The Cardinals advanced to the second-round of the playoffs by holding off the Falcons, 30-24. The win was the franchise’s first home playoff win since the 1947 NFL Championship Game and first playoff victory since knocking off the Dallas Cowboys in 1998.

But now, Arizona Republic columnist Kent Somers believes that history is on the Cardinals’ side.

History rarely has been a cozy bedfellow of the Cardinals. They are in the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, and they haven’t advanced beyond the second round since winning the NFL title in 1947.

That, coupled with their failures in the Eastern time zone in recent years, seems to give them little shot at upsetting the Panthers Saturday night in Charlotte, N.C.

But history also gives the Cardinals hope. Last season, the No. 5-seeded Giants never played at home during the playoffs yet won the Super Bowl. In 2005, the Steelers became the first No. 6 seed to win a championship.

The Colts (a No. 3 seed) and the Ravens (a No. 4 seed) also won Super Bowls this decade without the benefit of a bye in the first round. MORE

Also worth noting:

• Now with a win under their belts, could the Cardinals host the NFC Championship Game? Arizona Republic columnist Dan Bickley believes that the Cardinals have the special ingredients.

• The Falcons may have lost the game, but just being in the playoffs makes Atlanta an NFL city again. That’s true. Antrel Rolle even tried to bring back the “Dirty Bird” after a fumble-return for a touchdown.

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