Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release

Transcription

1 Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release Game #4 THIS WEEK S GAME Following a win over the Raiders in their 10 home opener, the Cardinals are back on the road for their second straight game against an AFC West foe when they face the Chargers. Arizona improved to 2-1 on the season with a victory over Oakland last Sunday. After LaRod Stephens Howling returned the opening kickoff 102 yards for a TD, the lead changed hands four more times in a dramatic back-and-forth affair. It almost changed a fifth time but Raider Sebastian Janikowski s 32-yard FG as time expired was wide left and the Cards escaped with the one-point victory. RB Beanie Wells returned after missing the first two games (knee) and provided a spark to the running game. The Chargers return home after a loss at Seattle. The Seahawks led 17-0 but San Diego QB Philip Rivers threw for a career-best 455 yards and directed a comeback that saw the Chargers tie the game at 20 with a TD pass and 2-point conversion with 6:39 to play. However, Leon Washington returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for the game-winning score. Earlier he had a 101-yard TD return on the opening kickoff of the 2 nd half. The Cardinals were one of just three NFL teams to open with two games on the road (Miami & Baltimore) and one of six teams with three of its first four on the road (Baltimore, Cincy, Indy, Detroit and San Fran). The last time the Cards opened the season with three of the first four on the road was 2008; they went 2-2 in that stretch on their way to a playoff and Super Bowl appearance. The Cards enter week four tied with Seattle atop the NFC West and are one of 15 NFL teams (7 NFC) presently at 2-1. Just one NFC team (Chicago, 3-0) has a better record. THE COACHES Ken Whisenhunt Norv Turner Overall Record Regular Season Record Playoff Record th Years as Head Coach in NFL 13 th 4 th Years with team 4 th BROADCAST INFORMATION TELEVISION CARDINALS RADIO Network: FOX Flagship: News Talk 92.3 Play-by-Play: Sam Rosen Play-by-Play: Dave Pasch Analyst: Tim Ryan Analyst: Ron Wolfley Sideline: Chris Myers Sideline: Paul Calvisi SPORTS USA RADIO CARDINALS SPANISH RADIO Play-By-Play: Larry Kahn Flagship: KMIA 710 AM Analyst: John Robinson Play-by-Play: Gabriel Trujillo Sideline: Troy West Analyst: Rolando Cantu Sunday, October 3, :15 PM (MST) ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-1) Mark Dalton Vice President, Media Relations Mike Helm Media Relations Coordinator mdalton@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ mhelm@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ Chris Melvin Media Relations Manager Nate LoCascio Media Relations Assistant cmelvin@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ nlocascio@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ S. Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ Phone: Fax: vs. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (1-2) Qualcomm Stadium ARIZONA CARDINALS 2010 SEASON SCHEDULE Regular Season Date Opponent AZ Time Sun., Sep. St. Louis Rams W, Sun., Sep. Atlanta Falcons L, 41-7 Sun., Sep. 26 OAKLAND RAIDERS W, Sun., Oct. San Diego Chargers 1:15 PM Sun., Oct. 10 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 1:05 PM Sun., Oct. 17 BYE Sun., Oct. Seattle Seahawks 1:05 PM Sun., Oct. 31 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 1:15 PM Sun., Nov. Minnesota Vikings 11:00 AM Sun., Nov. 14 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 2:15 PM Sun., Nov. Kansas City Chiefs* 11:00 AM Mon., Nov. 29 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers# 6:30 PM Sun., Dec. 5 ST. LOUIS RAMS* 2:15 PM Sun., Dec. 12 DENVER BRONCOS* 2:15 PM Sun., Dec. Carolina Panthers* 11:00 AM Sat., Dec. 25 DALLAS COWBOYS+ 5:30 PM Sun., Jan. San Francisco 49ers* 2:15 PM # Monday night on ESPN + Saturday night on NFL Network * Subject to flexible scheduling decisions 2010 NFC WEST STANDINGS With their win over the Oakland Raiders last week, the Cardinals improved to 2-1 on the season and remain in a first place tie atop the NFC West with Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Chargers last week. St. Louis got its first win of the season, taking down the Redskins, while San Francisco fell to 0-3 after losing at Kansas City. Team W L PF PA Hm Road Div Arizona Seattle St. Louis San Francisco

2 4 CARDINALS AND CHARGERS IN 2010 CARDINALS CATEGORY CHARGERS 2-1 Record Points Scored Points Allowed 61 6 Touchdowns Scored 9 8 Touchdowns Allowed 7 2 Rushing TDs 2 3 Passing TDs 7 1 Return TDs 0 3 Rushing TDs Allowed 1 5 Passing TDs Allowed 3 0 Return TDs Allowed 3 6/60 Sacked/Yards Lost 7/52 10/6 Fumbles/Lost 7/5 4 Had Intercepted 4 2/3 Field Goals Made/Attempted 2/ Total Yards Per Game Opp. Total Yards Per Game Rushing Yards Per Game Opp. Rushing Yards Per Game Passing Yards Per Game Opp. Passing Yards Per Game Turnover Ratio -1 24:59 Average Time of Possession 34:23 25/12t/25 NFL Rank-Total Offense/Run/Pass 1/12t/2 26/31/19 NFL Rank-Total Defense/Run/Pass 4/9/6 0/0 2-Point Conversions 1/1 vs. NO Next Oak CARDINALS VS. CHARGERS THE LAST MEETING Chargers 27, CARDINALS 20 December 31, 2006 Qualcomm Stadium (66,492) The Cardinals closed the 2006 regular season by taking on the league s top team in its own stadium. The Chargers entered the game with a record of 13-2 but needed a win to secure homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. While Arizona gave the hosts everything they could handle, miscues and missed opportunities proved to be more than the Cards could overcome and the 7- point loss dropped Arizona to QB Kurt Warner returned to the starting lineup in place of Matt Leinart (shoulder) and the veteran threw for a season-high 356 yards on passing for one TD and no interceptions. The Arizona defense held league-leading rusher LaDainian Tomlinson to 66 yards on 16 carries, statistics that were identical to those of Edgerrin James. Tomlinson was also kept out of the end zone. San Diego took the game-opening kickoff to the AZ 28 before the Cardinals recorded a key takeaway. In his second start for the injured Gerald Hayes, MLB Monty Beisel intercepted a Philip Rivers pass at the 11 and returned