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[Arizona Cardinals]

Winners and Losers from the Arizona Cardinals win over the Carolina Panthers

It didn’t need to be that hard for the Arizona Cardinals.

They took a 27-3 lead with under 10 minutes to go in the third quarter and then it just…

Yet, they are 2-0 on the season and it’s better to try and fix things after a win than a loss.

Let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers from the game.

Winners –​

The Win Column – They’re 2-0.

Losers –​

Coaching staff – 27-3 lead and you allow a Bryce Young offense to have drives of 76 yards, 88 yards and 76 yards? You had him in a blender in the first half with relentless pressure, disguised blitzes and fronts and he and the Carolina Panthers offense looked lost. Then it all went away.

The Cardinals offense had only one three and out in the second half, their final drive of the game (not including kneel downs). Even after a terrible interception from Kyler Murray, there were just over 10 minutes left in the game and the Panthers had to go 88 yards. And you couldn’t even get them into a third down situation? 14 plays, they had one third down until they were in the red zone. That’s either piss poor coaching or piss poor execution.

Injuries – This was a rough one. We will wait for official word, but Max Melton, Garrett Williams and Will Johnson were all banged up.

Vibes – 2-0 and things are looking bleak. A win over the San Francisco 49ers will make everything feel alright, but the vibes are not immaculate.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...rdinals-week-2-win-over-the-carolina-panthers

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals run game missing through two weeks

After two weeks, which is an incredibly small sample size, the Arizona Cardinals offense is getting rushing yards, but those yards are based off two big plays.

On the season the Cardinals have rushed for 228 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

Yet, Trey Benson and Kyler Murray have a 52 yard and 30 yard gain respectively, and the rest of the running game is bad.

228 rushing yards and 82 are on two plays, meaning the rush offense has 146 yards on 47 attempts (taking the two long runs out). That is 3.1 yards per carry.

The running games bulk numbers are fine. They are 12th in yards and 10th in yards per attempt. But again, the bulk of those numbers come strictly from those two long runs.

The offensive line has struggled in Justin Frye’s first two games, and the interior offensive line has been especially a problem.

Not only are they struggling to get push in the run game, they also are committing penalties too much. Isaiah Adams was flagged two times yesterday, while Hjalte Froholdt has two in two games. That means your interior offensive line has seven flags in two games.

It has not been the start to the season the Cardinals have wanted, or expected offensively, and much of that can be tied to a run game that lacks the ability to move the ball consistently.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...ng-through-two-weeks-james-conner-trey-benson

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

The good news for the Cardinals? A 2-0 record. The bad news? Can’t put teams away

The Arizona Cardinals are keeping up with the elite teams in the NFC West Division: the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. All three clubs have won both games and are in a three-way tie for the division.

RELATED: WINNERS AND LOSERS FROM THE PANTHERS WIN​

The Cardinals must be feeling pretty good about themselves. They took care of the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, and then hung on to defeat the Carolina Panthers in the second game.

Emphasis on “hung on.”

Arizona was dominating the Panthers and built a 27-3 lead halfway through three quarters. Then suddenly, the wheels didn’t just come off, they exploded as the Cardinals barely won 27-22. What happened to the lead? How did this come about, and what can be done to stop this from happening again?

This isn’t just a one-off. Against the Saints, the Cardinals had a 20-10 lead with about nine minutes left in Quarter 3. They hung on to win that contest 20-13. Again, they had to fight to preserve the win.

It is concerning that both sides of the ball struggled late in the game against Carolina.

During the post-game presser with Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, he stated regarding the lack of ability to put teams away:

“I’m proud of them because they showed resilience, because it turned quickly. But ultimately won enough plays to win the game there.”

That was Drew’s best drive of the season

— Jay (@AZSPORTSGUY94) September 14, 2025

The Cardinals had already scored all the points they were going to, so the winning plays were already gone and over with. Carolina outscored Arizona 19-7 in the second half. The opening drive in the second half saved the game with the nine-play drive that went 71 yards and concluded with a two-yard James Conner run for a 27-3 lead.

defense stood up pic.twitter.com/jt5Qhk2NfS

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2025

From that point on, the offense could not move whatsoever. The other drives in the second half resulted in an interception, a punt, and the victory formation for one play.

Gannon continued:

“I obviously have to do a much better job at making our guys, all three phases, understand how to close games out. That’s two in a row now. When we have a chance to put away games, we have to put them away.”

What was lucky for the Cards is that the third quarter was only two drives: the aforementioned Conner TD drive, and then the Panthers took almost eight minutes off the clock with 14 plays that resulted in a four-yard TD pass to WR Hunter Renfrow. Only three plays remained until the final quarter began. Both long drives only gave Carolina the final quarter to attempt to make up the large difference on the scoreboard.

The issue was, the team did not finish. Gannon noted:

“When you get up like that, defensively, you’re trying to make them earn every yard. Then they went on two long drives and scored touchdowns. Within those drives, we have to do a better job of getting off a little bit better and work to keep points off the board ultimately. The turning point for me was we never got that key stop and allowed our offense to get out there and put the game away. It’s not the players – they played their butts off.”

makin' things happen pic.twitter.com/YPDd3H1K9g

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 14, 2025

All well and good, and a 24-point lead that dissolved pretty quickly is certainly something to be concerned with. And it has happened twice now. In two games.

One issue in the Carolina game was that after the big lead was established, the defense began to give way too much area away from the Panthers’ receivers, even as much as 12 to 15 yards off their man. Why? Quick, short passes then became the norm as they marched down the field without many contested throws.

The Saints had an opportunity to pull off the upset towards the end of the game and had more first downs (21) than Arizona, with seven fewer possession minutes. The issue in that game was that the offense failed to move the ball the same way they did in the second quarter, where they scored two touchdowns on successive drives.

In the third quarter, the offense bogged down and summoned K Chad Ryland, who kicked a 50-yard field goal to make it 20-10 Cardinals. But from there, the offense could not finish drives as this group finished the game by going punt, punt, blocked 46-yard field goal, and another punt. The final possession, Arizona could have run out the clock as they got the ball with 2:42 left in the game and should have drained the clock. But a 15-yard sack ended with a punt instead.

