2006 Arizona Cardinals season
Encyclopedia
The 2006
Arizona Cardinals
season began with the team trying to improve on their 5-11 record in 2005
. They also moved into the Cardinals Stadium
in Glendale, Arizona
(one of the western suburbs of Phoenix
). The stadium was christened University of Phoenix Stadium
on September 26. Despite a somewhat promising start, the team suffered a few setbacks, including key losses to the Dallas Cowboys
and the eventual NFC Champion Chicago Bears
, and ended the season (again) at a disappointing 5-11 record. Head coach Dennis Green
was fired after the season, replaced by Ken Whisenhunt
.
RB Edgerrin James
through free agency, by signing him to a four-year, $30 million contract.
The Cardinals then selected the 2004 Heisman Trophy
-winning quarterback Matt Leinart
with the 10th pick of the 2006 NFL Draft
. Leinart played for the University of Southern California
and won 1½ national championships with the team in 2003 and 2004.
Leinart missed the first two weeks of the 2006 Cardinals training camp (and the opening game of the preseason) due to prolonged contract negotiations, but on August 15, the Arizona Republic, KTAR
radio and ESPN
reported that Leinart agreed to a six-year contract that could earn him a maximum of $51 million, according to his agent, Tom Condon
. The contract reportedly contains $14 million in guaranteed money, and likely involves "escalator" clauses that could increase Leinart's salary in the later years of the deal should he meet certain playing-time incentives.
Also in the 2006 draft, the Cardinals would select another USC alum, Guard Taitusi "Deuce" Latui
in the 3rd round, followed by Georgia TE Leonard Pope
, Michigan DT Gabriel Watson
, Louisville LB Brandon Johnson, Virginia Tech DT Jonathan Lewis, and Brigham Young WR Todd Watkins. This as well as the dynamic duo that is Anquan Boldin
and Larry Fitzgerald
at WR could (eventually) make the Cardinals a serious threat in the NFC West
.
Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ers
at University of Phoenix Stadium
, Glendale, Arizona
The Cardinals opened the regular season at home against the San Francisco 49ers
on September 10. This game would be the inaugural regular season game played at the University of Phoenix Stadium
. In the first quarter, Niners QB Alex Smith
and TE Vernon Davis
scored the inaugural regular season TD in the new Stadium as they connected on a 31-yard pass. Fortunately, the Cardinals would respond, as QB Kurt Warner
threw the very first TD pass by a Cardinals player in the new stadium on a 2-yard strike to WR Troy Walters
. Newly-acquired RB Edgerrin James
provided the very first rushing touchdown in their new stadium as he ran the ball into the end zone on a 1-yard strike. Afterwards, Warner threw another TD pass, this time to WR Anquan Boldin
. In the second quarter, Niners RB Frank Gore
helped San Francisco get closer as he ran on a 4-yard TD play. Kicker Neil Rackers
helped improve the Cardinals' lead, as he kicked a 36-yard field goal. In the third quarter, both sides each got a touchdown. S.F.'s Gore scored on a 2-yard run, while Arizona's Warner threw a 7-yard TD to TE Adam Bergen
. In the fourth quarter, it was all field goals to end the game, as Niners kicker Joe Nedney
kicked a 22-yard field goal. Then, Rackers helped Arizona on a 30-yard field goal. Even though Nedney would kick one more field goal for San Francisco (a 44-yard field goal), the Cardinals were able to barely escape with the win and a 1-0 start.
, Seattle, Washington
For Week 2, the Cardinals flew to the Northwest to take on the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks
. From the get-go, the Cardinals trailed, as the opposing RB Shaun Alexander
to score a TD on a 2-yard run. Then, Arizona allowed opposing QB Matt Hasselbeck
to complete a 49-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
. There wouldn't be anymore scoring by either team for the remainder of the half. In the third quarter, the Cardinals finally got on the border with kicker Neil Rackers
nailing a 43-yard field goal. However, Seattle managed to put the game away with FB Mack Strong
's 3-yard TD run. The Cardinals would get a TD, with QB Kurt Warner
completing a 40-yard pass to WR Bryant Johnson
, but in the end, the Seahawks were the better team in this fight and made the Cardinals move to 1-1.
, Glendale, Arizona
The Cardinals returned home to face their third NFC West opponent, the St. Louis Rams
. QB Kurt Warner
drew first blood against his former team, as completed a 12-yard TD strike to WR Larry Fitzgerald
for the only score of the first quarter. However, in the second quarter, it was all St. Louis. Kicker Jeff Wilkins
got a 26-yard field goal, QB Marc Bulger
completed a 9-yard pass to WR Torry Holt
, and Wilkens got a 47-yard field goal as time ran out on the first half. In the third quarter, Wilkens helped the Rams increase their lead with a 21-yard field, which would be the only score of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, even a valiant effort for a comeback, the only score that Arizona could muster was a 6-yard TD run by RB Edgerrin James
. After a Bulger fumble deep in St. Louis territory while trying to run out the clock set up the Cardinals for an easy chip-shot field goal to win, Warner fumbled a snap and St. Louis recovered to seal the victory. Adding to the fact that Warner had 3 interceptions during the game, the Cardinals would get their very first loss in their new stadium as they fell to 1-2. A few days after the game, ESPN
reported that rookie QB Matt Leinart
would be starting the next game. The next day, Arizona's head coach announced that the club would be sticking with the veteran Warner.
