Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release

Transcription

1 Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release Game #3 THIS WEEK S GAME The Cardinals make their 2010 regular season debut at University of Phoenix Stadium with a week three interconference game against the Raiders. Arizona was one of just three NFL teams to open 10 with back-to-back road games (Miami & Baltimore) and emerged from it with a 1-1 record. Winners of the NFC West in each of the last two years, the Cards are in a tie with Seattle atop the division and are one of 16 NFL teams at 1-1 (eight are 2-0, eight are 0-2) After a week one win in St. Louis, the Cardinals lost to the Falcons in Atlanta by a score of Arizona s lone TD came on an 80-yard Tim Hightower TD run that was the 3 rd longest in team history and the best since John David Crow s 83-yarder in 58. The Cards lost the turnover battle 3-1, were 0-8 on 3 rd downs and hampered by a rash of penalties from referee Jerome Boger s crew (10-109). The Raiders also enter this week s game at 1-1 and like Arizona, their win came against the Rams. Oakland lost in week 1 at Tennessee but rebounded with a home win against St. Louis last Sunday. They trailed 7-3 after two quarters but switched QBs at halftime. On in relief of Jason Campbell, Bruce Gradkowski led three second half scoring drives (TD, 2 FGs) to give Oakland a victory. This week s game marks just the 8 th all-time regular season match-up between these two clubs. It will also be Oakland s first-ever visit to University of Phoenix Stadium and third-ever regular season appearance in Arizona (the Raiders won at Sun Devil Stadium in 98 and 02). THE COACHES Ken Whisenhunt Tom Cable Overall Record Regular Season Record Playoff Record th Years as Head Coach in NFL 3 rd 4 th Years with team 3 rd BROADCAST INFORMATION TELEVISION CARDINALS RADIO Network: CBS Flagship: News Talk 92.3 Play-by-Play: Spero Dedes Play-by-Play: Dave Pasch Analyst: Randy Cross Analyst: Ron Wolfley Sideline: Paul Calvisi COMPASS MEDIA (RADIO) CARDINALS SPANISH RADIO Play-By-Play: Chris Carrino Flagship: KMIA 710 AM Analyst: Brian Baldinger Play-by-Play: Gabriel Trujillo Analyst: Rolando Cantu Sunday, September 26, :15 PM (MST) ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-1) vs. OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-1) University of Phoenix Stadium ARIZONA CARDINALS 2010 SEASON SCHEDULE Regular Season Date Opponent AZ Time Sun., Sep. St. Louis Rams W, Sun., Sep. Atlanta Falcons L, 41-7 Sun., Sep. 26 OAKLAND 1:15 PM Sun., Oct. San Diego Chargers 1:15 PM Sun., Oct. 10 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 1:05 PM Sun., Oct. 17 BYE Sun., Oct. Seattle Seahawks 1:05 PM Sun., Oct. 31 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 1:15 PM Sun., Nov. Minnesota Vikings 11:00 AM Sun., Nov. 14 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 2:15 PM Sun., Nov. Kansas City Chiefs* 11:00 AM Mon., Nov. 29 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers# 6:30 PM Sun., Dec. 5 ST. LOUIS RAMS* 2:15 PM Sun., Dec. 12 DENVER BRONCOS* 2:15 PM Sun., Dec. Carolina Panthers* 11:00 AM Sat., Dec. 25 DALLAS COWBOYS+ 5:30 PM Sun., Jan. San Francisco 49ers* 2:15 PM # Monday night on ESPN + Saturday night on NFL Network * Subject to flexible scheduling decisions 2010 NFC WEST STANDINGS With a 1-1 record, the Cardinals are tied with the Seattle Seahawks for first place in the NFC West. Both the Cards and Seahawks lost last week while the 49ers lost to the Saints on Monday Night and St. Louis fell to 0-2 with their loss to the Raiders. Team W L PF PA Hm Road Div Arizona Seattle San Francisco 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 AND RAIDERS IN 2010 CARDINALS CATEGORY RAIDERS 1-1 Record Points Scored Points Allowed 52 3 Touchdowns Scored 2 6 Touchdowns Allowed 7 2 Rushing TDs 0 1 Passing TDs 2 0 Return TDs 0 2 Rushing TDs Allowed 3 4 Passing TDs Allowed 4 0 Return TDs Allowed 0 4/46 Sacked/Yards Lost 6/48 8/4 Fumbles/Lost 7/1 3 Had Intercepted 3 1/2 Field Goals Made/Attempted 5/ 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 -2 23:58 Average Time of Possession 32:53 15t/13/18 NFL Rank-Total Offense/Run/Pass 9/3/22 27/31/21 NFL Rank-Total Defense/Run/Pass 9/29/5 0/0 2-Point Conversions SD Next Week vs. Hou Raiders 22, CARDINALS 9 October 22, 2006 McAfee Coliseum (61,595) Six days after a heart-breaking home loss to the Bears on Monday night, the Cardinals endured an equally difficult defeat in Oakland against the previously winless Raiders. Despite a switch of offensive coordinators earlier in the week, the Cardinals offense had its hands full with an Oakland defense that kept Arizona out of the end zone and harassed QB Matt Leinart throughout the game. Third downs were pivotal in the outcome as Oakland was (65%) while Arizona finished 1-11 (9%). The Cards were also unable to capitalize on five takeaways caused by the defense and dropped their 6 th straight game to fall to 1-6. The game began with Oakland moving to the AZ38 on the opening drive but LB Karlos Dansby halted it when he recovered a Zack Crockett fumble at the AZ45. The Cards then moved into position for a 45-yard FG but Neil Rackers missed it left. Oakland opened the scoring with a 1-yard TD plunge from ReShard Lee, capping an 11-play, 81-yard drive that was extended by a pair of 3 rd - n-long completions. The next Arizona drive ended when DT Terdell Sands INT d a Leinart pass that was batted at the line of scrimmage and on the very next play Andrew Walter connected with Randy Moss on a 32-yard TD strike that made it A 35-yard Chris Carr punt return on the next drive led to a 31-yard Sebastian Janikowski FG that upped the lead to 17-0 early in the 2 nd. Arizona s defense then forced another turnover when DE Bertrand Berry sacked Walter to force a fumble that AZ recovered at the Oakland 32, setting up a 29-yard Rackers FG. Just before intermission, SS Adrian Wilson ended another Raider scoring threat when he picked off Walter at the AZ 4, keeping the score at Arizona s tough day continued on the 3 rd play of the second half when Tyrone Poole INT d Leinart at the AZ 44 but the Cards defense responded by forcing a 3-n-out. The Raiders made it 20-3 with a 35-yard Janikowski FG on their next drive, the key play of which was a 35-yard pass to TE Courtney Anderson. Arizona s ensuing drive went in reverse as back-to-back sacks pushed the Cards back to the 1 before RB Marcel Shipp was tackled in the end zone by SS Michael Huff for a safety. After the free kick, Berry sacked and stripped Walter a second time and Arizona recovered at the OAK44. The hit forced Walter out of the game but the Cards again could only convert it into a Rackers FG. FS Robert Griffith