Meanwhile, New Orleans started their final drive down by just seven points on their own 42 with just 1:49 left in the game. Several good runs and a series of short passes later, the Saints had a first down at the 18-yard line of Arizona. But the clock showed 14 ticks remaining. Four incomplete passes finished the game.

There were chances for the Saints, but the defense stood up to the challenge. Just like against the Panthers.

“There were some bad penalties, too, that we have to clean up. The game was on the line and the defense got it done. I thought we played well enough for three quarters, and in the fourth we didn’t do a good enough job. We got to make sure we are educating our guys and putting them in situations and coaching the details.”

This Cardinals defense is playing well this year. They did their part in the Panthers game with an early fumble recovery for a touchdown, and then the interception by LB Baron Browning, all in the first quarter.

But it seems they get tired after three quarters. Why? Because the offense isn’t staying on the field for as long in the second half.

Against the Saints in the first half, the offense had several good drives of 11and 10 plays. Whereas in the second half, there were six and five-play drives plus and a three-and-out, among others.

Defensive players rarely sub, so when an offense moves the ball and grinds off time on the clock, the defenders can sit in a shady spot, drink, and rest. Then they can hit the field with stamina.

vintage Calais pic.twitter.com/bJqV5oBBaW

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 14, 2025

“Calais (Campbell), obviously, a huge play, that hit we needed it. It’s a ‘gotta have it play.’ He came up big. We just didn’t have the ball in the second half.”

The end of the Carolina game was a combination things, such as dumb late-game penalties like Denzel Burke’s which negated a sack and fumble or Josh Sweat’s roughing the passer call, an onside kick recovery that was botched that after it went off a member of Arizona’s return team, a horrible interception, and many offensive miscommunications that all contributed to keeping the Panthers in the mix instead of inserting a dagger.

The defense must find a method so they won’t become drained in the fourth quarter. More conditioning? Kinda late for that. Substitute more bodies? It may come to that. A complete defensive line rotation? An idea for sure.

Gannon concluded:

“Our job is solutions. So, we figure out the solutions.”

How can the Cardinals finish games when they build a lead?

It’s pretty simple: the offense must sustain more drives and complete the game with the football in their hands instead of hoping that the defense will come through once again.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...a-2-0-record-the-bad-news-cant-put-teams-away

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals place Garrett Williams on injured reserve

The fallout from the Arizona Cardinals win over the Carolina Panthers is coming out.

We were waiting and now we know that Garrett Williams is going on the injured reserve, as is defensive lineman L.J. Collier.

From the team:

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has signed cornerback Darren Hall to the active roster from the practice squad and has placed defensive lineman L.J. Collier and cornerback Garrett Williamson injured reserve.

In addition, the team has signed cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe (ECK-oh / BOY-doe) and defensive lineman Zach Carter to the practice squad and has released linebacker Elliott Brown from the practice squad. The signings took place today at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, AZ.

Carter (6-4, 301) is a three-year NFL veteran who has played 45 games (16 starts) with Las Vegas (2024) and Cincinnati (2022-24) after entering the league with the Bengals as a third-round selection (95th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft from Florida. He has 68 tackles, 2.0 sacks, three passes defensed and one forced fumble in his career. The 26-year old Carter played eight games with the Raiders last year after appearing in 37 games with the Bengals.

Boye-Doe will wear jersey #35 and Carter will wear #90.

Let’s hope to get some clarity on Williams soon, as well as updates on Max Melton and Will Johnson.

Hope it is a quick recovery for both Williams and Collier.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...arrett-williams-lj-collier-on-injured-reserve

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals defense needs to find the pressure

After a 2-0 start the hand wringing has been quite frequent.

Yet, for a 2-0 team, the Arizona Cardinals sure have played about six quarters of good to great football, and two quarters of football that looked like… Oh crap, we need to hang on.

Part of that is a good thing.

The Cardinals are creating separation between them and their opponents.

In their win over the New Orleans Saints they took a two score lead with nine minutes left in the third quarter, and in the win over the Carolina Panthers the Arizona Cardinals took a massive 24-point lead with just over nine minutes left in the third quarter.

In both games there was a common theme… A lack of pressure from the defense.

The Arizona Cardinals are creating pressures/hits/sack at one of the worst rates in the NFL through two games:

Cardinals team pass-rush ranks, per @FTNFantasy

Pressure percentage: 23rd
QB hit rate: 24th
Sack rate: 26th
Blitz rate: 32nd

— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) September 16, 2025

The Cardinals spent heavily in the offseason along the defensive line, re-signing Baron Browning, bringing in Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell in free agency, and of course drafting Walter Nolen in the first round.

Yet, through two games, in situations where it was obvious that the other team would be passing, they have been content to bring four, drop back into coverage and keep things in front of them.

While this isn’t an issue because it is preventing big plays, it has created another problem… The Cardinals cannot get off the field.

Look at the Panthers game. The Cardinals first two drives were 18 plays chewing up over 12 minutes of game time.

The Panthers countered with 28 plays chewing up nearly 13 minutes of game clock. So, while the time of possession is nearly identical, the Cardinals defense had to play 10 extra snaps. That means 10 times the defense had go again.

Yet, they were content to die a death by 1000 cuts, rather than risk giving up a big play and quick score. We can argue if that is the way to do it because we know the outcome… Wins. However, at some point as a defense you have to get off the field.

The Cardinals defense in the first two drives of the second half only were in a third down situation four times in 28 plays. The Carolina Panthers had one fourth down play in those two drives.

The Panthers were never even in a position where they felt pressure, because they were moving the ball so easily on first and second down.

Nick Rallis and Jonathan Gannon will have to change things up, especially if there are injuries to the secondary, or those nickel and dime passes will become quarters and dollars with their fourth, fifth and sixth cornerbacks getting reps.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...-cardinals-defense-needs-to-find-the-pressure

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray posts a photo of himself in a Michael Vick jersey, and yes, with a pit bull

We all live in sensitive times, which can be good and unforgiving. Police now wear body cams, which eliminates law enforcement from being accused of actions that never happened. Doctor visit entry papers now ask how you identify yourself gender-wise. Some vegetarians don’t eat meat, but will sit down to chow down on fish and chicken, which are both sold in the meat section.

