Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release

Transcription

1 u Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release Game 12 Sunday, December 3, :00 AM THIS WEEK S GAME The Cardinals hit the road again this week, taking on the St. Louis Rams in their first NFC West game in nine weeks. The Cards started the season with three consecutive division games. The Cards enter this week s game coming off a loss to the Minnesota Vikings on the road. The Rams won at home vs. the 49ers, Matt Leinart threw for 405 yards last week, an NFL record for rookies, completing 31 of 51 pass attempts for one touchdown and two interceptions. Larry Fitzgerald recorded 172 yards, a career-high and the most in the NFL in week 12. Anquan Boldin also finished the day with 140 yards on nine receptions, marking the 5 th time that the two have each had 100 yards receiving in the same game. Adrian Wilson had his second 99-yard touchdown of the season. This one came on a Chester Taylor fumble which Wilson picked up at the one-yard line and ran the distance for the score. The Cardinals return home to host the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos in their final two home games before closing the 2006 season on the road against San Francisco and San Diego. THE COACHES Dennis Green Scott Linehan Overall Record Regular Season Record Playoff Record th Years as Head Coach in NFL 1 st 3 rd Years with team 1 st BROADCAST INFORMATION TELEVISION CARDINALS RADIO NETWORK Network: Fox Flagship: ESPN Radio 860 AM Play-by-Play: Pat Summerall KTAR 620 AM Analyst: Brian Baldinger Play-by-Play: Dave Pasch Analyst: Ron Wolfley Sideline: Paul Calvisi CARDINALS SPANISH RADIO Flagship: KMIA 710 AM Play-by-Play: Gabriel Trujillo Analyst: Luis Zendejas ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-9) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (5-6) Edward Jones Dome THE SERIES The Cardinals and Rams have met 42 times since 1946 with the Rams holding a advantage in the series. The Cards and Rams have met twice annually since the Cardinals joined the NFC West in The Cardinals have won two of the last four meetings between the two teams, but the Rams have taken seven of nine games since the Cards joined the division. The Rams relocated to St. Louis from Los Angeles in The Cardinals left St. Louis following the 1987 season for Arizona. SERIES NOTES Overall Regular Season Series: Cardinals last win: 11/20/05, W, St. Louis First Meeting: 10/27/46, W, vs. L.A. Rams Last Meeting: 9/24/06, L, vs. St. Louis Next Scheduled Meeting: 2007 CARDS & RAMS SINCE 2002 Date Site Result Sept. 24, 2006 Arizona L, Nov. 20, 2005 St. Louis W, Sept. 18, 2005 Arizona L, Dec. 19, 2004 Arizona W, 31-7 Sept. 12, 2004 St. Louis L, Nov. 23, 2003 Arizona L, (OT) Sep. 28, 2003 St. Louis L, Dec. 15, 2002 St. Louis L, Nov. 3, 2002 Arizona L, Mark Dalton Sr. Dir. of Media Relations Mike Kane Media Relations Coordinator mdalton@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ mkane@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ Chris Melvin Media Relations Manager Amber Kelley Administrative Assistant cmelvin@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ akelley@cardinals.nfl.net 602/ S. Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ Phone: Fax:

2 CARDINALS EXTREME HOME FIELD MAKEOVER RING OF HONOR The Cardinals have inducted 11 former Cardinals into the team s Ring of Honor in the inaugural season at University of Phoenix Stadium. The most recent was former safety Pat Tillman vs. Dallas on 11/12 (see below). Charles W. Bidwill Sr. (HOF 1967) Jimmy Conzelman (HOF 1964) Dan Deirdorf (HOF 1996) John Paddy Driscoll (HOF 1965) Marshall Goldberg Dick Night Train Lane (HOF 1974) Ollie Matson (HOF 1972) Ernie Nevers (HOF 1963) Pat Tillman Charlie Trippi (HOF 1968) Larry Wilson (HOF 1978) CARDS HONOR TILLMAN During halftime of the Cardinals game against Dallas on 11/12, the team inducted former safety Pat Tillman into the team s Ring of Honor. The team also dedicated the area surrounding the stadium as the Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza and unveiled an eightfoot white bronze sculpture of Tillman on the plaza. Tillman, a seventh round draft choice in 1998, was a threeyear starter at strong safety for the Cardinals until he left the team prior to the 2002 season to enlist in the U.S. Army and become a member of the elite Army Rangers unit. He was tragically killed on April 22, 2004 in Afghanistan. The Cardinals retired Tillman s #40 in a ceremony at halftime of the team s September 19, 2004 game against the New England Patriots. Tillman became the 5 th player in franchise history to have his number retired. THE GRASS IS GREENER In a recent Sporting News survey, players across the NFL voted the surface at University of Phoenix Stadium as the best playing surface in the NFL. Although the stadium opened this season, Arizona is noted for having the finest playing surface in the league. Prior to moving to their new stadium, the turf at Sun Devil Stadium was consistently rated as the best in the NFL by players and field turf professionals. The new field at University of Phoenix Stadium takes advantage of the Arizona sunshine by resting in a giant, moveable tray that sits outside of the stadium. Prior to Cardinals home games, the 18.9 million pound field is moved inside and removed shortly after the game. UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX STADIUM In late September, the Cardinals state-of-the-art facility received a new name: University of Phoenix Stadium. At a press conference on Tuesday, September 26, the Cardinals and University of Phoenix announced an exclusive, multi-year agreement with University of Phoenix to become the team s naming rights partner. It is the first time a National Football League venue has been named after an educational institution. University of Phoenix, the largest private university in the United States, will invest an average of $7.7 million per year for 20 years in exchange for naming rights, signage and a variety of advertising, marketing and merchandising opportunities. In addition, the alliance enables the University already international in scope to reach an even greater number and diversity of potential students, while staying grounded in its hometown community, according to Brian Mueller, president of Apollo Group, the University s parent company. Aside from Arizona Cardinals