, Atlanta, Georgia
Hoping to recover from a two-game skid, the Cardinals flew to the Georgia Dome
for a Week 4 match-up with the Atlanta Falcons
. From the get-go, the Cardinals trailed, as Falcons kicker Morten Andersen
completed a 34-yard and a 40-yard field goal in the opening period. The Cardinals would respond with a 29-yard field goal by kicker Neil Rackers
. In the second quarter, Arizona continued to trail, as Koenan belted a 51-yard field goal for Atlanta. The Cardinals would strike back with SS Adrian Wilson returning an interception 99 yards for a touchdown, but that would be the only time that the Cardinals saw the lead, as Andersen got a 36-yard field goal to give the Falcons the lead at halftime. In the second half, the Cardinals got shot down and shut-out, as Atlanta scored 20 unanswered points (Andersen's 26-yard field goal, CB DeAngelo Hall
's 37-yard interception return in the third quarter, rookie RB Jerious Norwood
's 78-yard TD run & Andersen's 28-yard field goal in the fourth quarter). Not even QB Matt Leinart
, who replaced QB Kurt Warner
in the fourth quarter, could save Arizona from dropping three-straight games, as the Cardinals fell to 1-3. The game showed just how much the Cardinals must improve their offensive line, as they were whipped for the whole game by the Falcons defensive line.
, Glendale, Arizona
The Cardinals hosted a close contest with the Kansas City Chiefs
. The game was the first at the newly-christened University of Phoenix Stadium
, which signed its naming rights deal with the Cardinals two days after Arizona's last home game vs. St. Louis.
The Cards started off hot as Matt Leinart
, making his first NFL start, threw two touchdowns in the first quarter to his two top targets, Anquan Boldin
and Larry Fitzgerald
. The Chiefs responded early in the second quarter with a 45-yard field goal by kicker Lawrence Tynes
, and a touchdown pass from quarterback Damon Huard
to running back Larry Johnson. Cards kicker Neil Rackers
added a 41-yard field at the end of the first half.
Another Rackers field goal, this time from 45 yards, accounted for the only score in the third quarter. The Chiefs then scored 13 unanswered points to win the game, with a touchdown pass from Huard to Samie Parker
, and two field goals by Tynes (40, 19). Tynes' last field goal was set up by a 78-yard screen pass from Huard to Johnson. Johnson suffered a sprained neck at the end of the play on a violent face mask tackle by Cards' cornerback Antrel Rolle
, who was fined $12,500 for the penalty.
A last second 51-yard field goal attempt by Rackers to send the game to overtime failed, giving the Cards their fourth straight loss. During the game Larry Fitzgerald pulled a hamstring and missed 3 games, returning Week 10 against Dallas.
, Glendale, Arizona
The Cards lost their fifth straight game to the undefeated Chicago Bears
on Monday Night Football
.
The Cards came out smoking early as QB Matt Leinart
for the second straight week threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter, connecting with WR's Bryant Johnson
and Anquan Boldin
. Cards K Neil Rackers
converted field goals of 41 and 28 yards respectively to give the Cards a seemingly insurmountable 20-0 halftime lead. The Cards held Bears QB Rex Grossman
in check, forcing him into six turnovers (four interceptions and two fumbles). Bears K Robbie Gould
drilled a 23 yard field goal midway through the third quarter for the Bears only offensive points of the night. Cards K Rackers responded with a 29 yard field goal of his own to extend the lead to 23-3. The Bears went on to score 21 unanswered points on defense and special teams, two fumble recoveries by Mike Brown
and Charles Tillman
respectively, and an 82 yard punt return touchdown by rookie Devin Hester
. Cards K Rackers was set up to win the game with a 40 yard field goal in the waning minutes, but the kick sailed wide left and they dropped to 1-5 on the season.
The loss marked the first time in history that a team blew a 20-point lead to an opponent who did not score any offensive touchdowns. At the post-game press conference, coach Dennis Green erupted at reporters. "The Bears are who we thought they were! That's why we took the damn field! Now, if you want to crown them, then crown their ass! But they are who we thought they were, and we let them off the hook!" He then smacked the microphone before storming out of the room. The clip quickly became a highlight of sports shows and popular online. (An edited version of the clip is being used in current Coors Light
advertisements).
, Oakland, California
Hoping to end their horrendous five-game skid, the Cardinals traveled to McAfee Coliseum
to face the Oakland Raiders
. The Raiders came into the game at 0-5, the only winless team in the NFL. This would be the Cardinals' first game under new offensive coordinator Mike Kruczek
, who replaced the fired Keith Rowen
in the wake of Arizona's meltdown in the fourth quarter of the game against Chicago.
Arizona has visited Oakland only once before. The Cardinals won 34-31 on an overtime field goal by Bill Gramatica
on December 2, 2001. The Raiders won the last meeting with the Cardinals, 41-20 at Sun Devil Stadium
on November 24, 2002.
In the first quarter, the Cards string of bad luck continued to haunt them, as Raiders RB ReShard Lee
got a 1-yard TD run, while QB Andrew Walter
threw a 32-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
. In the second quarter, both teams swapped field goals. Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski
got a 31-yard field goal, while Arizona kicker Neil Rackers
nailed a 29-yard try. In the third quarter, the Raiders continued to pour on the points, as Janikowski got a 35-yard field goal, while Defensive Tackle Terdell Sands
tackles Cardinals RB Marcel Shipp
at the goal line for a safety. The only response Arizona could bring up was Rackers kicking a 45-yard field goal. He would kick one more in the fourth quarter (38-yarder), but that would be all that the Cardinals could produce as they now dropped six-straight games.
, Green Bay, Wisconsin
The Cards visit Lambeau Field
in Green Bay, Wisconsin
to take on the Packers
. Arizona has not visited Lambeau Field since a 49-24 loss in the final game of the 1999
season on January 2, 2000. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 20-13 in the last meeting between the teams on September 21, 2003 at Sun Devil Stadium
. Unfortnately, their 2003 victory stayed as a memory, as the Cardinals dropped their seventh-straight game, heading into their Bye Week 1-7.
