Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release

Transcription

1 Game # 8 THE COACHES Ken Whisenhunt Lovie Smith Overall Record Regular Season Record Playoff Record rd Years as Head Coach in NFL 6 th 3 rd Years with team 6 th TELEVISION Network: FOX Play-by-Play: Joe Buck Analyst: Troy Aikman Sideline: Pam Oliver Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release THIS WEEK S GAME After seeing its three-game win streak end with a home loss to Carolina, Arizona heads to Chicago for a match-up with the 4-3 Bears. It will be the 90 th all-time meeting between these two charter members of the National Football League in a rivalry that enters its 89 th year. The Cardinals are making their first visit to the city of their origin since Against the Panthers last week, the Cardinals entered the game with the league s #1 ranked run defense but surrendered 270 yards on the ground. Carolina also enjoyed a 6-0 advantage in the turnover department, another key factor in the win. With his second reception of the game, Anquan Boldin passed Larry Centers and became the Cardinals all-time leader in receptions. The Bears snapped a two-game losing streak with their 30-6 home win over Cleveland as Jay Cutler threw for 225 yards and Matt Forte ran for two scores. Chicago enjoyed a 5-1 edge in takeaways and its defense limited Cleveland to 191 yards of total offense and nine first downs. With the game being held in Chicago, it will be a clash of the undefeated. The Bears are 3-0 at home following last week s win over the Browns while the Cardinals are 3-0 on the road for the first time since The Cardinals follow this week s game with a return home next week to face the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on Thursday night. BROADCAST INFORMATION CARDINALS SPANISH RADIO Flagship: KMIA 710 AM Play-by-Play: Gabriel Trujillo Analyst: Rolando Cantu CARDINALS RADIO Flagship: Sports 620 KTAR Play-by-Play: Dave Pasch Analyst: Ron Wolfley Sideline: Paul Calvisi Sunday, November 8, :00 AM (MST) ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-3) vs. CHICAGO BEARS (4-3) Soldier Field ARIZONA CARDINALS 2009 SEASON SCHEDULE Regular Season Sun., Sep. 13 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS L, Sun., Sep. Jacksonville Jaguars W, Sun., Sep. 27 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS & L, Sun., Oct. 4 BYE Sun., Oct. 11 HOUSTON TEXANS W, Sun., Oct. Seattle Seahawks W, 27-3 Sun., Oct. New York Giants & W, Sun., Nov. 1 CAROLINA PANTHERS L, Sun., Nov. Chicago Bears 11:00 AM Sun., Nov. 15 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 2:15 PM Sun., Nov. St. Louis Rams* 2:05 PM Sun., Nov. Tennessee Titans* Sun., Dec. 6 MINNESOTA VIKINGS* 2:15 PM Mon., Dec. San Francisco 49ers # 6:30 PM Sun., Dec. Detroit Lions* 11:00 AM Sun., Dec. 27 ST. LOUIS RAMS* 2:05 PM Sun., Jan. 3 GREEN BAY PACKERS* 2:15 PM # Monday night on ESPN & Sunday night on NBC * Subject to flexible scheduling decisions 2009 NFC WEST STANDINGS The Cardinals won their first NFC West title in 2008, finishing the season with a perfect 6-0 record in the division. With a 4-3 record, the Cards sit in first place in the NFC West again in 2009, one game ahead of the 3-4 San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals travel to face the 4-3 Bears this week while the 49ers host the 1-7 Tennessee Titans. Team W L PF PA Hm Road Div Arizona San Francisco Seattle St. Louis 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:

2 4 CARDINALS & BEARS IN 2009 CARDINALS CATEGORY BEARS 4-3 Record Points Scored Points Allowed Touchdowns Scored Touchdowns Allowed 18 6 Rushing TDs 7 11 Passing TDs 11 2 Return TDs 0 5 Rushing TDs Allowed 5 11 Passing TDs Allowed 11 1 Return TDs Allowed 2 14/116 Sacked/Yards Lost 15/92 15/7 Fumbles/Lost 12/3 11 Had Intercepted 11 8/9 Field Goals Made/Attempted 10/ 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 30:36 Average Time of Possession 30:13 18/32/8 NFL Rank-Total Offense/Run/Pass 20/26t/15 18/8/20 NFL Rank-Total Defense/Run/Pass 11/16/12 0/0 2-Point Conversions 1/1 vs. Sea Next SF LAST WEEK S GAME Panthers 34, CARDINALS 21 November 1, 2009 University of Phoenix Stadium (62,031) The Panthers visited Arizona looking to avenge a home loss in the previous year s Divisional Playoff. They did just that in a near reversal of that contest, forcing 6 turnovers (5 INT, a fumble) while committing none. They also racked up 270 rushing yards against a Cardinal unit that entered the game ranked #1 in the NFL in that category. The victory improved the Panthers to 3-4 and snapped a 3-game win streak for Arizona, who fell to 4-3 but remained in first in the NFC West. The teams traded TDs to open the game. Carolina had an efficient 15-play drive that ended on Jonathan Stewart s 6-yard TD run. Arizona responded when Kurt Warner s 14-yard TD pass to RB LaRod Stephens-Howling capped an 81-yard drive that tied the game. On the next play from scrimmage, DeAngelo Williams ran 77 yards to the Cards 7 setting up another Stewart rushing TD. Midway thru the 2 nd quarter, the Panthers went up 21-7 when Jake Delhomme hit Steve Smith on a pump-n-go down the left sideline that was good for a 50-yard score. The play accounted for more than half of Carolina s passing total for the day. Five seconds later, DE Julius Peppers snared a 1 st down pass that Warner tried to loft over him to Beanie Wells out of the backfield and Peppers returned the INT 13 yards for a TD that made it 28-7 at the half. Arizona cut the lead to 14 on a 1-yard Warner TD pass to TE Ben Patrick with 6:13 to go in the 3 rd. Delhomme left the game later in that quarter with a chest injury suffered on a hit by Darnell Dockett and Chike Okeafor. Down 14 with a full quarter to play, Arizona WR Jerheme Urban hauled in a pass but was separated from the ball by CB Chris Gamble and S Sherrod Martin grabbed it out of the air for another INT. The pick led to a 35-yard John Kasay FG that made it a 17-point margin. The Cards responded with a Tim Hightower TD followed by a 3-n-out from the defense. Arizona found itself at its