it to the AZ 22. The Cards then went downfield quickly, thanks in large part to a 37-yard Warner completion to Anquan Boldin and an 18-yard Boldin run out of the backfield on 3 rd -n-7. James capped the 9-play, 78-yard drive when he scored on an 8-yard run to put Arizona up 7-0. San Diego, however, would go on to score 27 straight points starting on the ensuing possession that ended with a 47-yard Nate Kaeding FG. Despite leaving the game briefly in the first quarter with an ankle injury suffered on the FG drive, Rivers returned to lead SD to touchdowns on its next two possession and ended both with passing TDs a 33-yarder to TE Antonio Gates and a 14-yarder to WR Vincent Jackson. Just before intermission, Warner led the Cards deep into SD territory. However with no timeouts, Boldin caught a pass at the 2 in the closing seconds but was stopped in bounds and the half expired. Arizona trailed The Cards forced the Chargers to punt on their opening drive of the third quarter but Bryant Johnson muffed the return at the 6 and LB Tim Dobbins recovered in the end zone for a TD. When SD s next drive ended with a 35-yard Kaeding FG, the Chargers led 27-7 with 6:23 to play in the third. Arizona added a Rackers FG late in the third to make it A 9-yard Warner TD pass to Larry Fitzgerald made it a 10-point game midway through the 4 th and another Rackers FG with 3:23 to play made it a seven-point game. However, San Diego was able to pick up enough first downs on the next possession to run out the clock and dash Arizona s comeback hopes. CARDINALS CHARGERS Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score CARDS 1 6:21 E. James 8-yard run (Rackers kick) 9-78, 3: Chargers 1 2:23 Kaeding 47-yard FG 8-36, 3: Chargers 2 10:25 Gates 33-yard pass from Rivers (Kaeding kick) 10-76, 4: Chargers 2 1:49 V. Jackson 14-yard pass from Rivers (Kaeding kick) 10-79, 5: Chargers 3 12:25 Dobbins fumble recovery in EZ Chargers 3 6:23 Kaeding 35-yard FG 8-45, 4: CARDS 3 1:21 Rackers 28-yard FG 9-73, 4: CARDS 4 9:06 Fitzgerald 9-yard pass from Warner (Rackers kick) 7-86, 3: CARDS 4 3:23 Rackers 20-yard FG 9-84, 4: THE SERIES The Cardinals and Chargers meet for the 12 th time in a series that dates back to The Cardinals will be looking for their second road win in San Diego and first since The Cards and Chargers have split the last four meetings between the two teams. In that span, each team has one once on the road and once at home. SERIES NOTES Overall Regular Season Series: 3-8 Cardinals on the road vs. SD: 1-5 Cardinals last win: SD, First Meeting: SD, L, Last Meeting: SD, L, All-Time Meetings Date Site Result Dec. 31, 2006 San Diego L, Sept. 22, 2002 Arizona L, Nov. 25, 2001 San Diego W, Dec. 27, 1998 Arizona W, Dec. 9, 1995 San Diego L, Dec. 6, 1992 Arizona L, Oct. 1, 1989 Arizona L, Sept. 20, 1987 San Diego L, Nov. 20, 1983 St. Louis W, Sept. 26, 1976 San Diego L, Nov. 15, 1971 San Diego L, STATISTICS AZ SD First Downs Rushes-Yards Net Passing Yards Total Net Yards Passing (A-C-I) Sacked by Opp Punts-Average Fumbles-Lost Penalties Time of Possession 26:28 33:32 Weather: Temp 57 degrees, humidity 59%, Wind southwest 4 mph. RUSHING CARDS: James 16-66, TD; Boldin 2-18; Ayanbadejo CHARGERS: Tomlinson 16-66; Turner 11-58; Neal 2-46; Rivers 1-2; Volek 3-(-3). PASSING CARDS: Warner 22-32, 356 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. CHARGERS: Rivers 19-24, 231 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; Volek 1-2, 4 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT. RECEIVING CARDS: Boldin 4-112; Fitzgerald 4-33, TD; Spurlock 4-31; B. Johnson 3-76; Ayanbadejo 3-26; Pope 2-40; Bronson 1-25; Shipp CHARGERS: Parker 5-62; Gates 4-56, TD; McCardell 3-39; V. Jackson 3-28; Tomlinson 2-14; Neal 2-6; Turner Cardinals vs. Chargers 2 of 37

3 LAST WEEK S GAME CARDINALS 24, Raiders 23 September 26, 2010 University of Phoenix Stadium (62,439) After opening with 2 straight on the road, the Cards faced Oakland in the home opener and held on for a 1-point win thanks to a missed FG on the game s final play from one of the league s most reliable kickers. Arizona s LaRod Stephens-Howling opened the game with a 102-yard kickoff return TD. The lead then changed hands 4 times and appeared as if it would once more when Sebastian Janikowski lined up for a 32-yard game-winner with :04 left. But after making 19 straight between yards over the previous 2+ years, he missed left and the Cards improved to 2-1. Arizona was bolstered by the return of RB Beanie Wells, who missed the first 2 games (knee) and for the first time since 04 the team won when gaining more rushing yards than passing. QB Derek Anderson did connect on passing TDs to Steve Breaston and Larry Fitzgerald; the latter came with 1:01 remaining in the 3 rd and proved to be the game-winner. After Stephens-Howling s TD the 7 th game-opening kickoff TD in team history the Raiders answered with a 22-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller from new starting QB Bruce Gradkowski. Janikowski put Oakland up 10-7 with a 22-yard FG that was set up by an AZ special teams turnover, the first of 2 times the Raiders recovered a punt that deflected off a Cardinals blocker. Jay Feely then tied it with a 42-yard FG on a drive highlighted by Wells 24-yard run on his first carry and a 27-yard Raider pass interference call. After Janikowski put Oakland up with a 54-yard FG, Anderson put AZ ahead with his 2-yard TD pass to Breaston, New Cards LB Paris Lenon ended a 2 nd quarter Raider drive with an INT but the Cards gave it back when Anderson s shovel pass was picked off by Oakland on the ensuing possession. That turnover set up a 2-yard Darren McFadden TD run just before the half. Midway through the 3 rd, a 70-yard catch and run by Louis Murphy moved Oakland to the AZ13 but that drive ended with Janikowski s miss from 41. Anderson then moved the Cards 69 yards in 7 plays with 3-3 passing for 41 yards and ended it with an 8-yard TD to Fitzgerald. Midway thru the 4 th, the Raiders had a 1 st -n-goal at the AZ1 thanks to a pass interference penalty but had to settle for a 23- yard FG when the Cards defense kept them out of the end zone. With 4:36 to play, Janikowski tried a 58-yard go-ahead FG that was long enough but right. AZ took over near midfield and on 3 rd -n-5 with 3:40 to go, Breaston was open but couldn t hold on to the pass from Anderson. The Raiders converted a 3 rd -n-9 and then a 4 th -n-10; on the next play FJ Buddy Horton flagged Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for pass interference, a 39-yard penalty to the AZ13 with 0:55 left. The Raiders took the clock down to :04 before sending out Janikowski for the ill-fated final FG try. RAIDERS CARDINALS Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score CARDS 1 14:46 Stephens-Howling 102-yard kickoff return (Feely kick) 0-0, 0: Raiders 1 10:54 Miller 22-yard pass from Gradkowski (Janikowski kick) 3-59, 0: Raiders 1 6:42 Janikowski 22-yard FG 5-24, 1: CARDS 1 3:55 Feely 42-yard FG 5-56, 2: Raiders 1 1:54 Janikowski 54-yard FG 6-25, 2: CARDS 2 10:44 Breaston 2-yard pass from Anderson (Feely kick) 12-76, 6: Raiders 2 0:10 McFadden 2-yard run (Janikowski kick) 7-69, 2: CARDS 3 1:01 Fitzgerald 8-yard pass from Anderson (Feely kick) 7-69, 4: STATISTICS OAK AZ First Downs Rushes-Yards Net Passing Yards Total Net Yards Passing (A-C-I) Sacked by Opp Punts-Average Fumbles-Lost Penalties Time of Possession 32:58 27:02 Weather: Indoors RUSHING Raiders: McFadden , TD; Gradkowski 4-13; Bush 3-13; Reece 1-2. CARDS: Wells 14-75; Hightower 11-40; Breaston 1-4. PASSING Raiders: Gradkowski 17-34, 255, 1 TD, 1 INT. CARDS: Anderson 12-26, 122 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT. RECEIVING Raiders: Murphy 5-119; Miller 4-64, TD; Heyward-Bey 3-49; McFadden 2-17; Reece 2-2; Myers 1-4. CARDS: Breaston 4-41, TD; Patrick 2-29; Fitzgerald 2-26, TD; S. Williams 1-11; Wright 1-8; Komar 1-7; Hightower 1-0. SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY KEY ROLE IN CARDS VICTORY The Cardinals victory over the Raiders last week was an up-and-down affair in which the special teams of both the Cards and Raiders played a big part. It started on the game s opening kickoff. RB LaRod Stephens-Howling s 102-yard return for a TD to open the game was the longest kickoff return for the Cards since Roy Green s 106-yard kickoff return for a TD on Dal. It tied for the fifth longest KOR TD in team history and it marks the seventh game-opening KOR TD in franchise history. Game Opening Kickoff Returns Franchise History Opponent Player Yards 9/26/10 vs. Oakland LaRod Stephens-Howling /12/08 vs. Dallas J.J. Arrington 93 Minnesota J.J. Arrington 99 11/23/58 vs. Pittsburgh Ollie Matson /3/54 vs. Philadelphia Les Goble 92 11/29/34 vs. Green Bay Homer Griffith 97 Cincinnati Doug Russell 102 THE RETURN Combined with his 99-yard KOR TD against the Titans in 09, Stephens-Howling became the first Cardinals player since Terry Metcalf ( ) to have a kickoff return for a TD in back-to-back seasons. Despite the KOR TD, the Cardinals mishandled two punt returns that resulted in two turnovers and helped Oakland stay in the game. Raiders All-Pro kicker Sebastian Janikowski made two first half FGs (22, 54 yards) but it was his three second-half misses that proved to seal the game for the Cardinals. With time expiring in regulation, Janikowski missed a 32-yard FG that would have given the Raiders the win. It was a rare miss from that distance for Janikowski, whose last miss under 40 yards came on 12/2/07 vs. Denver when he missed a 35-yarder. He had made 19 straight attempts between yards before missing the game-winning attempt last week. Prior to last week, Janikowski hadn't missed from 32 yards or less since 12/3/06 vs. Houston (29 yards). TO THE HOUSE WINS A HOUSE In returning the opening kickoff for a TD last week, LaRod Stephens-Howling won Cards fan and Surprise, AZ resident Dave Johnson a new home as part of the Lennar Homes Take it to the House Kickoff promotion. At each Cardinals home game, the opening kickoff that the Cardinals receive is the Lennar Take it the House Kickoff. If the Cards return their opening kickoff for a TD, one selected registrant will win a brand new home, courtesy of Lennar. Johnson, along with numerous Lennar representatives, will be at the Cards facility on Wednesday (9/29) for a meet-and-greet with Stephens-Howling. I wish I could win a house for somebody every time I touched the ball, but that is great, Stephens-Howling said after making Johnson the first-ever winner of the contest. That is amazing. Cardinals vs. Chargers 3 of 37

4 WIN KEEPS STREAK ALIVE Including postseason play, the Cardinals win over the Raiders last week marked the team s eighth consecutive victory in games that follow a loss. In 2009, the Cardinals went 6-0 following losses. During the 09 regular season, the Cards went 5-0 following a loss en route to becoming the only team in the NFL with back-to-back losses last season. Dating back to 2007, and including postseason, the Cardinals are 15-6 in games following a loss under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Yearly Breakdown Record Following a Loss ( ) 2010: : : : 4-3 RED ZONE MATTERS In a game the Cardinals won 24-23, the team s performance in the redzone, on both offense and defense, played a key part in the victory over Oakland. Arizona scored TDs on both of their redzone possessions, with passing TDs of two yards (Steve Breaston) and eight yards (Larry Fitzgerald). Through the first three games, the Cardinals have scored four TDs in six redzone trips and their 66.7 TD percentage is tied for fifth in the NFL. Since, Ken Whisenhunt took over as head coach, the Cardinals have had the league s best red zone offense. Red Zone TD Percentage 2007-present Team Poss TDs TD% 1. Arizona Indianapolis New Orleans New England Miami On defense, the Cardinals held the Raiders to just one TD in five trips to the redzone last week. The Raiders missed two field goals inside the redzone. In 2009, the Cardinals defense held opponents to 22 TDs in 47 trips in the red zone, and their 46.8 TD percentage was the 9 th - best total in the NFL. BIG PLAY CARDINALS Through the first three weeks of the 2010 season, the Cardinals have produced big plays on a weekly basis that rank as some of the longest plays in the NFL this season. Week 1 FS Kerry Rhodes 65-yard INT return in week one against the Rams was the longest return of his career and is the longest INT return in the NFC in 