INT d a pass attempt by WR Ronald Curry on the next series and Leinart connected with WR Bryant Johnson on a 58-yard pass to the OAK22. However the offense again had to settle for a FG instead of a TD and Rackers 38-yarder proved to be the game s final points. CARDINALS RAIDERS Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score Raiders 1 4:25 Lee 1-yard run (Janikowski kick) 11-61, 5: Raiders 1 3:30 Ross 32-yard pass from Walter (Janikowski kick) 1-32, 0: Raiders 2 14:50 Janikowski 31-yard FG 6-23, 1: CARDS 2 6:00 Rackers 29-yard FG 6-21, 2: Raiders 3 6:50 Janikowski 35-yard FG 10-53, 3: Raiders 3 5:46 Shipp tackled in end zone by Huff for Safety CARDS 3 3:03 Rackers 45-yard FG 5-17, 2: CARDS 4 10:07 Rackers 38-yard FG 9-76, 3: THE SERIES The Cardinals and Raiders have met seven times dating back to 1973 with the Raiders holding a 5-2 advantage in the overall series. Although the series goes back 37 years, the two teams have met just seven times with the last meeting coming in Despite being infrequent regular season opponents, the Cardinals and Raiders have met in 10 of the last 14 preseasons. Both of the Cardinals win in this series have come on the road. SERIES NOTES Overall Regular Season Series: 2-5 Cardinals on the road vs. Oak: 2-2 Cardinals last win: Oak, (OT) First Meeting: 10/7/73 vs. Oak, L, Last Meeting: Oak, L, 22-9 All-Time Meetings Date Site Result Oct. 22, 2006 Oakland L, 9-22 Nov Arizona L, Dec. 2, 2001 Oakland W, (OT) Oct. 4, 1998 Arizona L, Dec. 10, 1989 Los Angeles L, Dec. 11, 1983 Los Angeles W, Oct. 7, 1973 Oakland L, CARDINALS VS. RAIDERS THE LAST MEETING STATISTICS AZ OAK First Downs 9 21 Rushes-Yards Net Passing Yards Total Net Yards Passing (A-C-I) Sacked by Opp Punts-Average Fumbles-Lost Penalties Time of Possession 22:59 37:01 Weather: Temp 67 degrees, Humidity 59%, Wind W 6 mph. RUSHING CARDS: James 13-34; Leinart 3-5; Schable 1-5; Boldin 1-4; Ayanbadejo 1-3; Shipp 1-(- 1). RAIDERS: Fargas 23-66; Crockett 8-44; Tuisosopo 3-20; Lee 27; Walter 1-0. PASSING CARDS: Leinart 13-22, 203 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT. RAIDERS: Walter 17-30, 263 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT; Tuiasosopo 2-3, 16 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT; Curry 0-1, 0 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT. RECEIVING CARDS: Boldin 4-59; B. Johnson 3-87; Walters 2-38; Arrington 2-8; Ayanbadejo 1-7; James 1-4. RAIDERS: Moss 7-129, TD; Anderson 3-55; Curry 3-42; Crockett 3-20; Whitted 2-24; Lee 1-9. Cardinals vs. Raiders 2 of 36

3 LAST WEEK S GAME Falcons 41, CARDINALS 7 September 19, 2010 Georgia Dome (66,824) The Cardinals were one of just 3 NFL teams to open the season with back-to-back road games and emerged with split after a decisive week 2 defeat at the Georgia Dome. Arizona was 0-8 on 3 rd downs, lost the turnover battle 3-1, and hampered by a rash of penalties from referee Jerome Boger s crew, who flagged the Cards 10 times for 109 yards. Falcons QB Matt Ryan tied a career-high with 3 TD passes but it was 3 rd string RB Jason Snelling who stole the show. He was pressed into action after Michael Turner & Jerrious Norwood went down with injuries and finished with 129 rushing yards and 3 TDs (2 rush/1 rec.). Atlanta scored on 4 of its first 5 drives en route to a 24-7 halftime lead. The Falcons moved 70 yards in 9 plays on the game s opening series and capped it with a 7-yard Ryan TD pass to WR Roddy White. The Cards appeared to answer quickly with LaRod Stephens-Howling s 98-yard TD on the ensuing kickoff but it was wiped out by a holding call. After the teams traded punts, AZ had it at the ATL37 but Derek Anderson s 3 rd -n-6 pass was INT d by CB Christopher Owens and returned to the AZ43. That led to a 24-yard Matt Bryant FG and 10-0 lead. This time the Cards had a quick response that held up. After a touchback, Tim Hightower raced 80 yards on the next play for the 3 rd longest TD in franchise history and longest since John David Crow s 83-yarder in 1958). The Falcons answered with a 72-yard scoring drive and went up 17-7 when Ryan beat a Cards blitz on 3 rd -n-3 from the AZ19 with a TD pass to Snelling out of the backfield. A pass interference foul in the EZ on Atlanta s next series set-up a 1-yard Snelling TD that made it 24-7 at intermission. On the 2 nd play after halftime, Anderson s pass went off the hands of WR Stephen Williams and right to S William Moore whose return to the AZ 14 set up a 12-yard TD pass to Brian Finneran. After a 35-yard Bryant FG made it 34-7, Snelling s third score of the day came on a 7-yard TD run late in the 4 th that provided the game s final points. Max Hall came on in relief of Anderson with 3:00 left but his 2 nd attempt of the day was INT d. CARDINALS FALCONS Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score Falcons 1 10:33 R. White 7-yard pass from Ryan (Bryant kick) 9-70, 4: Falcons 2 13:06 Bryant 24-yard FG 6-37, 3: CARDS 2 12:54 Hightower 80-yard run (Feely kick) 1-80, 0: Falcons 2 9:18 Snelling 19-yard pass from Ryan (Bryant kick) 9-72, 3: Falcons 2 3:31 Snelling 1-yard run (Bryant kick) 8-78, 3: Falcons 3 13:18 Finneran 12-yard pass from Ryan (Bryant kick) 3-14, 0: Falcons 3 3:57 Bryant 35-yard FG 16-69, 6: Falcons 4 3:05 Snelling 7-yard run (Bryant kick) 11-80, 6: STATISTICS AZ ATL 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 20:47 39:13 Weather: Indoors RUSHING CARDS: Hightower , TD; Wright 2-3. Falcons: Snelling , 2 TD; Turner 9-75; Mughelli 5-16; Ryan 6-6; Douglas 1-(- 5). PASSING CARDS: Anderson 17-31, 161 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT; Hall 1-2, 3 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT. Falcons: Ryan 21-32, 225, 3 TD, 0 INT. RECEIVING CARDS: Fitzgerald 7-83; Stephens-Howling 3-25; Breaston 3-10; Williams 2-26; Hightower 2-9; Patrick Falcons: R. White 7-78, TD; Snelling 5-57, TD; Finneran 3-31, TD; Douglas 2-31; Gonzalez 2-19; Mughelli 2-9. HIGHTOWER GOES THE DISTANCE RB Tim Hightower s 80-yard TD run in the second quarter last week against the Falcons tied for the third-longest run in franchise history and was the longest run for the Cardinals in 42 years, when John David Crow established a franchise record with an 83-yard TD run on 10/4/58. It also marks the longest run in franchise history in a road game. Longest Runs Franchise History Yds Player Opponent 83 John David Crow (TD) vs. Washington, Oct. 4, Elmer Angsman (TD) vs. Detroit, Oct. 23, Tim Hightower (TD) at Atlanta, Sept. 19, 2010 Paddy Driscoll (TD) vs. Kansas City, Oct. 18, Ollie Matson vs. Pittsburgh, Nov. 25, 1956 Ollie Matson vs. Washington, Nov. 21, 1954 Combined with his 70-yard TD run in the Divisional matchup in New Orleans last season, Hightower now has TD runs of 