own 39 with 7:13 to play and down 10. However, Peppers then sacked Warner forcing a fumble that the Panthers recovered and turned into a 31-yard FG that provided the game s final points. PANTHERS CARDINALS Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score Panthers 1 7:22 Stewart 6-yard run (Kasay kick) 15-74, 7: CARDS 1 0:47 Stephens-Howling 14-yard pass from Warner (Rackers) 11-81, 6: Panthers 2 14:53 Stewart 10-yard run (Kasay kick) 3-87, 0: Panthers 2 7:33 Smith 50-yard pass from Delhomme (Kasay kick) 4-75, 2: Panthers 2 7:28 Peppers 13-yard INT return (Kasay kick) CARDS 3 6:13 Patrick 1-yard pass from Warner (Rackers kick) 11-67, 6: Panthers 4 11:40 Kasay 35-yard FG 4-3, 2: CARDS 4 9:44 Hightower 1-yard run (Rackers kick) 5-49, 1: Panthers 4 2:40 Kasay 31-yard FG 7-18, 4: THE SERIES The Cardinals and Bears meet this week for the 90 th time dating back to the NFL s inaugural season of 1920 when the Bears were known as the Decatur Staleys. The Bears hold a advantage in the series. Originally founded as the Chicago Cardinals, the Cards met the Bears twice a year from 1920 to Since the Cards moved to Arizona in 1988, the two teams have met only six times. The Cards on are currently on a three-game losing SERIES NOTES Overall Regular Season Series: Cardinals on the road vs. Chi: Cardinals last win: 11/11/98 vs. Chi, 20-7 First Meeting: 11/28/20 vs. Dec, W, 7-6 Last Meeting: 10/16/06 vs. Chi, L, Last 10 Meetings Date Site Result Oct. 16, 2006 Arizona L, Nov. 30, 2003 Chicago L, 3-28 Oct. 14, 2001 Chicago L, Oct. 11, 1998 Arizona W, 20-7 Nov. 27, 1994 Arizona L, (OT) Oct. 28, 1990 Arizona L, Oct. 14, 1984 St. Louis W, Dec. 19, 1982 Chicago W, 10-7 Dec. 16, 1979 Chicago L, 6-42 Sept. 3, 1978 Chicago L, STATISTICS CAR AZ First Downs Rushes-Yards Net Passing Yards Total Net Yards Passing (A-C-I) Sacked by Opp.-YL Punts-Average Fumbles-Lost Penalties Time of Possession 32:58 27:02 Weather: Indoors RUSHING Panthers: Williams ; Stewart 17-87; Smith 1-17; Delhomme 1-7; Hoover 1-2; Moore 1-(-1). CARDS: Wells 8-47; Hightower 8-39, TD; Warner 1-8. PASSING Panthers: Delhomme 7-14, 90 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT; Moore 0-1, 0 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT. CARDS: Warner 27-46, 242 yds, 2 TD, 5 INT. RECEIVING Panthers: Smith 3-56, TD; Jarrett 2-22; Barnidge 1-7; King 1-5. CARDS: Hightower 8-57; Fitzgerald 6-66; Breaston 6-57; Boldin 3-23; Patrick 2-18, TD; Stephens-Howling 1-24, TD; Becht 1-7. Cardinals vs. Bears 2 of 36

3 CARDS BACK ON TOP NFC WEST AT A GLANCE The Cardinals are 1-1 in the NFC West so far this season and are alone in first place in the division with a 4-3 record. The Cardinals next game against an NFC opponent comes next week when the Seattle Seahawks visit University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals loss to the 49ers in week one snapped a seven-game winning streak against NFC West opponents. Four weeks later, the Cardinals traveled to Seattle and defeated the Seahawks The Cardinals have yet to face the St. Louis Rams as their first meeting comes the week after Seattle visits Arizona, when the Cardinals travel to St. Louis on 11/22. Below is a breakdown of the season schedule of each of the teams in the NFC West: Arizona 4-2 (2-1 NFC; 1-1 Div) San Francisco 3-3 (3-2 NFC; 3-0 Div) Seattle 2-4 (1-3 NFC; 1-2 Div) St. Louis 0-7 (0-5 NFC; 0-2 Div) Week 1 L, vs. SF W, Ari W, 28-0 vs. StL L, Sea Week 2 W, Jax W, vs. Sea L, SF L, Was Week 3 L, vs. Ind L, Min L, vs. Chi L, vs. GB Week 4 BYE W, 35-0 vs. StL L, Ind L, SF Week 5 W, vs. Hou L, vs. Atl W, 41-0 vs. Jax L, vs. Min Week 6 W, Sea BYE L, 3-27 vs. Ari L, Jax Week 7 W, NYG L, Hou BYE L, 6-42 vs. Ind Week 8 L, vs. Car L, Ind L, Dal W, Det Week Chi vs. Ten vs. Det BYE Week 10 vs. Sea vs. Ari vs. NO Week Min vs. Ari Week Ten vs. StL vs. Sea Week 13 vs. Sea vs. Chi Week SF (MNF) vs. Ari Ten Week Phi vs. TB vs. Hou Week 16 vs. StL vs. Ari Week 17 vs. StL vs. Ten vs. SF IT S A LONG SEASON A year ago at this point, the Cardinals were 4-3, in first place of the NFC West and coming off a difficult loss to the Panthers. This year they are in exactly the same position. Of course Arizona went on to make its way through the postseason and ultimately to the Super Bowl. However, quite a bit can change between week 9 and the start of the postseason. Three teams that were sub-.500 after eight weeks in 08 went on to win their division Minnesota (3-4), Miami (3-4) and San Diego (3-5). Indy also had a losing record (3-4) but earned a Wild Card spot. Conversely, four teams that were 3-or-more games over.500 at this point missed the playoffs Washington (6-2), New England (5-2) and Buffalo (5-2). Two other non-playoff teams were 5-3 at this point in 08 (Dallas & Tampa Bay). The four participants in last year s conference title games (Eagles, Cardinals, Steelers and Ravens) were a combined at this point a year ago. Below is a look at standings in each division through the first eight weeks of the 2008 season. The eventual division winner (*) and the wild card teams (#) are marked. NFC EAST NFC NORTH NFC SOUTH NFC WEST Team W-L Team W-L Team W-L Team W-L *NY Giants 6-1 Chicago 4-3 *Carolina 6-2 *Arizona 4-3 Washington 6-2 Green Bay 4-3 Tampa Bay 5-3 St. Louis 2-5 Dallas 5-3 *Minnesota 3-4 #Atlanta 4-3 Seattle 2-5 #Philadelphia 4-3 Detroit 0-7 New Orleans 4-4 San Francisco 2-6 AFC EAST AFC NORTH AFC SOUTH AFC WEST Team W-L Team W-L Team W-L Team W-L Buffalo 5-2 *Pittsburgh 5-2 *Tennessee 7-0 Denver 4-3 New England 5-2 #Baltimore 4-3 #Indianapolis 3-4 *San Diego 3-5 NY Jets 4-3 Cleveland 3-4 Jacksonville 3-4 Oakland 2-5 *Miami 3-4 Cincinnati 0-8 Houston 3-4 Kansas City 1-6 Cardinals vs. Bears 3 of 36