RELATED: CONFIDENCE IN DIRECTION OF CARDINALS

Domestic violence is something that should never happen, yet it does. Just like cruelty to animals should be a thing of the past, but it’s not. Most pets are helpless unless they are raised to be mean and destructive.

We all know the saga of former NFL quarterback Michael Vick and his association with dog fighting. He was the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons after a sterling college career at Virginia Tech. In the NFL, he went to four Pro Bowls. He became the first NFL quarterback to ever rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.

But his alternative lifestyle caught up with him in 2007. He pleaded guilty to federal charges of severe animal abuse, including the mistreatment and killing of dogs that failed to perform in organized fights. Most of the animals were pit bulls. Federal officials found dogfighting and dog-training facilities on Vick’s fifteen-acre property near Smithfield, Virginia.

He pleaded guilty to one count of criminal conspiracy to operate a dogfighting ring across state lines. In the end, Vick served prison time and lost endorsements, plus a lucrative NFL contract.

Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states, plus all American territories such as Puerto Rico. Cockfighting was legal in the State of Louisiana until the Vick situation, but since then, they have become the last state to make this sport illegal as well.

Everyone in the NFL knows the Vick story, especially Cardinals starting QB Kyler Murray. In fact, Vick was his childhood hero.

Kyler really is posted up with a pitbull in a Vick Jersey. Insane work dawg pic.twitter.com/ZAt9e9xew2

— Maserati Marv (@MHJera_) September 16, 2025

Recently, Murray posted a photo on social media wearing a white Vick jersey while sitting on a porch with his own dog named Trunks, who just happens to be a pit bull.

Murray wearing a Vick jersey should not be an issue. Murray posting a pic of himself with his dog Trunks is certainly no worries. But the mix is just wrong. Yes, some folks are way too sensitive, but dog lovers will say, separate the two and go about your day. Place them together, and it’s national news.

Dude was ten years old when Vick got in trouble man. This a crazy reach

— Isaias Garza (@PharaohIzzy) September 16, 2025

So, what did Murray do? He admitted the pic was a mistake and apologized to anyone he offended.

Murray explained:

“In no way, shape, or form do I condone animal cruelty or dogfighting.”

Murray has two American bulldogs, named Swoosh and Trunks.

Murray continued:

“For me personally, Michael was a player I admired very much growing up. I was at home with one of my pups, Trunks. Both get treated like kings. So, it’s not like in no way, shape, or form am I condoning that. But, yes, I saw how it affected people and decided to take it down.”

Vick eventually came back to the NFL after his prison term and was the Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 while a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He then had short stints with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. He is currently the head coach at Norfolk State University, located in Norfolk, Virginia, as a D-1 FCS program.

Kyler Murray apologized for wearing a Michael Vick jersey in photoshoot with his dog.

He has since pulled down a post on Instagram.

"I saw how it affected people and decided to take it down. I apologize to anybody and whoever I affected.” pic.twitter.com/CyOXbJiXwz

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 17, 2025

Murray stated he tried to emulate Vick’s playing style as he was playing football in his youth and high school years, and attributes his running skills to Vick. But at the same time, he wanted the Instagram post to be behind him.

“So, I apologize to anybody and whoever I affected with that.”

Currently, the Cardinals are 2-0-0 and face the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers this weekend in a key NFC West Division matchup.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...a-michael-vick-jersey-and-yes-with-a-pit-bull

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Where the Cardinals rank statistically after the Week 2 win over the Panthers

The Cardinals are gearing up for a Week 3 matchup with the 49ers, where they will look to stay undefeated and atop the NFC West.

Arizona is coming off a close win over the Panthers, which saw them go up by as many as 24 points before Carolina rallied back within five points and almost completed an epic comeback.

With Week 3 upon us, how does Arizona compare to the rest of the NFL from a statistical standpoint on both sides of the ball?

Offense​

Points per game: 23.5 ppg / T-11th

Passing offense: 170.5 ypg / 27th

Rushing offense: 114.0 ypg / T-13th

Total offense: 284.5 ypg / T-24th

3rd down conversions: 40.91% / T-17th

Red zone scoring: 57.14% / T-16th

Sacks allowed: 6 / 9th

Turnovers: 1 / 18th

Arizona’s offense must be better to keep stacking wins. A 52-yard run by Trey Benson and a 30-yard run by Kyler Murray help push up the rushing yard average. However, if you take those two runs away, they’re only averaging 3.1 yards per carry. James Conner has been held to less than 40 yards rushing in back-to-back games. It all starts up front, where the offensive line has struggled to generate push and open up lanes. As for the passing game, they rank near the bottom of this department because they aren’t getting the football down the field. Most of their production has come from short and intermediate throws. Trey McBride continues to be a reliable target, catching six catches in each of the last two games for a combined 139 receiving yards. After being held to just two receptions for 27 yards, Marvin Harrison Jr. is still looking to play to his draft status.

Defense​

Points allowed: 17.5 / 10th

Passing defense: 255.5 / 26th

Rushing defense: 78.0 / 6th

Total defense: 333.5 / 21st

3rd down conversions: 34.48% / 11th

Red zone defense: 50.00% / T-11th

Sacks: 4.0 / 19th

Takeaways: 2 / 11th

The Cardinals’ defense has played well enough to fend off their first two opponents. But there are still things that need improvement, starting with sustaining consistency through all four quarters. This past weekend, the Panthers managed long stretches of play without being forced into third-down situations, resulting in worn-out defensive players. It ultimately led to Carolina coming back and pulling within a score. The Cardinals are tied for third in first-half scoring defense, so it’s key that they keep their foot on the gas for the entire game moving forward. Despite the offseason additions along the defensive line, Arizona hasn’t generated consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which is also due to the lack of blitzing. As for the positives, Calais Campbell looks like he is 39 going on 29. Will Johnson has proven to be a draft steal. The secondary, including Johnson, is dealing with some injuries, but the group as a whole has shown a lot of promise.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...ically-after-the-week-2-win-over-the-panthers

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

49ers announce Mac Jones will remain QB against Cardinals on Sunday

There was speculation of whether backup San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones would get another start this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals or if starter Brock Purdy would he ready to take the field instead. On Friday, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan ended the questions when he spoke with ESPN.

