CARD-iac shock

We've laughed at them for years. They were the team that could never seem to win.

Then the Arizona Cardinals finished the 2008 regular season 8-8 in the (weak) NFC west.

They even lost four of their last six games after winning the NFC west crown.

Nobody gave Arizona a chance against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. Besides, they lost three of their last four going into the wild card game, their first home playoff game and win in 51 years. And all the Cardinals did was stun everyone as they beat Atlanta 30-24.

Once again, nobody gave Arizona a shot against the number two seed Carolina Panthers Saturday night.

Carolina was 8-0 at home during the regular season, meanwhile Arizona was winless on the east coast in the regular season.

Carolina opened the game with a nine-yard touchdown run by Johnathan Stewart on their opening-drive, however Arizona would force six Panther turnovers and score 33 unanswered points to upset the Panthers 33-13.

The win marks the Cardinals first trip to the NFC Championship game for the first time in franchise history.

Arizona held star Panthers receiver Steve Smith without a catch until just under a minute left in the third qurater and quarterback Jake Delhomme threw five interceptions on the night, including a key pick in the red zone early in the fourth quarter. He would also have a key fumble in the second quarter which led to Cardinals points.

The Panthers would try to claw back in the third quarter after linebacker John Beason intercepted Kurt Warner, however Jake Delhomme would give the ball right back after he was picked by Arizona safety Antrel Rolle as his pass to Steve Smith was tipped.

Delhomme, who celebrated his 34th birthday Saturday night had his worst career night passing, completing only half of his passes, throwing for 205 yards with five interceptions and a late touchdown to Steve Smith. Delhomme was one interception short of tyin the NFL-record six interceptions held by Rich Gannon of the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII.

His counterpart, Kurt Warner, continued his resurrecting season, going 21-for-32 passing with 220 yards passing with two touchdowns and one interception. Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald stepped up against Carolina as he had eight catches for 166 yards with a key 29-yard touchdown to give Arizona a 27-7 halftime lead.

The Cardinals we're once in the bottom of the barrel. They're now throwing that barrel back at the league.

With a runningback who wanted out, two all-pro wide receivers and a quarterback whom nobody wanted, the Cardinals are now one game away from their first franchise Super Bowl.

Who's laughing now?