4 THE ROAD TO SUCCESS On the strength of their victory over the NY Giants in New Jersey in week seven, the Cardinals enter this week s contest in Chicago with a 3-0 record on the road in It marks their best road record to start a season since Below are a few more facts about the Cardinals road success: 1982 is also the last time the Cardinals had four consecutive road wins to open a season, something the Cardinals can match with a win this week. A win this week vs. Chicago would guarantee the Cardinals their first non-losing record on the road since finishing 4-4 in Dating back to the 2008 postseason, the Cardinals have won four consecutive road games when including the Divisional Playoff win at Carolina. The last time they won five road games in a row was in The win against the Giants snapped an 11-game road losing streak to teams from the NFC East. The win over the Giants was the Cardinals first-ever road win on Sunday Night Football. The Cardinals (3-0), Saints (3-0), Bengals (3-0) and Colts (4-0) are the only teams in the NFL that are undefeated on the road. The Saints and Colts are undefeated overall. STARTING WITH POINTS With their 11-play 81-yard TD drive on their first possession last week against the Panthers, the Cardinals have now scored a TD on their first offensive possession in four out of seven games this season. Their 28 points on first offensive possessions is tied with Philadelphia for the second-highest total in the NFL behind New Orleans (38). Points Scored on First Possession Avg. Team Poss Pts TD FG Pts. 1. New Orleans t. Arizona t. Philadelphia NY Giants Three teams tied with 21 points The Cardinals have scored on their first offensive possession in three of the last four games. In 2008, the Cardinals scored a total of 36 points on first possessions, ranked 13 th overall in the NFL. CARDS CONTINUE DRAWING HUGE RATINGS Through the first half of the 09 regular season, the Cardinals continue to enjoy the largest local TV ratings increase in the NFL. Cardinals game broadcasts over the first seven weeks of the season averaged a 21.1 rating and 38 share while reaching an average of 394,000 homes. That is an increase of 35% over the same period last year and represents the largest percentage increase in the National Football League. Those figures do not include last Sunday s telecast of the Cardinals-Panthers game that garnered a 22.4 rating and 40 share. As has been the case for all seven games in 09, the Cardinals telecast again ranked as the week s most-watched television program in Phoenix. HEATING UP IN THE RED ZONE After starting the season scoring just six TDs in 11 trips to the redzone, the Cardinals have started to heat up in the past three weeks, culminating in their three TDs in three trips performance against the Panthers last week. In the last three weeks, Arizona has scored TDs on 9-of-12 trips inside the opponents 20-yard line. In the last two weeks, against the Giants and Panthers, the Cardinals have scored TDs on six-of-seven trips to the red zone. The Cardinals are ranked fifth overall in red zone TD percentage, scoring 15 TDs on 23 possessions (65.2%) 2009 NFL TD Pct. Inside the Red Zone Team Poss TDs TD% 1. Cincinnati Atlanta San Francisco New Orleans Arizona THIRD DOWN DEFENDERS Arizona is ranked third in the NFL in opponent third down conversion rate, allowing just 32-of-100 (32.0%) attempts to be converted. Only New Orleans (30.5%) and the NY Giants (31.3%) have a better percentage than the Cardinals. Below is a breakdown of Cardinals opponent s third-down attempts by yardage: Yards Att Conv. Pct The Cardinals have forced 27 three-and-out drives by opponents this season, the fourth-highest total in the NFL this season behind Houston (35), the Giants (30) and the Jets (29). TURNOVERS HURT CARDS LAST WEEK The first seven games of the 2009 season have shown how crucial the turnover battle is for the Cardinals. Last week s loss to Carolina provided another example, with the Cards committing six turnovers compared to none for the Panthers. On the season Arizona fell to 0-3 when losing the turnover battle while they are 2-0 when winning the turnover battle and 2-0 when breaking even. The Cardinals have won the turnover battle twice this season and have a 15-0 record in the regular season (18-0 including playoffs) under Ken Whisenhunt when they win the turnover battle. When the Cardinals lose the turnover battle, their record turns to 1-16 (1-17 including the playoffs) under Whisenhunt. Arizona is 5-2 when they break even in the turnover battle. The Cardinals lone victory when they lost the turnover battle was last season s overtime victory over Dallas when they scored twice on special teams. TO Ratio Plus Minus Even Playoffs Cardinals vs. Bears 4 of 36

5 THE LAST MEETING Bears 24, CARDINALS 23 October 16, 2006 Univ. of Phoenix Stadium (63,977) The undefeated Bears (5-0) came to University of Phoenix Stadium with the NFL s #1 offense and #1 defense for a Monday Night showdown against the 1-4 Cards, who were without 3 starters including all-pro WR Larry Fitzgerald. Yet it was the host Cardinals who stormed out to a 20-0 halftime lead and led 23-3 with 16 minutes to play. The lead disappeared when the Bears scored three non-offensive TDs (2 fumble returns and a punt return) and when Neil Rackers missed a 40- yard FG in the closing seconds, Arizona suffered its third straight home game heartbreak. In his second straight start, rookie QB Matt Leinart was again exceptional. Against a Bears defense that had not allowed a first quarter TD all year and just two all season, he tossed two first quarter scoring passes, connecting with WRs Bryant Johnson and Anquan Boldin. The first was on AZ s opening drive and the second came later in the quarter and was set up by an INT from FS Aaron Francisco. A second quarter INT by LB Gerald Hayes failed to produce points but when DE Bertrand Berry sacked Grossman and forced a fumble that Berry recovered at the Chicago 33, it led to a 41-yard Neil Rackers FG that made it On the next Bear drive, SS Adrian Wilson sacked Grossman and DT Darnell Dockett recovered at the Bear 32 leading to a 28-yard Rackers FG on the final play of the first half that made it Chicago got on the scoreboard on their first drive of the second half when Robbie Gould s 23- yard FG capped a 13-play drive. The Cardinals responded with a 13-play drive of their own and went up 23-3 on Rackers 29-yarder with 1:47 left in the