In the wake of this loss, concern for the remainder of the once-promising season was so strong, DE Bertrand Berry
led a players-only meeting at the Cardinals HQ in Tempe
on November 7. Some days earlier, Berry openly questioned his teammates' commitment to success during an interview on a local radio program.
, Glendale, Arizona
Coming off their Bye Week, the Cardinals went home for a Week 10 fight with the Dallas Cowboys
. In the first quarter, Arizona trailed early as kicker Mike Vanderjagt
nailed a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Cardinals' year-long struggles continued as QB Tony Romo
completed a 30-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
. The Cards would respond with a 28-yard field goal by kicker Neil Rackers
. Afterwards, Vanderjagt gave the Cowboys some breathing room with a 38-yard field goal as time ran out on the half. In the third quarter, things continued to get worse for Arizona as Romo completed a 51-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas would wrap up the game with RB Marion Barber
's 5-yard TD run. The Cardinals would get a touchdown as QB Matt Leinart
got a 3-yard TD run. However, the Cards would drop their eighth-straight game. With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 1-8.
, Glendale, Arizona
Trying to end their eight-game skid, the Cardinals stayed at home for a Week 11 fight with the Detroit Lions
. After a scoreless first quarter, the Cards struck first in the second quarter with QB Matt Leinart
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson
. Afterwards, kicker Neil Rackers
nailed a 36-yard field goal for Arizona. In the third quarter, Leinart would get a 9-yard TD run and give the Cardinals a 17-0 lead. However, the Lions started to creep back into the game. It started with kicker Jason Hanson
's 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit started to threaten Arizona's lead as RB Arlen Harris
got a 1-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Cards defense held up for the win. Not only did the Cardinals improve to 2-8, but they also snapped their eight-game losing streak.
, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Coming off of their home win over the Lions, the Cardinals flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
for a Week 12 fight with the Minnesota Vikings
. This game was noted for the return of head coach Green to Minnesota where he coached from 1992 to 2001. On the very first play of the first quarter, RB J.J. Arrington
returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings would respond with RB Chester Taylor
's 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Cards kicker Neil Rackers
gave Arizona a 21-yard and a 50-yard field goal for a decent lead. However, the Vikes took the lead with QB Brad Johnson
's 17-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, more of the Cardinals' year-long ineffectiveness showed as Johnson completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Billy McMullen
, while kicker Ryan Longwell
nailed a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota improved its lead on Johnson's 3-yard TD pass to FB Jeff Dugan
. Afterwards, Arizona tried to fight back as Strong Safety Adrian Wilson returned a fumble 99 yards for a touchdown, yet it was followed up by a failed two-point conversion. Afterwards, QB Matt Leinart
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin
. Afterwards, the Vikings wrapped up the game and won. With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 2-9.
, St. Louis, Missouri
The Cards visited the Edward Jones Dome
in St. Louis
(the team's former home) to take on the Rams
. The Cardinals won by a score of 34-20. QB Matt Leinart
was 15-for-24 for 186 yards and one touchdown; RB Edgerrin James
' had his 50th career 100-yard rushing game, and RB Marcel Shipp
scored three touchdowns. The Cardinals moved up to 3-9 and they finally managed to acquire their very first road win of the season.
, Glendale, Arizona
Coming of their road win over the Rams, the Cardinals went home for an NFC West rematch with the Seattle Seahawks
. In the first quarter, the Cards drew first blood with QB Matt Leinart
completing a 56-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson
, while RB Edgerrin James
(who ran for 115 yards on the day) got a 7-yard TD run. The Seahawks would respond with QB Matt Hasselbeck
's 23-yard TD pass to WR D.J. Hackett
. In the second quarter, the Big Red increased its lead with kicker Neil Rackers
getting a 32-yard field goal, yet Seattle responded with Hasselbeck's 5-yard TD pass to WR Nate Burleson
. In the third quarter, Arizona temporarily lost the lead as Hasselbeck completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
for the only score of the period. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, Arizona reclaimed the lead and won with Leinart's 5-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
and Rackers' 40-yard field goal. With the upset win, the Cardinals improved to 4-9.
, Glendale, Arizona
Trying to snap a four-game losing skid, the Broncos flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium
for a Week 15 interconference fight with the Arizona Cardinals
. The last time these two teams met each other, Denver won 37-7 at Invesco Field at Mile High
on December 29, 2002. This time, it was a battle of rookie quarterbacks as Matt Leinart
went up against Jay Cutler
.
In the first quarter, the Cardinals trailed early as Cutler completed a 54-yard TD pass to WR Javon Walker
and kicker Jason Elam
nailed a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Arizona trailed even further with Elam's 22-yard field goal. The Cardinals would finally score as kicker Neil Rackers
nailed a 49-yard field goal and DE Antonio Smith returned a fumble 4 yards for a touchdown. However, Denver managed to get one last field goal before halftime as Elam kicked a 30-yard field goal. In the third quarter, more struggles continued as Cutler completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Rod Smith. Arizona would respond with Rackers kicking a 38-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos continued their pounding on the Cards with RB Mike Bell's 1-yard TD run. Even though the Cardinals got a 4-yard TD run by RB Edgerrin James
, Denver wrapped up Cutler's first NFL win with another 1-yard TD run by Mike Bell. With their fifth-straighth loss, Arizona fell to 4-10.
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Broncos, the Cardinals flew to Monster Park
for an NFC West rematch with the San Francisco 49ers
. In the first quarter, the 49ers struck first with kicker Joe Nedney
nailing a 49-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Cards took the lead with kicker Neil Rackers
getting a 25-yard field goal and RB Marcel Shipp
getting a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead with rookie QB Matt Leinart
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
, while Rackers kicked a 39-yard field goal. Afterwards, San Francisco responded with Nedney kicking a 32-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the 49ers started to retaliate with RB Frank Gore
getting a 2-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Cards increased its lead with Rackers kicking a 37-yard and a 32-yard field goal. Even though the Niners would get another score as Gore managed to get a 1-yard TD run, Arizona held on to sweep San Francisco. With the win, the Cardinals improved to 5-10.
