Cards notebook: Team says it'll be different this time in N.C.

The game was well played, closely played. A little like two teams headed for the playoffs. And sure enough, the Carolina Panthers' 27-23 win on Oct. 26 in Charlotte pointed to teams that would be good enough to make the post-season.

Bordow: Cards' D-line will have to man up vs. Panthers

Now, the Cardinals get a shot at winning again in North Carolina when they visit the Panthers on Saturday night.

"It's a totally different place and time," quarterback Kurt Warner said in downplaying the significance of playing the same team twice.

Coaches and players on both teams had the same take, saying both teams gained some familiarity with the other, so neither has an edge.

Though the Cardinals lost, this was the best game among their five losses on the East Coast this season.

So at least they can take a bit of confidence into the game.

"That was a great example of us competing against one of the best teams in the league on their home field," Warner said.

The Cardinals took early control of the game, one notable for Anquan Boldin's spectacular return from a head injury.

Boldin caught nine passes for 63 yards and scored two touchdowns. He also led the Cardinals' dormant running game 30 yards on an end-around.

But the Panthers nosed them out at the end in part because of an Edgerrin James fumble that led to the tying touchdown.

Since then, "They've probably gotten better," Warner said. "This is a huge challenge.

"We'll try to take as much as we can from that game. But this is a different time and place. We'll have to play better football than we did that weekend if we hope to win."

INJURY UPDATE

Linebacker-defensive end Travis LaBoy returned to practice on a limited basis Tuesday.

If he can go Saturday, he'd presumably split time with Bertrand Berry, who has been starting in his place.

WEATHER FORECAST: SO-SO

The forecast for Saturday in Charlotte calls for a high of 52 degrees with a 40 percent chance of showers.

So the game likely will be played in the mid-40s.

FIGHTING BACK

Warner has been around long enough that people think they know him.

"The one thing you don't see, for the people who don't know him, is that competitive streak that really drives him," said coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Warner, he said, will "snap back at you when there's something he doesn't agree with.

"That's the reason he's been successful. That's the thing that drives him. I respect that."

It's not so much that Warner will challenge a game plan. But, much like other competitive players, "there are times when he doesn't make a good throw or a good decision, and you get on him, he'll bite back."

That said, Warner is about as humble a player as you'll find, considering his achievements, Whisenhunt said.

For example, Warner had no complaints about the competition with Matt Leinart about the starting job.

"It's very refreshing to see a player who's been a Super Bowl and a league MVP who has that type of attitude."

A WINNING GIFT

Now, this sounds a little more like a typical Kurt Warner story.

His kids, though not big football fans yet, are rooting hard for the Cardinals to go all the way.

The reason: "My wife tried to put words in my mouth and said if we won the Super Bowl they could get a puppy. That's the only thing they're hanging on."

Warner isn't a fan of the idea.

"I want to win the Super Bowl. I still don't want to get a puppy.

"She threw those words in my mouth."