third. With just 0:02 left in the third, DE Mark Anderson sacked Leinart from his blindside and S Mike Brown recovered for a 3-yard TD return. The score remained well into the fourth and Grossman ended consecutive drives with INTs by Dockett and FS Robert Griffith, his 3 rd and 4 th of the night. But with 5:11 to play, Edgerrin James fumbled at the Arizona 40 and CB Charles Tillman returned it for another TD that made it a 6-point game with 5:00 remaining. AZ picked up one first down on the next drive but was forced to punt it back to the Bears. Devin Hester s 83-yard return put Chicago up one with 2:58 left. It was enough time for Leinart to move the Cards from their own 38 to the Chicago 22 but Rackers game-winning try from 40 yards away was wide left. Boldin led all receivers with 12 catches for 136 yards while James matched a franchise record with 36 rushing attempts. Leinart became the first QB in NFL history to throw 2 first quarter TD passes in each of his first two starts. BEARS CARDINALS Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score CARDS 1 7:06 B. Johnson from Leinart (Rackers kick) 12-77, 6: CARDS 1 0:54 Boldin 26-yard pass from Leinart (Rackers kick) 3-25, 1: CARDS 2 4:15 Rackers 41-yard FG 7-10, 3: CARDS 2 0:00 Rackers 28-yard FG 5-22, 2: Bears 3 7:22 Gould 23-yard FG 13-64, 5: CARDS 3 1:47 Rackers 29-yard FG 13-49, 5: Bears 3 0:02 M. Brown 3-yard fumble return (Gould kick) Bears 4 5:00 Tillman 40-yard fumble return (Gould kick) Bears 4 2:58 Hester 83-yard punt return (Gould kick) STATISTICS CHI AZ First Downs 9 17 Rushes-Yards Net Passing Yards Total Net Yards Passing (A-C-I) Sacked by Opp Punts-Average Fumbles-Lost Penalties Time of Possession 20:17 39:43 Weather: Temp 81 degrees, Humidity 22%, Wind SW 5 mph. RUSHING BEARS: T. Jones 11-39; Benson 1-4; McKie 1-(-2); Grossman 3-(-7). CARDS: James 36-55; Arrington PASSING BEARS: Grossman 14-37, 148 yds, 0 TD, 4 INT. CARDS: Leinart 24-42, 232 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT. RECEIVING BEARS: Clark 4-61; T. Jones 3-14; Davis 2-31; Berrian 2-31; Muhammad 1-2; McKie 1-1. CARDS: Boldin , TD; Walters 4-25; Arrington 2-22; B. Johnson 2-17, TD; Ayanbadejo 2-16; Pope 1-9; James 1-7. THE HISTORIC CONNECTION The Cardinals are heading back to the birthplace of their franchise this week when they travel to the Windy City. When the Cards called Chicago home, the team was situated at the corner of 61 st and Racine. The street, along with faded jerseys from the University of Chicago, provided a name for the team, the Racine Cardinals. The Racine Cardinals became the Chicago Cardinals in 1922 when a team from Racine, Wisconsin joined the league. The same year the Cardinals would move into their new home in Comiskey Park, a stadium they would share with baseball s White Sox for the next 37 years. Charles W. Bidwill, Sr., a vice president of the Chicago Bears, the Cardinals cross-town rivals, bought the team for $50,000 in 1932 and divested himself of his holdings in the Bears. That began a continuous period of family ownership of the Cardinals which continues to this day. The Cardinals are the oldest continuously owned franchise in pro football. Violet Bidwill assumed control of the franchise for 15 years following her husband s passing in Under Violet, the team won their second consecutive Western Division championship and made an appearance in the 1948 NFL championship game, a 7-0 loss in Philadelphia. Violet also oversaw the team s move from Chicago to St. Louis in The Cardinals and the Chicago Bears are the only two of the 11 charter members of the NFL still in existence. The Bears, originally based in Decatur, IL, moved to Chicago in 1921 where they were known as the Chicago Staleys for a year before becoming the Chicago Bears in RIVALRY ENTERS 89 th YEAR The Cardinals and Bears have been facing off since 1920 in the oldest rivalry in the history of the NFL. When they meet this week at Soldier Field, the two teams will be clashing for the 90 th time. A Few Facts About the Series: The first two 100-yard rushing games in Cardinals franchise history occurred in games against the Bears. The first came on 2/11/35 when Doug Russell rushed for 100 yards in a game that finished in a 7-7 tie. The Cardinals have rushed for 100 yards seven times against the Bears. The last time the Cardinals rushed for 100 yards against the Bears was on 12/14/75 when Jim Otis rushed for 147 yards on 33 carries. The first 300-yard passing game in Cardinals franchise history occurred on 12/5/37 vs. the Bears when Pat Coffee passed for 306 yards in the Cards loss to the Bears. That remains the Cardinals only 300-yard passing game against the Bears. Cardinals QBs have thrown for yard games since then. Between 1920 and 1929 there was a span of 17 consecutive games in the series when either the Cardinals or the Bears were shut out. In that span, four games ended in 0-0 ties. The most points ever scored by the Cardinals in a game against the Bears is 53, on 11/27/55. The most points scored by the Bears against the Cardinals is 53, on 10/12/41. Between 1922 and 1933, Cardinals vs. Bears was a Thanksgiving tradition, facing off on Thanksgiving Day every year in that span. The Cardinals have not won in Chicago since The Cardinals have only played twice in Chicago since that game. Cardinals vs. Bears 5 of 36

