After missing the Playoffs last season the Arizona Cardinals look to re-stake their claim for the ultimate prize. Going (2-4) to start last season was a great learning experience because even though they finished the season (9-1) it wasn't enough and they ended up watching the postseason from the couch. 

Arizona has carried that momentum into this season and is off to a (6-0) start. The addition of WR Bryant Frazier has bolstered the passing attack causing headaches for defensive coordinators. Not only does he take pressure off Fitzgerald and Floyd but he also opens up the running game for wily veteran Rashard Mendenhall who is having another solid year.

The Cardinals have a tough stretch ahead of them as they play the 49ers, Eagles, Bengals, and Seahawks in the next four weeks. The 49ers swept the season series last season while the Cardinals had to erase a 17 point deficit at halftime to beat the Eagles in their last matchup. Games with the Seahawks always come down to the wire and the Bengals' offense is truly something to behold. Hoping to go (3-1) in these four games QB Drew Stanton will need to continue to play well.

The push to the postseason has started for these Cardinals.  

Week 13 pitted the (7-4) Cardinals vs. the (7-4) Eagles. The Cardinals had much more on the line but the Eagles played like it in the first half. 

1ST QUARTER

The Cardinals received the ball and after several penalties were forced to punt. The Eagles made quick work and scored on a 37 yard bomb from QB Michael Vick to TE Zack Earts for the touchdown. The Cardinals drove down the field but QB Carson Palmer, starting his first game since injury, was picked off b MLB Mychal Kendricks. 

END OF 1ST QUARTER (EAGLES 7, CARDINALS 0)

2ND QUARTER

The Eagles had a fantastic drive as they mixed short passes with QB runs with Vick. The Cardinal's defense held up though and only allowed a field goal. The Cardinals came out flat and after doing nothing had to punt. On a 2nd down Vick took off due to excellent coverage down the field. As he was getting close to the sidelines, CB Javier Arenas was there to punch the ball out and recover the fumble. Feeling optimistic the Cardinal's drove down the field. However, another turnover was created by the Eagles' defense as MLB Najee Goode stripped Palmer. With :34 seconds left in the half Vick connected with WR Desean Jackson for the 44 yard touchdown. Trying to get some sort of offense going the Cards got to the Eagles' side of the field and attempted a 57 yard field goal with 12 seconds left. However, just like the Cardinals in the first half the ball came off the foot flat and it was no good. 

END OF 2ND QUARTER (EAGLES 17, CARDINALS 0)

3RD QUARTER

Coach Bruce Arians gave a very inspiring speech at halftime and told his team that their was still another half to play. First though, they needed to stop the Eagles offense as they were receiving the ball to start the half. The Cardinals' defense did just that and gave some life to the offense. Arizona drove down and Palmer connected with WR Michael Floyd on a 29 yard touchdown pass on a 3rd and 18. Both defenses kept each others teams' offenses in check the rest of quarter. 

END OF 3RD QUARTER (EAGLES 17, CARDINALS 7)

4TH QUARTER 

Arizona started off with the ball in the 4th quarter and marched down the field. Carson Palmer hit WR Michael Floyd for an 8 yard touchdown reception with 6:24 remaining in the game and drawing within a field goal. On a 2nd down Arizona's defensive coordinator saw the Eagles come out in a snugs formation. He hand signaled over to Daryl Washington to let RE Darnell Dockett know to drop back into coverage. Sure enough it was the perfect defensive playcall as the pass was thrown right at Dockett, who not only caught it but ran it down to the 7 yard line. HB Rashard Mendenhall rewarded Dockett by scoring on the next play and giving the ball to him. 

Down four Philly woke up from their second half offensive funk and Vick promptly found TE Zac Ertz for a 78 yard touchdown pass with 4:44 to go in the game putting the pressure back on the Cards. The Cards subsequently moved the ball down the field but stalled on the 49 yard line. It was decision time. 4th and 9 on the Eagles' 49 yard line with 3:25 left in the game coach Bruce Arians decided to go for it down by a field goal. WR Larry Fitzgerald was in the slot and I am not sure if this confused the defense but Carson caught a glimpse of Fitzgerald running behind the safeties. 49 yards later the Cardinals found themselves right back on top by four with the touchdown to Fitzgerald. Arizona's sideline was giddy but knew the game wasn't over as Philly still had plenty of time and all three timeouts. 