football games, the stadium will host Super Bowl XLII in February Additionally, the stadium will be the annual site of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, and the first-ever Bowl Championship Series title game will be played there in January. University of Phoenix was founded 30 years ago, and serves students both on-line and with 191 campuses and learning centers in 39 states and four foreign nations. TRULY MULTI-PURPOSE In its first year of operation, University of Phoenix Stadium will have hosted everything from high school proms to the Rolling Stones and Super Bowl XLII. The facility has the ability to host football, basketball, soccer, concerts, consumer shows, motor sports, rodeos and corporate events as well as other gatherings. Here s a list of some of the events that will be taking place at the stadium. More than 150 events have been booked for the first year. Rolling Stones A Bigger Bang Tour Arizona Facility Management Show Dr. William J. Bennett AMERICA: The Last Best Hope 2006 AIA State Football Championships Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Tostitos BCS National Championship World of Wheels Autorama Shamrock Food Show Oasis Gift Show Men s Luxury Toy Expo & Auction SYSCO Food Show Cardinals vs. Rams Page 2 of 34

3 UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX STADIUM BY THE NUMBERS 1.7 million Square footage of stadium 88 Total number of luxury lofts in stadium 7,501 Total number of club seats in stadium 7 Number of club lounges 63,400 Seating capacity for Cardinals games (expandable to 73,000 for Super Bowls and college Bowl games) 1,250 Approximate number of shade trees used throughout the stadium plaza 21 Number of vertical slots on the exterior wall of stadium 30 Height in feet of the giant numbers designating the three main entrances to the stadium 19 Width in inches of the stadium seats; club seats are 21 inches 10 Number of elevators for public use in stadium 18 Number of escalators for public use in stadium 115+ Number of event days already booked for first year at the stadium 1.1 million Projected number of visitors to stadium in its first year 14 Number of new NFL venues HOK has designed 1,175 Total restroom fixtures for public use in the stadium (33 women s restrooms, 28 men s, and 12 family restrooms) 310 The number of fixed locations for fans to purchase food and beverages (does not include additional portable locations) 8,000 Tons of cooling used by the stadium s air conditioning 2,300 Number of Valley homes that could be accommodated by the air conditioning provided at the stadium 14,000 Number of on-site parking spaces (not including additional 11,000 on adjacent and nearby parcels) 15,451 Square footage of the Cardinals locker room area including equipment and training rooms, shower areas, etc. (Locker room itself is 5,000) 454,785 Votes in favor of Proposition 302 stadium legislation in ,218 Days between the stadium groundbreaking (4/12/03) and the inaugural game at the stadium (8/12/06) 16,340 Total number of jobs created by Proposition 302; overall economic impact is $1.95 billion 700 Average number of workers on-site daily during stadium construction (3,000 total workers) 2.6 million Total number of hours put in by workers during construction project 900 Length in miles of a sidewalk that could be made from the amount of concrete used on the stadium (roughly the distance from Phoenix to San Francisco) 10,000 Approximate number of individual Crown Coor panels that make up the metallic skin of the stadium s exterior 2/3/08 Date of Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium 2009 Year that the stadium will host the Regionals of the NCAA men s basketball tournament. RETRACTABLE ROOF 242 x 361 Size in feet of the roof opening; when panels are open it exposes the entire playing field 700 Length in feet of each of the two Brunnel trusses that support the stadium roof; each one is as long as three 747 s lined up end-to-end 490,000 Square feet in the surface area of the roof 18.5 million Approximate weight in pounds of the total roof 550 Weight in tons of each roof panel 10 Approximate number of minutes to open or close the roof 25 Speed in feet per minute at which the roof will move (1/4 m.p.h.) 1 Number of other retractable roof venues In the NFL (Houston s Reliant Stadium) RETRACTABLE FIELD 18.9 million Weight in pounds of the retractable field 234 x 403 Size in feet of the field tray; it is 3.5 feet high 542 Total number of steel wheels used to slide playing field into stadium, each riding on one of 13 parallel steel rails Approximate number of minutes it will take to move playing field into the stadium 740 Total number of feet the field moves to get into the stadium 76 Driving force in horsepower required to move the retractable field 94,000 Amount of square feet of natural grass of field (over two acres) 0 Number of other fully retractable fields in North America Cardinals vs. Rams Page 3 of 34

4 CARDINALS & RAMS IN 2006 CARDINALS CATEGORY RAMS 2-9 Record Points Scored Points Allowed Touchdowns Scored Touchdowns Allowed 29 5 Rushing TDs 6 12 Passing TDs 14 3 Return TDs 1 12 Rushing TDs Allowed Passing TDs Allowed 16 4 Return TDs Allowed 2 28/208 Sacked/Yards Lost 37/275 26/11 Fumbles/Lost 15/9 14 Had Intercepted 4 16/23 Field Goals Made/Attempted 25/ 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 :22 Average Time of Possession 30:54 26/32/10 NFL Rank-Total Offense/Run/Pass 11/25/8 30/22/26 NFL Rank-Total Defense/Run/Pass 25/32/10 0/1 2-Point Conversions 1/2 A TALE OF TWO CITIES The Cardinals may just be visiting St. Louis this week, but for many, it will feel like a Homecoming. The Cardinals were based in St. Louis from 1960 to 1987 before heading west to Arizona. The Rams relocated to St. Louis from Los Angeles in The Cardinals moved to St. Louis from Chicago in 1960, where they began playing in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club, a neighborhood group that played in Chicago s South Side, and evolved to the Chicago Cardinals. The Rams spent 49 years in southern California before they moved the franchise to St. Louis in In their first year in the Show Me State the Rams played home games in Busch Stadium, where the football Cardinals played their home games during their 28 years in St. Louis. The Cards hold the distinction as being the United States oldest professional football franchise still in existence. Seven