6 CARDINALS-BEARS CONNECTIONS Cardinals defensive tackle Bryan Robinson played for the Bears from , starting 82 of 90 games he appeared in. From , Cardinals tackle Mike Gandy played for the Bears, starting 30 of 32 games played. Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner ( ) was in St. Louis with Bears tackle Orlando Pace ( ) and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa ( ). During that time Bears head coach Lovie Smith was the Rams defensive coordinator ( ) and assistant head coach in Bears defensive coordinator/linebackers Bob Babich joined them in St. Louis as the linebackers coach in Bears head coach Lovie Smith was a linebackers coach at Arizona State University from Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner was the running back and receivers coach for the University of Arizona from While head coach for the University of Illinois from , Turner mentored Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers ( ). Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers attended the University of Illinois from , setting the Illinois single season scoring mark with 110 points as a senior. Cardinals linebacker Will Davis played at the University of Illinois from Cardinals scout Jerry Hardaway played fullback and tight end at Southern Illinois University, where he was named co-captain in From , Cardinals assistant defensive backs coach Rick Courtright served as the defensive coordinator/linebackers at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. Bears defensive coordinator/linebackers Bob Babich played linebacker at Mesa (AZ) Community College from Bears assistant head coach/defensive line Rod Marinelli served in that role at Arizona State University from Bears linebacker Jamar Williams attended Arizona State University from and was the recipient of the Pat Tillman Valor Award named in honor of the former Cardinals safety. Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was a three-time all-pac-10 selection at the University of Arizona where he attended school from Bears Senior Director of Pro Personnel Bobby DePaul ( ) was an assistant that helped coach the defensive line and then secondary for the Redskins while Ken Whisenhunt ( ) and Russ Grimm both played ( ). During the final months of the 2006 season, Cardinals scout Quentin Harris played safety for the Broncos for six games. Cardinals defensive coordinator Bill Davis ( ) served in the same role for the 49ers while Bears quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton (2006) was an offensive assistant/quarterbacks. Cardinals wide receiver Sean Morey (2001,2003) played for the Eagles while Bears special teams coordinator Dave Toub ( ) was the assistant special teams/assistant defensive line. Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle ( ) and defensive end Calais Campbell ( ) were teammates at the University of Miami with Bears wide receiver/punt returner Devin Hester ( ) and tight end Greg Olsen ( ). Rolle and Hester were also joined on the Hurricanes roster by Chicago linebacker Darrell McClover ( ). Cardinals linebacker Ali Highsmith ( ), wide receiver Early Doucet ( ), and tackle Herman Johnson ( ) were teammates at LSU with Bears safety Craig Steltz ( ). Cardinals tight end Anthony Becht (2008), fullback Dan Kreider (2008), and tight end Dominique Byrd ( ) were teammates in St. Louis with Bears tackle Orlando Pace ( ) and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa ( ). In 1997, Pace was joined on the Rams by Cardinals defensive tackle Bryan Robinson. BACK TO HIS BEGINNINGS Just like the Cardinals franchise, General Manager Rod Graves got his start in the NFL in Chicago. Graves entered the league as a regional scout with the Bears in 1984, holding that position until 1993 when he was promoted to director of college scouting. A year later, he was promoted again, this time to director of player personnel, a position he held until As a scout for the Bears, how much of a role did Graves have in putting together the memorable championship team of 1985? Very little, Graves laughed. Timing is everything. But we had some great football teams. We were very fortunate to have some very talented players some of the best to ever play the game, in my opinion. I walked into a situation that had largely been put together by Jim Finks, the former GM, Bill Tobin (former player personnel director) and one of their former scouts, Jim Palmer. Those guys put together a very talented football team and I just happened to walk in at the right time As the place where he began his NFL career, Chicago both as a city and a football team still holds very fond memories for the Cardinals GM. I have a great love for the city of Chicago and I still have a lot of wonderful friends there, Graves said. I owe the start of my NFL career to the Chicago Bears to the McCaskey family, Bill Tobin, (President and CEO) Ted Phillips and so many of the friends that I have there. I am very appreciative to them for my start and I always have an eye on the success and progress that the Bears are making each year, apart from the Cardinals. Graves came to Arizona as the Assistant to the President in He was promoted to Vice President of Football Operations following the 2002 season and he is currently in his third season as the Cardinals General Manager. BUILDING A WINNER IN ARIZONA In 2008, the Cardinals clinched the NFC West, earned their first home playoff victory in 61 years and appeared in their first Super Bowl in franchise history. The talent on the Cardinals roster was the key to that Super Bowl run, and Graves is the man responsible for assembling that roster and adding to it this past offseason in hopes of another trip to the postseason. The Cardinals currently have 28 players on the 53-man roster that were drafted by the Cardinals. Recent drafts have not only produced Pro Bowlers in Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson, and Darnell Dockett but also scores of other full-time starters and contributors. Six of Arizona s 2009 draft picks are on the 53-man roster, five of which have received playing time and three who appeared in all seven games so far this season. The 2008 draft produced three current full-time starters in CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DE Calais Campbell and RB Tim Hightower. In his time in charge of personnel for the Cards, 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. Dating back to 2004, the Cardinals have re-signed eight players to contract extensions, including all four players drafted by the Cardinals that have made the Pro Bowl. Wilson (2004, 2009), Boldin (2005), Neil Rackers (2005), Kurt Warner (2006, 2009), Gerald Hayes (2006), Reggie Wells (2006), Dockett (2006) and Fitzgerald (2008) have all signed contract extensions. Cardinals vs. Bears 6 of 36