10. Week 2 RB Tim Hightower s 80-yard run against Atlanta in week two remains tied for the longest run in the NFL this season, matching Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, who had an 80-yard rushing TD yesterday against the Lions. Week 3 LaRod Stephens-Howling s 102-yard KOR TD last week represents the longest KOR return in the NFL this season. Stephens-Howling also had a 98-yard KOR TD called back in week two against the Falcons. TURNOVER TALE The Cardinals won last week s game vs. Oakland despite committing three turnovers and finishing the game with a minus-2 turnover ratio. Arizona won for just the third time in 24 games under head coach Ken Whisenhunt when losing the turnover battle. Including postseason, the Cardinals are now 3-21 under Whisenhunt when losing the turnover battle. Turnover Ratio Breakdown (2007-present) TO Ratio Plus Minus Even Playoffs Playoffs Totals KEEP IT ENTERTAINING Games have been historically close throughout the NFL this season. Through the first three weeks, there have been 24 games decided by seven points or fewer. That is the secondmost in NFL history at this point in the season, behind only 1988 (26). The Cardinals have been involved in two of those close games, both resulting in wins. Last week s victory over the Raiders gives the Cardinals an 11-5 record in games decided by seven points or fewer dating back to 2008 and including the postseason. CARDS PROTECT THE LEAD The Cardinals entered the fourth quarter of last week s game with a lead over the Raiders. With the win, Arizona improved to 21-1 in the regular season under Whisenhunt when leading after three quarters. Record When Leading After 3 Quarters 2010: : : : 5-1 The Cardinals have won 21 consecutive regular season games when leading after three quarters. The only time the Cards lost when leading after three quarters was on 10/14/07 vs. Carolina when they lost after taking a 10-9 lead into the final 15 minutes. CARDS 20 th HOME WIN UNDER WHIZ Playing in front of the 46 th consecutive sellout at University of Phoenix Stadium last week, the Cardinals earned the 20 th home win under head coach Ken Whisenhunt, including postseason. The Cardinals are now 20-8 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Whisenhunt s tenure, including 3-0 in postseason play. Whisenhunt had historical success at home in his first three seasons with the Cardinals. The team finished with a 4-4 record at University of Phoenix Stadium in 09, making Whisenhunt the first Cards coach to post a.500 record or better at home in three straight seasons since Don Coryell posted four consecutive seasons above.500 between Whisenhunt became the first head coach since Charley Winner ( ) to post a.500 record or better at home in each of his first three seasons. Cardinals vs. Chargers 4 of 37

5 THE NEW LOOK CARDINALS The Cardinals have experienced a host of changes on both sides of the ball since Of the 22 starters in 2010, 11 are either new to the team, first-year starters or starting in a new position. The Cardinals have six new starters on offense and five new starters on defense. Below is a look at the starting lineup from 2009 compared to Changes are in bold on the right Offense 2010 Offense LT: Mike Gandy LT: Levi Brown LG: Reggie Wells LG: Alan Faneca C: Lyle Sendlein C: Lyle Sendlein RG: Deuce Lutui RG: Deuce Lutui RT: Levi Brown RT: Brandon Keith TE: Ben Patrick TE: Ben Patrick WR: Larry Fitzgerald WR: Larry Fitzgerald WR: Anquan Boldin WR: Steve Breaston QB: Kurt Warner QB: Derek Anderson RB: Tim Hightower RB: Tim Hightower FB: Dan Kreider FB: Reagan Maui a 2009 Defense 2010 Defense DE: Calais Campbell DE: Calais Campbell NT: Bryan Robinson NT: Bryan Robinson DT: Darnell Dockett DT: Darnell Dockett ROLB: Chike Okeafor ROLB: Joey Porter ILB: Karlos Dansby ILB: Paris Lenon ILB: Gerald Hayes ILB: Daryl Washington LOLB: Clark Haggans LOLB: Clark Haggans CB: D. Rodgers-Cromartie CB: D. Rodgers-Cromartie CB: Bryant McFadden CB: Greg Toler SS: Adrian Wilson SS: Adrian Wilson FS: Antrel Rolle FS: Kerry Rhodes BACK ON THE ROAD The Cardinals week one win in St. Louis marked the 21 st time in 23 seasons that the Cards began the season away from home. Arizona followed that trip with another road game in Atlanta, joining the Dolphins and Ravens as the only teams to begin the 2010 season with back-to-back road contests. Last week, the Cardinals returned home to University of Phoenix Stadium for the first time in 24 days, prevailing with a heart stopper over the Oakland Raiders. This week, the Cards will pack their bags again, as they are back on the road paying a visit to San Diego to face the Chargers. The 2010 season marks the 11 th time the Cardinals have begun the season with three of their first four games on the road since moving to Arizona in The 10 season also marks the third time in four seasons that the Cards have had at least two of their first three games on the road. How the Cards Started the Season ( ) 2009: 3-of-4 at home 1998: 3-of-4 on the road 2008: 3-of-4 on the road 1997: 3-of-4 on the road 2007: 2-of-3 on the road 1996: 3-of-4 on the road 2006: 2-of-3 at home 1995: 3-of-4 on the road 2005: 2-of-3 on the road 1994: 2-of-3 on the road 2004: 2-of-3 on the road 1993: 3-of-4 on the road 2003: 2-of-3 at home 1992: 2-of-3 on the road 2002: 2 on the road 1991: 3-of-4 on the road 2001: 9/11 tragedy 1990: 3-of-4 on the road 2000: Away, home, bye 1989: 3-of-4 on the road 1999: 3-of-4 on the road 1988: 2-of-3 on the road In 2009, the Cardinals played two of their first three games at home for only the third time since moving to the Valley in The only other seasons that occurred were 2003 and ROOKIES COUNTED ON EARLY Of the nine rookies who made the Cardinals 53-man roster, seven have already seen game action this season. Of those seven, five have appeared in all three games. Seven rookies played for the Cards in week two in Atlanta and six played last week. DT Dan Williams: (1 st Round, 26 th overall)-williams has logged significant time in the first three games, and has totaled four tackles and a forced fumble. LB Daryl Washington: (2 nd Round, 47 th overall)- Started all three games and has 21 tackles, including a 10-tackle performance in week two at Atlanta. WR Andre Roberts: (3 rd Round, 88 th overall)- Saw first action in week two as a punt returner and at WR after being inactive in week one. Returned two punts for six yards last week, recording his first NFL stats. QB John Skelton: (5 th Round, 155 th overall)- Inactive (3 rd QB) for the first three contests. TE Jim Dray: (7 th Round, 233 rd overall)-has seen action on special teams in every game. WR Stephen Williams: (RFA)-Has played in all three games, including a start in week two. Has three receptions for 37 yards and drew two pass interference calls last week that totaled 54 yards. QB Max Hall: (RFA)-Saw his first NFL action in the fourth quarter in week two in place of starter Derek Anderson, completing one of two passes with an INT. WR Max Komar: (RFA)-Has played in all three games, appearing on offense and special teams. Has three receptions for 36 yards, five punt returns for 31 yards, and notched his first special teams tackle last week against Oakland. THE WIDE RECEIVER MIX The Cardinals are without a key component in their passing game early in the season. With WR Early Doucet out after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia, the Cardinals WR group is a mix of established vets and rookies. With WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston, the Cardinals have two 1,000-yard receivers who have proven to be standouts among their NFL peers. Filling out the WR depth chart are three rookies and a first-year player. The rookies are Andre Roberts, the Cardinals third round draft pick in 2010 (88 th overall) and WRs Stephen Williams and Max Komar, a pair of undrafted, but promising, rookies. The most recent WR addition is Onrea Jones, who spent his first three NFL seasons ( ) on various practice squads. Jones was on the Cardinals practice squad for the majority of the 08 and 09 seasons and was with the team in training camp in 10. Between the two of them, Fitzgerald and Breaston have combined for five 1,000-yard seasons, 689 career receptions, 9,212 receiving yards and 68 receiving TDs. This season, Fitzgerald has 12 receptions for 152 yards and two TDs while Breaston has 14 receptions for 183 yards and a TD. Both Fitzgerald and Breaston hauled in TD receptions last week against the Raiders. The three rookies have combined to grab six receptions for 73 yards in the first three games. I am very comfortable with Stephen Williams, Max Komar and Andre (Roberts), Ken Whisenhunt said of his rookie receivers. I know that we are going to get better as we continue to get more reps, as they get chances and more opportunities in these games. We have talented guys there. As far as understanding game situations and being successful in those, we are not going to be perfect, we are going to have to live with some things, but I have seen these guys make plays. Cardinals vs. Chargers 5 of 37

6 CARDS-CHARGERS CONNECTIONS In 2006, Cardinals defensive coordinator Bill Davis served in the same position for the San Francisco 49ers while Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner was the offensive coordinator. Cardinals assistant Russ Grimm roamed the sidelines as tight ends coach ( ) and then offensive line coach ( ) in Washington while Turner was head coach from In 1998, Cardinals defensive line coach Ron Aiken coached linebackers at San Diego State. Chargers offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon coached running backs at the University of Arizona in Tucson from At North Carolina State Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson (2000) played with Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers ( ). Cardinals linebacker Joey Porter (Bakersfield), linebacker Clark Haggans (Torrance), free safety Matt Ware (Santa Monica), safety Hamza Abdullah (Los Angeles), running back Jason Wright (Diamond Bar), defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson (Los Angeles) and quarterbacks coach Chris Miller (Pomona) are all from southern California. Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason won the 2007 Jim Thorpe Award while playing at the University of Arizona ( ). He left Tucson with the fourth most interceptions (15) in school history and set Wildcat records for return yards (349) and return average (23.3). Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt ( ) played tight end/hback and quarterbacks coach Chris Miller ( ) played the position for the Atlanta Falcons while Chargers special teams coach Steve Crosby tutored quarterbacks (1986) and then running backs ( ). From , Miller was joined in Atlanta by Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson, who served in the same position. Cardinals special teams coach Kevin Spencer was a coaching assistant ( ) for Cleveland while Chargers special teams coach Steve Crosby was the running backs coach ( ) and offensive coordinator (1994). Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves was a regional scout for Chicago while Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera played linebacker for the Bears from Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson ( ), safety Hamza Abdullah (2008), guard/center Rex Hadnot ( ), cornerback Brandon McDonald, running back Jason Wright, and Director, Pro Personnel T.J. McCreight ( ) were all with Cleveland while Chargers Tight Ends and Assistant Head Coach Rob Chudzinski ( ) was the Browns offensive coordinator and Offensive Line coach Mike Sullivan ( ) was the assistant offensive line coach. From , Cardinals Running Backs coach Tommie Robinson was an offensive assistant in Dallas while Chargers Offensive Coordinator Clarence Shelmon was the Cowboys running backs coach. In 2004, Cardinals defensive tackle Bryan Robinson and guard/center Rex Hadnot were teammates with Chargers tight end Randy McMichael in Miami. From , Cardinals defensive tackle Bryan Robinson was teammates with Chargers defensive end Alfonso Boone in Chicago. In 1995, Cardinals Quarterbacks coach Chris Miller played the position for St. Louis while Chargers Quarterbacks coach John Ramsdell was an offensive assistant for the Rams. Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis served in the same position in San Francisco while Chargers cornerback Donald Strickland played for the 49ers in From , Cardinals wide receiver Early Doucet was teammates at LSU with Chargers wide receiver Buster Davis and fullback Jacob Hester. From , Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was teammates at the University of Pittsburgh with Chargers tight end Kris Wilson. From Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett was teammates at Florida State with Chargers defensive end/defensive tackle Travis Johnson. CARDS WINNING ON THE ROAD After enjoying historical success on the road in 2009 and beginning this season with a 1-1 away from University of Phoenix Stadium, the Cardinals will be looking for their eighth road win in their last 11 away games this week in San Diego. Dating back to 2008, Arizona as a 7-3 record in their last 10 road games. The Cards won the 2010 season opener in St. Louis, marking the third consecutive season the Cards won their road opener. It marked the first time the Cardinals have won their road opener in three consecutive seasons since Accomplishments on the road in 09 The Cardinals six victories on the road in 2009 represented the the most road wins in a single season since 1963 (6). With six victories on the road, the Cardinals earned their first winning record away from home since 1982 (4-1). Arizona s victory over the Rams in week 11 in St. Louis gave the Cardinals five straight road wins to start a season for the first time since 1948 when they finished the season 6-0 on the road. WINNING IN THE WEST The victory over St. Louis in week one marked Arizona s eighth consecutive win over the Rams. That represents the second-longest winning streak against any franchise in team history, trailing only the nine consecutive wins over the Eagles between The win improved the Cardinals record to 14-5 against NFC West opponents under Ken Whisenhunt. Arizona has now won 12 of its last 14 games against division opponents. Following the first three weeks of the 2010 season, Arizona is in a first-place tie in the NFC West with the Seattle Seahawks, who defeated the 49ers in week one. Cardinals vs. the NFC West (Under Whisenhunt) Opponent W/L Score StL W /27/09 vs. StL W SF L 24-9 StL W /15/09 vs. Sea W Sea W /13/09 vs. SF L present 12/28/08 vs. Sea W AZ vs. NFC West 12/7/08 vs. StL W Sea: 5-1 Sea W StL: /10/08 vs. SF W SF: 2-4 StL W SF W /30/07 vs. StL W Sea L /25/07 vs. SF L StL W /16/07 vs. Sea W SF L The Cards next game against an NFC West foe comes in week seven when Arizona travels to Seattle. The Cardinals currently have an eight-game winning streak against the Rams and a four-game winning streak against the Seahawks. Cardinals vs. Chargers 6 of 37

7 CARDS UNDER THE WHIZ Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has had an impressive run in his first three-plus seasons with the Cardinals, earning him a four-year contract extension with a team option for a fifth. Including the postseason, Arizona has posted 33 wins under Whisenhunt, the fourth-highest total among head coaches in franchise history. In becoming one of the NFL s top head coaches, Whisenhunt has put together an impressive list of achievements in his first three-plus seasons: The Cardinals earned NFC West titles in 2008 and 09, earning their first back-to-back division titles since Another NFC West title in 2010 would give the franchise an unprecedented third consecutive division crown. Arizona s win over Green Bay in the 2009 Wild Card matchup gave the Cardinals wins in the postseason in backto-back years for the first time in franchise history. The Cardinals have won twice as many playoffs games under Whisenhunt (4) than they had won in their total playoff history (2) entering his tenure. Under Whisenhunt, the Cardinals have appeared in six playoff contests in three years, after appearing in seven total postseason games in the franchise s history prior to his arrival. Arizona finished with a 10-6 record in 09, giving the Cardinals 10+ wins in the regular season for the first time since 1976 (10-4). Whisenhunt is the first head coach in franchise history with a.500 record or better in each of his first three seasons. The Cardinals were 8-8 in 2007, 9-7 in 2008 and 10-6 this season. If the Cardinals post a record of.500 or better in 2010, Whisenhunt will join Don Coryell ( ) as the only head coaches in franchise history with a.500 record or better in four consecutive seasons. The Cardinals finished with a 4-4 record at University of Phoenix Stadium in 09, making Whisenhunt the first Cardinals coach to post a.500 record or better at home in three straight seasons since Don Coryell posted four consecutive seasons above.500 between Whisenhunt is the first head coach since Charley Winner ( ) to post a.500 record or better at home in each of his first three seasons. The Cardinals started the 2009 season with a 5-0 record on the road for the first time since The Cardinals have posted a 14-5 record against NFC West opponents under Whisenhunt. Led the Cardinals to the NFC West title in 2008, their first division title since Led the Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2008 and more wins in a single season (12) than any coach in franchise history. The Cardinals win over the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008 Wild Card Game was the first home playoff victory in 61 years. With the win over Seattle in the 2008 regular season finale, the Cardinals finished the 2008 regular season with a 9-7 record, matching their best regular season record since the franchise moved to Arizona in With the Cardinals win over Oakland last week at University of Phoenix Stadium, the team improved to 6-1 at home against teams from the AFC. With a 2-1 record this season, the Cards are again atop the NFC West standings, tied with Seattle. WHISENHUNT WINS #33 Arizona s win last week against the Raiders gave Ken Whisenhunt his 33 rd victory (regular and postseason) as the Cardinals head coach. That total is good for fourth-place on the franchise career wins list. With three more victories, Whisenhunt will move past Charlie Winner (35) for third-place all-time in franchise history. Most Wins By A Cardinals Head Coach Wins Coach (Years) 42 Don Coryell ( ) 39 Jim Hanifan ( ) 35 Charley Winner ( ) 33 Ken Whisenhunt (2007-present) 29 Vince Tobin ( ) With nine wins in 