Cardinals employees remain with the team since the move from St. Louis to Arizona. THE LAST TIME CARDS AND RAMS Game 3 Rams 16, CARDINALS 14 September 24, 2006 Cardinals Stadium (63,278) The Cardinals were poised to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at home against the Rams but let the opportunity slip through their fingers. Arizona trailed 17-7 late in the fourth but a 6-yard TD run by Edgerrin James made it a 2-point game with 4:13 to play. Faced with a 3 rd -n-2 at their own 28, a Marc Bulger 6-yard pass to Torry Holt was ruled a completion and upheld by a replay challenge with 2:03 remaining. On the next snap, however, Bulger fumbled the ball in the backfield and DE Antonio Smith recovered at the St. Louis 30 with 1:58 left. Consecutive James runs of 4 and 8 yards moved the ball to the 18 putting Arizona well in range for a game-winning FG attempt. The chance never came, though, as Kurt Warner fumbled the next snap and the Rams recovered at the 18 with 1:41 to play. It was the fourth turnover of the day for AZ with the other three coming on Warner INTs. Arizona s defense held, forcing a punt with :05 left. While time expired as the punt was in the air, Troy Walters fair-caught it at his own 33 which would have led to a rarely-seen fair catch/free kick by Neil Rackers. But that slim hope was eliminated because of an off-side call against Arizona, who fell to 1-2 and suffered its first loss at its new stadium. Arizona took an early lead in the game when Warner connected with WR Larry Fitzgerald on a 12-yard TD pass on the Cards second drive of the game. St. Louis was aided on the next drive by a dubious pass interference call on 3 rd -n-5 that resulted in a 32-yard gain to the AZ 6 and led to a 26-yard Jeff Wilkins FG. Arizona responded on the next drive by moving to the Rams 13 thanks to three Anquan Boldin catches for 54 yards but it ended there when Warner was INT d by FS Oshimogho Atogwe. Boldin turned in another outstanding effort, finishing with 10 catches for 129 yards. The Rams then took a 10-7 lead when Bulger hit Holt on a 9-yard TD pass. On the next play from scrimmage, Warner was picked off by CB Fakhir Brown at the AZ 45. That led to a Wilkins FG on the final play of the first half and another on the opening drive of the second gave St. Louis a 16-7 lead that they took late into the fourth. RAMS CARDINALS Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score CARDS 1 7:04 Fitzgerald 12-yard pass from Warner (Rackers kick) 8-45, 4: Rams 2 11:25 Wilkins 26-yard FG 11-72, 3: Rams 2 3:20 Holt 9-yard pass from Bulger (Wilkins kick) 5-94, 2: Rams 2 0:00 Wilkins 47-yard FG 8-16, 3: Rams 3 8:08 Wilkins 21-yard FG 13-77, 6: CARDS 4 4:13 James 6-yard run (Rackers kick) 16-87, 8: STATISTICS STL 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 30:07 29:53 Weather: Indoors RUSHING RAMS: Jackson 24-62; Fisher 1-2; Bulger 3-(- 1). CARDS: James 24-94, TD; Warner 3-10; B. Johnson 1-(-3). PASSING RAMS: Bulger 21-31, 309 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. CARDS: Warner 19-28, 256 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT. RECEIVING: RAMS: Holt 8-120, TD; Bruce 3-79; Jackson 3-59; McDonald 2-16; Fisher 2-8; Walker 1-16; Curtis 1-7; Davis 1-4. CARDS: Boldin ; Fitzgerald 6-65, TD; B. Johnson 1-54; James 1-5; Shipp 1-3. Cardinals vs. Rams Page 4 of 34

5 LAST WEEK S GAME CARDS AT VIKINGS Game 11 Vikings 31, CARDINALS 26 November 26, 2006 Metrodome (63,483) In Dennis Green s regular season return to Minnesota, a frantic 4 th quarter comeback fell short and Arizona dropped to 2-9 with a 5-point loss to the Vikings. Playing against the NFL s #1 run defense, the Cards tied the league and franchise-record low with just 6 rushing attempts but QB Matt Leinart put it in the air 51 times for an NFL rookie record 405 yards. The majority of those went to MN native and former Vikings ballboy Larry Fitzgerald (11-172) and Anquan Boldin (9-140-TD). Three turnovers and a missed FG on the first 4 drives of the 2 nd half proved costly as did Minnesota s rushing advantage of 140 yards that contributed to a time of possession lead of nearly 13 minutes. Arizona started quickly as J.J. Arrington returned the game-opening kickoff 99 yards for a TD. On the ensuing possession, Chester Taylor s 7 carries netted 53 of the Minnesota s 70 yards and his 1-yard scoring plunge on 4 th -n-goal tied the game at 7. AZ s next drive reached the MIN 21 before Edgerrin James fumbled at the 23. Neil Rackers added a FG on each of the next two AZ possessions (21, 50) to give the Cards a 13-7 lead late in the half. With 0:51 before intermission, Minnesota faced a 4 th -n-7 at the AZ 39 when Brad Johnson hit TE Jermaine Wiggins for a 22-yard gain. A spike later, Johnson connected on a 17-yard scoring pass to WR Marcus Robinson that put the Vikes up at the half. They added to it on the opening drive of the 3 rd quarter when Johnson capped a 10-play, 80- yard drive with a 9-yard scoring pass to WR Billy McMullen. On the next play from scrimmage, a Dwight Smith INT off Leinart gave the Vikings the ball at their own 46 and led to a 40-yard Ryan Longwell FG. Down 24-13, Arizona s next drive reached the MIN 18 but a mysterious crack-back call against TE Adam Bergen backed them into a 41-yard FG that Rackers missed left. A 3-n-out saw the ball punted back to the Cards but Troy Walters fumbled on the return and the Vikings took over at the AZ 35. Seven plays later, Johnson found TE Jeff Dugan with a 3-yard TD pass that made it Two plays into the next AZ drive, Bergen fumbled and CB Fred Smoot returned it to the AZ 16. A 15-yard Taylor run took it to the goal line but on the next play, Taylor fumbled and SS Adrian Wilson took it the distance for his second 99-yard return of the season. Down after the 2-point try failed, Arizona got to the MIN 15 with 3:17 to play before turning it over on downs. However, they got it back near midfield with 1:47 left and with 0:39 to play Leinart hit Boldin with a 9-yard TD on 4 th -n-goal. Down 5, LB Darryl Blackstock then recovered the Rackers on-side kick and AZ took over at its own 44 with 0:38 left and no timeouts. A 20-yard completion to Fitzgerald moved it to the 36 but then another Fitzgerald catch inside the 5 was ruled out of bounds with no review. Two more shots at the end zone proved unsuccessful, ending the comeback try. CARDINALS VIKINGS Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score