7 RESUME BUILDS FOR THE WHIZ Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has had an impressive run in his first two years with the Cardinals. Below are some of the highlights from Whisenhunt s tenure so far: With a 4-3 record, the Cardinals are in first place in the NFC West in 2009, one game ahead of the San Francisco 49ers. Entering this week s game in Chicago, the Cardinals have started the 2009 season with a 3-0 record on the road, their best road record since The win vs. Jacksonville in week two was the first road win against an AFC opponent since 11/18/07 when the Cardinals defeated the Cincinnati Bengals. It marks the first time since 10/6/02 at Carolina that the Cardinals won a game on the east coast that had a 10:00 AM local kickoff. In 2008, led the Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance and more wins in a single season (12) than any coach in franchise history. The Cardinals won their first Divisional Playoff game in franchise history in 08. The Cardinals win over the Atlanta Falcons in the Wild Card Game was the first playoff victory for the Cardinals since the 1998 season and was the first home playoff victory in 61 years. Under Whisenhunt, the Cardinals won their first division title since 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 They previously went 9-7 in 1998, the last season they made the playoffs. DAVIS NOW THE D-COORDINATOR The Cardinals did not have to look far to find their new defensive coordinator during the offseason. Former linebackers coach Bill Davis took over the reins of the defense after the departure of Clancy Pendergast. Davis had been with the Cardinals as the linebackers coach for the last two seasons. Prior to joining Arizona s coaching staff, Davis was the defensive coordinator for the 49ers for two seasons. In his first season as defensive coordinator with the Cardinals, Davis has the Cardinals ranked 18 th overall and eighth overall against the run. The Cardinals defense ranks third in the NFL in opponent third down conversion percentage (32.0) and fourth in total first downs (111) through the first eight weeks of the season. Now in his 17 th NFL season, Davis has an impressive NFL pedigree. Much like Cardinals Owner Bill Bidwill, President Michael Bidwill, General Manager Rod Graves and Pro Bowl WR Larry Fitzgerald, Davis grew up as a ball boy in the NFL. He did so under such head coaches as Don Shula (Miami) and Dick Vermeil (Philadelphia) as his dad served 13 years in the NFL, including six seasons as Vice President of player personnel for the Cleveland Browns. Davis has coached for seven other NFL teams during his career, including the 49ers ( ), Giants (2004), Falcons ( ), Packers (2000), Browns (1999), Panthers ( ) and Steelers ( ) after beginning his coaching career at Michigan State University in IN THE WHISENHUNT ERA Below is a breakdown of the Cardinals regular season win-loss record during Ken Whisenhunt s tenure: In NFC West Games 10-4 At Home 13-7 On the Road 8-11 Outdoors Indoors 10-6 When won the turnover battle 15-0 When lost the turnover battle 1-16 When even in the turnover battle 5-2 When scored first 11-6 When Opp. Scores First In overtime games 2-1 Out-rush opponent 13-3 Out-pass opponent Cardinals have 100-yard rusher 6-0 Opponent has 100-yard rusher 2-6 In September 5-6 In October 6-3 In November 5-5 In December 5-4 Yielding 20 Points or Less 12-3 Scoring 20 Points or More 21-9 Led at Halftime 15-3 Tied at Halftime 3-1 Led at the End of 3 rd Quarter 16-1 Tied at the End of 3 rd Quarter 4-2 The Cardinals are looking for their fourth consecutive road win this week (fifth including 2008 postseason) which would bring the Cardinals record to 9-11 on the road under Whisenhunt during the regular season. CHANGING TITLES ON OFFENSE Although the personnel on the field largely remained the same as the 2008 Cardinals team, some changes to the coaching staff did occur in the offseason. The most notable change on the offensive side of the ball was the departure of offensive coordinator Todd Haley, who left to become the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. His position was filled by committee, with former wide receivers coach Mike Miller being elevated to passing game coordinator and assistant head coach/offensive line Russ Grimm adding run game coordinator to his duties. Grimm oversees the running game that features rookie Beanie Wells and second-year pro Time Hightower. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt calls the plays, like he did in his first year with Arizona in 2007 before handing off play calling duties to Haley in In his first two season in Arizona, Miller oversaw a Cardinals wide receiving corps that was among the best in the league. In 2009, the Cardinals passing attack ranks sixth overall and Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston are all on pace for Pro Bowl caliber seasons. Grimm, a member of the famed Hogs offensive line with the Washington Redskins in the 1980 s, oversees an offensive line that has started the last 26 consecutive games as a unit. Other offseason additions to the offensive coaching staff include Curtis Modkins (running backs), Chris Miller (quarterbacks), John McNulty (wide receivers) and Chad Grimm (offensive quality control). Cardinals vs. Bears 7 of 36