Shanahan stated:

“I think it’s highly unlikely that (Purdy) will start. We’re just trying to see where he’s at to see if he can be a [No.] 2 or an emergency [No.] 3.”

Purdy has been nursing a toe injury he suffered in the opening game against the Seattle Seahawks, and missed last week’s game in the win over the New Orleans Saints. This Sunday’s matchup with Arizona is a key divisional game with both clubs sitting at 2-0-0.

RELATED: 3 THINGS THE CARDINALS MUST DO TO BEAT THE 49ERS

Jones, filling in for Purdy for a second game in a row, is not a huge disadvantage for the Cardinals. Last week in the 26-21 win over the Saints, Jones tossed three touchdowns amid his 279 yards, so he still has the juice to get it done. The Saints’ defense is ranked middle of the pack against the pass, so it’s not like they are horrid in passing downs.

Officially, Purdy is listed as questionable. He has been a limited participant in practice sessions this week, and Shanahan explained he has progressed, just not enough to play in live action, where grown-ass men are trying to assault him legally. Although Jones has been named the starter, it remains unclear if Purdy will suit up in a backup role. San Fran only has two signalcallers on their active roster, so it is a certainty that Adrian Martinez will be brought up from the practice squad. Martinez was named to the 2024 All-UFL team and helped the Birmingham Stallions capture the UFL championship that season.

Jones was also sacked three times in the New Orleans game and threw five passes out of bounds to avoid other potential sacks.

Although named the backup behind Purdy to begin the season, Jones is no slouch. He was the 15th player off the board in the 2021 NFL draft by the New England Patriots and made the NFL All-Rookie Team, plus the Pro Bowl as a rookie, as he passed for 3,801 yards with 22 TDs with just 13 picks. The 49ers are his third NFL club, but he has played in 53 NFL games with 10,869 career passing yards.

Jones can make the short to intermediate plays all game long. He has some issues with accuracy with the long balls, but can dink and dunk a team to death. He learned this from being the starter for the University of Alabama where he earned two National Championships.

The Niners’ offensive line also has a new guy in place as left guard Ben Bartch has an ankle issue and will be replaced by rookie Connor Colby. Colby was taken in the seventh round out of Iowa. Earlier this week, backup LT Spencer Burford ruined a knee in practice and has been ruled out of Sunday’s game. WR Jauan Jennings is also nursing an ankle issue while rookie WR Jordan Watkins has been ruled out.

Shanahan gave some insight into Purdy’s attempt to return:

“Brock pushes himself to go as hard as anyone I’ve been around, but he’s very levelheaded in terms of being realistic. And he doesn’t just talk with his heart, he works with his heart but he talks with his mind and lets us really know what the chances are of it, and if he can’t do it, he’ll let you know.”

But for now, it appears the team will feature Jones on game days. He drew a lot of praise regarding how he played against the Saints, and the offense appears to be happy with his demeanor, confidence, and production. He has been the first QB up in all the individual drills during the media viewing portions of practice.

If the Cardinals can produce a dynamic pass rush, Jones is the type of quarterback who needs time to survey the field and decide options. Flushing him into flats limits his choices and will make Jones have to make decisions sooner.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...es-will-remain-qb-against-cardinals-on-sunday

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

3 things the Cardinals must do to beat the 49ers this weekend

The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a key division matchup early in the schedule as they meet the San Francisco 49ers on the road in an afternoon contest. The game is being broadcast on FOX and one of four late Sunday games, so the viewership should be high.

Both teams come into the game unbeaten with 2-0-0 records. Currently, there is a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Rams who are also unbeaten in two matches. The Rams play the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Philly in one of the early games.

RELATED: CARDINALS SLIGHT FAVORITE AGAINST 49ERS

If Arizona can beat the 49ers with the Rams against a very tough opponent, the victory would place the Cardinals in sole possession of the NFC West Division.

But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. No, sir.

The Niners are a very good team this year. They are ranked #6 in passing yards (556) and passing completions (52), #7 in passing attempts (74), #3 in passing TDs (5), and have the second most passing plays of 40+ yards (2). Their rushing attack needs work as they are ranked #22 in rushing yards (196) and #5 in rushing attempts. This means they aren’t getting much per run as they are getting just 3.2 yards per carry on average, which is ranked #29.

Overall, San Fran’s offense is ranked #7 in the league. And they are going to air it out.

What will be the keys to winning this game? Here’s three:

---

Strong pass rush​

With a very good passing attack, the best method to interrupt the 49ers flow is to get pressure on their quarterback. Starting QB Brock Purdy was out versus the New Orleans Saints this past weekend, but veteran Mac Jones took over and proceeded to toss three touchdown passes in route to a 26-21 victory.

Jones should again start against Arizona. He is not as mobile as Purdy so he isn’t going to be flushed as much. The Saints sacked him three times and that number could just as well have been doubled as Jones was able to get loose on occasion. Purdy is a much better pure passer, but if Jones gets into any sort of rhythm and has a clean pocket, he can throw into tight windows and has the ability to go through his progressions as he threw the ball 39 times.

Against the Saints, Jones threw to 10 different receivers, so he has the experience to get the ball out in a hurry. The Cardinals will need to rush at least four players and sometimes five on occasion to keep Jones from getting any momentum going. The Niners are not a team that will keep a tight end to block on a regular basis as they considered their TEs more pass catchers than extensions of the offensive line.

DT Calais Campbell will need to have good game as well as LDE Josh Sweat and Xavier Thomas with an occasional blitz from S Budda Baker who leads the team in tackles with 18. Sweat is currently third in the NFL in pressures (5). Campbell has two sacks, but the greater need in this game is to disrupt the pocket.

And DT Dalvin Tomlinson needs to find a better push on passing downs. Show the 49ers that discipline with technique still works in this league.

Decrease the big plays​

Arizona has two of the best safeties in the league this year with Baker and Jalen Thompson. Both are willing tacklers and seem to be around the ball quite a bit.

But the 49ers are built for the big splash on offense. They dink and dunk, they try to hit the big one. When Purdy was under center, the team could throw it deep because he has the arm strength, but Jones does not. This will limit them, especially if Thompson and Baker can seal off the top when their offense does attempt the long ball. Which they do.