CARDS 1 14:44 Arrington 99-yard kickoff return (Rackers kick) 0-0, 0: Vikings CARDS 1 2 9:42 13:28 Taylor 1-yard run (Longwell kick) Rackers 21-yard FG 9-70, 5: , 3: CARDS 2 3:48 Rackers 50-yard FG 11-57, 4: Vikings Vikings 2 3 0:31 10:37 Robinson 17-yard pass from Johnson (Longwell kick) 11-80, 3:17 McMullen 9-yard pass from Johnson (Longwell kick) 10-80, 4: Vikings 3 6:38 Longwell 40-yard FG 9-32, 3: Vikings CARDS :00 10:08 Dugan 3-yard pass from Johnson (Longwell kick) A. Wilson 99-yard fumble return (pass failed) 7-35, 3: CARDS 4 0:39 Boldin 9-yard pass from Leinart (Rackers kick) 9-53, 1: STATISTICS AZ MIN 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 23:38 36:32 Weather: Indoors RUSHING CARDS: James 4-15; Ayanbadejo 1-2; Leinart 1-0. VIKINGS: Taylor , TD; B. Johnson 3-15; Moore 2-10; Fason 1-(-4). PASSING CARDS: Leinart 31-51, 405 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT. VIKINGS: B. Johnson 27-41, 271, 3 TD, 0 INT. RECEIVING CARDS: Fitzgerald ; Boldin 9-140, TD; B. Johnson 4-48; Bergen 3-32; James 2-10; Pope 1-2; Arrington 1-1. VIKINGS: Robinson 7-82, TD; Wiggins 6-52; T. Taylor 5-56; C. Taylor 3-35; McMullen 2-15, TD; Dugan 2-5, TD; Kleinsasser 1-14; Fason BOLDIN AMONG THE ELITE Since joining the league in 2003 as Arizona s second-round draft pick, Anquan Boldin has accumulated 323 receptions, tying him with the fourth-most in the NFL during that span (despite playing in fewer games than anyone in the top 10). The Rams Torry Holt has recorded the most since A Pro Bowler in 2003, Boldin has recorded over 100 receptions in two of his first three seasons in the NFL. Last season, Boldin broke his own previous record for receptions in a season, recording 102 for 1,402 yards. Boldin s rookie total of 101 tied the franchise record. Boldin recorded nine receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown in last week s game. It marked Boldin s 18 th career 100-yard performance, tying him for the third-most in franchise history. RECEPTION LEADERS SINCE 2003 Player Games Rec Yards TDs 1. Torry Holt , Chad Johnson , Derrick Mason , t. Anquan Boldin , t. Marvin Harrison , Laveranues Coles , Hines Ward , Tony Gonzalez , Andre Johnson , Reggie Wayne , BOLDIN FLOURISHES WITH EVERY QB Since Anquan Boldin arrived in the NFL in 2003, the Cardinals have used six different starting quarterbacks. Here s a breakdown of Boldin s receptions by year and quarterback. By Quarterback Josh McCown 116 Kurt Warner 81 Jeff Blake 65 Matt Leinart 42 Shaun King 11 John Navarre 8 Total 323 By Year 2003 (101) 2005 (102) Blake 65 Warner 59 McCown 36 McCown 40 Navarre (56) 2006 (64) McCown 40 Leinart 42 King 11 Warner 22 Navarre 5 Total 323 Cardinals vs. Rams Page 5 of 34

6 LEINART SETS NFL ROOKIE RECORD Matt Leinart knew the Cardinals were going to go to the air against the Vikings, but he didn t think he would make history in the process. Leinart threw for an NFL rookie record 405 yards, completing 31 of 51 passes for a touchdown and two interceptions. It marked the first time since 1998 the Cardinals had a 400-yard passer and only the 8 th time in franchise history. The Cards threw 51 passes against the Vikings and ran only six running plays. The Cards did not punt the entire afternoon, converting two-of-three 4 th down attempts. Leinart also set new career-highs in attempts and completions against the Vikings and in six of Leinart s seven starts he has thrown for over 200 yards. MOST PASSING YARDS BY A ROOKIE IN A GAME Yds Player Team Date Opp 405 Matt Leinart Ariz Nov. 26, Min 388 Jake Plummer Ariz Nov. 16, NYG 379 Troy Aikman Dal Nov. 12, Phx 369 Vinny Testaverde TB Dec. 6, NO 365 Steve Grogan NE Nov. 23, Buf CARDINALS 400-YARD PASSING GAMES Yds Player Date Opp Att Cmp 522 Boomer Esiason Nov. 10, Was Neil Lomax Dec. 16, Was Jake Plummer Nov. 15, 1998 vs. Dal Neil Lomax Sept. 20, SD Steve Beuerlin Dec. 19, Sea Charley Johnson Oct. 13, 1963 vs. Pit Dave Krieg Nov. 26, 1995 vs. Atl Matt Leinart Nov. 26, Min TOPS IN WEEK 12 Matt Leinart s 405 passing yards were the most in the NFL in week 12. Leinart connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a league-high 172 yards and Anquan Boldin s 140 yards qualified as the third-most in the league after last week s game. Leinart s 405 yards were the most ever by a rookie in the NFL. TOP PASSING DAYS OF 2006 Yds Player, Team Opp, Date Att-Com-TD 510 Drew Brees, NO vs. Cin, 11/ Carson Palmer, CIN vs. SD, 11/ Ben Roethlisberger, PIT vs. Den, 11/ Joey Harrington, MIA vs. GB 10/ Matt Leinart, ARI at Min, 11/ Peyton Manning, IND vs. Hou, 9/ KNOW WHEN TO THROW AWAY In the last three games, Matt Leinart has been sacked only three times, quite a difference from his first four games as a starter when the rookie was dropped 12 times. Here s a breakdown of Leinart s sacks allowed in 2006: First Four Last Three Games Sacks Games Sacks 10/8 vs. KC 4 11/12 vs. Dal 1 10/16 vs. Chi 1 11/19 vs. Det 1 Oak 3 Min 1 GB 4 Total 3 Total 12 COMPARING QUARTERBACKS Matt Leinart started his NFL career by completing multiple touchdown passes in each of his first two starts. Dan Marino is the other quarterback to throw for multiple touchdowns in his first three games as a rookie. Here s how Leinart s first six starts compare to the first six starts of some recent Hall of Fame quarterbacks as well as some other highly-touted quarterbacks. Player, Year Comp Att Pct. Yds TD Int Sk/Yds Rat. Record Leinart, , / Hall Of Fame Troy Aikman, , / Terry Bradshaw, / John Elway, / Jim Kelly, , / Dan Marino, , / Joe Montana, , / Steve Young, , / Tom Brady, , / Brett Favre, , / Eli Manning, / Peyton Manning, , / Donovan McNabb, / Ben Roethlisberger, , / Cardinals vs. Rams Page 6 of 34

