It was over when ...
Cardinals QB Kurt Warner hit TE Stephen Spach over the middle for 23 yards on third-and-16 with 2:16 left. The crucial first down prevented the Falcons from attempting a potential winning drive and preserved the Cardinals' first home playoff win since 1947.

Fan feedback

   How far will the 
  [Cardinals](/teams/arizonacardinals/profile?team=ARI) go in the playoffs? Will the 
  [Falcons](/teams/atlantafalcons/profile?team=ATL) win the NFC South next season? 
  [ **What are your thoughts?**](/gamecenter/fanfeedback?game_id=54455&displayPage=tab_fan_feedback&season=2008&week=POST18&override=true)

Game ball
Arizona's defense harassed Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryan the entire game and held the Falcons' second-ranked rushing attack to just 60 yards. The unit collected three sacks, two interceptions, returned a fumble for a touchdown and had a safety.

Key stat
The Falcons outscored their opponents 234-139 in the first half during the regular season but were outscored by opponents 186-154 in the second half. True to form, the Falcons held the lead at halftime but opened the third quarter with a series of mistakes and allowed the Cardinals to score 16 unanswered points in the second half.

Noteworthy
Matt Ryan's 26 completions set a new rookie record in a postseason game. ... Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin suffered a hamstring injury on his 71-yard touchdown reception and did not return. ... Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie picked up his fourth interception of the season. ... The Falcons have lost their last three playoff road games. ... The Cardinals are now 7-2 at home this season and 13-4 under coach Ken Whisenhunt.