, San Diego, California
Trying to end their lackluster season on a high note, the Cardinals played their last game of the year at Qualcomm Stadium
against the playoff-bound San Diego Chargers
. In the first quarter, Arizona struck first with RB Edgerrin James
getting an 8-yard TD run, yet the Chargers managed to get a 47-yard field goal from kicker Nate Kaeding
. In the second quarter, the Cards' year-long ineffectiveness continued to show as QB Philip Rivers
completed a 33-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
and a 14-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
. In the third quarter, San Diego wrapped up the game with LB Tim Dobbins
recovering a fumble the Cardinals' endzone for a touchdown, while Kaeding kicked a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, Arizona tried to make a comeback and it started with kicker Neil Rackers
getting a 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cards continued with their attempt at a comeback as QB Kurt Warner
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
and a 20-yard field goal by Rackers. However, their comeback fell short. With the loss, the Cardinals ended their season at 5-11.
2006 NFL season
The 2006 NFL season was the 87th regular season of the National Football League.Regular season play was held from September 7 to December 31, 2006...
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
season began with the team trying to improve on their 5-11 record in 2005
2005 NFL season
The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006...
. They also moved into the Cardinals Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
in Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
(one of the western suburbs of Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
). The stadium was christened University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
on September 26. Despite a somewhat promising start, the team suffered a few setbacks, including key losses to the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
and the eventual NFC Champion Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, and ended the season (again) at a disappointing 5-11 record. Head coach Dennis Green
Dennis Green
Dennis "Denny" Green is an American football head coach for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League...
was fired after the season, replaced by Ken Whisenhunt
Ken Whisenhunt
Kenneth "Ken" Moore Whisenhunt is the current head coach of the Arizona Cardinals NFL football team, leading them to the first Super Bowl in franchise history during the 2008 season...
.
Offseason
On March 12, 2006, the Cardinals acquired former ColtsIndianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
through free agency, by signing him to a four-year, $30 million contract.
The Cardinals then selected the 2004 Heisman Trophy
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
-winning quarterback Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
with the 10th pick of the 2006 NFL Draft
2006 NFL Draft
The 2006 National Football League Draft, the 71st in league history, took place in New York City at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and April 30, 2006. For the 27th consecutive year, the draft was telecast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional coverage offered by ESPNU and, for the first time, by...
. Leinart played for the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
and won 1½ national championships with the team in 2003 and 2004.
Leinart missed the first two weeks of the 2006 Cardinals training camp (and the opening game of the preseason) due to prolonged contract negotiations, but on August 15, the Arizona Republic, KTAR
KTAR (AM)
KTAR is the callsign for a radio station in Phoenix, Arizona. It airs programming from ESPN Radio, in addition to KTAR-acquired broadcast rights for local teams...
radio and ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
reported that Leinart agreed to a six-year contract that could earn him a maximum of $51 million, according to his agent, Tom Condon
Tom Condon
Thomas Joseph Condon is an American football agent. He was named the most powerful agent in American football by Sporting News 2006, and heads the Football Division of Creative Artists Agency with fellow agent Ben Dogra....
. The contract reportedly contains $14 million in guaranteed money, and likely involves "escalator" clauses that could increase Leinart's salary in the later years of the deal should he meet certain playing-time incentives.
Also in the 2006 draft, the Cardinals would select another USC alum, Guard Taitusi "Deuce" Latui
Taitusi Lutui
Taitusi "Deuce" Lutui is a Tongan-born American athlete who currently plays professional American football for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League . His position is offensive lineman...
in the 3rd round, followed by Georgia TE Leonard Pope
Leonard Pope
Leonard Pope is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
, Michigan DT Gabriel Watson
Gabriel Watson
Gabriel Pierre Kim Watson is an American football defensive tackle he is currently a free agent in the National Football League]. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, Louisville LB Brandon Johnson, Virginia Tech DT Jonathan Lewis, and Brigham Young WR Todd Watkins. This as well as the dynamic duo that is Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
and Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
at WR could (eventually) make the Cardinals a serious threat in the NFC West
NFC West
The NFC West is a division of the National Football League's National Football Conference. It currently has four members: Arizona Cardinals, St...
.
Staff
| 2006 Arizona Cardinals staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 10, 2006 | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
W 34-27 | |
| 2 | September 17, 2006 | at Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
L 21-10 | |
| 3 | September 24, 2006 | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
L 16-14 | |
| 4 | October 1, 2006 | at Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 32-10 | |
| 5 | October 8, 2006 | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
L 23-20 | |
| 6 | October 16, 2006 | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 24-23 | |
| 7 | October 22, 2006 | at Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 22-9 | |
| 8 | October 29, 2006 | at Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
L 31-14 | |
| 9 | Bye | |||
| 10 | November 12, 2006 | Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
L 27-10 | |
| 11 | November 19, 2006 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
W 17-10 | |
| 12 | November 26, 2006 | at Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
L 31-26 | |
| 13 | December 3, 2006 | at St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
W 34-20 | |
| 14 | December 10, 2006 | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
W 27-21 | |
| 15 | December 17, 2006 | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 37-20 | |
| 16 | December 24, 2006 | at San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
W 26-20 | |
| 17 | December 31, 2006 | at San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 27-20 | |
Regular season
The Cardinals' Ring of Honor was started in 2006 to mark the opening of University of Phoenix Stadium. It honors former Cardinal greats from all eras of the franchise's history. Following is a list of inductees and the dates that they were inducted.- Charles BidwillCharles BidwillCharles W. Bidwill , sometimes known as Charley Bidwill, was an owner of the NFL's Chicago Cardinals. He owned the team for 14 seasons from 1933 until 1947. His interest in sports was demonstrated by his two aims in life: to win an NFL Championship and the Kentucky Derby...
