Arizona Cardinals Football Club Game Release Game #16 THIS WEEK S GAME The Cardinals close the 2012 regular season with a road game against the 49ers, who can clinch the NFC West title with either a win/tie over Arizona or a Seattle loss/tie vs. St. Louis. Last week the Cards hosted a Bears team seeking to stay alive in the playoff hunt and snap a 3-game losing streak. Chicago would do just that thanks to a defense that scored two TDs and an offense that made a handful of key plays en route to a 28-13 win. WR Larry Fitzgerald led the Cards offense with an 8- catch, 111-yard effort. The defense continued its exceptional season holding the Bears under 300 yards, just 146 passing. The 49ers, who are coming of a 42-13 Sunday night loss at Seattle, square off against the Cards for the 22 nd time as division foes. Arizona looks to spoil San Fran s attempt at back-to-back NFC West titles and even the season series vs. SF, who notched a 24-3 Monday night win in Week 8. Arizona also aims for its first win in San Francisco since 08. Sunday s game matches two of the NFL s toughest defenses. Arizona enters with the NFL s 3 rd ranked defense vs. the pass while San Francisco is right on their heels at #4. Cardinals LB Daryl Washington posted two sacks in the first meeting between the teams and enters the game with 128 tackles and 9.0 sacks. With a sack this week he d become the first player in team history with 100+ tackles and 10+ sacks in a season. P Dave Zastudil has landed a franchise-record 6 punts inside the 20 each of the last two weeks and has set the NFL single-season record in that category with 44, topping the mark of 42 shared by 4 others including 49ers Andy Lee. Injuries have continued to take their toll on the 2012 Cardinals, particularly on offense. Recently, QB Kevin Kolb and starting C Rich Ohrnberger (who himself had replaced the injured Lyle Sendlein) became the 7th and 8th players on that side of the ball to be placed on IR. In all, 16 Arizona offensive players have combined to miss a total of 95 games in 2012. THE COACHES Ken Whisenhunt Jim Harbaugh 49-52 Overall Record 24-8-1 45-50 Regular Season Record 23-7-1 4-2 Playoff Record 1-1 6 th /6 th Years as Head Coach in NFL/Team 2 nd /2 nd BROADCAST INFORMATION TELEVISION CARDINALS RADIO Network: FOX Flagship: Arizona Sports 620 Play-by-Play: Gus Johnson Play-by-Play: Dave Pasch Analyst: Charles Davis Analyst: Ron Wolfley Sideline: Kristina Pink Sideline: Paul Calvisi CARDINALS SPANISH RADIO Flagship: KVVA 107.1 FM Play-by-Play: Gabriel Trujillo Analyst: Rolando Cantu Sunday, December 30, 2012 2:25 PM (MST) ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-10) ARIZONA CARDINALS 2012 SEASON SCHEDULE Regular Season Date Opponent AZ Time Sun., Sep. 9 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS W, 20-16 Sun., Sep. 16 @ New England Patriots W, 20-18 Sun., Sep. 23 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES W, 27-6 Sun., Sep. 30 MIAMI DOLPHINS W, 24-21 (OT) Thurs., Oct. 4 @ St. Louis Rams+ L, 17-3 Sun., Oct. 14 BUFFALO BILLS L, 19-16 (OT) Sun., Oct. 21 @ Minnesota Vikings L, 21-14 Mon., Oct. 29 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS# L, 24-3 Sun., Nov. 4 @ Green Bay Packers L, 31-17 Sun., Nov. 11 BYE Sun., Nov. 18 @ Atlanta Falcons L, 23-19 Sun., Nov. 25 ST. LOUIS RAMS L, 31-17 Sun., Dec. 2 @ NY Jets L, 7-6 Sun., Dec. 9 @ Seattle Seahawks L, 58-0 Sun., Dec. 16 DETROIT LIONS W, 38-10 Sun., Dec. 23 CHICAGO BEARS L, 28-13 Sun., Dec. 30 @ San Francisco 49ers 2:25 PM # Monday Night on ESPN +Thursday Night on NFL Network Mark Dalton Vice President, Media Relations Mike Helm Media Relations Coordinator mdalton@cardinals.nfl.net 602/379-1720 mhelm@cardinals.nfl.net 602/379-1647 Chris Melvin Media Relations Manager Matt Storey Media Relations Coordinator cmelvin@cardinals.nfl.net 602/379-1882 mstorey@cardinals.nfl.net 602/379-1620 8701 S. Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284 Phone: 602-379-0101 Fax: 602-379-1821 www.azcardinals.com vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (10-4-1) Candlestick Park THIS WEEK IN THE NFL WEEK 17 -All Times Arizona- Opponents Time (Network) NY Jets at Buffalo 11:00 AM (CBS) Carolina at New Orleans 11:00 AM (FOX) Tampa Bay at Atlanta 11:00 AM (FOX) Baltimore at Cincinnati 11:00 AM (CBS) Cleveland at Pittsburgh 11:00 AM (CBS) Houston at Indianapolis 11:00 AM (CBS) Jacksonville at Tennessee 11:00 AM (CBS) Philadelphia at NY Giants 11:00 AM (FOX) Chicago at Detroit 11:00 AM (FOX) Arizona at San Francisco 2:25 PM (FOX) Oakland at San Diego 2:25 PM (CBS) Kansas City at Denver 2:25 PM (CBS) St. Louis at Seattle 2:25 PM (FOX) Miami at New England 2:25 PM (CBS) Green Bay at Minnesota 2:25 PM (FOX) Dallas at Washington 6:20 PM (NBC)
CARDINALS & 49ERS IN 2012 CARDINALS CATEGORY 49ERS 5-10 Record 10-4-1 237 Points Scored 370 330 Points Allowed 260 24 Touchdowns Scored 41 37 Touchdowns Allowed 28 10 Rushing TDs 16 10 Passing TDs 21 4 Return TDs 4 11 Rushing TDs Allowed 7 18 Passing TDs Allowed 18 8 Return TDs Allowed 3 56/360 Sacked/Yards Lost 40/249 24/12 Fumbles/Lost 25/8 20 Had Intercepted 8 23/26 Field Goals Made/Attempted 27/38 263.1 Total Yards Per Game 358.8 333.2 Opp. Total Yards Per Game 296.5 76.6 Rushing Yards Per Game 157.5 137.5 Opp. Rushing Yards Per Game 96.8 186.5 Passing Yards Per Game 201.3 195.7 Opp. Passing Yards Per Game 199.7 +1 Turnover Ratio +7 29:21 Average Time of Possession 30:29 32/32/28 NFL Rank-Total Offense/Run/Pass 11/4/25 12/28/3 NFL Rank-Total Defense/Run/Pass 2/6/4 0/0 2-Point Conversions 0/0 CARDINALS & 49ERS THE LAST MEETING Game 8 49ers 24, CARDINALS 3 October 29, 2012 University of Phoenix Stadium (62,810) In a nationally-televised Monday night match-up in Arizona, the Cardinals had a chance to snap their 3-game losing streak and move back into first place in the NFC West with a win over the visiting 49ers. Instead San Francisco opened up a 2-game lead atop the division with a strong performance in all phases. QB Alex Smith completed 18 of 19 passes with 3 TDs - including a pair to WR Michael Crabtree - while the Niners #1 ranked defense held AZ to 3 points and 7 rushing yards on the evening. On their 2 nd offensive series of the game, the 49ers chewed over 6 minutes off the 1 st quarter clock with a 10-play, 77-yard drive that Smith capped with a 3-yard scoring pass to Crabtree. A 35-yard Ted Ginn punt return set San Francisco up at the AZ45 on its next possession and the 49ers took a 