70 and 80 yards in his last three games. Hightower becomes just the fifth Cardinals player in franchise history to record two runs of 70+ yards in their career, joining Elmer Angsman, Ollie Matson, MacArthur Lane and Ottis Anderson. Hightower s 80-yard TD run was the longest offensive play for the Cardinals since Marcel Shipp s 80-yard TD reception at St. Louis on 12/15/02. Hightower s 80-yard TD run last week was the longest in the NFL so far this season. Longest Runs NFL 2010 Yds Player (Team) Opponent 80t Tim Hightower (Ari) at Atlanta, Sept t Chris Johnson (Ten) vs. Oakland, Sept. 12 For the day, Hightower ran for a career-high 115 yards on just 11 carries (10.5 avg.), his third career 100-yard game. FITZ CLOSING IN With 10 receptions through the first two games, WR Larry Fitzgerald now has 533 receptions for his career. He needs just three receptions this week against the Raiders to reach 536 receptions and move into second place on the franchise career list behind Anquan Boldin (586). Franchise Career Reception Leaders Rec Player, Years 586 Anquan Boldin, Larry Centers, Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Green, Frank Sanders, Last week against the Falcons, Fitzgerald hauled in seven receptions for a game-high 83 yards. He now has 10 receptions for 126 yards and a TD through the first two games. Dating back to 2005, his second season in the NFL, Fitzgerald has 475 receptions, leading an impressive group of Pro Bowl receivers. NFL Reception Leaders ( ) Rec Player Team(s) 475 Larry Fitzgerald Ari 469 Reggie Wayne Ind 457 Andre Johnson Hou 456 Wes Welker NE 452 T.J. Houshmandzadeh Cin, Sea, Bal Cardinals vs. Raiders 3 of 36

4 CARDS RETURNING HOME After starting off the season at 1-1, with both games coming on the road, the Cardinals return home to University of Phoenix Stadium this week as they host the Raiders. By Sunday, it will have been 24 days since the Cards last played at home in the preseason finale against the Redskins. If this week s contest against the Raiders is a sellout, the Cards will be playing in front of their 46 th consecutive sellout crowd. Arizona has sold out every preseason, regular season and postseason contest since the stadium opened in With a 4-4 record at home in 09, Ken Whisenhunt became the first Cardinals coach to post a.500 record or better at home in three straight seasons since Don Coryell ( ). Cardinals at home under Whisenhunt Cards have an overall 19-8 record 16-8 regular season record 3-0 postseason record Cards have a 5-1 record against teams from the AFC Between , Cards averaged 26.5 ppg during the regular season Including postseason, Cards have scored 30+ points in 16 of 27 games Cards have 13-6 record with the roof closed, including the postseason Cards have 6-2 record with roof open Since University of Phoenix Stadium opened in 2006, the Cardinals have compiled a record at home, including postseason. Following week two, the Cardinals, Ravens and Dolphins are the only NFL teams yet to play at home in The 2010 season marks the 18 th time in 23 seasons (since Cards moved to Arizona in 1988) that the team played two of their first three games on road. The week one contest in St. Louis marked the 21 st time in 23 seasons that the Cards began the season away from home. Next week, the Cardinals are back on the road to take on the San Diego Chargers before returning home in week five to face the defending Super Bowl champion Saints. CARDS MIX VETS AND ROOKIES AT RECEIVER The Cardinals are without a key component in their passing game early in the season. With WR Early Doucet out after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia, the Cardinals WR group is a mix of established vets and rookies. With WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston, the Cardinals have two 1,000-yard receivers who have proven to be standouts among their NFL peers. Filling out the WR depth chart are Andre Roberts, the Cardinals third round draft pick in 2010 (88 th overall) and WRs Stephen Williams and Max Komar, a pair of undrafted, but promising, rookies. Between the two of them, Fitzgerald and Breaston have combined for five 1,000-yard seasons, 683 career receptions, 9,145 receiving yards and 66 receiving TDs. This season, Fitzgerald has 10 receptions for 126 yards and a TD while Breaston has 10 receptions for 142 yards. The three rookies have combined to grab four receptions for 55 yards in the first two games. I am very comfortable with Stephen Williams, Max Komar and Andre (Roberts), Ken Whisenhunt said of his young receivers. I know that we are going to get better as we continue to get more reps, as they get chances and more opportunities in these games. We have talented guys there. As far as understanding game situations and being successful in those, we are not going to be perfect, we are going to have to live with some things, but I have seen these guys make plays. THE NEW LOOK CARDINALS The Cardinals have experienced a host of changes on both sides of the ball since Of the 22 starters in 2010, 11 are either new to the team, first-year starters or starting in a new position. The Cardinals have six new starters on offense and five new starters on defense. Below is a look at the starting lineup from 2009 compared to Changes are in bold on the right Offense 2010 Offense LT: Mike Gandy LT: Levi Brown LG: Reggie Wells LG: Alan Faneca C: Lyle Sendlein C: Lyle Sendlein RG: Deuce Lutui RG: Deuce Lutui RT: Levi Brown RT: Brandon Keith TE: Ben Patrick TE: Ben Patrick WR: Larry Fitzgerald WR: Larry Fitzgerald WR: Anquan Boldin WR: Steve Breaston QB: Kurt Warner QB: Derek Anderson RB: Tim Hightower RB: Tim Hightower FB: Dan Kreider FB: Reagan Maui a 2009 Defense 2010 Defense DE: Calais Campbell DE: Calais Campbell NT: Bryan Robinson NT: Bryan Robinson DT: Darnell Dockett DT: Darnell Dockett ROLB: Chike Okeafor ROLB: Joey Porter ILB: Karlos Dansby ILB: Paris Lenon ILB: Gerald Hayes ILB: Daryl Washington LOLB: Clark Haggans LOLB: Clark Haggans CB: D. Rodgers-Cromartie CB: D. Rodgers-Cromartie CB: Bryant McFadden CB: Greg Toler SS: Adrian Wilson SS: Adrian Wilson FS: Antrel Rolle FS: Kerry Rhodes ROOKIES COUNTED ON EARLY Of the nine rookies who made the Cardinals 53-man roster, seven have already seen game action this season. Of those seven, four have appeared in both games. Seven rookies played for the Cards in last week s game in Atlanta. DT Dan Williams: (1 st Round, 26 th overall)-williams has logged significant time in the first two games, and has totaled two tackles and a forced fumble. LB Daryl Washington: (2 nd Round, 47 th overall)- Started both games and has 16 tackles, including a 10-tackle performance last week in Atlanta. WR Andre Roberts: (3 rd Round, 88 th overall)- Saw first action last week as a punt returner and at WR after being inactive in week one. QB John Skelton: (5 th Round, 155 th overall)- Inactive (3 rd QB) for the first two contests. TE Jim Dray: (7 th Round, 233 rd overall)-has seen action on special teams in both games. WR Stephen Williams: Has played in both games, receiving the start last week. Caught his first two career passes for 26 yards at Atlanta. QB Max Hall: Saw his first NFL action in the fourth quarter last week in place of starter Derek Anderson. WR Max Komar: Saw extensive action in the season opener in St. Louis, returning five punts for 31 yards and also saw time at receiver, hauling in two passes for 29 yards. Logged time at receiver and on special teams last week. CB A.J. Jefferson: Inactive in the first two contests. Cardinals vs. Raiders 4 of 36