7 THE HOMECOMING KING In Larry Fitzgerald s Homecoming last week in Minnesota, the Cardinals receiver proved he was King. Fitzgerald s 172 yards were the most in the NFL in week 12 and were also a career-high for the third-year receiver. His 11 catches were the second-most of his career (13, at NYG 9/11/05). Fitzgerald s performance was witnessed by a number of friends and family members as the Minnesota native put on a show in his hometown. Fitzgerald was a stand-out prep at Academy of the Holy Angels High School in Minneapolis and worked as a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings under then head coach Dennis Green. BOLDIN BECOMES FASTEST TO 300 Anquan Boldin became the all-time fastest NFL player to reach 300 career receptions when he hit the mark at Oakland on 10/22 in only 47 games, seven faster than the previous record holder (Lionel Taylor, Denver). Boldin was also the fastest player to reach 200 receptions, hitting the mark after only 34 games, breaking Taylor s previous record by two games. With 47 yards against Green Bay, Boldin tied for the thirdfastest player to reach 4,000 behind Lance Alworth (42) and Randy Moss (47) and tied with Charley Hennigan and Jerry Rice at 48. Below is a history of Boldin s receiving milestones: Receptions # of Games Opponent, Date 50 Pit, 11/9/ vs. Min, 12/28/ Sea, 12/26/ StL, 11/20/ vs. Phi, 12/24/ Oak, 10/22/06 FASTEST PLAYERS TO REACH 300 CATCHES 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 4,000 YARDS Player, Team # of Games Lance Alworth, San Diego 42 Randy Moss, Minnesota 47 Anquan Boldin, Arizona 48 Charley Hennigan, Houston 48 Jerry Rice, San Francisco 48 Torry Holt, St. Louis 51 FITZGERALD HITS CENTURY MARK Larry Fitzgerald recorded his ninth career 100-yard game last weekend with 11 receptions for a league and career-high 172 yards. It was Fitzgerald s first 100-yard game since the season opener vs. San Francisco on 9/10. In that game, Fitzgerald had nine receptions for 133 yards. FITZGERALD S 100-YARD GAMES Date Opp Rec Yards TD Min /10/06 vs. SF SF StL Det /6/05 vs. Sea /9/05 vs. Car /2/05 vs. SF NYG Fitzgerald s 172 yards were the most in week 12 and the 6 th most in the NFL in Yds Player, Team Opp, Date Rec TD 265 Lee Evans, BUF at Hou, 11/ Chad Johnson, CIN vs. SD, 11/ Donald Driver, GB at Min, 11/ Chad Johnson, CIN at NO, 11/ Steve Smith, CAR at Bal, 10/ Larry Fitzgerald, ARI at Min, 11/ FITZGERALD HITS 200 Larry Fitzgerald recorded 11 receptions in last week s game, leaving him with 205 career receptions after 40 career games. Only five people have reached 200 in fewer than 40 games, including teammate Anquan Boldin. FASTEST TO 200 RECEPTIONS Player Team Games Year Anquan Boldin Arizona Lionel Taylor Denver Tom Fears L.A. Rams Terry Glenn New England Kellen Winslow San Diego Larry Fitzgerald Arizona BOLDIN MOVING UP With nine receptions last week, Anquan Boldin moved ahead Rob Moore and into 10 th place on the Cardinals career receptions list with 323. Boldin needs six receptions to move into 9 th, ahead of Sonny Randle. Career Receptions Record 535 Larry Centers, Roy Green, Frank Sanders, Jackie Smith, Pat Tilley, Bobby Joe Conrad, J.T. Smith, Mel Gray, Sonny Randle, Anquan Boldin, Cardinals vs. Rams Page 7 of 34

8 BOLDIN HITS 100 AGAIN Anquan Boldin recorded his third 100-yard game of 2006 in last week s contest in Minnesota. Boldin finished the day with nine receptions for 140 yards including a nine-yard touchdown pass from Matt Leinart in the fourth quarter. With his 18 th career 100-yard game, Boldin moved into a tie for 3 rd most in team history with Rob Moore. The Cardinals record for 100-yard games in a career is 22, set by Jackie Smith. The Cardinals single-season record for 100-yard games is nine, set by David Boston in MOST CAREER 100-YARD GAMES IN TEAM HISTORY Jackie Smith 22 Roy Green 20 Anquan Boldin 18 Rob Moore 18 Mel Gray 17 David Boston 16 BOLDIN S 100-YARD GAMES Date Opp Rec Yards TD Min /16/06 vs. Chi /24/06 vs. StL Hou /11/05 vs. Was SF /27/05 vs. Jax StL /9/05 vs. Car /2/05 vs. SF /18/05 vs. StL Sea /12/04 vs. SF Sea SF /23/03 vs. StL Pit Det BOLDIN AMONG NFL LEADERS Anquan Boldin s nine receptions last week vaulted him to 4 th in the NFL in receptions. St. Louis Torry Holt and Stephen Jackson are tied for seventh with 63 receptions. Rank Player, Team Rec Yds TD 1. Andre Johnson, Hou Lavernaeus Coles, NYJ Kellen Winslow, Cle t. Chad Johnson, Cin 64 1, t. Anquan Boldin, Ari t. Reggie Bush, NO t. Torry Holt, StL tt Stephen Jackson, StL Steve Smith, Car t. Terrell Owens, Dal t. Marvin Harrison, Ind THE TERRIFIC TWOSOME For the fifth time in only two years, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald recorded 100 yards receiving in the same game last week in Minnesota. Boldin and Fitzgerald became the first duo in team history to record 140 or more yards in the same game. The Cardinals have had two or more receivers go over 100- yards in the same game 29 times, including last week s game. Date Opp Player Rec Yds Min Larry Fitzgerald Anquan Boldin SF Anquan Boldin Larry Fitzgerald StL Larry Fitzgerald Anquan Boldin /9/05 vs. Car Anquan Boldin Larry Fitzgerald /2/05 vs. SF Anquan Boldin Larry Fitzgerald GB Frank Sanders Rob Moore NYG Frank Sanders Rob Moore /26/95 vs. Atl Rob Moore Larry Centers /29/91 vs. NE Ernie Jones Ricky Proehl /23/90 vs. NYG Roy Green Ernie Jones /18/90 vs. GB Ernie Jones Roy Green /12/89 vs. Dal Rob Await Ernie Jones Sea Roy Green J.T. Smith TB J.T. Smith Jay Novacek Dal J.T. Smith Roy Green Phi J.T. Smith Roy Green Was Roy Green Ottis Anderson /23/79 vs. Was Dave Stief Pat Tilley /17/78 vs. Atl Dave Stief Pat Tilley /13/70 vs. NYG Jackie Smith MacArthur Lane LA John Gilliam Jackie Smith /2/69 vs. NO Dave Williams John Gilliam /10/68 vs. Pit Bobby Joe Conrad Dave Williams Jackie Smith /22/67 vs. Phi Bobby Joe Conrad Jackie Smith NYG Jackie Smith Bobby Joe Conrad /16/62 vs. Phi Taz Anderson Sonny Randle LA John David Crow Sonny Randle Cardinals vs. Rams Page 8 of 34

9 AGENT 99 Entering this season, safety Adrian Wilson had two touchdowns in his previous five NFL seasons a 61-yard INT return at Washington on 1/6/02 and a 35-yard fumble return vs. New Orleans on 10/3/04. He has not only matched that figure in 2006 but nearly gone the length of the field on each. The more recent of those two TDs came this past week at Minnesota when he scooped up a fourth quarter TD by Chester Taylor and raced 99 yards for a TD. Wilson also had a franchise record 99-yard INT return for a TD off Michael Vick in Arizona s game at Atlanta on 10/1/06. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Wilson is the first player in NFL history to record two touchdowns of 99+ yards in the same season without the benefit of a kickoff return TD. Wilson becomes just the fifth player since the 1970 NFL merger to record two 99+ yard scores in the same season. The four others all scored on kickoff returns. Players with two 99+ yard TDs in one season (since 1970 merger) Adrian Wilson, Ariz INT return (99) & fumble return (99) Justin Miller, NYJ 2006 Both kickoff returns (103 & 99) Terry Fair, Det Both kickoff returns (105 & 101) Roell Preston, G.B Both kickoff returns (101 & 100) Raymond Clayburn, N.E Both kickoff returns (101 & 100) Wilson s 99-yard fumble return at Minnesota also ranked among the longest in NFL history. Longest fumble returns in NFL history 104 Jack Tatum, Oak. vs. GB 9/24/72 Aeneas Williams Ariz. vs. Wash. 11/5/ Travis Davis Pit. vs. Car. 12/26/ Chris Martin K.C. vs. Mia. 10/13/91 99 Don Griffin S.F. vs. Chi. 12/23/91 Adrian Wilson Ariz. vs. Min. 11/26/06 WILSON S CAREER TOUCHDOWNS Min 99-yard fumble return Atl 99-yard interception return 10/3/04 vs. NO 35-yard fumble return Was 61-yard interception return The Vikings game began when Arizona s J.J. ARRINGTON returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a TD. When Wilson later scored on his 99-yard fumble return it marked just the second time in NFL history that teammates scored touchdowns of 99+ yards. According to Elias, the other time was a Cowboys-Eagles game on 10/14/62 when Dallas Amos Marsh returned a kickoff 101 yards and Mike Gaechter had a 100-yard INT return. GOING THE DISTANCE Adrian Wilson s 99-yard fumble return for a touchdown and J.J. Arrington s 99-yard kickoff return were long, but they weren t the longest touchdowns in team history. Here s a look at the longest touchdown plays in Cardinals history (all kickoff returns unless otherwise noted). Yds Player Opp Date 106 Roy Dal 10/21/ Frank NYG 10/20/ Ollie Was 10/14/56 104# Aeneas Williams vs. Was 11/5/ George Hoey vs. Phi 11/21/ Doug Russell vs. Cin 9/23/ Ollie Matson vs. Pit 11/23/ Ollie Matson vs. Chi 10/5/ John GB 12/21/ Josh StL 9/28/03 99* Adrian Atl 10/1/06 99 J.J. Min 11/26/06 99# Adrian Min 11/26/06 98^ Ogden Campbell-Dick GB 11/13/55 98^ Doug Russell-Gaynell Tinsley vs. Cle 11/27/38 *- Interception return; # - Fumble return; ^ - Pass WILSON EARNING RESPECT In the Cardinals regular season opener, the team inducted safety Larry Wilson into the team s Ring of Honor. However, this season another safety by the name of Wilson is trying to make a reservation for his name in the Ring. Strong safety Adrian Wilson has emerged as one of the premier defensive backs in the NFL. Since 2005, Wilson has recorded 12.0 sacks, the most by any defensive back in that span. His 8.0 in 2005 set a new NFL record for sacks by a defensive back and in 2006, Wilson has already recorded 4.0. Wilson is the only player in the NFL to have recorded 4.0+ sacks and three interceptions this season. Wilson is widely considered one of the best safeties in the league by his peers but he has never been named to a Pro Bowl. This season Wilson was named to three midseason All- Pro teams: Pro Football Weekly Unanimous pick ESPN - Len Pasquarelli s 2006 Midseason All-Pro Team Sports Illustrated - Dr. Z s Sleeper All-Pro Team Cardinals vs. Rams Page 9 of 34

10 HAPPY RETURNS J.J. Arrington opened last week s game with a bang. The second-year return man took the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. It was the Cards first kickoff return for a touchdown since Josh Scobey returned one 100 yards on 9/28/03 in St. Louis. Arrington s return marked the Cardinals 11 th kickoff returned for a touchdown since 1960 and just the second on the opening kickoff. Arrington s 220 return yards in last week s game were the secondmost ever by a Cardinal, falling short of Scobey s 252 yard total for the St. Louis game. The Cardinals last punt return for a touchdown was on 9/12/93 when Johnny Bailey returned a Reggie Roby punt 58 yards for a score in Washington. The last six kickoff returns for a touchdown have all come on the road. The last kickoff return for a touchdown in front of a home crowd was 9/29/74 when Terry Metcalf returned a kickoff 94 yards in St. Louis against Cleveland. Here s a list of the Cardinals 11 kickoff returns for a touchdown since 1960: Date Opponent Player Distance Minnesota J.J. Arrington 99* St. Louis Josh Scobey 100 Seattle MarTay Jenkins 95 Minnesota MarTay Jenkins 98 Dallas Roy Green 106 Washington Terry Metcalf 93 9/29/74 vs. Cleveland Terry Metcalf 94 9/23/73 vs. Washington Don Shy 97 11/21/71 vs. Philadelphia George Hoey 103 Green Bay John Gilliam 100 Cleveland Roy Shivers 94* *denotes opening kickoff OFFENSIVE LINE FINDS COMBINATION The Cardinals offensive line seems to have found the right combination after six different starting units have taken the field in the first 10 games. In the Cardinals last two games, they have allowed only one sack in each. Last week, the Cardinals threw the ball 51 times and allowed only one sack. The latest combination of linemen for the Cards featured rookie Deuce Lutui at right guard and Milford Brown at left guard. Here s a breakdown of the Cardinals starting offensive lines since the beginning of the season. LT LG C RG RT Games L. Davis Wells Stepanovich M. Brown Liwienski 1 L. Davis Liwienski Stepanovich M. Brown Wells 2 L. Davis Wells Stepanovich M. Brown Ross 3-5 L. Davis Wells Leckey Liwienski Ross 6-7 L. Davis Liwienski Leckey Lutui Wells 8-9 L. Davis M. Brown Leckey Lutui Wells ARRINGTON HITS THE RECORD BOOKS J.J. Arrington started the day with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and didn t stop. Arrington added returns of 10, 33, 41, 19 and 18 following his 99-yard opener. His 220-yard total for the day on six returns ranks second all-time in Cardinals history. Arrington s 1,182 kickoff return yards so far this season rank 8 th in the Cardinals single-season record books. MarTay Jenkins holds the single-season record with 2,186 yards (2000). Kickoff Return Yards Game Yds Player Opp Date 252 Josh St. Louis 9/28/ J.J. Minnesota 11/26/ Kevin Williams vs. Atlanta 12/21/ George Hoey vs. Philadelphia 11/21/ Reggie St. Louis 11/20/05 Kickoff Return Yards Season Yds Player Year 2,186 MarTay Jenkins ,684 Josh Scobey ,458 Kevin Williams ,456 Reggie Swinton ,292 Stump Mitchell ,231 Mario Bates ,218 Eric Metcalf ,182 J.J. Arrington ,148 Leeland McElroy ,120 MarTay Jenkins 2001 FRANCISCO MAKING WAVES Safety Aaron Francisco has gone from a long shot to even make a roster, to one of the Cardinals most versatile players. Francisco, a native of Hawaii, was an undrafted rookie free agent for the Cardinals in 2005 but saw action in 11 games as a rookie after spending time on the practice squad early in the year. In 2006, Francisco has played in every game and is widely used as a third safety with along with Adrian Wilson and Robert Griffith in nickel packages. Francisco is also second on the team in special teams tackles with 14, behind Hanik Milligan (15). Against the Lions on 11/19, Francisco recorded his second interception of 2006, picking off a pass that was deflected by Gerald Hayes in the Cardinals red zone. On Monday Night Football, Francisco recorded his first career interception and returned it 44 yards to set up Anquan Boldin s 26-yard score. Cardinals vs. Rams Page 10 of 34