Jones connected on a 42-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter that proved to be the game winner. The pass was just 21 yards before WR Jauan Jennings took it to the house.

Niners RB Christian McCaffrey is healthy again and is always one juke away from a big play. He is used quite a bit as a receiver especially in the slot, which will be the duty of the linebackers to shadow him. McCaffrey has great hands and can gain good yardage after the catch, but the front defenders will have to try to bottle him in during running downs. Currently, he is tied for third in the league in receptions, so he is an important portion of the 49ers offensive strategy.

If this Cardinals defense can keep McCaffrey in check and take him out of the offensive gameplan, it would be a huge plus. The defense will need a good tackler and pass coverage guy to shadow him.

Arizona’s back four allowed some decent to big plays from the Carolina Panthers last week. Rookie Tetairoa McMillan found open spots as he gained 100 yards on just six catches. In the first quarter, McMillan took a short pass over the middle that went for 40 yards and another catch in Quarter 2 gulped 22 yards. The cornerbacks are going to have to play closer to their receivers against the 49ers.

The interception by Cardinals LB Baron Browning was a crossing route intended for McMillan.

#49ers QB Brock Purdy did some throwing in individual drills during early open portion of Wednesday’s practice.

A look: pic.twitter.com/85QZlBlFar

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 17, 2025

There is a report that Purdy might be available for the game after suffering a toe injury, but it is considered a long shot if he does suit up.

Successful offensive drives​

To be effective in this game, the Cardinals offense must move the ball. Easier said than done. We admit this. Robert Saleh is back as the 49ers DC. He may not know how to run an entire organization or figure out what dark room Aaron Rodgers is visiting, but Saleh is an exceptional defensive mind.

Cinema. pic.twitter.com/1Q77VQuKp8

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 16, 2025

Arizona must be able to complete drives. Period. Field goals are their best friend in this contest. K Chad Ryland is having a good year going 4-5 on field goal attempts with his only miss the blocked attempt against the Saints in Week 1. He has hit a long of 50 yards with a range of 72 yards it would seem as evidenced in warmups.

The Cardinals must collect points and abandon the notion to go for it after crossing the midfield stripe. If the offense can regularly get inside or near San Francisco’s 40-yard line, trot out Ryland and let him rip. The Niners defense is one of the league’s best, so settle for field goals and build up the scoreboard.

The short passing game should be there for QB Kyler Murray especially since his favorite targets thus far have been TE Trey McBride and his other tight ends. They are all grinders.

Work on the four-minute mechanics.

Yes, two touchdowns are 14 points, but five field goals equal 15 points, plus those long drives keep San Fran’s offense off the field and wears down their defensive players.

And why isn’t OC Drew Petzing getting Marvin Harrison more targets? Five against the Panthers and six versus the Saints? Really? Why doesn’t Petzing treat this year like Harrison is on a Pro Bowl trek and see what happens with this offense? He can’t if he doesn’t get more throws his way.

The 49ers have the league’s sixth best pass defense so far in 2025. But they have a weakness: San Fran is allowing 71.9% of passes to be completed. McBride and Harrison would be a great test to show the rest of the NFL that the Cardinals have offensive players, too.

Extra points​

Take the three points on stalled drives, get into the end zone for a touchdown or two if possible, and get into the opposing quarterback’s face more times than he would like.

How many backup tight ends can say they blocked two Hall of Famers on the same play?

Watch Tip Reiman (87) on Kyler Murray's TD run. He nearly shoves Nick Bosa over at the snap, with Bosa trying to tackle James Conner. Then he gets Fred Warner for good measure.

Talanoa Hufanga… pic.twitter.com/r7xvE8wCk9

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) October 7, 2024

One of the weaknesses of this Niners defense is a running quarterback on a rollout. Their defensive linemen are good at stopping the run, but not at going all out in the flats for very many plays. Option plays for Murray with the ability to run for yardage should become an asset.

The defense for Arizona must put constant pressure on Jones who can be rattled if hit enough. The limited time to throw will provide more incompletions and at the same time will protect the Cardinals secondary.

And finish offensive drives.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...t-do-to-beat-the-49ers-budda-baker-josh-sweat

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals vs. 49ers: How to watch, TV schedule, radio broadcast, live stream and more

Happy gameday one and all.

The Arizona Cardinals are taking on their division rival San Francisco 49ers this afternoon and it is going to be a big one.

The Niners are hurting, the Cardinals are hurting and it is only week three, so getting these wins early could prove important later in the season.

Here is everything you need to know about this afternoons game.

Week 3: Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers​

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Time: 1:25 p.m. AT
Location: Levi’s Stadium — Santa Clara, CA
National TV: Fox (Channel 10 locally)
National online streaming: NFL+, Fox Streaming
TV announcers: Adam Amin (play-by-play) Mark Sanchez (analyst) Kristina Pink (sideline)
Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM
Radio announcers: Dave Pasch (play-by-play), A.Q. Shipley (analyst) and Paul Calvisi (sideline)
National Radio: ESPN Radio – Chris Carlin (play-by-play), Kelly Stouffer (analyst)
Spanish Radio: Fuego Radio 106.7 FM
Spanish Radio announcers: Luis Hernandez (play-by-play) and Irving Villanueva (analyst)
Betting line: Cardinals +2.5 per FanDuel Sportsbook

Let’s go Cardinals!

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...schedule-radio-broadcast-live-stream-and-more

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals show us they are not ready for the spotlight in loss to San Francisco 49ers

Who knows what to think at this point.

The offense dropped two touchdowns, they showed they can be an offense that attacks vertically, but is it only when they are down?

Kyler Murray had his one boneheaded play a game, but it ended up not being a safety, so it didn’t kill them… however his weapons around him not named Trey McBride may not be all we had hoped?

Is it the players, the scheme or a weird combination where the team doesn’t trust the offensive line and the skill players are not showing enough consistency?

Or is it a defensive coach who wants this type of thing?

There are so many questions that are still not answered but this team just gagged away a game they should have won.

Defense did everything they could except on the last drive.

Offense is a joke.