, Owner (8/12/2006) - Jimmy Conzelman, Coach (8/12/2006)
- Dan DierdorfDan DierdorfDaniel Lee "Dan" Dierdorf is a former American football player and current television sportscaster. He played 13 NFL seasons and has worked for ABC's Monday Night Football and CBS as a color commentator since retiring from football....
, T (10/16/2006) - John "Paddy" DriscollPaddy DriscollJohn Leo "Paddy" Driscoll was a professional American football quarterback. Driscoll was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 and is a member of the NFL 1920s All-Decade Team...
, QB (8/12/2006) - Marshall GoldbergMarshall GoldbergMarshall Goldberg was an American football halfback with the Chicago Cardinals in the National Football League.- Football career :Goldberg was born in Elkins, West Virginia...
, HB (8/12/2006) - Dick "Night Train" Lane, DB (8/12/2006)
- Ollie MatsonOllie MatsonOllie Genoa Matson II was an American Olympic medal winning sprinter and professional American football running back who played in the National Football League, in 1952 and from 1954 to 1966...
, HB (8/12/2006) - Ernie Nevers, FB (8/12/2006)
- Charley TrippiCharley TrippiCharles Louis Trippi is a former professional American football player for the Chicago Cardinals. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.Mr. Trippi currently resides in Athens, Georgia...
, HB/QB (8/12/2006) - Roger WehrliRoger WehrliRoger Wehrli is a former National Football League cornerback who played his entire 14-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1969 until 1982. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler after playing college football at the University of Missouri, where he was a consensus All-American and a first-round...
, CB (10/14/2007) - Larry WilsonLarry WilsonLarry Frank Wilson is a former American football free safety who played for the St. Louis Cardinals.Wilson attended Rigby High School, where a plaque now hangs noting his accomplishments...
, S (9/10/2006) - Pat TillmanPat TillmanCorporal Patrick Daniel "Pat" Tillman Jr. was an American football player who left his professional career and enlisted in the United States Army in June 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks. He joined the Army Rangers and served several tours in combat before he died in the...
, S (11/12/2006)
Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
The Cardinals opened the regular season at home against the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
on September 10. This game would be the inaugural regular season game played at the University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
. In the first quarter, Niners QB Alex Smith
Alex Smith
Alexander Douglas Smith is a professional American football player and starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. Smith was drafted with the 1st-overall pick in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft by San Francisco from the University of Utah...
and TE Vernon Davis
Vernon Davis
-2006 rookie season:Vernon's first reception in the NFL was a 31-yard touchdown catch, against the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2006. He added a career-long 52-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on December 10 with a short catch followed by a long run. Davis played in ten games in...
scored the inaugural regular season TD in the new Stadium as they connected on a 31-yard pass. Fortunately, the Cardinals would respond, as QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
threw the very first TD pass by a Cardinals player in the new stadium on a 2-yard strike to WR Troy Walters
Troy Walters
Troy McHenry Walters is a retired American football wide receiver and punt returner for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League. He was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Stanford University by the Minnesota Vikings. He has also played for the...
. Newly-acquired RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
provided the very first rushing touchdown in their new stadium as he ran the ball into the end zone on a 1-yard strike. Afterwards, Warner threw another TD pass, this time to WR Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
. In the second quarter, Niners RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
helped San Francisco get closer as he ran on a 4-yard TD play. Kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
helped improve the Cardinals' lead, as he kicked a 36-yard field goal. In the third quarter, both sides each got a touchdown. S.F.'s Gore scored on a 2-yard run, while Arizona's Warner threw a 7-yard TD to TE Adam Bergen
Adam Bergen
Adam Bergen is an American football tight end for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. In the fourth quarter, it was all field goals to end the game, as Niners kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
kicked a 22-yard field goal. Then, Rackers helped Arizona on a 30-yard field goal. Even though Nedney would kick one more field goal for San Francisco (a 44-yard field goal), the Cardinals were able to barely escape with the win and a 1-0 start.
Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks
at Qwest FieldQwest Field
CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer...
, Seattle, Washington
For Week 2, the Cardinals flew to the Northwest to take on the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. From the get-go, the Cardinals trailed, as the opposing RB Shaun Alexander
Shaun Alexander
Shaun Edward Alexander is a former American football running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Seahawks 19th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Alabama.- Early career :Alexander was born and...
to score a TD on a 2-yard run. Then, Arizona allowed opposing QB Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
to complete a 49-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
Darrell Jackson
Darrell Lamont Jackson is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for nine seasons...
. There wouldn't be anymore scoring by either team for the remainder of the half. In the third quarter, the Cardinals finally got on the border with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
nailing a 43-yard field goal. However, Seattle managed to put the game away with FB Mack Strong
Mack Strong
Mack Carlington Strong is a former professional American football fullback and running back coach for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He currently is a football sportscaster for Root Sports Northwest...
's 3-yard TD run. The Cardinals would get a TD, with QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completing a 40-yard pass to WR Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson
Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...
, but in the end, the Seahawks were the better team in this fight and made the Cardinals move to 1-1.
Week 3: vs. St. Louis Rams
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
The Cardinals returned home to face their third NFC West opponent, the St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
drew first blood against his former team, as completed a 12-yard TD strike to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
for the only score of the first quarter. However, in the second quarter, it was all St. Louis. Kicker Jeff Wilkins
Jeff Wilkins
For the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...
got a 26-yard field goal, QB Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
completed a 9-yard pass to WR Torry Holt
Torry Holt
After injuring his knee at the Senior Bowl, Holt, at 192 pounds, ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 37 inches at the 1999 NFL Combine-St. Louis Rams:...