2010, Whisenhunt would become just the fourth head coach in franchise history to post three consecutive seasons with a winning record. Head Coaches With 3 Consecutive Winning Seasons Coach Years Records Jimmy Conzelman ; 9-3; 11-1 Don Coryell ; 11-3; 10-4 Jim Hanifan ; 8-7-1; 9-7 Nine wins would also give him 40 as head coach and place him alongside Coryell as the only coaches in franchise history with 40+ wins. A record of.500 or better in 2010 and Whisenhunt would join Coryell ( ) as the only coaches in team history with a.500 or better in four consecutive seasons. THE WHISENHUNT ERA Below is a breakdown of the Cardinals regular season win-loss record during Ken Whisenhunt s tenure: In NFC West Games 14-5 In Postseason Games 4-2 At Home 17-8 On the Road Outdoors Indoors 16-8 When won the turnover battle 18-1 When lost the turnover battle 2-20 When even in the turnover battle 8-2 When scored first 16-6 When Opp. Scores First Out-rush opponent 18-3 Cardinals have 100-yard rusher 8-1 Yielding 20 Points or Less 17-4 Scoring 20 Points or More 28-9 Scoring 30 Points or More 21-2 CARDS REMAIN IN FIRST With a 2-1 record to open the season, the Cardinals are in a first place tie in the NFC West with Seattle. First place is a spot familiar for the Cardinals over the last few seasons. In 2008, Arizona either shared the division lead or held it outright every week of the season. It marked just the third time in franchise history the team spent every week of the season in the division lead. In 2009, Arizona held or shared the division lead for the final 11 weeks. Including 2010, the Cardinals have now held or shared the division lead in 31 of 37 possible weeks dating back to Cardinals vs. Chargers 7 of 37

8 GRIMM ENTERS THE HALL On Saturday, August 7 th, Cardinals assistant head coach/run game coordinator/offensive line coach Russ Grimm was in Canton, OH where he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A member of the famed Hogs offensive line, Grimm started 11 seasons at guard for the Redskins ( ) and helped lead the team to four Super Bowl appearances and three victories. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was a first-team selection to the 1980s all-decade team. At the induction ceremony, Grimm was introduced by Joe Bugel, the Redskins offensive line coach during Grimm s playing days. Bugel later served as head coach for the Cardinals ( ). Grimm joined a 2010 Hall of Fame class that also featured WR Jerry Rice, RB Emmitt Smith, LB Rickey Jackson, DL John Randle, and two senior candidates, CB Dick LeBeau and RB Floyd Little. PERENNIAL PRO BOWLER When the Cardinals acquired G Alan Faneca in the offseason, they brought in one of the games finest players over the last decade, a player who has earned nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections dating back to Faneca is one of just 21 offensive linemen in NFL history to earn nine or more Pro Bowl selections and is one of just 10 guards to do so. Five of those 10 guards are already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Guards that have made 9+ Pro Bowls include: Player PB Teams (Years) *Bruce Matthews 14 Hou/Ten ( ) *Randall McDaniel 12 Min ( ), TB (2000) Will Shields 12 KC ( ) Larry Allen 11 Dal ( , 03-05), SF (06) *Tom Mack 11 L.A. Rams ( , ) Ruben Brown 9 Buf ( ), Chi (2006) Alan Faneca 9 Pit ( ), NY Jets (08-09) *John Hannah 9 NE (1976, ) *Mike Munchak 9 Hou ( , ) Walt Sweeney 9 SD ( ) *Hall of Famer With a Pro Bowl selection in 2010, Faneca would become just the 11 th offensive lineman in league history to make the Pro Bowl at least 10 times. Of the 10 linemen who have made the Pro Bowl 10+ times, every one that is Hall of Fame eligible is enshrined in Canton. Linemen that have made 10+ Pro Bowls Player (Position) PB Teams (Years) *Bruce Matthews (G) 14 Hou/Ten ( ) *Randall McDaniel (G) 12 Min ( ), TB (2000) *Jim Otto (C) 12 Oak ( ) Will Shields (G) 12 KC ( ) Larry Allen (G) 11 Dal ( , 03-05), SF (06) *Tom Mack (G) 11 L.A. Rams ( , ) *Anthony Munoz (T) 11 Cin ( ) Jonathan Ogden (T) 11 Bal ( ) Willie Roaf (T) 11 NO ( ), KC (02-05) *Jim Ringo (C) 10 GB ( ), Phi (64-65, 67) *Hall of Famer In all, there have been just 67 players in NFL history that have made the Pro Bowl at least nine times and only 33 to earn 10+ Pro Bowl nods. Of the 33 players in the latter group, all 23 that are Hall of Fame eligible are enshrined in Canton. AN OVERVIEW OF ANDERSON After he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round (213 th overall) in 2005, QB Derek Anderson was waived by the Ravens and went on to spend his first five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Anderson served as a backup during his first two seasons in Cleveland, appearing in five games (three starts) in Then came the 2007 season, when Anderson replaced starter Charlie Frye in the season opener. Anderson entered the game and went on to start the final 15 games. In leading the Browns to a 10-5 record over his 15 starts, Anderson completed 298 of 527 passes (56.5%) for 3,787 yards and 29 TDs on his way to his first career Pro Bowl berth. Through three starts this season, Anderson has completed 51 of 98 attempts (52.0%) for 580 yards, three TDs and three INTs. Last week against the Raiders, Anderson three for two TDs, his first multi-td game since 11/2/08 vs. Baltimore, when he also threw two TD passes. Anderson Vitals: In 2007, became the first Browns QB to earn a Pro Bowl selection since Bernie Kosar in 1987 Led the Browns to a 10-5 record in 07, their most wins since 1994 Established a franchise record with seven consecutive home victories in 07 Tied for the second-highest single-season TD passes in franchise history with 29 in 07 For his career, has completed 638 of 1,207 passes (52.9%) for 7,663 yards, 49 TDs and 48 INTs Has a career record of as a starter Has five career starts with a passer rating of Has four career 300-yard games HALL HAS A SPOT AT HOME After an impressive showing in training camp in Flagstaff, rookie free agent QB Max Hall flashed the ability that made him a record-breaking QB at BYU during preseason action, earning him the role as the Cardinals backup. During preseason, Hall completed 16 of 27 attempts for 285 yards, a TD and an INT. He also rushed for 14 yards