The Eagles called short passes and used Vick's legs to move the ball down the field. Down four the Cardinals knew they could bend but not break and made sure there was safety help over the top to stop the likes of Maclin and Jackson on the outside. Vick was very smart though and didn't force anything as he drove down. On a 2nd down in the redzone the Eagles were called for holding making it a 2rd and 17 from the 18 yard line. On the next play Vick found Jackson on a corner route but Jackson couldn't keep his feet down and it brought up 3rd and 17. The Cardinal's played a zone and had great coverage. Vick saw this and broke out of the pocket and picked up 10 yards bringing up a 4th and 7 from the 8 yard line. With only a minute left in the game the Eagles had to go for it. Arians called a timeout before the play and stressed the importance of containing Vick. Sure enough as the ball was snapped Vick rolled to his left. As the defense closed in he saw WR Riley Cooper in the back of th endzone. Throwing on the run is one of Vick's specialties and the pass was perfect. However, Cooper must have just stepped out of bounds because as the ball was in the air a flag was thrown. It ended up being an ineligible receiver penalty and Arizona took over at the 12 yard line. Arizona ran to a first down and Palmer kneeled to end the game. 

FINAL SCORE (ARIZONA 28, EAGLES 24)


THOUGHTS
The Cardinals desperatly needed that win because they finish off the season with the Seahawks in week 16 (who they barely beat in OT in their first game) and 49ers in week 17 (who they lost to by 17 in their first meeting). However, Arizona needs to focus on their week's opponent in the Rams who they squeaked by on a last second field goal in week 1. 






 

GAME SUMMARY (CARDINALS 24, COLTS 17)
The Cardinals got back to the close game ways as the barely edged out the Colts in week 12.  The first quarter interception bug bit the Cardinals once again but this one stung a little more as the Colts MLB Kelvin Sheppard returned it 51 yards to the house to give the Colts the 7-0 lead. Not too be dismayed Schaub shrugged the last play out of his head and led his team on a drive capped off with a field goal. The Cardinals defense held QB Andrew Luck in check and got the ball back for the offense. With 17 seconds left in the half HB Rashard Mendenhall capped off the drive with a touchdown to put Arizona on top 10-7 going into halftime. 

The Cardinal's offense exploded in the 3rd quarter with a 37 yard touchdown pass over the top to WR Larry Fitzgerald and a 57 yard touchdown run by Mendenhall. The Colts did not throw in the towel though and after a forced fumble Adam Vinateiri made it a 14 point game. Another pick from Schaub gave the Colts the ball in excellent field position. A 21 yard touchdown strike to WR Darrius Heyward-Bey with 5 minutes left in the game made it a one score game. The Cardinals' offense wasn't fantastic in the 4th but made critical 3rd down converting plays to retain control of the ball and send the Colts home with a loss. 

PLAYOFF PICTURE
It appears the last two wildcard spots in the NFC are up for grabs from two of the NFC South teams, Minnesota, and the Cardinals although the Rams (if they keep winning) could have a legitimate shot at it as well. The Cardinals are back at home in week 13 when they take on the Eagles (7-4). 
 

GAME SUMMARY

For the first time this season the Cardinals earned a win without having their fans on the edge of their seats. QB Matt Schaub put the team on his back as he threw for close to 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The Jaguars definitly missed the likes of HB Maurice Jones-Drew and TE Marcedes Lewis who were still recovering from injuries. Arizona's defense aided the offense as they picked Blaine Gabbert off twice, forced a fumble, and added two sacks to add their yearly total. This team is starting to come into their own and fans can feel an identity being formed. This win puts the Cardinal's win streak at 4 with the Indianapolis Colts (3-6) up next in week 12. 

GAME SUMMARY (CARDINALS 24, JAGUARS 3)




PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Only one year removed from college, WR Michael Floyd is coming into his own and is giving the Cardinals the dual threat at receiver they have desperatly needed. With three receptions, 125 yards, and a touchdown in a win vs the Jags he has caught the attention of Matt Schaub and looks to becoming a top target. Defensive coordinators might want to start gameplanning as having two top notch corners will start to become a priorty when playing the Cardinals. 