, and Wilkens got a 47-yard field goal as time ran out on the first half. In the third quarter, Wilkens helped the Rams increase their lead with a 21-yard field, which would be the only score of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, even a valiant effort for a comeback, the only score that Arizona could muster was a 6-yard TD run by RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
. After a Bulger fumble deep in St. Louis territory while trying to run out the clock set up the Cardinals for an easy chip-shot field goal to win, Warner fumbled a snap and St. Louis recovered to seal the victory. Adding to the fact that Warner had 3 interceptions during the game, the Cardinals would get their very first loss in their new stadium as they fell to 1-2. A few days after the game, ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
reported that rookie QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
would be starting the next game. The next day, Arizona's head coach announced that the club would be sticking with the veteran Warner.
Week 4: at Atlanta Falcons
at the Georgia DomeGeorgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
, Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
Hoping to recover from a two-game skid, the Cardinals flew to the Georgia Dome
Georgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
for a Week 4 match-up with the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. From the get-go, the Cardinals trailed, as Falcons kicker Morten Andersen
Morten Andersen
Morten Andersen , nicknamed "The Great Dane", is a former National Football League kicker. He holds the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in NFL history, as well as being the all-time leading scorer for two different teams; the New Orleans Saints, with whom he spent 13 seasons, and...
completed a 34-yard and a 40-yard field goal in the opening period. The Cardinals would respond with a 29-yard field goal by kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, Arizona continued to trail, as Koenan belted a 51-yard field goal for Atlanta. The Cardinals would strike back with SS Adrian Wilson returning an interception 99 yards for a touchdown, but that would be the only time that the Cardinals saw the lead, as Andersen got a 36-yard field goal to give the Falcons the lead at halftime. In the second half, the Cardinals got shot down and shut-out, as Atlanta scored 20 unanswered points (Andersen's 26-yard field goal, CB DeAngelo Hall
DeAngelo Hall
DeAngelo Eugene Hall is an American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
's 37-yard interception return in the third quarter, rookie RB Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
's 78-yard TD run & Andersen's 28-yard field goal in the fourth quarter). Not even QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
, who replaced QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
in the fourth quarter, could save Arizona from dropping three-straight games, as the Cardinals fell to 1-3. The game showed just how much the Cardinals must improve their offensive line, as they were whipped for the whole game by the Falcons defensive line.
Week 5: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
The Cardinals hosted a close contest with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. The game was the first at the newly-christened University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, which signed its naming rights deal with the Cardinals two days after Arizona's last home game vs. St. Louis.
The Cards started off hot as Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
, making his first NFL start, threw two touchdowns in the first quarter to his two top targets, Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
and Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
. The Chiefs responded early in the second quarter with a 45-yard field goal by kicker Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence James Henry Tynes is an American football placekicker for the New York Giants. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2001.-Early years:...
, and a touchdown pass from quarterback Damon Huard
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
to running back Larry Johnson. Cards kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
added a 41-yard field at the end of the first half.
Another Rackers field goal, this time from 45 yards, accounted for the only score in the third quarter. The Chiefs then scored 13 unanswered points to win the game, with a touchdown pass from Huard to Samie Parker
Samie Parker
Samie Jabar Parker is an American football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, and two field goals by Tynes (40, 19). Tynes' last field goal was set up by a 78-yard screen pass from Huard to Johnson. Johnson suffered a sprained neck at the end of the play on a violent face mask tackle by Cards' cornerback Antrel Rolle
Antrel Rolle
Antrel Rocelious Rolle is an American football safety for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami...
, who was fined $12,500 for the penalty.
A last second 51-yard field goal attempt by Rackers to send the game to overtime failed, giving the Cards their fourth straight loss. During the game Larry Fitzgerald pulled a hamstring and missed 3 games, returning Week 10 against Dallas.
Week 6: vs. Chicago Bears
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
The Cards lost their fifth straight game to the undefeated Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
on Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
.
The Cards came out smoking early as QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
for the second straight week threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter, connecting with WR's Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson
Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...
and Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
. Cards K Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
converted field goals of 41 and 28 yards respectively to give the Cards a seemingly insurmountable 20-0 halftime lead. The Cards held Bears QB Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
in check, forcing him into six turnovers (four interceptions and two fumbles). Bears K Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
drilled a 23 yard field goal midway through the third quarter for the Bears only offensive points of the night. Cards K Rackers responded with a 29 yard field goal of his own to extend the lead to 23-3. The Bears went on to score 21 unanswered points on defense and special teams, two fumble recoveries by Mike Brown
Mike Brown (American footballer)
Mike Brown is an American football safety that is a Free Agent in the NFL. He was originally selected with the eighth pick of the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Nebraska by the Chicago Bears.-High school career:Mike Brown graduated from Saguaro High School in...
and Charles Tillman
Charles Tillman
Charles "Peanut" Tillman is an American football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. He was selected with the 35th overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
respectively, and an 82 yard punt return touchdown by rookie Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
. Cards K Rackers was set up to win the game with a 40 yard field goal in the waning minutes, but the kick sailed wide left and they dropped to 1-5 on the season.
The loss marked the first time in history that a team blew a 20-point lead to an opponent who did not score any offensive touchdowns. At the post-game press conference, coach Dennis Green erupted at reporters. "The Bears are who we thought they were! That's why we took the damn field! Now, if you want to crown them, then crown their ass! But they are who we thought they were, and we let them off the hook!" He then smacked the microphone before storming out of the room. The clip quickly became a highlight of sports shows and popular online. (An edited version of the clip is being used in current Coors Light
Coors Light
Coors Light is a light beer produced by the Coors Brewing Company. It was first produced in 1978.The beer has a "Cold Certified" label which turns the mountains on the label from white to blue when the beer's temperature is lowered to 4 degrees Celsius .- Promotions :In 2008, Coors Light became...
advertisements).