10-0 lead thanks to David Akers 43-yard FG. Just before intermission, another short Smith-to-Crabtree TD connection made it 17-0 at the half. Through 2 quarters, the Niners led 212-69 in total net yards and 80-6 in rushing yards with a 9-minute advantage in time of possession. The 49ers lead grew to 24-0 on their first series of the 3 rd quarter thanks to a 47-yard catch and run by veteran WR Randy Moss. Arizona advance deep into SF territory and got on the board later in the quarter when Jay Feely s 28-yard FG capped a 14-play, 70-yard drive. The Cards nearly found the end zone late in the fourth but Larry Fitzgerald was stopped at the 1 on a 4 th down play and Arizona turned it over on downs. The Cardinals defense surrendered over 21 points for the first time in 2012 and QB John Skelton who started for the 2 nd straight week after returning to the lineup due to Kevin Kolb s rib injury lost for the first time in 7 career home starts. LB Daryl Washington recorded 2.0 sacks for the 2 nd straight week to give him 8.0 for the season. Washington became the first Cardinals defender with multiple sacks in backto-back games since DE Eric Swann accomplished the feat in November of 1999. WR Andre Roberts finished the contest with a game-high seven receptions, good for 65 yards. The loss was Arizona s fourth straight after starting the year 4-0. The loss dropped Arizona to 4-4 on the season while the 49ers improved to 6-2 and solidified their spot atop the NFC West. 49ers 7 10 7 0 24 CARDINALS 0 0 3 0 3 Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score 49ers 1 1:53 Crabtree 3-yard pass from Smith (Akers kick) 10-77, 6:04 7-0 49ers 2 5:58 Akers 43-yard FG 7-20, 3:36 10-0 49ers 2 1:41 Crabtree 9-yard pass from Smith (Akers kick) 8-68, 2:46 17-0 49ers 3 7:27 Moss 47-yard pass from Smith (Akers kick) 6-80, 3:32 24-0 CARDS 3 0:57 Feely 28-yard FG 14-70, 6:30 24-3 SERIES NOTES This week, the Cardinals and 49ers meet for the 43 rd time in a series that dates back to 1951. Arizona enters the game looking for its first road win against the division foe since 2008. With a win this week, the Cards would earn a season split with the Niners in 2012. The teams split the series in 2011 following seven straight years of one team sweeping both matchups Arizona ( 05, 06, 08) and SF ( 04, 07, 09, 10) THE HISTORY Overall Regular Season Series: 17-25 Cardinals on the road @ SF: 8-14 Cardinals last win: 12/11/11 @ Ari, 21-19 First Meeting: 11/18/51 @ SF, W, 27-21 Last Meeting: 10/29/12 vs. SF, L, 24-3 Last 10 Meetings Date Result 10/29/12 @ Arizona 49ers 24, Cardinals 3 12/11/11 @ Arizona Cardinals 21, 49ers 19 11/20/11 @ San Fran 49ers 23, Cardinals 7 1/2/11 @ San Fran 49ers 38, Cardinals 7 11/29/10 @ Arizona 49ers 27, Cardinals 6 12/14/09 @ San Fran 49ers 24, Cardinals 9 9/13/09 @ Arizona 49ers 20, Cardinals 16 11/10/08 @ Arizona Cardinals, 29, 49ers 24 9/7/08 @ San Fran Cardinals 23, 49ers 13 11/25/07 @ Arizona 49ers 37, Cardinals 31 (OT) STATISTICS SF AZ First Downs 15 16 3 rd Down Eff. (Pct) 6-12 (50) 2-14 (14) Total Plays 52 65 Avg. Gain 6.1 4.1 Rushes-Yards 29-113 9-7 Net Passing Yards 204 258 Total Net Yards 317 265 Passing (A-C-I) 19-18-0 52-32-1 Sacked by Opp. 4-28 4-32 Punts-Average 5-48.8 7-47.3 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 0-0 Penalties 10-80 7-51 Time of Possession 31:16 28:44 Weather: Clear, 90 degrees, 11% humidity, winds w 5 mph. RUSHING 49ers: Gore 16-55; Hunter 10-43; Crabtree 1-8; A. Smith 1-6; Miller 1-1. CARDS: Stephens-Howling 8-6; Skelton 1-1. PASSING 49ers: Smith 18-19, 232 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT. CARDS: Skelton 32-52, 290 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT. RECEIVING 49ers: Crabtree 5-72, 2 TD; Manningham 4-20; Walker 2-38; Davis 2-34; Moss 1-47, TD; Hunter 1-6; Williams 1-4; Ginn 1-0. CARDS: Roberts 7-65; Fitzgerald 5-52; Floyd 5-36; Housler 4-32; King 3-43; Stephens-Howling 3-32; Doucet 2-21; Sherman 2-11; Peterson 1-(-2). INTERCEPTIONS 49ers: Culliver 1-0. CARDS: None. Cardinals vs. 49ers #AZvsSF 2 of 44 www.azcardinals.com
CARDINALS-49ERS CONNECTIONS Former Cardinals 49ers LB Clark Haggans played for the Cardinals from 2008-11, appearing in 56 games (43 starts) and totaling 197 tackles, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. 49ers G Leonard Davis began his NFL career with the Cardinals as a first-round (2 nd overall) pick in the 2001 draft. He spent six years with Arizona and started in 91 of a possible 96 games in that span. 49ers QBs coach Geep Chryst served as TEs coach for the Cardinals from 1996-97 and then as QBs coach in 1998 and again from 2001-03. He was then TEs coach/offensive quality control for Carolina from 2006-10 while Cards TE Jeff King played for the Panthers. 49ers Offensive Line coach Mike Solari coached the same position for the Cardinals in 1989. Former 49ers Cardinals G/C Adam Snyder played for the 49ers from 2005-11. He was selected by the 49ers in the third round (94 th overall) of the 2005 draft, and he played in 107 games and made 69 starts with San Francisco. California Connections Cardinals TE Jim Dray played his college ball 35 minutes south of San Francisco at Stanford University from 2005-09, starting 33 of 39 career games played. 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was Dray s head coach at Stanford from 2007-2009, Offensive Line coach Tim Drevno was the TEs coach at Stanford from 2007-08 and Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman coached TEs there in 2009. Cardinals LB Reggie Walker was a three-year starter at Grant High School in Sacramento, which is about 87 miles northeast of San Francisco. The following Cardinals are also from the state of California: DT David Carter (Fontana), G/C Mike Gibson (Napa), QB Ryan Lindley (Alpine), S James Sanders (Porterville), and G Adam Snyder (Fullerton). Arizona Conncections San Francisco TE/LS Brian Jennings is a native of Mesa, where he prepped at Red Mountain High School lettering in football, basketball, and track. He played his college football at Arizona State from 1997-99. 49ers Defensive Assistant/Quality Control Peter Hansen attended the University of Arizona and played both football and basketball. San Francisco Head Strength and Conditioning coach Mark Uyeyama was a graduate assistant at Arizona State from 2001-02 and was promoted to a full-time assistant in 2003. 