5 CARDS-RAIDERS CONNECTIONS Cardinals Special Teams coach Kevin Spencer served as a quality control coach (1995), assistant LBs coach (1996) and defensive assistant (1997) for the Raiders. Cardinals TE Stephen Spach is from Clovis, CA and went to Fresno State where he totaled 38 career receptions for 376 yards and six TDs in 39 games played. Cardinals DT Bryan Robinson ( ) and CB A.J. Jefferson ( ) also played collegiately at Fresno State. Cardinals LB Reggie Walker was a three-year starter at Grant High School in Sacramento, CA, which is about 80 miles northeast of Oakland. Cardinals FB Reagan Maui a is from Lodi, CA which is about 75 miles east of Oakland. He set Tokay High School s single-season sack mark with 18 as a senior. Cardinals DBs coach Donnie Henderson is from Los Angeles, CA, played two seasons at Santa Monica Junior College (CA), and coached LBs at the University of California. The following Cardinals are also from the state of California: LB Joey Porter (Bakersfield), S Hamza Abdullah (Los Angeles), LB Clark Haggans (Torrance), CB A.J. Jefferson (Bakersfield), S Matt Ware (Santa Monica) and RB Jason Wright (Diamond Bar). Raiders TE Zach Miller grew up in Phoenix and was the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year at Desert Vista High School in He went on to play at Arizona State ( ), recording 144 career receptions to rank sixth best in ASU history and number one among TEs. Raiders WR Nick Miller is from Mesa, AZ and was an all-region WR and DB at Red Mountain High School. In 2006 he played at Scottsdale Community College, recording 20 receptions for 400 yards and four TDs. Raiders WR Chaz Schilens grew up in Mesa, AZ and was an all-region pick as a free safety and receiver at Highland High. Schilens also earned four varsity letters in baseball. Raiders 2010 sixth round draft pick, LB Travis Goethel started 41 of 50 games played in four years at Arizona State, totaling 228 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, two sacks and three passes defensed during his career. Raiders DBs coach Lionel Washington played CB for the Cardinals from , starting 37 of 52 games played and totaling 16 INTs. Washington also coached with Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis for the Green Bay Packers in Raiders Player Personnel representative Keith Rowen was the Cardinals offensive coordinator from as well as an offensive line coach at the University of Arizona from Raiders Offensive Line coach Jim Michalczik signed with the Cardinals as a rookie free agent in 1989 but did not make the team. Raiders Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson was a minority fellowship coaching intern with the Cardinals in 1992 and was the RBs coach at Arizona State from In 1985, Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt played TE for Atlanta while Raiders Defensive Coordinator John Marshall served in the same capacity for the Falcons. In 2004, Cardinals Defensive Backs coach Donnie Henderson was the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets while Raiders Quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett was the offensive coordinator. From , Cardinals assistant coach Russ Grimm coached TEs in Washington while Raiders LBs coach Mike Haluchak served in the same position for the Redskins. Cardinals TE Stephen Spach was teammates with Raiders DT Richard Seymour in New England from Cardinals QB Derek Anderson ( ), RB Jason Wright ( ), CB Brandon McDonald ( ), S Hamza Abdullah (2008) and Director, Pro Personnel T.J. McCreight ( ) were in Cleveland with Raiders LB Kamerion Wimbley ( ) and QB Bruce Gradkowski (2008). Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett ( ), Raiders T Mario Henderson ( ) and LB Kamerion Wimbley ( ) were teammates at Florida State. Cardinals S Rashad Johnson was teammates at Alabama with Raiders LB Rolando McClain from AN OVERVIEW OF ANDERSON After he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round (213 th overall) in 2005, QB Derek Anderson was waived by the Ravens and went on to spend his first five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Anderson served as a backup during his first two seasons in Cleveland, appearing in five games (three starts) in Then came the 2007 season, when Anderson replaced starter Charlie Frye in the season opener. Anderson entered the game and went on to start the final 15 games. In leading the Browns to a 10-5 record over his 15 starts, Anderson completed 298 of 527 passes (56.5%) for 3,787 yards and 29 TDs on his way to his first career Pro Bowl berth. Through two starts this season, Anderson has completed 39 of 72 attempts (54.0%) for 458 yards, a TD and two INTs. Anderson Vitals: In 2007, became the first Browns QB to earn a Pro Bowl selection since Bernie Kosar in 1987 Led the Browns to a 10-5 record in 07, their most wins since 1994 Established a franchise record with seven consecutive home victories in 07 Tied for the second-highest single-season TD passes in franchise history with 29 in 07 For his career, has completed 626 of 1,181 passes (53.0%) for 7,541 yards, 47 TDs and 47 INTs Has a career record of as a starter Has five career starts with a passer rating of Has four career 300-yard games HALL HAS A SPOT AT HOME After an impressive showing in training camp in Flagstaff, rookie free agent QB Max Hall flashed the ability that made him a record-breaking QB at BYU during preseason action, earning him the role as the Cardinals backup. During preseason, Hall completed 16 of 27 attempts for 285 yards, a TD and an INT. He also rushed for 14 yards and a TD on five carries. According to head coach Ken Whisenhunt, there is more to Hall than stats. There have been a number of things that you try to judge the quarterback position other than his completion percentage or things like that, Whisenhunt said. I have seen Max handle those things very well. That is definitely part of the progression of why you feel comfortable with him. He is not shy about expressing his emotions and some of the best competitors I have ever been around are like that. Hall improved rapidly during preseason action, putting on his best display in the preseason finale vs. Washington. In that game, Hall completed 7 of 9 attempts for 126 yards and rushed for 19 yards on two carries. In three possessions, Hall led the Cardinals to two TDs and a FG, culminating in his six-yard TD run in which he dove for the pylon just before going out of bounds. Now that he has earned the roster spot, Hall is now back playing football where he began as a youth. Hall is a Mesa, AZ native who led Mountain View High School to a 14-0 record and state championship as a junior. He came back as a senior and posted a 13-1 record and took the team to the state title game again that year. Cardinals vs. Raiders 5 of 36