11 CARDS GO HEAVY ON THE PASS In last week s game against the NFL s #1 ranked run defense, the Cardinals rushed the ball only six times the entire game. Edgerrin James handled four of those carries and Matt Leinart and FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo each had one. It was a far cry from the 10/16 game vs. Chicago when James matched a franchise-record with 36 rushes. The six rushing attempts tied an NFL and franchise record for fewest attempts in a game. The record was set on 10/29/33 by the Chicago Cardinals vs. Boston and matched by New England on Oct. 31, 2004 vs. Pittsburgh. FEWEST RUSHING ATTEMPTS - GAME 6 Ari. Cardinals at Minnesota, Nov. 26, 2006 New England vs. Pittsburgh, Oct. 31, 2004 Chi. Cardinals vs. Boston, Oct. 29, Green Bay vs. Miami, Sept. 11, 1994 Seattle vs. L.A. Raiders, Nov. 17, 1991 Houston vs. N.Y. Giants, Dec. 8, 1985 Oakland vs. Buffalo, Oct. 15, 1963 JAMES NEARLY HITS 100 In 107 career games, James has rushed for 100 yards 49 times. If he can rush for a 100-yard game in this week s contest, he would become the third-fastest player to reach yard games behind Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson and Jim Brown. Here s a list of the all-time fastest players to reach yard games. Player Games to reach 50 Eric Dickerson 83 Jim Brown 102 Barry Sanders 114 Walter Payton 117 Emmitt Smith 129 Emmitt Smith retired with the most 100-yard games in the history of the NFL, ending his career with 78. Only seven players have rushed for more than yard games in the history of the NFL. Player 100-Yard Games Emmitt Smith 78 Walter Payton 77 Barry Sanders 76 Eric Dickerson 64 Jerome Bettis 61 Jim Brown 58 Curtis Martin 57 Edgerrin James 49 GREAT SCOTT! On Scott Player s next punt, he will go over the 30,000 (29,988) yard mark. That is over 17 miles of punting. He needs two more punts for 700 in his career. Player didn t have a single punt in last week s game, the first time in his 135 games with the Cardinals. THE COUNTDOWN TO 10, Edgerrin James needs 79 rushing yards to become only the 19 th person in the history of the NFL to rush for over 10,000 career yards. James is currently ranked 19 th in alltime rushing yards with 9,921. JAMES RANKS AMONG THE BEST Edgerrin James needs 79 yards to reach 10,000 career rushing yards. James would become just the 19 th person in NFL history to record over 10,000 rushing yards. NFL All-Time Rushing Leaders Rk Player Att. Yds. TD 1 Emmitt Smith 4,409 18, Walter Payton 3,838 16, Barry Sanders 3,062 15, Curtis Martin* 3,518 14, Jerome Bettis 3,479 13, Eric Dickerson 2,996 13, Tony Dorsett 2,936 12, Jim Brown 2,359 12, Marshall Faulk* 2,836 12, Marcus Allen 3,022 12, Franco Harris 2,949 12, Thurman Thomas 2,877 12, John Riggins 2,916 11, O.J. Simpson 2,404 11, Corey Dillon* 2,551 10, Ricky Watters 2,622 10, Eddie George 2,865 10, O.J. Anderson 2,562 10, Edgerrin James* 2,414 9, Joe Perry# 1,929 9, * Denotes active players # includes AAFC stats DOMINATING SINCE 1999 Edgerrin James was selected by the Colts with the fourthoverall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. Since that time, no other running back has gained as many yards on the ground as James. Since entering the league, James has tallied 9,921 yards. The next closest back is the Giants Tiki Barber, who in the time span gained 9,190 yards. Here s a look at the top five running backs by yardage since 1999: Player Yards Attempts Games Edgerrin James 9,921 2, Tiki Barber 9,190 1, Curtis Martin 9,015 2, Corey Dillon 8,720 2, LaDanian Tomlinson 8,507 1, Cardinals vs. Rams Page 11 of 34

12 DEALING LONG TERM The Cardinals have locked up 18 of 22 regular starters to contracts through 2007 or longer. Eight members of the offense and seven members of the defense are signed through 2008 or longer. The Cards signed DT Darnell Dockett and LB Gerald Hayes to five-year extensions earlier this season, locking up both players through On offense the center Nick Leckey will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season and left tackle Leonard Davis will become an unrestricted free agent. Defensively, linebacker Orlando Huff and free safety Robert Griffith are both due to become unrestricted free agents. Here s a breakdown of the Cardinals starters and their final contract year: Offense Defense WR Boldin 2010 LDE Okeafor 2009 LT Davis 2006 NT Clancy 2009 LG M. Brown 2009 UT Dockett 2011 C Leckey 2006 RDE Berry 2008 RG Lutui 2009 SLB Dansby 2007 RT Wells 2010 MLB Hayes 2011 TE Pope 2008 WLB Huff 2006 WR B. Johnson 2007 LCB Rolle 2010 WR Fitzgerald 2009 SS Wilson 2009 QB Leinart 2011 FS Griffith 2006 RB James 2009 RCB Green 2007 FB Ayanbadejo 2007 BOLDIN S REAL LIFE VIDEO GAME In 2005 Anquan Boldin made three video game quality catch and runs for a touchdown, possibly the most remarkable one came at St. Louis. Boldin took a short pass on third-and-goal at the St. Louis 12-yard line and by the time he reached the four-yard line, seven Rams had converged on him. Boldin broke through the pile and into the endzone to tie the game at 10. For a diagram of the play, turn to page 89 of the Cardinals 2006 media guide. WARNER MAKING RETURN Quarterback Kurt Warner is returning to the city where his fairy-tale NFL career had its greatest success. Warner spent with the Rams and led the team to two Super Bowl appearances and was twice named the NFL s Most Valuable Player. The Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV over the Tennessee Titans and lost to the New England Patriots two years later in Super Bowl XXXVI. Warner re-wrote the Rams offensive record books as he orchestrated the Greatest Show on Turf. CARDINALS BY THE NUMBERS 0 Arizona punts last week at Minnesota. It was the first time in his 135 games with the Cardinals that Scott Player did not have a punt. 3.0 In the Cardinals last meeting with the Rams in St. Louis, Adrian Wilson recorded a career-high 3.0 sacks. 3 Combined number of sacks allowed by the Cardinals in the last three games. In Matt Leinart s first four starts, the team allowed 12 sacks. 