For the first time since 1998 the Arizona Cardinals actually won a playoff game by beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 on Saturday afternoon.

“A lot of people coming into this game said we were the worst playoff team ever to get in,” Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “… I think we rallied around that.”

More surprising than the Cardinals winning is how they managed to do it. They relied on their defense to shut down Falcons RB Michael Turner and on offense they handed the ball to Edgerrin James 16 times for 73 yards.

“You have to really give credit first to their defense,” Falcons guard Harvey Dahl said. “They did an outstanding job. They were flying all over the place.”

Next Saturday night the Cardinals will face the Carolina Panthers. Arizona should be able to pull off the upset if they can shut down DeAngelo Williams like they did to Michael Turner.