6 CARDS UNDER THE WHIZ Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has had an impressive run in his first three-plus seasons with the Cardinals, earning him a four-year contract extension with a team option for a fifth. Including the postseason, Arizona has posted 32 wins under Whisenhunt, the fourth-highest total among head coaches in franchise history. In becoming one of the NFL s top head coaches, Whisenhunt has put together an impressive list of achievements in his first three-plus seasons: The Cardinals earned NFC West titles in 2008 and 09, earning their first back-to-back division titles since Another NFC West title in 2010 would give the franchise an unprecedented third consecutive division crown. Arizona s win over Green Bay in the 2009 Wild Card matchup gave the Cardinals wins in the postseason in backto-back years for the first time in franchise history. The Cardinals have won twice as many playoffs games under Whisenhunt (4) than they had won in their total playoff history (2) entering his tenure. Under Whisenhunt, the Cardinals have appeared in six playoff contests in three years, after appearing in seven total postseason games in the franchise s history prior to his arrival. Arizona finished with a 10-6 record in 09, giving the Cardinals 10+ wins in the regular season for the first time since 1976 (10-4). Whisenhunt is the first head coach in franchise history with a.500 record or better in each of his first three seasons. The Cardinals were 8-8 in 2007, 9-7 in 2008 and 10-6 this season. If the Cardinals post a record of.500 or better in 2010, Whisenhunt will join Don Coryell ( ) as the only head coaches in franchise history with a.500 record or better in four consecutive seasons. The Cardinals finished with a 4-4 record at University of Phoenix Stadium in 09, making Whisenhunt the first Cardinals coach to post a.500 record or better at home in three straight seasons since Don Coryell posted four consecutive seasons above.500 between Whisenhunt is the first head coach since Charley Winner ( ) to post a.500 record or better at home in each of his first three seasons. The Cardinals started the 2009 season with a 5-0 record on the road for the first time since The Cardinals have posted a 14-5 record against NFC West opponents under Whisenhunt. Led the Cardinals to the NFC West title in 2008, their first division title since Led the Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2008 and more wins in a single season (12) than any coach in franchise history. The Cardinals win over the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008 Wild Card Game was the first home playoff victory in 61 years. With the win over Seattle in the 2008 regular season finale, the Cardinals finished the 2008 regular season with a 9-7 record, matching their best regular season record since the franchise moved to Arizona in In 56 games total games played during Whisenhunt s tenure, the Cardinals have scored 20-or-more points in 41 of them (73%) and 30+ points in 22 (39%). With a 1-1 record this season, both games coming on the road, the Cards are 7-3 in their last 10 road games. WHISENHUNT STANDS AT 32 WINS Arizona s win in St. Louis in the opener gave Ken Whisenhunt his 32 nd victory (regular and postseason) as the Cardinals head coach. That total is good for fourth-place on the franchise career wins list. With four more victories, Whisenhunt will move past Charlie Winner (35) for third-place all-time in franchise history. Most Wins By A Cardinals Head Coach Wins Coach (Years) 42 Don Coryell ( ) 39 Jim Hanifan ( ) 35 Charley Winner ( ) 32 Ken Whisenhunt (2007-present) 29 Vince Tobin ( ) With nine wins in 2010, Whisenhunt would become just the fourth head coach in franchise history to post three consecutive seasons with a winning record. Head Coaches With 3 Consecutive Winning Seasons Coach Years Records Jimmy Conzelman ; 9-3; 11-1 Don Coryell ; 11-3; 10-4 Jim Hanifan ; 8-7-1; 9-7 Nine wins would also give him 40 as head coach and place him alongside Coryell as the only coaches in franchise history with 40+ wins. A record of.500 or better in 2010 and Whisenhunt would join Coryell ( ) as the only coaches in team history with a.500 or better in four consecutive seasons. THE WHISENHUNT ERA Below is a breakdown of the Cardinals regular season win-loss record during Ken Whisenhunt s tenure: In NFC West Games 14-5 In Postseason Games 4-2 At Home 15-8 On the Road Outdoors Indoors 15-8 When won the turnover battle 18-1 When lost the turnover battle 2-19 When even in the turnover battle 8-2 When scored first 15-6 When Opp. Scores First Out-rush opponent 18-3 Cardinals have 100-yard rusher 8-1 Yielding 20 Points or Less 17-4 Scoring 20 Points or More 27-9 Scoring 30 Points or More 21-2 CARDS REMAIN IN FIRST With a 1-1 record to open the season, the Cardinals are in a first place tie in the NFC West with Seattle. First place is a spot familiar for the Cardinals over the last few seasons. In 2008, Arizona either shared the division lead or held it outright every week of the season. It marked just the third time in franchise history the team spent every week of the season in the division lead. In 2009, Arizona held or shared the division lead for the final 11 weeks. Including 2010, the Cardinals have now held or shared the division lead in 30 of 36 possible weeks dating back to Cardinals vs. Raiders 6 of 36