8 BREAKING DOWN THE TD PASSES After throwing two TD passes last week against the Panthers, Kurt Warner has thrown 193 TD passes in his NFL career and below is a breakdown of those TD passes: With Team Opponent (Top 3) Location Day of Week By Quarter Rams ers Home Sunday First Cardinals Falcons Road Monday Second Giants... 6 Saints Thursday... 3 Third Fourth Distance Receiver (Top 5) Season (Top 5) 3 or fewer Yards...38 Larry Fitzgerald Yards...59 Anquan Boldin Yards...41 Isaac Bruce Yards...15 Marshall Faulk Yards...40 Torry Holt THE STARTS STREAK CONTINUES When named the team s starter entering the 2008 season, many questioned whether Kurt Warner could stay healthy. His current consecutive starts streak sits at 38 games. Warner was one of 16 NFL quarterbacks to start every regular season contest in 08 but the only one to start as many as 20 total games. In fact, he was just the third QB in NFL history to start 20 total games in a season, joining John Elway ( 97 Broncos) and Eli Manning ( 07 Giants). Among active QBs, Warner s 38-game starts streak ranks seventh behind Brett Favre (299), Peyton Manning (198), Eli Manning (86), Drew Brees (74), Philip Rivers (59) and Jay Cutler (44). Below is a look at Warner s stats over his last 38 consecutive starts (including playoffs) compared to the first 38 starts of his career. Current Streak Vitals: Spans ages of 36 to 38 / 1 perfect game / 4 playoff games / yard games / 15 games with 100+ passer rating Stat Att Comp Pct. Yds TD INT Totals 1, , Avg/G st 38 Career Starts Vitals: Spans ages 28 to 30 / 2 perfect games / 4 playoff games / yard games / 20 games with 100+ passer rating Stat Att Comp Pct. Yds TD INT Totals 1, , Avg/G Warner s streak in the fourth-longest in franchise history behind Jim Hart (65), Neil Lomax (51) and Charlie Johnson (44). WARNER PART OF RECORD PACE In 2007, an NFL record seven passers reached the 4,000- yard mark, a mark that may fall in This season, Kurt Warner is among the 10 quarterbacks on pace for 4,000 yards. Quarterbacks projected to reach 4,000 yards in 09 Player (Team) G Yards Y/G Proj. Peyton Manning (Ind.) 7 2, ,090 Ben Roethlisberger (Pit.) 7 2, ,713 Matt Schaub (Hou.) 8 2, ,684 Philip Rivers (SD) 7 2, ,654 Tom Brady (NE) 7 2, ,645 Drew Brees (NO) 7 2, ,585 Aaron Rodgers (GB) 7 1, ,546 Kurt Warner (Ari.) 7 1, ,375 Tony Romo (Dal.) 7 1, ,361 Joe Flacco (Bal.) 7 1, ,226 RIDING ON THE LINE The starters along the offensive, including LT Mike Gandy, LG Reggie Wells, C Lyle Sendlein, RG Deuce Lutui and RT Levi Brown have a started 27 consecutive games together dating back to 2008, the second-longest consecutive starts streak in the NFL behind the NY Jets offensive line (28). Last season s run to the Super Bowl was largely accomplished on the arm of QB Kurt Warner. By extension, it was fueled by the offensive line s outstanding protection of Warner. According to Stats Inc, Arizona was the most heavily pressured team in the NFL during the regular season, facing a blitz on 218 of their 630 pass attempts. The Cardinals offensive line allowed just six sacks in those 218 blitzing situations. Their 2.68 sack percentage was second in the NFL behind the Tennessee Titans (2.56). The week two contest in Jacksonville marked the fifth time dating back to the 2008 season and postseason that the offensive line did not allow a sack and Cardinals have a 4-1 record in those games. In week five vs. Houston, Warner was sacked once and the Cardinals victory improved the Cardinals record to 6-2 dating back to 2008 when Warner is sacked once. Below is a look at Warner s performance this season based on the number of times he gets sacked: 0-1 Sacks (2-0) Gms Att Com Pct. Yds Sk TD INT Rate Sacks (2-1) Gms Att Com Pct. Yds Sk TD INT Rate Sacks (0-2) Gms Att Com Pct. Yds Sk TD INT Rate Below is a breakdown of Warner s career record and stats as a starter by the number of times he gets sacked in a game. NFL Career Cardinals Career Sacks W-L Win % Sacks W-L Win % Sacks Att Comp Pct. Yds TD INT Rate , , , , , Cardinals vs. Bears 8 of 36

9 WARNER IN THE NFL RECORD BOOKS Single-Game Completion Percentage (min. 15 attempts) Kurt Warner AZ at Jax, 9/20/09 (26-24) Vinny Testaverde Cle. vs. LA Rams, 12/26/93 (23-21) Ken Anderson Cin. vs. Pit., 11/10/74 (22-20) Lynn Dickey GB vs. NO, 12/13/81 (21-19) Passing Yards Per Game (min. 100 games) Kurt Warner, 116 Games (30,505 yards) Peyton Manning, 183 Games (47,855 yards) Dan Marino, 242 Games (61,361 yards) Drew Brees, 114 Games (28,264 yards) Brett Favre, 281 Games (67,052 yards) Career Completion Percentage (min. 1,500 attempts) 66.1 Chad Pennington, 2000-current (2,469-1,631) 65.4 Kurt Warner, 1999-current (3,840-2,512) 64.7 Peyton Manning, current (6,223-4,026) 64.3 Steve Young, (4,149-2,667) 64.2 Drew Brees, 2001-current (3,880-2,491) Highest Career Passer Rating 96.8 Steve Young, Peyton Manning, 1998-current 93.4 Tom Brady, 2000-current 93.4 Philip Rivers, 2004-current 92.9 Kurt Warner, 1998-current Most Passing Yards in a Season 5,084 Dan Marino, Miami, ,069 Drew Brees, New Orleans, ,830 Kurt Warner, St. Louis, 2001 Most Completions in a Single Season Year Player Comp 2007 Drew Brees Rich Gannon Drew Brees Warren Moon Kurt Warner 401 Most 300-Yard Passing Games in a Season 10 Rich Gannon, Oakland 2002 Drew Brees, New Orleans Dan Marino, Miami 1984 Warren Moon, Houston 1990 Kurt Warner, St. Louis 1999 Kurt Warner, St. Louis Dan Fouts, San Diego 1980 Kurt Warner, St. Louis 2000 Trent Green, Kansas City 2004 Tom Brady, New England 2007 Most 300-Yard Passing Games in a Career 63 Dan Marino, Bret Favre, 1991-current 52 Peyton Manning, 1998-current 51 Dan Fouts, Kurt Warner, 1998-current 49 Warren Moon, Most Consecutive 300-Yard Passing Games 6 Steve Young, SF 1998 Kurt Warner, StL 2000 Rich Gannon, Oak Peyton Manning, Ind 2009 Joe Montana, SF 1982 Kerry Collins, NYG Drew Brees, NO, 2006 Kurt Warner, AZ, 2008 Most Seasons Leading League in Average Gain Per Pass 7 Sid Luckman, Chicago Bears , Steve Young, San Francisco , Arnie Herber, Green Bay 1932, 1934, 1936 Norm Van Brocklin, Los Angeles 1950, 1952, 1954 Len Dawson, Dallas Texans 1962, Kansas City 1966, 1968 Bart Starr, Green Bay Kurt Warner, St. Louis ,000 WITH TWO TEAMS With 242 passing yards last week against the Panthers, Kurt Warner reached 14,004 passing yards as a member of the Cardinals, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to reach 14,000 passing yards with two teams. In addition to his total with the Cardinals, Warner threw for 16,501 yards with the Rams from In his last two-plus seasons, covering 34 starts, Warner has thrown for 9,334 yards for the Cardinals, an average of yards per start. Against the Texans in week five, Warner reached 13,000 passing yards with the Cardinals and joined Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton and the only QBs in NFL