49ers Regional Scout Scott Brown was the defensive line coach at Arizona State in 2011. College/Pro Connections 1995, Cardinals WRs coach Frank Reich played QB for the Carolina Panthers while 49ers Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Brad Seely, Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman, and Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio were assistants with the Panthers. Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (2002-03) played at the University of Pittsburgh with San Francisco P Andy Lee (2000-03). 49ers Secondary coach Ed Donatell (2000-03) was the defensive coordinator for the Packers while Cardinals DE Vonnie Holliday (1998-2002) and LB Paris Lenon (2002-05) played in Green Bay. Cardinals K Jay Feely (2007) and DE Vonnie Holliday (2005-08) played for the Dolphins with 49ers WR Ted Ginn (2007-09). Cardinals S James Sanders (2005-10) played for the Patriots with 49ers WR Randy Moss (2007-10). Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (2006-08) was teammates at Ohio State with San Francisco WR Ted Ginn (2004-06), T Alex Boone (2005-08) and LB Larry Grant (2006-07). 49ers DT Ricky Jean Francois (2006-08) played at LSU with Cardinals WR Early Doucet (2004-07) and CB Patrick Peterson (2008-10). Doucet and Jean Francois played on LSU s 2007 national championship team. PLAYER COACHES Two of the NFL s nine head coaches with NFL playing experience will be facing off this week when Arizona and San Francisco meet at Candlestick Park. Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt played nine seasons as a member of the Falcons (1985-88), Redskins (1989-90) and Jets (1991-93) after being selected by the Falcons in the 12 th round of the 1985 draft. Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh was a first round pick of the Chicago Bears in 1987 and played 15 seasons with the Bears, Colts, Ravens, Chargers and Panthers. Coaches with NFL playing experience Coach Team Years Ken Whisenhunt Arizona 9 (1985-93) Jeff Fisher St. Louis 5 (1981-85) Leslie Frazier Minnesota 6 (1981-86) Jason Garrett Dallas 13 (1992-2004) Jim Harbaugh San Francisco 15 (1987-2001) Gary Kubiak Houston 9 (1983-91) Mike Mularkey Jacksonville 9 (1983-91) Mike Munchak Tennessee 12 (1983-92) Ron Rivera Carolina 9 (1984-92) In 1998, Whisenhunt served as the Ravens TEs coach during Harbaugh s lone season as QB in Baltimore. Whisenhunt and Harbaugh played against each other twice during their NFL careers (1990, 1991). OVER 100 AGAINST THREE WR Larry Fitzgerald enters this week s game against San Francisco with 98 career receptions against the 49ers. With 107 career catches against Seattle and 102 career receptions against St. Louis, Fitzgerald is one of just four active NFL players with 100 receptions against two separate opponents, joining Tony Gonzalez, Reggie Wayne and Jason Witten. With two receptions against the 49ers this week, he would join Gonzalez and Wayne as the only active NFL players with 100 career receptions against three different teams. Active Players with 100+ Rec. vs. Multiple Opponents Player Opponents (Rec) Larry Fitzgerald Seattle (107) St. Louis (102) Tony Gonzalez San Diego (125) Oakland (114) Denver (101) Reggie Wayne Jacksonville (133) Houston (120) Tennessee (103) Jason Witten Philadelphia (109) NY Giants (101) SEVEN SOLD OUT SEASONS Last week s home finale against the Chicago Bears was the Cardinals 73 rd consecutive sellout, every game (preseason, regular season and postseason) played in seven seasons at University of Phoenix Stadium. Dating back to the inaugural season in 06, the Cardinals hold a 36-23 home record, including postseason. Arizona finished the 2012 season with a 4-4 record at home, extending Ken Whisenhunt s franchise record for consecutive seasons with a.500 record or better at home to six seasons. Cardinals at Home Under Whisenhunt 2012: 4-4 2009: 4-4 (1-0) 2011: 6-2 2008: 6-2 (2-0) 2010: 4-4 2007: 6-2 Cardinals vs. 49ers #AZvsSF 3 of 44 www.azcardinals.com
LAST WEEK S GAME Bears 28, CARDINALS 13 December 23, 2012 University of Phoenix Stadium (62,734) Playing in their home finale and the penultimate game of the regular season, the Cardinals faced a Bears team seeking to stay alive in the playoff hunt and snap a 3-game losing streak. Chicago would do just that thanks to a defense that scored two TDs and an offense that made several big plays at key times. WR Larry Fitzgerald led the offense with an 8-catch, 111-yard effort catching passes from 2 different Cardinals QBs. After the teams traded punts to open the game, AZ found itself pinned at its own 4. On 2 nd -n-goal from the 3 RB Beanie Wells lost his footing and bent awkwardly before losing the football. CB Zackary Bowman recovered and scooted a yard into the end zone to put the Bears up 7-0. Later in the opening quarter, starting QB Ryan Lindley moved into Chicago territory thanks to completions to Michael Floyd (14 yards) and Larry Fitzgerald (17 &18); that set up a 49-yard Jay Feely FG that made it 7-3. On the next snap, RB Matt Forte ran 36 yards to the AZ36. Two plays later the Bears faced 3 rd -n-8 from the 34 when Jay Cutler made his 1 st completion of the day a big one when he and WR Brandon Marshall hooked up on a 30-yard completion to the 4. Forte then punched it in to put Chicago up 14-3. Two of the next 3 AZ drives would begin in Bears territory but the Cards would get just 3 points off of them. The first started at the CHI32 following a Bears 3-n-out and short punt; 3 incompletions and a failed attempt at a fake FG however left the Cards empty-handed. Later a muffed Bears punt was recovered by Michael Adams at the CHI 36; the Cards would convert that into a 35-yard Feely FG that made it 14-6 with 2:18 to play in the half. Chicago, however, would strike quickly, moving 80 yards in 6 plays and capping the drive with an 11-yard Cutler-to- Marshall TD pass that made it 21-6 at the half. Arizona s first possession of the 2 nd half ended badly when Charles Tillman INT d Lindley s 2 nd -n-15 pass to Andre Roberts at the 10 and waltzed in for the score. Trailing 28-3, Arizona inserted QB Brian Hoyer, who had joined the team two weeks earlier. He would go on to complete 11 of 19 passes but was picked off by Kelvin Hayden deep in AZ territory late in the 4 th. With just under 2:00 to go Chicago lined up for a 20-yard Olindo Mare FG but Adrian Wilson knifed in to block it and rookie Justin Bethel raced 82 yards for a TD that made the final score 28-14. The loss dropped Arizona to 5-10 while Chicago moved to 