Maybe Marvin Harrison should have worked the Juggs Machine and not the weights?

Maybe they should have looked to get a wide receiver who can make a clutch catch, not keep Zay Jones?

However, when you play a game like Mac Jones is your QB against a team with Mac Jones as your QB you are going to get these results.

Through three weeks, the Arizona Cardinals are 2-1 and no one thinks they’re good.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...-the-spotlight-in-loss-to-san-francisco-49ers

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

James Conner injury is season ending per reports

The Arizona Cardinals lost more than the game Sunday in Santa Clara.

ESPN is reporting that James Conner’s injury is severe enough that they are already calling it a season ending injury.

Cardinals RB James Conner did in fact suffer a season-ending injury to his right ankle that will require surgery, per source. The injury is considered “severe”, even if the team does not yet know the full extent of the damage. pic.twitter.com/IMktQeYBoz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2025

Conner is not just a key piece to what the Arizona Cardinals do offensively (and this is not the time to debate this season’s offensive results) but the heart and soul of this team.

Any doubt, the outpouring is already showing.

Gotchu for life 6, I promise

— Trey Benson (@trey_uno1) September 22, 2025

James Conner one of my favorite players in football.

Hate seeing him injured. Great dude, incredible career. Angry Runs hall of famer. pic.twitter.com/o01QMdTOiN

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) September 21, 2025

Trey Benson on James Conner going down:

"I'm gonna do it for him. He's gonna be my motivation for the rest of the year and I can't wait."

— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) September 22, 2025

6 we got you pic.twitter.com/kFJk3dWreq

— Rocketship (@MackWilSr) September 22, 2025

Conner’s health is the most important thing after today, and we are not talking for the immediate. We are talking about how he can recover and how he will be able to heal long term.

No matter what, for me that’s what I’m thinking about right now for James Conner.

Conner’s injury will open the door for Trey Benson to take the lead back spot, while Emari Demercado, Bam Knight and likely Michael Carter will get chances as well.

No matter what, let’s hope for a good outcome for Conner first and foremost.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...es-conner-injury-is-season-ending-per-reports

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals somehow still favorites ahead of Thursday Night Football showdown with Seahawks

After a 2-1 start to the season where every single game has come down to the last possession of the game, the Arizona Cardinals have to rally physically and emotionally for their first primetime game of the 2025 season.

The good news, that means we can watch football next Sunday and not let it change our mood.

The bad news, the Arizona Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football this week and need to overcome a tough one yesterday.

Somehow, the Cardinals were 2.5-point favorites heading into the week, but after yesterday, the official line from our friends at FanDuel Sportsbook… still has the Arizona Cardinals as favorites, but slight at best as they are 1.5-point favorites heading into the Thursday Night Football tilt.

I think after this weekend we are all a little surprised, even though the Cardinals covered again yesterday as they came into the game +2.5-point dogs.

However, with the emotional highs and lows of yesterday, as well as losing James Conner for the year, the team will have to rally quickly for a Thursday Night game that usually offers something crazy.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...hursday-night-football-showdown-with-seahawks

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

What does losing Cardinals RB James Conner change for this season?

The Arizona Cardinals defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers did not go as designed. For one, the scoreboard stated a 16-15 49ers victory. The Cardinals had the game basically won, but let it slip away.

Then came news that RB James Conner would be lost for the year on a play that bent his right ankle backward in the third quarter with 12:26 remaining.

RELATED: JAMES CONNER INJURY IS SEASON ENDING

So far, what is known is that Conner’s injury is considered “severe,” although the exact type of injury isn’t known yet. It is already certain that he will require surgery.

It was a typical dive play up the gut when he was tackled by DT Jordan Elliott, who came off a block by C Hjalte Froholdt. Conner attempted to break free, but Elliott began to swing Conner around. At the same time, Niners rookie safety Marques Sigle came from his strong safety spot and ran up to assist on the stop. Sigle went low towards Conner’s shins while at the same time Elliott twisted Conner while Sigle was holding his ankle.

Players from both benches took a knee as Conner was attended to by the trainers, and then carted off the field. Conner is a Cardinals Captain this year.

QB Kyler Murray told ESPN after the game:

“Yeah, it’s unfortunate. Just not only is he my teammate, I feel like that’s a brother of mine. Just to see him go down like that, you never want to see that. I understand it’s part of the game, but it is not ideal. All the work that he puts in and just who he is as a person, you don’t want to see him get hurt like that. Yeah, it’s tough. He’s everything, means everything.”

Conner signed a two-year extension last year and had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, gaining 1,094 last season and 1,040 in 2023. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2018 while with the Pittsburgh Steelers and in 2021 in his first year with Arizona. His $3.64 million base salary for this year is guaranteed for injury.

Cardinals 2024 third-round draft pick Trey Benson (6’-0”, 220 pounds) will now become the starting running back. Before the San Fran contest, Conner had 32 carries compared to Benson’s 11. Both players had five receptions and are considered a bellcow type of runner.

So, what does Arizona’s offense do now?

Benson has been heralded by many that he should be more involved in the offense this year. He is described as a powerful runner with explosive speed, showing the ability to break tackles and finish runs effectively. He runs a 4.39 in the 40.

Other options for the Cardinals include Emari Demercado (5’-9”, 215 pounds) and Zonovan “Bam” Knight (5’-11”, 206 pounds). Demercado runs a 4.44 in the 40 and has played in 29 NFL games. This year, he has had one offensive snap and 19 special teams snaps. Knight has 4.53 speed and has played in 10 NFL games with 88 career carries. This season, he has zero offensive snaps and six special teams snaps.

On the practice squad is Michael Carter (5’-8”, 201 pounds), who is a former First Team All-ACC recipient. His 40 time is 4.5.

Against the 49ers, Benson had 10 carries for 42 yards with a 4.2 yards per carry average. Demercado had two carries for zero yards.

This season, the Cardinals were satisfied with the veteran Conner as their bellcow and Benson as the complementary back. Can Benson handle a full load? In his final two years at Florida State, he gained 990 yards and 906 yards, respectively, with a combined 310 carries and 23 touchdowns.

What if Arizona decides to bring in another running back? What is still out there as far as available free agents?