 

The Cardinals found themselves with yet another crucial game as they faced off against the Houston Texans (7-1) in week 10. With the Seahawks losing in week 9 to the Bucs a win in Houston would give Arizona a breathe of life. 

The Texans' fans were excited as CJ Spiller was making his season debut for the Texans after coming back from an injury. 

START OF 1ST QUARTER

The Cardinals won the coin toss and elected to kick. The Cardinals defense started the game off right as LE Darnell Dockett recorded a sack. However, it was short lived as CJ Spiller lived up the hype and broke a 52 yard run.  With a 26 yard touchdown pass to WR Andre Johnson the Texans found themselves out to the quick lead with very little resistance. 

The Cardinals moved the ball down the field after several, and I mean several third down conversions. On a 3rd and goal, QB Matt Schaub found WR Larry Fitzgerald for the 4 yard touchdown pass. 

END OF 1ST QUARTER (TEXANS 7, CARDINALS 7)

START OF 2ND QUARTER

The Texans fed Spiller and took some time off the clock but the Cardinal's defense came up stingy in the redzone and only conceded 3 points on a field goal. 

Noticing that the defense was putting 10 guys in the box and calling heavy blitzes Bruce Arians dialed up a HB screen to Mendenhall. The Texans defense actually read the screen but overplayed  it and 55 yards later the Cardinals took the lead. 

The Texans once again moved down the field but on a 3rd and goal with 7 seconds left in the half, QB Brock Osweiller threw an ill advised pass which was picked off by MLB Daryl Washington. 

END OF 2ND QUARTER (CARDINALS 14, TEXANS 10)

START OF 3RD QUARTER

The Cardinals received the second half kickoff and picked up a couple of first downs. However the Texans snarled the Cardinals offense and they were forced to punt. The punt bounced and rolled out of bounds at the 3 yard line. Thinking a HB stretch or counter to the outside was coming the Cardinals dialed up a CB blitz. It was a beautiful call as the Texans had called a PA pass. Osweiller didn't have anywhere to go and the pressure from the outside allowed LE Darnell Dockett to pick up the sack and the safety giving the Cardinals a 6 point lead. You could feel the momentum swing at the point. 

Did I mention momentum because after receiving the punt FS Tyrann Mathieu took it to the house for the special teams touchdown. Only up 12 Arizona went for two and found their FB in the flats for the successfull attempt. 

To say the Cardinals were amped up would be an understatment. On the kickoff LB Matt Schaughnessy completed deflated the crowd as he hit sticked the returner causing a fumble. Arizona CB Justin Bethal was there to pick it up which led to a field goal. 

END OF 3RD QUARTER (CARDINALS 27, TEXANS 10)

START OF 4TH QUARTER

The 4th quarter did not have much action as Arizona was basically playing prevent defense as to not give up the quick score. The Texans moved the ball down the field with HB draws to CJ but it was not enough as a failed 4th down conversion sealed the game. 

FINAL (CARDINALS 27, TEXANS 10)


THOUGHTS:

The Cardinals are hot right now having won three straight games. They will need to continue to play well as the face off against the Jaguars (3-5) in week 11. 

 

As mentioned before the Cardinals needed a win vs. the Seahawks in order to keep their season alive. This would end up being a defensive slugfest with a big play that sealed the deal. 

The Arizona Cardinals came into the 2013 season expecting great things. But as it is now week 7 and they see themselves in sole last place in the NFC West with a (2-4) record the Cardinals need a win vs. the Seattle Seahawks (3-3) to gain some type of momentum and keep this season alive. Key injuries have plagued this team so far as they lost CB Patrick Peterson (Broken Collarbone) in week two and have yet to regain his services. According to team doctors he should be cleared to play in week 8 vs. the Falcons. If that wasn't bad enough the Cards have now lost their starting quarterback, Carson Palmer, to a dislocated knee (7 weeks). They will have to rely on the arm of Matt Schaub who is already off to a bad start going 6 for 14 with a touchdown and 4 interceptions in week 6's loss to the 49ers. 