7 GRIMM ENTERS THE HALL On Saturday, August 7 th, Cardinals assistant head coach/run game coordinator/offensive line coach Russ Grimm was in Canton, OH where he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A member of the famed Hogs offensive line, Grimm started 11 seasons at guard for the Redskins ( ) and helped lead the team to four Super Bowl appearances and three victories. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was a first-team selection to the 1980s all-decade team. At the induction ceremony, Grimm was introduced by Joe Bugel, the Redskins offensive line coach during Grimm s playing days. Bugel later served as head coach for the Cardinals ( ). In his seventh year as a finalist, Grimm s dream was realized on February 6, 2010 when it was announced that he was among the seven chosen for the 2010 Hall of Fame class. He joined WR Jerry Rice, RB Emmitt Smith, LB Rickey Jackson, DL John Randle, and two senior candidates, CB Dick LeBeau and RB Floyd Little. UPCOMING MATCHUP NOTES Below are a few notes on the Cardinals upcoming matchups following this week s game vs. San Diego (1-1) (Oct. 3): Cards and Chargers have split the last four meetings between the two teams. In that span, each team has one once on the road and once at home. vs. New Orleans (2-0) (Oct. 10): Defeated Cards in 2009 Divisional matchup but Cardinals have won two of the last three at home in the Seattle (1-1) (Oct. 24): Cards have won four consecutive vs. Seattle, including two in a row at Qwest Field. vs. Tampa Bay (2-0) (Oct. 31): Cards and Bucs have split the last four games in this series, with the home team winning all four Minnesota (0-2) (Nov. 7): Cards won last season s meeting but have not won at Minnesota since DAVIS MAKES CHANGES During the 2009 regular season, Bill Davis made significant strides with the Cardinals defense in his first season as defensive coordinator. Two areas Davis zeroed in on were cutting down on points allowed and allowing fewer points in the red zone. During the 09 regular season, the Cardinals defense allowed 325 points, which was the fifth-lowest total for the franchise since the NFL went to a 16-game schedule in Fewest Points Allowed (1978 to 2008) Points Year The Cardinals also showed drastic improvement in red zone defense in The Cardinals allowed 22 TDs in 47 trips in the red zone, and their (46.8) TD percentage was the 9 th best in the NFL. In contrast, during the 2008 season the Cardinals opponents had 35 TDs in 55 trips inside the red zone, a 63.6 TD percentage, which ranked 28 th overall in After undergoing significant change in the offseason, the Cardinals defense features five new starters in Gone from the 2009 squad are Karlos Dansby, Antrel Rolle, Bryant McFadden, Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor. To replace them, the Cardinals brought in veterans FS Kerry Rhodes, LB Joey Porter and LB Paris Lenon. Second-year player CB Greg Toler earned a starting spot with his play in preseason as did 2010 second-round draft pick LB Daryl Washington. Also seeing playing time in 2010 are first round draft pick DT Dan Williams and second-year players such as LBs Will Davis, Reggie Walker and S Rashad Johnson. The most recent players added to the mix are veterans CB Brandon McDonald and LB Alex Hall, both of which were late additions to the roster. NEW IN TOWN The Cardinals hired two new coaches during the offseason, bringing in defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson and running backs coach Tommie Robinson. Henderson, entering his 10 th season as an NFL assistant, takes the place of Teryl Austin who left to take over as the defensive coordinator at Florida. After spending 16 years as an assistant at the college level, Henderson entered the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens in 1999 as a defensive backs coach. After five seasons in Baltimore, Henderson served as the defensive coordinator with the NY Jets and Detroit Lions. Robinson enters his fourth season as an NFL assistant, having served as an offensive assistant with the Dallas Cowboys from Robinson takes the place of Curtis Modkins, who left in the offseason to become the offensive coordinator/running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. ARIZONA ADDS PRO BOWL TALENT In what was an offseason of change, the Cardinals added three Pro Bowl players to their roster in LB Joey Porter, G Alan Faneca, and QB Derek Anderson bring with them a combined 14 Pro Bowl appearances, with Faneca (9) and Porter (4) earning multiple Pro Bowl nods. Combined with Pro Bowlers already on the roster, including DT Darnell Dockett, WR Larry Fitzgerald, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and SS Adrian Wilson, the Cardinals now have seven players who have earned a total of 24 Pro Bowl invitations. Below is a breakdown of Arizona players and their Pro Bowl history. Player Pro Bowls G Alan Faneca 9 ( ) WR Larry Fitzgerald 4 (2005, 07, 08, 09) LB Joey Porter 4 (2002, 04, 05, 08) SS Adrian Wilson 3 (2006, 08, 09) DT Darnell Dockett 2 (2007, 09) QB Derek Anderson 1 (2007) CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 1 (2009) Of the seven Pro Bowlers on the Cardinals roster, five earned their most recent selection during the 2009 season. Cardinals vs. Raiders 7 of 36

8 BY THE NUMBERS 30 Weeks the Cardinals have either shared or had the outright lead in the NFC West dating back to the beginning of the 2008 season (out of a possible 36 weeks). 80 Yards of Tim Hightower s rushing TD in the second quarter last week, the longest run for the Cardinals in 42 years (John David Crow, 83-yard TD run on 10/4/58). 2 Rushing TDs of at least 70 yards for Hightower in his last three games, dating back to the Divisional matchup vs. New Orleans in 09). 7.0 Yards per rush for Hightower through two games (24 att., 169 yards), the highest average among any NFL player with at least 20 attempts. 46 Consecutive sellouts at University of Phoenix Stadium if this week s game against the Raiders sells out Cardinals record at home under head coach Ken Whisenhunt, including the postseason. 16 NFL teams, including the Cardinals, that enter week three with a record of Cardinals record at home under Whisenhunt when playing against teams from the AFC. 10 Games, out of the last 13 (including postseason), that the Cardinals have rushed for over 100 yards as a team. 11 Cardinals starters in their first year or starting in a new position in 2010 (six on offense, five on defense). 7 Rookies that played for the Cardinals during last week s game in Atlanta. 3 Receptions needed for Larry Fitzgerald to reach 536 receptions for his career and move into second place on the franchise career list behind Anquan Boldin (586). 10 Tackles for rookie LB Daryl Washington against Atlanta in just his second career game. 3 Rookie WRs that are currently on the Cardinals 53-man roster. 9 Players on the Cardinals 53-man roster that hail from the state of California. 