history with 13,000+ passing yards with two teams. Tarkenton threw for 33,098 yards with the Minnesota Vikings and 13,905 yards with the NY Giants. FASTEST TO 50 Kurt Warner threw for 302 yards against the Texans in week five, his 50 th career 300-yard game. In reaching 50 in just his 113 th career game, Warner became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach yard games, shattering the former record held by Dan Marino (176 games). Warner is one of just five quarterbacks in NFL history with at least yard games. He has thrown for 300 yards in 43.1 percent of his career games, by far the best total in NFL history. Peyton Manning is second, throwing for 300 yards in 28.9 percent of his games. Career 300-Yard Passing Games NFL History Games 300-Yd Player Played Games Pct. Win % 1. Dan Marino (.587) 2. Brett Favre (.660) 3. Peyton Manning (.604) 4. Dan Fouts (.510) 5. Kurt Warner (.620) The Texans game was Warner s 20 th 300-yard game as a member of the Cardinals, establishing a new franchise record (Neil Lomax, 19). Warner reached the feat in his 50 th game with the Cardinals while Lomax had yard performances in 108 games. WARNER REACHES 30,000 In week six in Seattle, in his 114 th career game, Kurt Warner threw for 276 yards, giving him 30,032 passing yards for his career. Warner tied Hall of Famer Dan Marino as the fastest players in the NFL history to reach 30,000 passing yards. Fewest Games to 30,000 Passing Yards NFL History Player Games 1t. Kurt Warner 114 1t.Dan Marino Peyton Manning Warren Moon 125 4t. Drew Bledsoe 126 4t. Brett Favre 126 Warner has averaged passing yards per game in his career, the best average in NFL history. In 2001 with the Rams, Warner became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 passing yards, reaching the mark in just his 36 th career game. In 2006 as a member of the Cardinals and playing in his 76 th career game, Warner became the second fastest player in NFL history to reach 20,000 passing yards, with only Marino (74 games) doing it in fewer games. Cardinals vs. Bears 9 of 36

10 BOLDIN IS FRANCHISE RECEPTIONS LEADER With three receptions last week before leaving the game with a sprained ankle, Anquan Boldin reached 537 career receptions and passed Larry Centers (535) to become the Cardinals all-time receptions leader Career Receptions Franchise Record Rec Player (Years) 537 Anquan Boldin (2003-present) 535 Larry Centers ( ) 522 Roy Green ( ) 493 Frank Sanders ( ) 480 Jackie Smith ( ) HOW HE GOT THERE Boldin has wasted no time making his way up the franchise receptions list. In fact, no one in NFL history has made their way to 500 career receptions (or 400, or 300 or 200) faster than Boldin. Fastest Players to Reach 500 Receptions Player # of Games Anquan Boldin, Arizona 80 Lionel Taylor, Denver 89 Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis 90 Randy Moss, Minnesota 93 Torry Holt, St. Louis 94 Fastest Players to Reach 400 Receptions Player, Team # of Games Anquan Boldin, Arizona 67 Kellen Winslow, San Diego 72 Lionel Taylor, Denver 73 Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis 75 Torry Holt, St. Louis 77 Randy Moss, Minnesota 78 Fastest Players to Reach 300 Receptions Player, Team # of Games Anquan Boldin, Arizona 47 Lionel Taylor, Denver 54 Kellen Winslow, San Diego 57 Isaac Bruce, St. Louis 58 Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis 59 Fastest Players to Reach 200 Receptions Player, Team # of Games Anquan Boldin, Arizona 34 Lionel Taylor, Denver 36 Tom Fears, L.A. Rams 36 Terry Glenn, New England 39 Kellen Winslow, San Diego 39 Originally a second round draft pick in 2003, nearly a fifth of Boldin s receptions came in his rookie season when he set an NFL rookie record with 101 receptions (a then-franchise single-season record) en route to Offensive Rookie-of-the-Year honors. Below is a breakdown of Boldin s receptions by year: Year G Rec Boldin is one of 14 players in NFL history to record two 100-catch seasons and one of just four who hit reached 100 receptions twice in their first four seasons. In his 87 career games, Boldin is averaging 6.2 receptions per game. BOLDIN S BIG GAMES Three-time Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin hasn t had his breakout game yet this season but history says it will come soon. The seventh-year pro can break out at any time and has a career littered with big games to prove it. Boldin s 10 Biggest Games Date Rec Yds TD Det Sea Bal /23/07 vs. Atl /9/05 vs. Car SF /14/08 vs. Mia Min /23/06 vs. Chi Hou BOLDIN NEARING 7,000 Anquan Boldin needs 100 receiving yards this week to reach 7,000 yards for his career. If he accomplished the feat this week, in his 88 th career game, he will tie Isaac Bruce as the fifth-fastest receiver in NFL history to reach the career milestone. Boldin enters this week s game with 6,900 receiving yards. Fewest Game to Reach 7,000 Receiving Yards Player Games Lance Alworth 72 Torry Holt 82 Randy Moss 83 Jerry Rice 83 Isaac Bruce 88 Boldin needs 106 receiving yards to pass Pat Tilley and move into third place on the franchise receiving yardage list. Franchise Receiving Yardage Leaders 8,497 Roy Green, ,918 Jackie Smith, ,005 Pat Tilley, ,900 Anquan Boldin, ,644 Mel Gray, BREASTON, THE NOT SO SECRET WEAPON In the six games he has played this season (sat out the season opener with a knee injury), Steve Breaston has totaled 400 yards and a TD on 30 receptions. The third-year wide receiver is now on pace to catch 75 passes for 1,000 yards this season. After missing the opener against the 49ers, Breaston proved in week two just how important he has become to the Cardinals passing attack. He hauled in five receptions for a team-high 83 yards against the Jaguars. Breaston had his breakout day as a wide receiver against the NY Jets in week four of the 2008 season and hasn t looked back. He finished 2008 with 1,006 receiving yards. Below is a look at Breaston s stats over the last 19 regular season games compared to his first 19 NFL games: First 19 Games Last 19 Games Rec Yds Lg TD Rec Yds Lg TD , Cardinals vs. Bears 10 of 36