While you can't blame losses on one player because as well all know football is a team sport if you look at the Cardinal's losses (24-21 Lions, 31-28 Panthers, 24-21 Bucs, 30-13 49ers) it is hard not to think that Peterson could have affected those games in a positive manner. Calvin Johnson, after Peterson went out, caught 4 balls for 79 yards, Steve Smith caught 7 passes for 177 yards, and Anquan Boldin had 4 catches for 107 yards with no Peterson in the game. Peterson will surely be a welcomed addition in week 8, not only for the added help on defense but also his spectacular return abilities in the special teams department. The only question is, is it too late?

After losing to the Lions in week 2 the Cardinals looked to bounce back in week 3 with a win vs. a solid team in the New Orleans Saints. 

Coming into Week 2 the Lions/Cardinals game was being looked at as possibly having explosive plays with both Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson taking the field.

START OF 1ST QUARTER

The Lions won the coin toss and elected to kick giving Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals the first chance to score. Apparently however the offensive lineman had a little bit too much chocolate milk before the game and right off the bat took two holding penalties that led to a 1st and 17, not the way you want to start the ballgame. A quick WR screen to WR Larry Fitzgerald picked up 10 yards and with a short run the next play the Cardinals were looking at a 3rd and 6 to get the first down. The offensive coordinator called a WR Bunch formation in hopes to get single coverage for WR Michael Floyd on the left hand side of the field. As the ball was snapped it appeared that there was man to man coverage on Floyd and with a IN/UP/OUT route called (can’t remember the name of exact route) Carson waited and then led a beautiful ball that only Floyd could catch. Floyd reached out but as he tried to pull the ball into his body the safety came down and laid a hit on to force a drop.

After receiving the punt and a couple of run plays the Lions were at the 50 yard line. The defense had been lulled to sleep with runs and 49 yards later the Lions had struck first with a big bomb to no other then Megatron.

END OF 1ST QUARTER (LIONS 7, CARDINALS 0)

START OF 2ND QUARTER

The Cardinals received the kickoff and then on a 2nd and 8 the offensive coordinator dialed up a PA pass that would hopefully get Fitzgerald open as he ran a wheel route to the right side of the field. CB Darius Slay was having none of it as he kept with Fitzgerald stride for stride and picked off the pass. Several plays later QB Matthew Stafford connected with HB Reggie Bush on a 15 yard touchdown pass to widen the lead.

It had been a rough start but the Cardinals knew they could play better. This time they entrusted their HB Rashard Mendenhall with the drive and he got them to the 20 yard line. Another ill advised throw and another interception by the Lions, FS Don Carey, resulting in a touchback.

The Cardinals defense came up with a big stop and forced the punt. CB Patrick Peterson caught the punt and started upfield when he was hit. He wouldn’t see the field the rest of the game. Doctors say it is a broken collarbone and he will miss 5-6 weeks, which could be a huge blow for this defense.

Nonetheless, the Cardinals gave the ball right back to Mendenhall and he led them on a 70 yard touchdown drive with 1:30 to go in the half.

The Lions got the ball and on a 3rd and 4 on their own 40 yard line QB Matthew Stafford hit TE Brandon Pettigrew in the flats with no one on him. As he gained his momentum heading towards the first down line, SS Yeremiah Bell laid a big hit on him and forced a fumble which rolled out of bounds right before the first down marker. Head coach Herb Anna did not like the call and challenged the spot of the ball but the call on the field was upheld and the Lions were forced to punt.

With only :50 seconds remaining in the half the Cardinals hit a WR screen followed by a HB screen and a HB Draw to get within FG range for K Jay Feely, who last week kicked the game winning FG vs. the Rams. With 3 seconds left Arizona called a timeout and the kicking unit trotted onto the field. The ball was snapped, hold good, kick up, and…..WIDE LEFT.

END OF 2ND QUARTER (LIONS 14, CARDINALS 7)

START OF 3RD QUARTER

The third quarter was a defensive slugfest as both teams had to punt a couple of times.

The Cardinals got the ball late in the half and had a nice drive mixing in runs with passes but mainly relying on the legs of Mendenhall. On a 2nd and goal from the 2 yard line the offensive coordinator got creative and called a bunch formation with an end around to Larry Fitzgerald. As the ball was snapped the offensive line did their best to hold their blocks just long enough so that Fitzgerald could get to the outside. The safety came down but missed on the tackle and Larry Fitzgerald scored on what will probably be his first and last rushing touchdown of the season.