3 NFL teams (Arizona, Miami, Baltimore) that started the 2010 season with back-to-back road contests Cardinals record under Ken Whisenhunt when scoring 30+ points, including a current 15-game winning streak. WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS WEEK A win this week guarantees the Cardinals retain at least a tie for first place in the NFC West. A win this week would give the Cardinals a 6-1 record at home against teams from the AFC under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. A win would give the Cardinals their first home victory against the Raiders. Currently, the Cards are 0-3 all-time at home against the Raiders. RB Tim Hightower With 100 yards rushing this week, Hightower would have 100 yards rushing in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. It would also mark his fourth career 100-yard game and it would be his first 100-yard rushing game at home. With a rushing TD this week, Hightower would become the first Cards RB since Ottis Anderson in 1985 to rush for a TD in each of the first three games of the season. WR Larry Fitzgerald With three receptions this week, Fitzgerald would have 536 for his career, moving him past Larry Centers (535) into second place on the franchise career list behind only Anquan Boldin (586). RB Beanie Wells If Wells rushes for 100 yards this week, it would mark the first time since 1995 that the Cards would have different RBs rush for 100 yards in back-to-back games (Garrison Hearst, Ronald Moore). Consecutive Games Streaks G Alan Faneca will start his 131 st consecutive game. LS Mike Leach will play in his 123 rd consecutive game. DT Darnell Dockett will start his 84 th consecutive game. FS Kerry Rhodes will play in his 83 rd consecutive game. GRAVES EXTENDED IN OFFSEASON After overseeing a Cardinals team that won back-to-back NFC West titles, earned its first conference championship and made its first Super Bowl appearance, GM Rod Graves was rewarded with a contract extension in February of 2010 on the same day as Ken Whisenhunt. The extension keeps Graves in Arizona through the 2013 season. The most significant tool used by Graves to assemble Arizona s roster has been the NFL Draft. Arizona currently has 25 players on the 53-man roster that were drafted by the Cardinals. Recent drafts have not only produced Pro Bowlers in Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson, Darnell Dockett and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but also scores of other full-time starters and contributors. Of the 22 starters on both sides of the ball, 13 were either drafted by the Cardinals or signed by the team as rookie free agents. Rookie free agents are another area of success for the Cardinals under Graves watch. The Cardinals current 53- man roster includes seven players that originally entered the league when Arizona signed them as rookie free agents. The 2010 rookie class alone consists of four free agents. Graves has made it clear that the organization wants to identify a core group of players to build the team around and keep that core intact. Wilson (2004, 2009), Dockett (2006, 2009), Gerald Hayes (2006), and Fitzgerald (2008) have all signed contract extensions. Dockett signed his second, and most recent, contract extension with the Cards on 9/1/10. Cardinals vs. Raiders 8 of 36

9 FITZGERALD HISTORICALLY GOOD Against the Lions in week 15 of 2009, Larry Fitzgerald reached 7,000 receiving yards for his career. At 26 years, 111 days old, he became the youngest player in NFL history to reach the career milestone, surpassing the previous record held by Randy Moss (26 years, 220 days old). He was the second-youngest player (behind Randy Moss) to reach 6,000 receiving yards. Youngest Receivers to 7,000 Yards Youngest Receivers to 6,000 Yards Receiver (Team) Age Receiver (Team) Age Larry Fitzgerald (Ari) 26 years, 111 days Randy Moss (Min) 25 years, 270 days Randy Moss (Min) 26 years, 220 days Larry Fitzgerald (Ari) 26 years, 13 days Isaac Bruce (StL) 28 years, 10 days Jerry Rice (SF) 27 years, 37 days Herman Moore (Det) 28 years, 13 days Herman Moore (Det) 27 years, 49 days Jerry Rice (SF) 28 years, 15 days Lance Alworth (SD) 27 years, 73 days Fastest and Youngest to 500 Fitzgerald became the youngest player in NFL history to record 500 career receptions, reaching the milestone at 26 years, 90 days old, breaking the previous mark held by Randy Moss (26 years, 297 days old). Postseason Performer During the Cardinals 2008 postseason run to the Super Bowl, Fitzgerald shattered the NFL records for receiving yards (546), receptions (30) and receiving TDs (7) in a single postseason. Fitzgerald recorded four 100-yard games in the postseason as well, a new NFL record for consecutive games with 100-yards receiving. Fitzgerald has nine TD receptions in six career postseason games, an NFL record for a player in his first six postseason games. Reaching 100 Fitzgerald is one of just four players in NFL history to hit 100 receptions twice in their first four years, with Baltimore s Anquan Boldin, Denver s Brandon Marshall and New England s Wes Welker being the others. Leading The Pack Has led the NFL in TD receptions in each of the last two seasons (2008, 09) and led the NFC in both receptions and receiving yards in 2007 and 08. FITZ MOVES UP WITH TD RECEPTION With his game-winning 21-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter in St. Louis in week one, Larry Fitzgerald now has 60 career TDs, tying Sonny Randle for second place on the franchise career TDs list. Career TDs Overall TDs Player (Years) 69 Roy Green ( ) 60 Larry Fitzgerald (2004-present) Sonny Randle ( ) 51 Ottis Anderson ( ) John David Crow ( ) 50 Ollie Matson (1952, 54-58) 46 Mel Gray ( ) The TD reception also gave Fitzgerald a TD reception in four consecutive regular season games, tying the third-longest streak in franchise history. Fitzgerald had five consecutive games with a TD reception in Consecutive Games with TD Reception TDs Player (Years) 6 Anquan Boldin (2008) 5 Larry Fitzgerald (2007 and ) Ricky Proehl (1993) Jackie Smith (1967) Bobby Joe Conrad (1963) Sonny Randle (1960 and ) Bob Shaw (1950) Mal Kutner ( Larry Fitzgerald ( ) David Boston (2001) Roy Green ( and 1986) The TD reception also gave Fitzgerald a TD reception in the season opener for the third consecutive season. It marked his 12 th TD reception in the last 12 games vs. St. Louis. NEARING THE LEAD Larry Fitzgerald entered the 2010 season on the verge of taking the top spot in the franchise record books in a number of receiving categories. Over the last five seasons ( ), Fitzgerald averaged 93 receptions, for 1,257 yards and 10 TDs a year. If he continues that trend during the 2010 season, he will become the franchise s all-time leader in receptions and receiving TDs. Fitzgerald needs 1,305 yards to become the franchise all-time receiving yardage leader. Total Career Receptions Rec. to Pass Anquan Boldin, Larry Centers, Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Green, Frank Sanders, Jackie Smith, Pat Tilley, Bobby Joe Conrad, Career Receiving Yardage Yds. to Pass 1. 8,497 Roy Green, , ,918 Jackie Smith, ,520 Anquan Boldin, ,193 Larry Fitzgerald, ,005 Pat Tilley, ,644 Mel Gray, ,579 Frank Sanders, ,828 Bobby Joe Conrad, Career Touchdown Receptions TDs to Pass Roy Green, Larry Fitzgerald, Sonny Randle, Mel Gray, Anquan Boldin, Cardinals vs. Raiders 9 of 36