D’Onta Foreman​

6’-0”, 235 pounds

Age: 29

Foreman was an absolute beast in college as he rushed for 2,028 yards in his final year at Texas. But he has sputtered at the next level. He was with the Cleveland Browns last year and used sparingly. He played in 11 games with 71 carries for 232 yards and mainly a goal-line option with his stocky frame. In 2022, while with the Carolina Panthers, he gained 914 yards on 203 carries, so he can take carries off of Benson. His price is in the $1.1 million range.

Gus Edwards​

6’-1”, 238 pounds

Age: 30

Edwards was with the Baltimore Ravens for six seasons and did well for them. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers last year, who then signed RB Najee Harris and drafted Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina in the first round. Edwards is known for running through players instead of around them. He has played in 80 NFL games with 800 carries for 3,760 yards and has scored 30 touchdowns. The Chargers paid him $3.25 million.

Very powerful runner who likes being physical. He is an average pass catcher but has good hands when thrown to. He is able to absorb blows and will push for extra yardage. A large workload is not an issue for Edwards as he has experience behind various formations, including offset shotgun and dotted-I. Not much wiggle or juking from Edwards, but will get those tough short gains.

Zack Moss​

5’-10”, 215 pounds

Age: 27

Moss played with the Bengals last year and has 2,318 career rushing yards. He is a very good receiver with soft hands, gaining 710 yards on 98 receptions. He is in the $4 million range.

Moss has power with excellent yards after contact. He is quick but does not have breakaway speed. His thick body is pretty durable as he doesn’t get hurt often. Reliable outlet receiver or can take the workload. Excellent blocker when asked to remain in the backfield. Best known for taking hits and gaining more yardage.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...dinals-rb-james-conner-change-for-this-season

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals Reacts Survey Week 4

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cardinals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Arizona Cardinals are 2-1 and heading into a big division showdown on Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks who are also 2-1.

However, they are coming off very different results, where the Cardinals lost a heart breaker, while the Seahawks just absolutely dominated the Saints.

So now, with three games on film, what is your confidence in the Arizona Cardinals moving forward?

For me, I am interested in how they come out and play against a team that has looked good, coming off an emotional week. You lose a tight one to a divisional rival, while also losing a captain in James Conner.

How do you come out and play this week, on a short week?

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/n...cardinals-reacts-survey-week-4-49ers-seahawks

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals make roster moves ahead of Thursday Night Football

The Arizona Cardinals have made a couple of roster moves ahead of their 2025 primetime debut.

From the team:

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has signed offensive lineman Demontrey Jacobs to the active roster from the practice squad and has placed running back James Conner on injured reserve.

In addition, the team has signed linebacker Elliott Brown and safety Patrick McMorris the practice squad and has released defensive lineman Kyon Barrs from the practice squad.

The signings took place today at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, AZ.

McMorris (6-0, 210) played six games last season with the Dolphins as a rookie after entering the league with Miami as a sixth-round selection (198th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft out of California. Earlier this season, McMorris also spent time on the New York Giants practice squad. He played the 2023 season at California after beginning his collegiate career at San Diego State (2019-22).

Brown will wear jersey #41 and McMorris will wear #39.

The team obviously needed to make a move ahead of the Thursday Night matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, and after the James Conner injury.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...d-of-thursday-night-football-demontrey-jacobs

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals-49ers reactions: The offense, the defense and injuries

Happy Wednesday one and all.

We are speeding things up this week, with both episodes of the Rise Up, See Red Podcast in the can, and we are ready for Thursday Night Football.

First, we need to take a look back at what happened on Sunday and discuss things.

We take a look at the good and the bad from the game, then dive into the injuries coming out of this game and how the Arizona Cardinals can move forward.

We discussed the following:

• (1:00) The good and the bad from the offense
• (29:28) The good and the bad from the defense
• (36:56) The impact of James Conner’s season-ending injury and other injuries.

Catch the full episode below.

Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!

View Link

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...eactions-the-offense-the-defense-and-injuries

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Cardinals-Seahawks Week 4 preview, picks, predictions and props

Happy Thursday Night Football everyone.

For the first time in 2025, the Arizona Cardinals are the main attraction in town. So, how do they come out and play with that pressure?

After a tough loss to the San Francisco 49ers the Arizona Cardinals get a chance at another division rival, the Seattle Seahawks.

Jess and I discuss the Seahawks through three weeks, what to expect, and the matchups that matter.

From there, it is all gambling talk.

It is a great hour of Arizona Cardinals football talk.

Enjoy the show with the embedded player above or by subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss a show. Make sure as well to give it a five-star rating!

In this show, we talk about the following:

• (1:00) What the Seahawks have done so far this season, what they do well and not as well
• (24:04) Keys to victory for the Cardinals and matchups that will matter
• (39:41) Picks, predictions and prop bets for the game

View Link

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...ahawks-preview-matchup-picks-predictions-odds

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Former Cardinals standout Larry Fitzgerald headlines 2026 Hall of Fame nominees

The Arizona Cardinals have had their fair share of exceptional receivers over their history: Roy Green, Ricky Proehl, DeAndre Hopkins, Jackie Smith, Anquan Boldin, Pat Tilley, Sonny Randle, Mel Gray, and Frank Sanders, to name a few.

Oh. And a guy named Larry. Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr., to be exact.

RELATED: LARRY FITZGERALD MAKES IT 10 FOR 10

If you made a list of the best receivers for the franchise, Fitz would be at the very top. And now, his first ballot as a possible inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame has come up. He and QB Drew Brees were picked in their first year of eligibility as two of the nominees among modern era players for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

The Cardinals have 23 players in the Hall of Fame and 19 members in their Ring of Honor.

Big hurdle cleared: Larry Fitzgerald made it to the 128-man Hall of Fame finalist list for 2026. Touch and go there for a while. pic.twitter.com/enqOF5ELXw

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) September 24, 2025

In all, 13 total players were picked from a list of 128. The others are LB Thomas Davis, DTs Jurrell Casey and Geno Atkins, C Maurkice Pouncy and OG David DeCastro, RBs LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore, TEs Jason Witten and Greg Olsen, and QBs Philip Rivers and Alex Smith.