3 Anquan Boldin has recorded three consecutive 100-yard games against the Rams. 4 Number of rookie QBs starting in the NFL this week (Matt Leinart, Vince Young, Bruce Gradkowski, Jay Cutler). It marks the second straight season four rookie QBs will start in the same week (Alex Smith, Charlie Frye, Kyle Orton, Ryan Fitzpatrick). 5 Number of times Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald have topped 100 receiving yards in the same game. That ties the tandems of Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce and Marvin Harrison/Regie Wayne for the most among active teammates. 6 Rushing attempts by the Cardinals in last week s game. Tied an NFL and franchise record for least attempts in a game. 8 Number of games in the first 12 that the Cardinals will play indoors, including this week at St. Louis. 10 Number of 99+ yard plays in Cardinals history entering this season. The team has three in 2006, including two last week and two by Adrian Wilson himself In eight meetings with Marc Bulger, the Cardinals defense has recorded 17 sacks and 11 interceptions. 26 Distance of INT return for a TD by Chicago Cardinal Pat Summerall vs. Pittsburgh on 11/5/55. It was the only career TD for Summerall, who will call this week s game for FOX. 172 Receiving yards for Larry Fitzgerald in last week s game, a new career-high. Cardinals vs. Rams Page 12 of 34

13 BOLDIN AFTER 51 Here s where Boldin stands after 51 games compared to some of the most elite receivers in NFL history. Receiver Receptions Anquan Boldin Tim Brown Cris Carter Marvin Harrison Michael Irvin Terrell Owens Jerry Rice ST. LOUIS ALUMNI The Cardinals will host several former players this week in the team s former city as the Cardinals take on the Rams. The Cards spent 27 years in St. Louis before relocating to Arizona following the 1987 season. The following former players will be guests of the Cardinals this week: Carl Allen Mark Arneson Irv Goode Mel Gray Jim Hanifan Willard Harrell Jerry Holloway Tim Kearney Terry Miller Eddie Moss Jim Otis Bob Rowe Mike Sensibaugh Jackie Smith Larry Stallings Herschel Turner Chuck Walker Roger Wehrli Eric Williams Larry Wilson Keith Wortman HAYES COLLECTING TACKLES Gerald Hayes continues to lead the Cardinals in tackles, recording 86 in his 4 th season as a pro. After missing the entire 2005 season due to a knee injury, Hayes came back strong and the Cardinals rewarded him with a five-year contract extension on 11/6 that will keep him with the Cards through the 2011 season. Hayes is on pace to record his first career 100+ tackle season. In his first three years as a pro, Hayes recorded 48 tackles. CARDS-RAMS CONNECTIONS Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner was a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV with the Rams from Warner became one of the most prolific passers in NFL history as he re-wrote the St. Louis record books with MVP seasons in 1999 and St. Louis head coach Scott Linehan, defensive line coach Brian Baker and Cardinals offensive line coach Steve Loney all coached together with the Minnesota Vikings from when Loney was the offensive line coach, Linehan was the offensive coordinator and Baker was the defensive line coach. Cardinals defensive line coach Larry Brooks and St. Louis offensive coordinator Greg Olson coached together with the Chicago Bears in 2003 when Brooks coached the defensive line and Olson was the quarterbacks coach. Rams Executive Vice President & General Counsel Bob Wallace was the Cardinals legal counsel and chief contract negotiator from As a 14- year-old, he also served as a training camp assistant for the Cards. St. Louis assistant secondary coach Ron Milus was the defensive backs coach for the Cardinals during the 2003 season. St. Louis special teams coach Bob Ligashesky worked as a graduate assistant at Arizona State University from Cardinals running back coach Kirby Wilson was the position coach for St. Louis running back Steven Davis in 2000 when they were both with the Redskins. Davis went to his second consecutive Pro Bowl. St. Louis safety Corey Chavous was originally drafted in the second round (33 rd overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. Chavous played with the Cardinals from St. Louis left tackle Adam Haayer was with the Cardinals during the 2005 season. St. Louis right tackle Todd Steussie played under Cardinals Head Coach Dennis Green in Minnesota from Green drafted Steussie in the first round (19 th overall) in the 1994 NFL Draft. St. Louis nose tackle Jason Fisk played under Cardinals Head Coach Dennis Green in Minnesota from Green drafted Fisk in the seventh round (243 rd overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft. Arizona kicker Neil Rackers is a St. Louis native where he earned 11 varsity letters in baseball, soccer, and football at Aquinas-Mercy High School. St. Louis wide receiver and Phoenix native Shaun McDonald was a standout for Arizona State during the seasons. His 2,867 career receiving yards ranks second in school history. Arizona safety Adrian Wilson and St. Louis wide receiver Torry Holt were college teammates at N.C. State. Arizona wide receiver Bryant Johnson and St. Louis defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy were teammates together at Penn State and were both taken in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft-Johnson (17th overall), Kennedy (12th overall). St. Louis quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was born in Gilbert, AZ and attended Highland High where he was second-team Class 5A all-state as senior. St. Louis left guard Richie Incognito prepped at Mountain Ridge High in Glendale, AZ. Incognito earned all-american honors his senior year, was a finalist for Arizona High School Player of the Year Award, and was given the Frank Kush award as the best offensive linemen in Arizona. Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, St. Louis strong safety Jerome Carter and St. Louis left tackle Alex Barron attended Florida State together from Additionally, Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin played with the three in Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart and St. Louis tight end Dominique Byrd attended school together at the University of Southern California from Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui was a teammate of the two from Cardinals vs. Rams Page 13 of 34