and a TD on five carries. According to head coach Ken Whisenhunt, there is more to Hall than stats. There have been a number of things that you try to judge the quarterback position other than his completion percentage or things like that, Whisenhunt said. I have seen Max handle those things very well. That is definitely part of the progression of why you feel comfortable with him. He is not shy about expressing his emotions and some of the best competitors I have ever been around are like that. Hall improved rapidly during preseason action, putting on his best display in the preseason finale vs. Washington. In that game, Hall completed 7 of 9 attempts for 126 yards and rushed for 19 yards on two carries. In three possessions, Hall led the Cardinals to two TDs and a FG, culminating in his six-yard TD run in which he dove for the pylon just before going out of bounds. Now that he has earned the roster spot, Hall is now back playing football where he began as a youth. Hall is a Mesa, AZ native who led Mountain View High School to a 14-0 record and state championship as a junior. He came back as a senior and posted a 13-1 record and took the team to the state title game again that year. Cardinals vs. Chargers 8 of 37

9 BY THE NUMBERS 31 Weeks the Cardinals have either shared or had the outright lead in the NFC West dating back to the beginning of the 2008 season (out of a possible 36 weeks). 6-1 The Cardinals home record against teams from the AFC under head coach Ken Whisenhunt after last week s win 8 Consecutive wins for the Cardinals, including postseason, in games that follow a loss. 102 Yards of LaRod Stephens-Howling s KOR TD last week vs. Oakland, the longest by a Cards player since 1979 (Roy Green, 106). 1 Free homes won by Cards fan Dave Johnson through the Lennar Homes Take it to the House kickoff promotion, as a result of Stephens-Howling s KOR TD. 4.9 Yards per attempts for Beanie Wells in games in which he carries the ball at least 10 times Cardinals record under Whisenhunt when leading after the third quarter, including a streak of 21 consecutive wins Cardinals record under Whisenhunt when scoring 30+ points, including a current 15-game winning streak The last season the Cards rushed for 100+ yards in each of their first three games, a feat they accomplished in Games, of the last 14, that the Cardinals have rushed for at least 100 yards as a team, including the postseason. 15 NFL teams that enter week four with a record of 2-1, including the Cardinals. 20 Wins for the Cardinals at home under Ken Whisenhunt, including postseason. Arizona is 20-8 at home dating back to Career sacks for LB Joey Porter after his sack of Oakland s Bruce Gradkowski last week, his first sack as a member of the Cardinals. 6 Different players who have compiled the Cardinals six sacks this season. 0 Times that ninth-year LB Paris Lenon had recorded both a sack and INT in the same game, before accomplishing the feat last week vs. Oakland. 94 Consecutive games in which he had appeared that Larry Fitzgerald had started (every career game) before entering the game on the team s second play last week. The Cards opened the game with a two-te, WR, RB, FB set. WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS WEEK A win this week guarantees the Cardinals retain at least a tie for first place in the NFC West. A win on the road this week would give the Cardinals eight roads wins over the last two seasons, the most since collecting eight between A win over the Chargers would be the first for the Cardinals since San Diego has won two in a row in the series. WR Larry Fitzgerald With a reception this week, Fitzgerald will have 536 career receptions and move into sole possession of second place on the franchise career receptions list behind only Anquan Boldin (586). A reception would also give Fitzgerald a catch in 89 consecutive games, tying the third-longest streak in franchise history behind Bobby Joe Conrad (94) and Mel Gray (121). RB LaRod Stephens-Howling With a kickoff return for a TD this week, Stephens-Howling would become just the second player in franchise history to record KORs for TDs in back-to-back games. Les Goble accomplished the feat in If Stephen-Howling does match Goble s feat, he will have done so with KOR TDs on the exact days that Goble accomplished the feat 56 years prior. Goble had KOR TDs on 9/26/54 vs. NY Giants and 10/3/54 vs. Philadelphia. A KOR TD would be the third of Stephens-Howling s career, the second-highest total in franchise history behind Ollie Matson (6). DT Darnell Dockett Dockett will be appearing in his 100 th career game this week and has never missed a contest in his six-plus seasons. GRAVES EXTENDED IN OFFSEASON After overseeing a Cardinals team that won back-to-back NFC West titles, earned its first conference championship and made its first Super Bowl appearance, GM Rod Graves was rewarded with a contract extension in February of 2010 on the same day as Ken Whisenhunt. The extension keeps Graves in Arizona through the 2013 season. The most significant tool used by Graves to assemble Arizona s roster has been the NFL Draft. Arizona currently has 25 players on the 53-man roster that were drafted by the Cardinals. Recent drafts have not only produced Pro Bowlers in Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson, Darnell Dockett and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but also scores of other full-time starters and contributors. Of the 22 starters on both sides of the ball, 13 were either drafted by the Cardinals or signed by the team as rookie free agents. Rookie free agents are another area of success for the Cardinals under Graves watch. The Cardinals current 53- man roster includes six players that originally entered the league when Arizona signed them as rookie free agents. The 2010 rookie class alone consists of three free agents. Graves has made it clear that the organization wants to identify a core group of players to build the team around and keep that core intact. Wilson (2004, 2009), Dockett (2006, 2009), Gerald Hayes (2006), and Fitzgerald (2008) have all signed contract extensions. Dockett signed his second, and most recent, contract extension with the Cards on 9/1/10. Cardinals vs. Chargers 9 of 37