9-6. As he had been all season, punter Dave Zastudil was again exceptional. A week after setting a club record with 6 punts inside the 20, he matched that total again, giving him an NFL record 44 for the season. BEARS 7 14 7 0 28 CARDINALS 3 3 0 7 13 Team Qtr. Time Scoring Play Drive Score Bears 1 8:53 Bowman 1-yard fumble return (Mare kick) -- 7-0 CARDS 1 0:37 Feely 49-yard FG 9-48, 4:48 7-3 Bears 2 13:12 Forte 4-yard run (Mare kick) 5-72, 2:25 14-3 CARDS 2 2:18 Feely 35-yard FG 6-19, 2:43 14-6 Bears 2 0:19 Marshall 11-yard pass from Cutler (Mare kick) 6-80, 1:59 21-6 Bears 3 12:39 Tillman 10-yard INT return (Mare kick) -- 28-3 CARDS 4 1:46 Bethel 82-yard return of blocked FG (Feely kick) -- 28-13 STATISTICS CHI AZ First Downs 15 15 3 rd Down Eff. (Pct) 3-13 (23) 3-15 (20) Total Plays 33 19 Avg. Gain 5.0 3.4 Rushes-Yards 33-152 19-29 Net Passing Yards 145 219 Total Net Yards 297 248 Passing (A-C-I) 26-12-0 49-28-2 Sacked by Opp. 1-1 4-27 Punts-Average 9-43.8 8-44.8 Fumbles-Lost 2-1 3-1 Penalties 2-12 4-25 Time of Possession 28:05 31:55 Weather: Sunny & clear, 62 degrees, 34% humidity, no wind. RUSHING Bears: Forte 12-88. TD; Bell 13-32; Allen 5-24; Cutler 3-8. CARDS: Stephens-Howling 11-20; Powell 3-6; Wells 4-3; Feely 1-0. PASSING Bears: Cutler 12-26, 146 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT. CARDS: Lindley 17-30, 141 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT; Hoyer 11-19, 105 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT. RECEIVING Bears: Marshall 6-68, TD; Davis 2-19; Jeffrey 1-35; Bennett 1-16; Forte 1-7; Allen 1-1. CARDS: Fitzgerald 8-111; Floyd 6-47; Roberts 5-44; Powell 3-21; Smith 1-8; Byrd 1-8; Peterson 1-6; Dray 1-3; King 1-1; Stephens-Howling 1-(-3). INTERCEPTIONS Bears: Hayden 1-39; Tillman 1-10, TD. CARDS: None. MAN OF THE YEAR Last Saturday, WR Larry Fitzgerald was named the Arizona Cardinals/Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Fitzgerald is one of 32 NFL Man of the Year winners to qualify for the league s national 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. The award recognizes a player s off-the-field community service as well his playing excellence. The overall winner will be announced prior to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. Finalists for the award receive $5,000 for their charity of choice from NFL Charities and the winner receives a $25,000 donation. A six-time Pro Bowler, Fitzgerald s work off the field is far-reaching. In August, he was honored as the recipient of the 14 th annual Arthur S. Arkush Humanitarian Award by Pro Football Weekly, an award given to an NFL player whose contributions to the community and charitable organizations are especially outstanding. The Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund was started to help provide funds for positive activities for kids during the summer and throughout the year, with programs in Arizona, Minneapolis and Chicago. It also makes significant contributions to numerous organizations throughout the United States. His work with the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund, which was established in honor of his late mother, who passed away from breast cancer in 2003, offers support of causes that Fitzgerald s mother held dear, including educating urban youth about HIV/AIDS and breast cancer issues. Fitzgerald has also contributed internationally. He has been to Africa on humanitarian missions numerous times over the last few years, both with his good friend Anquan Boldin and on behalf of the Starkey Hearing Foundation. His most recent trip was in late July when he flew to Uganda to assist President Clinton and his daughter Chelsea fit hearing aids for those in need. NOTES OF THE WEEK Arizona s pass defense moved up a spot this week and now ranks #3 in the NFL. The Cards held the Bears to just 145 net yards passing last week. P Dave Zastudil established a new NFL single-season record with 44 punts inside the 20-yard line after downing a franchise single-game record six punts inside the 20 last week. Zastudil will look to solidify his record this week by holding off Kansas City s Dustin Colquitt, who has 42 punts landed inside the 20. WR Larry Fitzgerald hauled in eight receptions for 111 yards against the Bears, extending his franchise record with his 34 th career 100-yard receiving game. He now has 100 yards receiving in both career outings against the Bears. SS Adrian Wilson appeared in his 180 th career game last week, tying LB Larry Stallings for sixth place on the franchise career list for games played. Among defenders, only Hall of Fame DB Roger Wehrli (193) has played in more games for the Cards. LB Daryl Washington posted two sacks against the Niners in Week 8 and with a sack this week will become the first player in franchise history with 100+ tackles and 10.0 sacks in a season. S Justin Bethel scored his first NFL TD in the fourth quarter last week against the Bears when he returned a blocked FG 82 yards for a TD. CB Patrick Peterson has seven INTs on the season, tied with the NY Giants Stevie Brown and Seattle s Richard Sherman for second in the NFL behind Chicago s Tim Jennings (8). Last week s game marked the Arizona debut of QB Brian Hoyer, who was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals on 12/10 from Pittsburgh. He set career highs in pass attempts (19) and completions (11) in the game. Cardinals vs. 49ers #AZvsSF 4 of 44 www.azcardinals.com
A STRONG PASS DEFENSE ARIZONA AMONG THE INT LEADERS Arizona has recorded 13 INTs in the last six games and 22 total INTs this season, which ranks as the second-highest total in the NFL. 2012 NFL INT Leaders Team INTs Team 23 Chicago 22 Arizona 20 NY Giants 19 Atlanta New England 18 Green Bay Tampa Bay Washington Arizona is on pace to record 24 INTs in 2012, which would represent the highest season total since 1983 (28). The Cardinals totaled 10 INTs in all of 2011. Having intercepted 22 of 468 passes attempted against them this season, Arizona s defense has an INT percentage of 4.7, which is the best mark in the NFL. NFL Leaders Defensive INT % Pct Team Att INT 4.7 Arizona 468 22 4.2 Chicago 550 23 4.0 NY Giants 497 20 3.7 Atlanta 516 19 3.4 New England 559 19 Arizona s INT haul over the last six games includes five INTs of Atlanta s Matt Ryan in Week 11, one INT of Rams QB Sam Bradford, three INTs of Jets QB Mark Sanchez in Week 13, one INT of Seattle s Russell Wilson in Week 14 and three INTs of Detroit