The Arizona Cardinals received some good news at practice Wednesday, when Pro Bowl wideout Anquan Boldin was able to participate on a limited basis. Boldin also proclaimed, in no uncertain terms, that he'll be on the field for the Cardinals this Sunday when they host the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I'll be out there Sunday," Boldin said. "I don't see me having any problems or hindrances. I just see myself resuming my regular role."
Even though Boldin missed four games during the regular season due to injury, he still managed to grab 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns. Ironically, Boldin's worst game of the year came against the Eagles in week 15, when he dropped a pass in the end zone and fumbled twice. Boldin is looking forward to making up for that dismal performance.
"It's rare you get a second chance at anything, so I'll make the most of it on Sunday," he said.
Incredibly, Arizona is 4-1 without Boldin this season, thanks largely to the sooner-than-expected development of second year wide receiver Steve Breaston. Breaston appeared in every game for the Cardinals, and put up regular season numbers comparable to Bodin's: 77 catches for 1,006 yards and three TDs. But against a tough Eagles' secondary that was able to shut down Eli Manning and the Giants in New York, they're obviously going to need all the help they can get.
With Boldin returning, and the Cardinals likely getting a huge boost from what should be an amazing atmosphere in their building on Sunday, they've got to like their chances.
Of course, after the Eagles went on the road to take down the Vikings and the reigning Super Bowl champs to earn a spot in this game, they're probably thinking the exact same thing.
