Maybe the Cardinals get lucky. Maybe a little-known coach finds a flaw in the machine, a precious clue on film.

Otherwise, a battered defense is on its own, bracing for another storm.

“They’re the Number 1-ranked offense in the NFL. I think that speaks for itself,” Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle said. “But there’s no time for pity. There’s no time for excuses at this point. We’re in it to win it, and that’s the name of the game. We have to go to (East), and we’re coming with full force.”

Welcome to the litmus test for the Cardinals defense, a talented, athletic , slick-talking work in progress. Bodies are sore. Emotions are frayed. Their reputation is bruised, having yielded six touchdowns and a field goal in seven consecutive Packers possessions Sunday, thus forcing a pressure-packed overtime that nearly blew the roof off University of Phoenix Stadium

. “It’ll be tough for us,” defensive lineman Bryan Robinson said. “But we’re up to the challenge, man.”

Behind the words, the defense knows the score. The pass rush is erratic. The technique often slips out of gear. The tackling isn’t always crisp. The secondary is short on depth. Bryant McFadden hits hard but doesn’t always cover well. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie sticks like flypaper but hates the rough stuff. And though Michael Adams is a great parable (never quit in life, because, Mr. Underdog, your luck can change in one play), he still is an undersized cornerbackhopelessly overmatched against better, bigger receivers.

So who will make it happen?

“People can sleep on us all they want. We know what type of defense we are,” Rolle said. “We’re not always going to play our best game. But we know what we’re capable of, and we realize our mistakes when they happen.”

read the rest of Dan’s story:  http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/2010/01/13/20100113bickley-cardinals-storm.html