Week 7: at Oakland Raiders
at McAfee ColiseumMcAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
, Oakland, California
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
Hoping to end their horrendous five-game skid, the Cardinals traveled to McAfee Coliseum
McAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
to face the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The Raiders came into the game at 0-5, the only winless team in the NFL. This would be the Cardinals' first game under new offensive coordinator Mike Kruczek
Mike Kruczek
-External links:*...
, who replaced the fired Keith Rowen
Keith Rowen
Keith Rowen is an American football coach. He was served as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals in 2005 until he was fired in Oct 2006 the day after the Cardinal lost to the Bears after leading by 20 points...
in the wake of Arizona's meltdown in the fourth quarter of the game against Chicago.
Arizona has visited Oakland only once before. The Cardinals won 34-31 on an overtime field goal by Bill Gramatica
Bill Gramatica
Guillermo C. "Bill" Gramática is a former American football placekicker of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft and last played for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League in 2006. He played college...
on December 2, 2001. The Raiders won the last meeting with the Cardinals, 41-20 at Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium is an outdoor football stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The stadium's current seating capacity is 71,706 and the playing surface is natural grass...
on November 24, 2002.
In the first quarter, the Cards string of bad luck continued to haunt them, as Raiders RB ReShard Lee
ReShard Lee
ReShard Lee is an American football running back in the National Football League who is currently a free agent. He played college football for Middle Tennessee State University....
got a 1-yard TD run, while QB Andrew Walter
Andrew Walter
Andrew Scott Walter is a former American football quarterback in National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft after playing college football at Arizona State....
threw a 32-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
Randy Moss
Randy Gene Moss is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, both teams swapped field goals. Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
got a 31-yard field goal, while Arizona kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
nailed a 29-yard try. In the third quarter, the Raiders continued to pour on the points, as Janikowski got a 35-yard field goal, while Defensive Tackle Terdell Sands
Terdell Sands
Terdell Sands is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
tackles Cardinals RB Marcel Shipp
Marcel Shipp
Marcel Cornelius Shipp is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He played in the NFL from 2001-2008 for the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2001, and played with them...
at the goal line for a safety. The only response Arizona could bring up was Rackers kicking a 45-yard field goal. He would kick one more in the fourth quarter (38-yarder), but that would be all that the Cardinals could produce as they now dropped six-straight games.
Week 8: at Green Bay Packers
at Lambeau FieldLambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,...
The Cards visit Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,...
to take on the Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. Arizona has not visited Lambeau Field since a 49-24 loss in the final game of the 1999
1999 NFL season
The 1999 NFL season was the 80th regular season of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns returned to the field for the first time since the 1995 season...
season on January 2, 2000. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 20-13 in the last meeting between the teams on September 21, 2003 at Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium is an outdoor football stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The stadium's current seating capacity is 71,706 and the playing surface is natural grass...
. Unfortnately, their 2003 victory stayed as a memory, as the Cardinals dropped their seventh-straight game, heading into their Bye Week 1-7.
In the wake of this loss, concern for the remainder of the once-promising season was so strong, DE Bertrand Berry
Bertrand Berry
Bertrand Demond Berry is a retired American football defensive end who most recently played for the Arizona Cardinals.-Early years:Berry started his football career in the Humble Area Football League...
led a players-only meeting at the Cardinals HQ in Tempe
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
on November 7. Some days earlier, Berry openly questioned his teammates' commitment to success during an interview on a local radio program.
Week 10: vs. Dallas Cowboys
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
Coming off their Bye Week, the Cardinals went home for a Week 10 fight with the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
. In the first quarter, Arizona trailed early as kicker Mike Vanderjagt
Mike Vanderjagt
Michael John "Mike" Vanderjagt , is a professional American and Canadian football placekicker and punter who has played in the Arena Football League, the Canadian Football League and National Football League...
nailed a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Cardinals' year-long struggles continued as QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completed a 30-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
. The Cards would respond with a 28-yard field goal by kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
. Afterwards, Vanderjagt gave the Cowboys some breathing room with a 38-yard field goal as time ran out on the half. In the third quarter, things continued to get worse for Arizona as Romo completed a 51-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas would wrap up the game with RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
's 5-yard TD run. The Cardinals would get a touchdown as QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
got a 3-yard TD run. However, the Cards would drop their eighth-straight game. With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 1-8.
Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
Trying to end their eight-game skid, the Cardinals stayed at home for a Week 11 fight with the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. After a scoreless first quarter, the Cards struck first in the second quarter with QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson
Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...
. Afterwards, kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
nailed a 36-yard field goal for Arizona. In the third quarter, Leinart would get a 9-yard TD run and give the Cardinals a 17-0 lead. However, the Lions started to creep back into the game. It started with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
's 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit started to threaten Arizona's lead as RB Arlen Harris
Arlen Harris
Arlen Quincy Harris is a former NFL running back played for the St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions, and the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football for the University of Virginia and Hofstra University. He won a PIAA State Championship at Downingtown High School...
got a 1-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Cards defense held up for the win. Not only did the Cardinals improve to 2-8, but they also snapped their eight-game losing streak.