s Matthew Stafford in Week 15. Cardinals 2012 INT Breakdown INTs Player 7 CB Patrick Peterson 4 FS Kerry Rhodes 2 CB William Gay 2 LB Sam Acho 2 S Rashad Johnson 2 CB Greg Toler 1 LB Daryl Washington 1 SS Adrian Wilson 1 LB Paris Lenon TAKEAWAYS PILING UP After totaling four takeaways against the Lions in Week 15, Arizona posted one takeaway last week against the Bears and has now recorded 33 total takeaways on the season. That ranks as the fourth-best total in the NFL. 2012 NFL Leaders Takeaways TA Team INT FR 40 Chicago 23 17 39 New England 19 20 34 NY Giants 20 14 33 Arizona 22 11 30 Atlanta 19 11 Seattle 17 13 In Week 15, all four of Arizona s takeaways resulted in TDs against the Lions. Two INTs were returned for TDs and RB Beanie Wells ran for TDs following the other two. The Cardinals defense has recorded 17 takeaways (13 INTs, 4 FR) over the past six games. Arizona has also forced at least four takeaways in three of the last six games. KEEPING THE QB UNDER WRAPS The strength of the Cardinals this season has been the defense. Particularly strong has been the pass defense, which currently ranks 3 rd in the NFL. Of the 13 starting QBs the Cardinals have faced this season, nine have posted a lower passer rating against Arizona than they have against the rest of the NFL. Opponent QB Rating AZ vs. the NFL Quarterback (Team) 12 Rate vs. AZ +/- Russell Wilson (Sea) 98.0 69.5-28.5 Tom Brady (NE) 98.3 79.6-18.7 Michael Vick (Phi) 79.2 64.8-14.4 Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf) 82.9 68.9-14.0 Christian Ponder (Min) 78.8 35.5-43.3 Matt Ryan (Atl) 100.2 40.5-59.7 Mark Sanchez (NYJ) 67.9 21.4-46.5 Matthew Stafford (Det) 79.2 37.6-41.6 Jay Cutler (Chi) 80.4 76.8-3.6 The Cardinals defense has held opposing QBs to a combined passer rating of 68.5 this season, the lowest mark in the NFL. NFL Leaders Opponent Passer Rating Rate Team 68.5 Arizona 69.8 Chicago 71.6 Seattle 74.5 Green Bay 77.5 Atlanta Arizona has allowed opposing QBs to complete only 53.2% of their attempts (253 of 468), the second-best mark in the NFL. NFL Leaders Opponent Completion % Pct Team Att Com 53.2 Houston 553 294 54.1 Arizona 468 253 54.3 NY Jets 468 254 55.0 Green Bay 540 297 56.4 Pittsburgh 491 277 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AIR DEFENSE Week 16 vs. Chicago QB Jay Cutler completed just 12 of 26 pass attempts (46%) for 146 yards against the Cardinals. It marked just the eighth time in his career he completed fewer than 47% of his pass attempts in a game. Week 15 vs. Detroit QB Matthew Stafford was forced into one of the worst passing performances of his career. He completed 24 of 50 pass attempts (48%) for 246 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs and a passer rating of 37.6. His passer rating is the third-lowest of his career and lowest since 11/26/09 vs. Green Bay (30.5) as a rookie. Week 13 at NY Jets Recorded three INTs of Jets QB Mark Sanchez and forced him out of the game. Combined with his replacement, Greg McElroy, the duo combined for a 37.8 passer rating. Week 11 at Atlanta Forced All-Pro QB Matt Ryan into a career-high five INTs, without allowing a TD pass, and limited him to a passer rating of 40.5, the second-lowest single-game total of his career and lowest since the second game of his rookie season (29.6 @ TB, 9/14/08). Week 9 vs. Green Bay Held All-Pro QB Aaron Rodgers the NFL s most accurate passer heading into the game to a completion percentage of 46.7, the third-lowest of his career. Arizona also snapped Rodgers streak of 130 consecutive pass attempts without an INT the longest streak in the NFL at the time. Cardinals vs. 49ers #AZvsSF 5 of 44 www.azcardinals.com
ZASTUDIL REACHES THE RECORD BOOKS After tying his own franchise single-game record with six punts inside the 20-yard line last week, P Dave Zastudil has now established a new NFL single-season record with 44 punts landed inside the 20-yard line this season. Zastudil broke the record of 42, previously shared by three players Andy Lee (SF, 2007), Ben Graham (Ari, 2009) and Steve Weatherford (NYJ, 2010). NFL Record Punts Inside the 20-Yard Line In20 Player Team Year 44 Dave Zastudil Arizona 2012 42 Dustin Colquitt Kansas City 2012* Steve Weatherford NY Jets 2010 Ben Graham Arizona 2009 Andy Lee San Francisco 2007 41 Dustin Colquitt Kansas City 2009 40 Brad Maynard Chicago 2008 *Plays Sunday at Denver Zastudil established a franchise single-game record with six punts inside the 20-yard in Week 15 vs. Detroit and matched that total last week vs. Chicago. Franchise Record Punts Inside the 20 (Single Game) In20 Player Opponent 6 Dave Zastudil 12/16/12 vs. Detroit 12/23/12 vs. Chicago 5 Dave Zastudil 10/21/12 at Minnesota Ben Graham 11/29/09 at Tennessee Scott Player 10/20/02 vs. Dallas 4 13 times, most recently Dave Zastudil, 11/4/12 vs. GB During his first season in Arizona in 2011, Zastudil had an outstanding campaign. He punted 87 times for 3,929 yards and averaged 45.2 yards per punt, the fourth-highest total in franchise history. Zastudil is averaging 46.3 yards per punt this season (106 for 4,904), which puts him on pace to make a run at the franchise all-time record for a single season. Franchise Record Punting Average (Season) Avg Player (Year) Punts-Yds 47.0 Ben Graham (2009) 86-4,045 46.3 Dave Zastudil (2012) 106-4,904 45.6 Jerry Norton (1960) 39-1,778 45.3 Rich Camarillo (1991) 76-3,445 45.2 Dave Zastudil (2011) 87-3,929 44.9 Scott Player (2006) 66-2,965 44.9 Jerry Norton (1959) 59-2,649 Through 15 games, six of Zastudil s punts this season have covered at least 60 yards. In Week 4 vs. Miami, Zastudil booted a 68-yarder that ranks as the second-longest punt in franchise history (73, Rich Camarillo, 9/20/92 at Dallas). 