with the Seahawks in Seattle. Many wondered what fate would hold for the Cardinals in 2009.

The team opened the season with a very disappointing win against the 49ers at home in Arizona. Losing a game that many expected to be an easy win was no way to start a football season.

Entering Week 2, the Cardinals knew they would have to make an impact if they were to head down the right path. And they did that in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Kurt Warner was about as effective as ever, chomping down on Jacksonville’s secondary as he completed an amazing 24 of 26 passes. Tim Hightower looked great at running back, and the Cardinals’ receivers were just as effective. There was even time for Matt Leinart to get into the game, as this was an easy win.

The Cardinals did exactly what they had to do in Week 2. They won, and they won big.