Week 12: at Minnesota Vikings
at Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
Coming off of their home win over the Lions, the Cardinals flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
for a Week 12 fight with the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. This game was noted for the return of head coach Green to Minnesota where he coached from 1992 to 2001. On the very first play of the first quarter, RB J.J. Arrington
J.J. Arrington
Johnathan Jerone "J. J." Arrington is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings would respond with RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
's 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Cards kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
gave Arizona a 21-yard and a 50-yard field goal for a decent lead. However, the Vikes took the lead with QB Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
's 17-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, more of the Cardinals' year-long ineffectiveness showed as Johnson completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Billy McMullen
Billy McMullen
Wilbur "Billy" Anthony McMullen, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, while kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
nailed a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota improved its lead on Johnson's 3-yard TD pass to FB Jeff Dugan
Jeff Dugan
Jeffery Stephen Dugan is a National Football League tight end/fullback who is currently a free agent....
. Afterwards, Arizona tried to fight back as Strong Safety Adrian Wilson returned a fumble 99 yards for a touchdown, yet it was followed up by a failed two-point conversion. Afterwards, QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
. Afterwards, the Vikings wrapped up the game and won. With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 2-9.
Week 13: at St. Louis Rams
at the Edward Jones DomeEdward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...
, St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
The Cards visited the Edward Jones Dome
Edward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...
in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
(the team's former home) to take on the Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. The Cardinals won by a score of 34-20. QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
was 15-for-24 for 186 yards and one touchdown; RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
' had his 50th career 100-yard rushing game, and RB Marcel Shipp
Marcel Shipp
Marcel Cornelius Shipp is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He played in the NFL from 2001-2008 for the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2001, and played with them...
scored three touchdowns. The Cardinals moved up to 3-9 and they finally managed to acquire their very first road win of the season.
Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
Coming of their road win over the Rams, the Cardinals went home for an NFC West rematch with the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. In the first quarter, the Cards drew first blood with QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
completing a 56-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson
Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...
, while RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
(who ran for 115 yards on the day) got a 7-yard TD run. The Seahawks would respond with QB Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
's 23-yard TD pass to WR D.J. Hackett
D.J. Hackett
DeAndre James "D. J." Hackett is an American football wide receiver who is currently a Free Agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Big Red increased its lead with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 32-yard field goal, yet Seattle responded with Hasselbeck's 5-yard TD pass to WR Nate Burleson
Nate Burleson
Nathaniel Burleson is an American football player, who currently plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . Burleson played college football for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL...
. In the third quarter, Arizona temporarily lost the lead as Hasselbeck completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson
Darrell Jackson
Darrell Lamont Jackson is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for nine seasons...
for the only score of the period. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, Arizona reclaimed the lead and won with Leinart's 5-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
and Rackers' 40-yard field goal. With the upset win, the Cardinals improved to 4-9.
Week 15: vs. Denver Broncos
at University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2010 Census Bureau, the population of the city is 226,721....
Trying to snap a four-game losing skid, the Broncos flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
for a Week 15 interconference fight with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The last time these two teams met each other, Denver won 37-7 at Invesco Field at Mile High
INVESCO Field at Mile High
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001...
on December 29, 2002. This time, it was a battle of rookie quarterbacks as Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
went up against Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
.
In the first quarter, the Cardinals trailed early as Cutler completed a 54-yard TD pass to WR Javon Walker
Javon Walker
Javon Lataff Walker is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 20th overall of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State....
and kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
nailed a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Arizona trailed even further with Elam's 22-yard field goal. The Cardinals would finally score as kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
nailed a 49-yard field goal and DE Antonio Smith returned a fumble 4 yards for a touchdown. However, Denver managed to get one last field goal before halftime as Elam kicked a 30-yard field goal. In the third quarter, more struggles continued as Cutler completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Rod Smith. Arizona would respond with Rackers kicking a 38-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos continued their pounding on the Cards with RB Mike Bell's 1-yard TD run. Even though the Cardinals got a 4-yard TD run by RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
, Denver wrapped up Cutler's first NFL win with another 1-yard TD run by Mike Bell. With their fifth-straighth loss, Arizona fell to 4-10.
Week 16: at San Francisco 49ers
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Broncos, the Cardinals flew to Monster Park
Monster Park
Candlestick Park is an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium located in San Francisco, California, in the Bayview Heights area. The stadium was originally built as the home of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, who played there from 1960 until moving into Pacific Bell Park in 2000...
for an NFC West rematch with the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. In the first quarter, the 49ers struck first with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
nailing a 49-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Cards took the lead with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 25-yard field goal and RB Marcel Shipp
Marcel Shipp
Marcel Cornelius Shipp is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He played in the NFL from 2001-2008 for the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2001, and played with them...
getting a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead with rookie QB Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
, while Rackers kicked a 39-yard field goal. Afterwards, San Francisco responded with Nedney kicking a 32-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the 49ers started to retaliate with RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
getting a 2-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Cards increased its lead with Rackers kicking a 37-yard and a 32-yard field goal. Even though the Niners would get another score as Gore managed to get a 1-yard TD run, Arizona held on to sweep San Francisco. With the win, the Cardinals improved to 5-10.
Week 17: at San Diego Chargers
at Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
, San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
Trying to end their lackluster season on a high note, the Cardinals played their last game of the year at Qualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
against the playoff-bound San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Arizona struck first with RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
getting an 8-yard TD run, yet the Chargers managed to get a 47-yard field goal from kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
. In the second quarter, the Cards' year-long ineffectiveness continued to show as QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completed a 33-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
and a 14-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. In the third quarter, San Diego wrapped up the game with LB Tim Dobbins
Tim Dobbins
Timothy L. Dobbins , an American football linebacker, signed with the Houston Texans of the National Football League in August 2011. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft as an inside linebacker for their 3/4 scheme...
recovering a fumble the Cardinals' endzone for a touchdown, while Kaeding kicked a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, Arizona tried to make a comeback and it started with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cards continued with their attempt at a comeback as QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
and a 20-yard field goal by Rackers. However, their comeback fell short. With the loss, the Cardinals ended their season at 5-11.