12 IN A ROW AND NEARING 100 K Jay Feely hit on both FG attempts last week against the Bears, connecting of FGs of 49 and 35 yards. In doing so, Feely extended his streak of consecutive FGs made to 12, tying the fifth-best total in franchise history. Franchise Record Consecutive FGs Made FG Player (Year) 31 Neil Rackers (Games 1-10, 2005) 19 Jay Feely (Game 11 in 2011-Game 5, 2012) 18 Jay Feely (Games 3-13, 2010) 15 Neil Rackers (Games 5-11, 2008) 12 Jay Feely (Games 8-15, 2012) Neil Rackers (Games 3-13, 2009) Feely s seven points in last week s game against the Bears give him 93 points on the season. He enters this week s season finale against the 49ers needing seven points to reach 100 points for the eighth time in his career. BLOCK THAT KICK The Cardinals have made it an annual tradition to lead the NFL in blocked FGAs over the last few years. Arizona led the NFL in blocked FGAs in each of the last three seasons (5 in 2011, 3 in 2010 and 3 in 2009) and they have two this year, the most recent coming last week against the Bears. In addition to the two blocked FGAs this season, the Cards also blocked a New England punt in Week 2. The block of Bears K Olindo Mare s 20-yard FGA last week was the Cardinals 14 th blocked FGA dating back to 2008, the most in the NFL in that span. Most Blocked FG Attempts (2008-present) Block Team 14 Arizona 10 Seattle 7 Buffalo 6 Chicago Cleveland Minnesota Arizona has now blocked 16 total kicks (FG, Punt, PAT) dating back to 2008, which also ranks as highest total in the NFL. Most Blocked Kicks (FG, PAT, Punt) 2008-2012 Block Team Type 16 Arizona FG (14), Punt (2) 15 Seattle FG (10), Punt (4), PAT 13 Chicago FG (6), PAT (4), Punt (3) 11 Tampa Bay Punt (6), PAT (3), FG (2) 10 NY Giants FG (5), PAT (5) BETHEL BLOSSOMING In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cardinals selected S Justin Bethel in the sixth round (177 th overall) out of Presbyterian, where he was a special teams standout who established a Big South Conference career record with nine blocked kicks. After blocking three kicks in the preseason, Bethel got off to a slow start through the first seven regular season games, totaling just three special teams tackles. Since then, Bethel has come on strong during the season s final stretch run. His biggest play came last week against Chicago, when he returned a blocked FG 82 yards for a TD in the fourth quarter. It was the Cards first blocked FG returned for a TD since 2009 and just the fifth dating back to 1960. Bethel has 11 special teams tackles in the last eight games and his 14 special teams tackles on the season are good for the team lead. ON THE CUSP LaRod Stephens-Howling has spent most of his time on the field this season at running back, but over the last three weeks, Stephens-Howling was back returning kickoffs something he did with much success in his first three seasons in the NFL. After returning two kicks for 39 yards last week, Stephens- Howling enters this week s game against the 49ers needing just 50 yards to become the franchise all-time leader in KOR yards. Franchise Leaders-Career Kickoff Yards Yds Player, Years To Pass 4,007 Stump Mitchell, 1981-89 50 3,958 LaRod Stephens-Howling, 2009- - 3,865 MarTay Jenkins, 2000-02 - 3,501 Vai Sikahema, 1986-90 - 2,804 Terry Metcalf, 1973-77 - With 158 career kickoff returns, Stephens-Howling needs just 20 more to pass Stump Mitchell (177) for the franchise record in that category as well. With three career KOR TDs, he ranks second all-time in that category behind Ollie Matson (6). Cardinals vs. 49ers #AZvsSF 6 of 44 www.azcardinals.com
CARDS UNDER WHISENHUNT During the 2011 season, Ken Whisenhunt established a franchise record for career wins by a head coach. The victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 was the 43 rd of his career, h surpassing 2012 Hall of Fame nominee Don Coryell (42, 1973-77) for the franchise alltime lead. Most Wins By A Cardinals Head Coach Wins Coach (Years) 49 Ken Whisenhunt (2007-present) 42 Don Coryell (1973-77) 39 Jim Hanifan (1980-85) 35 Charley Winner (1966-70) 29 Vince Tobin (1996-2000) Posted a.500 record or better in four of his first five seasons with the Cardinals. The Cardinals earned NFC West titles in 2008 and 09, their first back-to-back division titles since 1974-75. The Cardinals have posted a 19-15 record against teams from the NFC West. Arizona s win over Green Bay in the 2009 Wild Card matchup gave the Cardinals wins in the postseason in back-to-back years for the first time in franchise history. The Cardinals have won twice as many playoff games under Whisenhunt (4) as they had won in their total playoff history (2) prior to his tenure. Under Whisenhunt, the Cardinals appeared in six playoff contests between 2008-09, 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. Whisenhunt was 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 in 09. The 2011 season marked Whisenhunt s fifth straight season with a home winning percentage of at least.500, a new franchise record. He extended that record this season with after finishing with a 4-4 record at University of Phoenix Stadium in 2012. The Cardinals started the 2009 season with a 5-0 record on the road for the first time since 1975. The Cardinals posted a 6-2 road record in 09, the most road wins in a single season since posting six wins in 1963. Led the Cardinals to the NFC West title in 2008, their first division title since 1975. 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 30-24 win over Atlanta in the 2008 Wild Card Game was the first home playoff victory in 61 years. With the 34-21 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 1988. In 2008, the Cards offense scored a franchise record 427 points and added 188 points in the playoffs, the third-highest total in NFL postseason history. NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOUNDATION At NFL meetings in Dallas this month, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the formation of the National Football League Foundation, which will focus on youth football, health and safety, and the community. Selected to serve on the board was Cardinals President Michael Bidwill. The announcement followed the restructuring of the NFL s previous charitable arms -- NFL Charities and the NFL Youth Football Fund. As a result of this change, the NFL will be able to devote more resources to its goal of making a difference in the lives of those touched by football from players at all levels of the game to the broader community. The foundation will award more than $23 million in grants in 2013 to support youth and high school football programs, health and safety efforts, as well as community health initiatives, including NFL PLAY 60. In addition to serving on the National Football League Foundation board, Bidwill chairs the League s Security & Fan Conduct Committee and is also a member of the NFL s Business Ventures Committee. Joining Bidwill on the National Football League Foundation board are: Charlotte Jones Anderson, Executive VP/VP of Brand Management/ President of the Charity Foundation, Dallas Cowboys Shahid Khan, Owner, Jacksonville Jaguars Mary Owen, Executive VP of Strategic