Falcons have much to prove against road-tested Cardinals

Atlanta (4-7) faces NFC West-leading Arizona (9-2) in Georgia Dome

Atlanta Falcons free safety Dezmen Southward, left and Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael (36) hit Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge during the second half of Sunday's game in Atlanta. - photo by BRYNN ANDERSON

1130Falcons — Atlanta Falcons free safety Dezmen Southward, left and Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael (36) hit Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge during the second half of Sunday's game in Atlanta. - photo by BRYNN ANDERSON

ATLANTA — Patrick Peterson says the Atlanta Falcons have more talent than their poor record shows. Peterson also recognizes the Falcons still have much on the line, just like his Arizona Cardinals. The Falcons, representing the much-ridiculed NFC South, will play the Cardinals, leading the far stronger NFC West, in an unlikely pairing of first-place teams on Sunday.

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