10 THREE IN A ROW? With 13 TD receptions during the 2009 season, Larry Fitzgerald tied New England s Randy Moss and San Francisco s Vernon Davis for the most receiving TDs in the NFL, his second-consecutive season leading the NFL in TD receptions. NFL Receiving TD Leaders TDs Player (Team) 13 Larry Fitzgerald (Ari) Randy Moss (NE) Vernon Davis (SF) 11 Miles Austin (Dal) Roddy White (Atl) Visanthe Shiancoe (Min) Fitzgerald became the first player to lead the NFL in receiving TDs in back-to-back seasons since Terrell Owens accomplished the feat in Should Fitzgerald lead the league in TD receptions again in 2010, he would become the first player since Jerry Rice ( ) to lead the league in TD receptions for three consecutive seasons. Consecutive Seasons Leading NFL TD Receptions # Player, Team Years 5 Don Hutson, Green Bay Don Hutson, Green Bay Lance Alworth, San Diego Jerry Rice, San Francisco In 09, Fitzgerald became the first player in franchise history to record three consecutive seasons with 10+ TDs. He joined Randy Moss as the only players in the NFL who have recorded 10+ TDs each season between A CAREER DAY RECEIVING In addition to making game-saving plays by running down Rams defenders, WR Steve Breaston also found time to post a career day as a receiver in week one. Breaston filled up the stat sheet in the Cards victory over the Rams, establishing a career-high with 132 receiving yards on seven receptions in the win, his fourth career regular season 100-yard game and first since 11/10/08 vs. San Francisco. Breaston s 132 receiving yards were the fourth-most in the NFL in week one behind Cincinnati s Chad Ochocinco (159), Chicago s Matt Forte (151) and Dallas Miles Austin (146). They represented the 2 nd most yards in a winning effort (Forte). A Monster Second Half After catching one pass for 12 yards in the first half, Breaston came up big for the Cardinals after they fell behind midway through the third quarter. In addition to his forced fumble that saved a TD, Breaston had six receptions for 120 yards in the second half. At one point between the third and fourth quarters, six of Anderson s 11 completions were to Breaston, covering 120 yards. The other five completions, to four different receivers, went for 56 yards. Breaston had three receptions of 20+ yards in the game, including receptions of 22, 35 and 27 yards. Three of the Cardinals four longest pass plays resulted in connections between Breaston and Anderson. Totaled three receptions for 73 yards on third down plays. BREASTON S EFFORT SAVES WEEK 1 WR Steve Breaston, now in his fourth NFL season, is being counted on as a leader for the Cardinals. He moved into the role as the team s second receiver in 2010 and his play in the season opener in St. Louis showed Breaston is more than capable of filling a leadership role. Despite a career day receiving, what most people wanted to talk about following the game was Breaston s extraordinary effort in stopping two potential TDs following Cards turnovers that saved the Cardinals in a game they went on to win by just four points. The biggest play of the game came with Arizona trailing with just over 7:00 minutes remaining in the third quarter. QB Derek Anderson was sacked by Rams DE C.J. Ah You and fumbled. Rams DT Clifton Ryan recovered the fumble and looked to be headed into the end zone for a TD. After returning the ball 18 yards to the AZ 4- yard line, Ryan was chased down and stripped from behind by a trailing Breaston. Cards C Lyle Sendlein recovered the Rams fumble in the AZ end zone, resulting in a touchback and Arizona regaining possession at its own 20-yard line. "I scooped it up and I was trying to make a hustle play," Ryan said after the game. "I looked at the Jumbotron, and I didn't see anyone for a split second. He came out of nowhere and made a play. Steve is a great player. In my opinion, one of the most underrated players in this league. My hat's off to him." All-Pro DT Darnell Dockett couldn t have praised Breaston highly enough for his extra effort in the win. I pulled him to the side after the game and told him that I have never been more proud of a person, Dockett said. That s what you want on your team, you want winners. Things like that can make the difference in the game. Breaston also saved a potential TD with his tackle of Rams CB Bradley Fletcher following a first quarter Cards turnover. Fletcher recovered a Cards fumble at the STL 21-yard line and returned it 43 yards to the AZ 32-yard line before Breaston chased him down. Arizona s defense held and five plays later, on the Rams ensuing drive, Adrian Wilson blocked Brown s FG attempt. I think Steve not only played great for us offensively but he saved us twice, added QB Derek Anderson. Two of the better hustle plays I have ever seen. Running the guy down on the first fumble and then on my fumble to strip the guy and then we get at the 20. It was very impressive. Steve doesn t really say much. He just goes out there and works and I think everybody likes that about him. Perhaps the highest praise for Breaston came from head coach Ken Whisenhunt. When you talk about kids watching this game and how it should be played, if you want to point to one thing, that play (forcing Ryan fumble) is what you point to, Whisenhunt said Monday. The hustle, the never give up, the never quit. That play is always going to be special because it was our opening game, against a division opponent, on the road. To make a play that I think had a huge impact on the game was special. He had a very good game as an offensive player, but that play really distinguished who Steve is and what he means to our team. WILLIAMS GETS THE START Free agent rookie WR Stephen Williams received his first career start last week against the Falcons, entering the lineup in place of the injured Early Doucet. In his second NFL game, Williams caught his first two career passes for 26 yards. Both of Williams receptions in the game (16 and 10 yards) resulted in first downs for the Cards. Despite not being drafted out of the University of Toledo, where he was left as the school s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, Williams steadily climbed the depth chart and was one of the biggest stories of the preseason for the Cardinals. Cardinals vs. Raiders 10 of 36