Planning, Buffalo Bills Mike Reinfeldt, Senior Executive VP/COO, Tennessee Titans Arthur J. Rooney II, President, Pittsburgh Steelers Leonard Wilf, Owner/Vice Chairman, Minnesota Vikings 80 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP In 1932, Charles W. Bidwill agreed to purchase the Chicago Cardinals from then-owner Dr. David Jones and the team has remained in the Bidwill family ever since. A prominent figure in the history of the National Football League, Charles Bidwill was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. Upon his passing in 1947, his wife Violet retained control of the franchise and ran the Cardinals for the next 15 years until her passing in 1962. Control of the team them moved to her sons Charles and William (Bill). Bill, whose association with the Cardinals began as a ball boy on Chicago s South Side, became the sole owner and chief executive officer in 1972 and his involvement with the team - now in its eighth decade - continues today. Mr. B remains a constant fixture at team functions as well as the Cardinals Tempe training facility where the responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the team today resides with his son and team president, Michael. Michael Bidwill joined the Cardinals in 1996 as Vice President/General Counsel after practicing law for six years as a federal prosecutor. He has established his own legacy with the franchise that has included spearheading the effort that led to the creation of University of Phoenix Stadium and the team s greatest period of success, both on the field and off. Founded in 1898, the Cardinals are the oldest continuously run franchise in professional football. They were a charter member of the National Football League when it began in 1920; the Cardinals and Bears are the only charter members of the NFL still in existence today. DRAFTING WELL Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves is one of the NFL s longest tenured football decision makers, having led the team s personnel department since 2003. A native of Houston, Graves is in his 16 th season with the Cardinals organization after joining the team in 1997 as the Assistant to the President. He was promoted to Vice President, Football Operations in 2003 and General Manager in 2007. Graves oversees all facets of the team s football operations and has seen considerable success in building the team. Current Cardinals Pro Bowl players such as CB Patrick Peterson, WR Larry Fitzgerald, DT Darnell Dockett, and SS Adrian Wilson were all acquired through the draft. Other rising stars recently identified and brought in by Graves include DE Calais Campbell, LBs Daryl Washington and Sam Acho, RBs Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, WR Andre Roberts and NT Dan Williams. Cardinals vs. 49ers #AZvsSF 7 of 44 www.azcardinals.com
ANOTHER RECORD FOR FITZ After hauling in eight receptions against the Rams in Week 5, WR Larry Fitzgerald reached 122 consecutive games with a catch, establishing a new franchise record. He has extended that record since, reaching 132 games against the Bears last week. Franchise Record Consecutive Games With a Reception Gms Player (Streak) 132 Larry Fitzgerald (Game 8 in 2004-present) 121 Mel Gray (Game 3 in 1973-Game 4 in 1982) 94 Bobby Joe Conrad (Game 9 in 1961-Game 4 in 1968) 89 Larry Centers (Game 7 in 1993-Game 16 in 1998) 74 Roy Green (Game 2 in 1981-Game 10 in 1986) Fitzgerald has a reception in 138 of 139 games played in his career. The only game in which he did not catch a pass came during his rookie season (10/31/04 @ Buffalo). Fitzgerald s receptions streak ranks as the second-longest active mark in the NFL behind Tony Gonzalez (192). BEYOND THE RECORDS In his first eight NFL seasons, WR Larry Fitzgerald broke virtually every major Cardinals career receiving record. With those records in his pocket, the only remaining question is how high the numbers will go by the time he is done. In 2011, Fitzgerald became the franchise all-time leader in receiving yards, receiving TDs, career 100-yard games and total TDs. He became the franchise all-time receptions leader in 2010. Franchise Record Career Receptions Rec Player (Years) 762 Larry Fitzgerald, 2004-586 Anquan Boldin, 2003-09 535 Larry Centers, 1990-98 522 Roy Green, 1979-90 493 Frank Sanders, 1995-02 *Established record in week 14 of 2010 season Franchise Record Career Receiving Yards Yds Player (Years) 10,400 Larry Fitzgerald, 2004-8,497 Roy Green, 1979-90 7,918 Jackie Smith, 1963-77 7,520 Anquan Boldin, 2003-09 7,005 Pat Tilley, 1976-86 *Established record in week 4 of 2011 season Franchise Record Touchdown Receptions TDs Player (Years) 77 Larry Fitzgerald, 2004-66 Roy Green, 1979-90 60 Sonny Randle, 1959-66 45 Mel Gray, 1971-82 44 Anquan Boldin, 2003-09 *Established record in week 3 of 2011 season Franchise Record Career Touchdowns TDs Player (Years) 77 Larry Fitzgerald, 2004-69 Roy Green, 1979-90 60 Sonny Randle, 1959-66 51 Ottis Anderson, 1979-86 John David Crow, 1958-64 *Established record in week 10 of 2011 season Franchise Record Career 100-Yard Receiving Games # Player (Years) 34 Larry Fitzgerald, 2004-27 Anquan Boldin, 2003-09 22 Jackie Smith, 1963-77 20 Roy Green, 1979-90 *Established record in week 4 of 2011 season 10,000 YARDS YOUNG After hauling in six receptions for 93 yards against the Bills in Week 6, WR Larry Fitzgerald eclipsed 10,000 receiving yards for his career. At 29 years, 44 days old, he joined Randy Moss (28 years, 314 days) as the only two players in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards before the age of 30. Youngest To 10,000 Career Receiving Yards Player Age Randy Moss 28 years, 314 days Larry Fitzgerald 29 years, 44 days Jerry Rice 30 years, 54 days Torry Holt 30 years, 132 days Isaac Bruce 30 years, 343 days Fitzgerald and Houston s Andre Johnson both reached 10,000 career receiving yards in Week 6, becoming just the sixth and seventh active players to reach the career milestone. Fitzgerald is one of eight active players with at least 10,000 career receiving yards. Active Players with 10,000+ Receiving Yards Yds Player (Team) Yrs 1 st Yr 15,264 Randy Moss (SF) 14 1998 14,227 Tony Gonzalez (Atl) 16 1997 13,023 Reggie Wayne (Ind) 12 2001 11,379 Steve Smith (Car) 12 2001 11,113 Andre Johnson (Hou) 10 2003 10,400 Larry Fitzgerald (Ari) 9 2004 10,165 Anquan Boldin (Bal) 10 2003 10,137 Donald Driver (GB) 14 1999 In all, there are now 39 players in NFL history that