Fitzgerald leads the Cardinals’ franchise history in almost every category. He is #1 in total yards (17,492), targets (2,335), receptions (1.432), and touchdowns (121). He is high up on the list in yards per reception average (12.2) and catch reception percentage (61.3%).

He is considered among the greatest to play the position in a list comprised of Jerry Rice, Don Hutson, Raymond Berry, Fred Biletnikoff, Calvin Johnson, Steve Largent, Randy Moss, Julio Jones, and Lance Alworth.

Arizona finished the 2003 season at 4-12-0, tied with the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, and the New York Football Giants for the league’s worst record. The four teams were then slotted with San Diego getting the first overall selection, followed by the Raiders, Cardinals, and Giants.

The Chargers chose QB Eli Manning as Oakland took OT Robert Gallery. This put Arizona on the clock. Available were QBs Ben Roethlisberger and Phillip Rivers, defensive backs Sean Taylor and DeAngelo Hall, LB Jonathan Vilma, and a trio of highly-touted receivers in Reggie Williams, Roy Williams, and Fitzgerald.

Calmer heads enabled the Cards to select Fitz, although both quarterbacks on the board would have been helpful. At the time, the signalcallers for the Cardinals were Jeff Blake, Josh McCown, and Preston Parsons. Two seasons later, Kurt Warner would arrive.

Fitzpatrick grew up in Richfield, Minnesota, located less than an hour south of Minneapolis along I-35W. He was an All-State receiver in his junior and senior years at the Academy of Holy Angels High School. He chose the University of Pittsburgh as his next stop.

Pitt played him in his freshman year right off the bat. In just his second college game, he had 10 receptions for 103 yards in a losing effort. For the year, Fitzgerald played in every game with 69 receptions for 1,005 yards and 12 TDs.

In 2003, he busted out.

Again, he played in every game and ran 4.47 in the 40. This time around, after a full season, he was considered the best receiver in the NCAA. He led the Big East in receptions with 92, led the nation in touchdowns with 22, and led the nation in receiving yards with 1,672.

Fitzgerald’s accolades after the 2003 season include First Team All-Big East, Unanimous All-American, and Big East Offensive Player of the Year. He was also the winner of the following honors: Biletnikoff Award, Walter Camp Award, Chic Harley Award, and the Paul Warfield Trophy.

Later, Pitt would retire his #1 jersey. In 2024, Fitz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and in 2022, he was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

In his rookie year in the NFL, he played quite a bit, but was getting acclimated to the pro level. He had 780 yards on 58 receptions with eight touchdowns, but was targeted 115 times. The following season, he had 165 targets with 1,409 yards and 10 scores on a league-leading 103 receptions.

In all, Fitzgerald played 17 seasons, all with the Cardinals. He topped over 100 receptions in a season five times, with another three in the 90s. He had nine seasons going over 1,000 receiving yards, with his best year being 2008, in which he had 1,431 yards.

Fitz was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times, First Team All-Pro once (2008), Second Team All-Pro twice (2009, 2011), was the NFL receptions leader twice, the NFL receiving touchdowns leader twice, and voted the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2016.

RELATED: THE CARDINAL I WOULD LIKE TO MEET: LARRY FITZGERALD

For his career, Fitzgerald had 2,335 targets, 1,432 receptions for 17,492 yards, a 12.2 yards per reception average, scored 121 touchdowns, had 906 first down conversions, and ran the ball 20 times for 68 yards with five first down conversions.

Who can forget Fitzgerald’s 64-yard touchdown catch and run in Super Bowl XLIII against the Pittsburgh Steelers, played in Tampa, Florida, after the 2007 season? It was a simple post route that Fitz caught without breaking stride as he took off in the center of the field, shifted into another gear, and outran everyone. He made the three defenders seem like they were high school kids trying to catch up. Fitz was also the last tackler on the James Harrison full-field interception for a touchdown.

https://t.co/7pxnGzIvDR pic.twitter.com/C64w0NSNw8

— Kyler Murray’s Burner (@KylerMurraywins) September 24, 2025

After his career was completed, Fitzgerald was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Only five players have had their numbers retired in the 127-year history of the Arizona Cardinals: #8 Larry Wilson (1960-1972), #40 Pat Tillman (1998-2001), #77 Stan Mauldin (1946-1948), #88 J.V. Cain (1974-1978), and #99 Marshall Goldberg (1939-1943, 1946-1948).

Editor’s note: Goldberg served in World War II during the missing years

A quick acknowledgment of the players who should have their numbers retired by the organization at some point:

• Larry Fitzgerald #11
• Kurt Warner #13
• Jim Hart #17
• Roger Wehrli #22
• Adrian Wilson #24

.@CalaisCampbell isn't surprised one bit by @LarryFitzgerald's Pro Football Hall of Fame nomination in his first year of eligibility.

"I think everybody's expectation is that Larry's going to be a first-ballot, unanimous decision immediately. He earned that." pic.twitter.com/znATizKyso

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 24, 2025

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees will be voted on by the selection meeting before the Super Bowl in February.

Brees and Fitzgerald are the top new candidates this year.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...tzgerald-headlines-2026-hall-of-fame-nominees

 

[Arizona Cardinals]

Arizona Cardinals find new way to lose on Thursday Night Football

You can’t pin the loss on one guy. But it sure would be nice if the guy who is supposed to kick the ball off could do his job after the defense held, and the offense found something to get fans excited about.

Instead, we have another last second loss, this time because they gave themselves too big of a hole to dig out of, and made mistakes in all phases of the game at inoppurtune times.

A football devoid of providing fans joy, took us from ecstasy to agony in the span of seven minutes, and now the Arizona Cardinals sit at 2-2 after a 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

They had plenty of chances, and you have to like what you saw in the second half, specifically the fourth quarter on offense.

However, that is for another day, right now, we will continue to lament missed opportunities and not being able to make a big play when needed.

This week, for the first time, it was not the offense that couldn’t make the big play. Hell, it wasn’t even really the defense.

This week, they gave up a big play late in the game on special teams and gave the Seattle Seahawks life.

We are onto the Tennessee Titans.

Source: https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/a...n-thursday-night-football-to-seattle-seahawks