have reached 10,000 receiving yards for their career. YOUNGEST EVER TO 700 With nine catches against the Eagles in Week 3, WR Larry Fitzgerald surpassed 700 career receptions. At 29 years, 23 days old, Fitzgerald became the youngest player in NFL history to reach that mark. He reached the milestone over a year younger than the previous record holder Dallas TE Jason Witten (30 years, 133 days old). Witten reached 700 receptions in the Cowboys 27-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 earlier this season. Youngest To 700 Career Receptions Player Age Larry Fitzgerald 29 years, 23 days Jason Witten 30 years, 133 days Andre Johnson 30 years, 139 days Torry Holt 30 years, 202 days Randy Moss 30 years, 230 days In terms of games played, Fitzgerald reached 700 career receptions in the fifth fewest games in NFL history (127). Games Player Team(s) 114 Marvin Harrison Indianapolis 120 Andre Johnson Houston 123 Anquan Boldin Arizona, Baltimore 125 Torry Holt St. Louis 127 Larry Fitzgerald Arizona Fitzgerald has accomplished quite a bit at a young age: In Week 6 against the Bills, joined Randy Moss as the only players in NFL history with 10,000 receiving yards before the age of 30. At 27 years, 110 days old, he became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 600 career receptions. At 22 years, 123 days old, became the youngest player in NFL history to record a 100-catch season. Cardinals vs. 49ers #AZvsSF 8 of 44 www.azcardinals.com
HEADING TO THE HALL? Below is a look at the career of WR Larry Fitzgerald through his first 139 career games compared to the 21 modern era WRs currently in the HOF and where they stood at that point in their career. At this point in his career, Fitzgerald has more receptions (762) than any of the receivers enshrined in Canton. The next closest receiver is Jerry Rice, who had 702 receptions through his first 139 career games. Fitzgerald has more receiving yards (10,400) than all HOF receivers except Rice (11,723) and Michael Irvin (10,680). Fitzgerald Vs. Modern Era WRs in the Hall of Fame (139 Games) 100- Player, HOF Year Years G Rec Yds Avg. Y/G TD Yd G Larry Fitzgerald 2004-139 762 10,400 13.7 74.8 77 34 Jerry Rice, 10 1985-00 139 702 11,723 16.7 84.3 117 44 Michael Irvin, 07 1988-99 139 666 10,680 16.0 76.8 61 43 Art Monk, 08 1980-95 139 651 8,965 13.8 64.5 45 27 Steve Largent, 95 1976-89 139 591 9,410 15.9 67.7 78 34 Raymond Berry, 73 1955-67 139 587 8,561 14.6 61.6 63 27 Charley Taylor, 84 1964-77 139 582 8,198 14.1 58.9 73 22 Lance Alworth, 78 1962-72 136 542 10,266 18.9 75.5 85 41 James Lofton, 03 1978-93 139 537 9,766 18.2 70.3 49 32 Don Maynard, 87 1958, 60-73 139 520 9,708 18.7 69.8 79 42 Bobby Mitchell, 83 1958-68 139 514 7,761 15.1 55.8 65 26 Tommy McDonald, 98 1957-68 139 486 8,286 17.0 59.6 83 24 Fred Biletnikoff, 88 1965-78 139 461 7,257 15.7 52.2 61 20 John Stallworth, 02 1974-87 139 444 7,509 16.9 54.0 59 24 Tom Fears, 70 1948-56 87 400 5,397 13.5 62.0 38 15 Paul Warfield, 83 1964-77 139 392 8,059 20.6 57.9 78 22 Elroy Crazy Legs Hirsch, 68 1946-57 127 387 7,029 18.2 55.3 60 - Dante Lavelli, 75 1946-56 123 386 6,488 16.8 52.7 62 9 Pete Pihos, 70 1947-55 107 373 5,619 15.1 52.5 61 14 Bob Hayes, 09 1965-75 132 371 7,414 20.0 56.2 71 24 Charlie Joiner, 96 1969-86 139 364 6,300 17.3 45.3 40 12 Lynn Swann, 01 1974-87 115 336 5,462 16.3 47.5 51 11 Avg. of 21 Hall of Fame WRs 490 8,088 16.5-65 - In fact, Fitzgerald s career numbers already surpass those of many receivers that are currently enshrined in the HOF. He has more career receptions than 15 of the 21 receivers in the HOF: Swann (336), Hayes (371), Pihos (373), Lavelli (386), Hirsch (387), Fears (400), Warfield (427), McDonald (495), Mitchell (521), Stallworth (537), Alworth (542), Biletnikoff (589), Berry (631), Maynard (633) and Taylor (649). He has more career receiving yards than 14 of the 21 receivers in the HOF: Fears (5,397), Swann (5,462), Pihos (5,619), Lavelli (6,488), Hirsch (7,029), Hayes (7,414), Mitchell (7,954), McDonald (8,410), Warfield (8,565), Stallworth (8,723), Biletnikoff (8,974), Taylor (9,110), Berry (9,275) and Alworth (10,266). A Career Full of Accomplishments: Franchise career leader in receptions (762), receiving yards (10,400), receiving TDs (77), total TDs (77) and 100-yard receiving games (34). His six 1,000-yard seasons are a franchise record, as are his current streak of five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. One of just four players in NFL history to record at least 1,400 receiving yards in a season four times in their career: Jerry Rice (6), Randy Moss (4) and Marvin Harrison (4). At 28 years, 74 days old, he became the third-youngest player in NFL history to reach 70 career receiving TDs behind only Randy Moss (26 years, 269 days old) and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (28 years, one day old). At 28 years, 81 days old, he became the second-youngest player in NFL history to reach 9,000 career receiving yards, trailing only Randy Moss (27 years, 310 days old). At 27 years, 110 days old, he became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 600 career receptions. In 2010, he became the first player in NFL history to record 90+ receptions five times in their first seven seasons. During the 2008 postseason, he broke virtually every major playoff receiving record, establishing new single-season marks for receptions (30), receiving yards (546) and TDs (7). His four 100-yard receiving games that postseason established a new NFL record for consecutive games with 100 yards receiving. His nine TD receptions in six career postseason games are an NFL record for a player in their first six career playoff contests. With a franchise record 103 receptions during the 2005 season, he became the youngest player in NFL history to record a 100- catch campaign when he reached the mark at 22 years, 123 days old. Led the NFL in receiving TDs in both the 2008 (12) and 2009 (13) seasons. In addition to his 10 receiving TDs in 2007, he became the first player in franchise history to record at least 10 TDs in three consecutive seasons. At 29 years, 23 days old when the Cardinals faced the Eagles in Week 3, Fitzgerald became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 700 career receptions. The previous record was held by Dallas TE Jason Witten, who was 30 years, 133 days old when he reached the mark in Week 2 of the 2012 season. Cardinals vs. 49ers #AZvsSF 9 of 44 www.azcardinals.com