END OF 3RD QUARTER (LIONS 14, CARDINALS 14)

START OF 4TH QUARTER

Being held scoreless for a quarter and a half did not sit well with the Lions’ high powered offense and they fed their running back core the ball with great success driving the ball down the field. With 6 minutes remaining a handoff to HB Reggie Bush, which he broke to the outside for a touchdown, led to the Lions taking the lead once again.

The Lions defense stepped up this time forcing a Cardinals three and out. The Lions seized the opportunity and drove down the field and kicked a field goal with 2:33 left in the game to go up by 10.

The offensive coordinator decided it was time to go no huddle and with two runs with Mendenhall and three passes to Larry Fitzgerald later the Cardinals scored with a 2 yard rushing touchdown with Mendenhall, his second on the day.

With only two timeouts and only :37 seconds left the Cardinals had no choice but to try for the onside kick. Unlike last week there would be no come from behind win for Arizona as the Lions pounced on the ball and got into the victory formation.

END OF 4TH QUARTER (LIONS 24, CARDINALS 21)

In week 3 the Lions look to remain undefeated as they take on the Washington Redskins (1-1) while the Cardinals look to bounce back with a win vs. the New Orleans Saints (1-1).

1ST QUARTER

The Rams won the coin toss and elected to receive. QB Sam Bradford looked sharp as he completed his first 6 passes and led his team down on an 80 yard drive capped off with a goaline play action touchdown to TE Jared Cook. 

The Cardinals looked to capitlize and had a long drive that went into the 2nd quarter. 

END OF 1ST QUARTER (RAMS 7, CARDINALS 0)

2ND QUARTER

The Cardinals, looking a little skiddish, called conservative plays while relying on the legs of HB Rashard Mendenhall. QB Carson Palmer was dinking and dunking the ball downfield but for only 3-4 yards a completion. The drive stalled in the redzone and K Jay Feely kicked a 48 yard field goal. 

The Cardinal's defense stepped up and prevented the Rams from getting a first down. With three and a half minutes left in the half the Cardinals were hoping for a touchdown to go ahead knowing they would receive the second half kick off. Carson threw a quick slant to WR Larry Fitzgerald who took it for 20 yards. Ultimately though the Rams defense held up and the Cardinals were forced yet again to kick a FG. 

With a minute and a half remaining if you thought the Rams were ready to sent it to the half you were mistaken. Bradford led a drive capped off with a 40 yard touchdown passto rookie WR Tavon Austin. 

END OF 2ND QUARTER (RAMS 14, CARDINALS 6)

3RD QUARTER

Knowing they had to score the Cardinals came out agressive on offense and got a first down before having their drive end on dropped pass.

The defensive coordinator knew he had to switch things up as Bradford was lighting them up through the air. On a 3rd and 6 a heavy blitz was hoping to get a quick throw out of Bradford. As Bradford dropped back everyone was covered and CB Justin Bethel came in with the big hit which caused a fumble. LE Calais Campbell was there to not only pick it up and regain his balance but to run it in to the endzone for a touchdown!!

The Rams got the ball back once again but sputtered and gave it back to the Cardinals. HB Rashard Mendenhall knew his number would be called in the game and on a 2nd and 10 hit a 45 yard touchdown run to give the Cardinals their first lead of the game. The lead would be short lived however. 

END OF 3RD QUARTER (CARDINALS 20, RAMS 14)

4TH QUARTER

The 4th quarter turned out to be crazy one as a total of 24 points were scored in it. 

Sam Bradford and the Rams had not scored since the 2nd quarter and were tired of holding his team back. With a quick couple of passes he had his team within at least FG range. A perfectly timed thrown ball to WR Brian Quick for the 36 yard touchdown put the Rams back on top by one.

Carson Palmer knew he needed to answer and on a 2nd and 8 saw single coverage on WR Larry Fitzgerald. As he dropped back he also noticed that CB Janoris Jenkins was playing bump and run coverage. After a second or two Palmer launched a bomb in the direction of Fitzgerald/Jenkins. Both went up for it but Janoris came down with it. The Ram's fans cheered as they knew only a little time remained in the game. 

The Cardinal's defense stepped up once again however and forced a punt. HB Rashard Mendenhall broked another long run and led his team to a touchdown giving the Cardinals the lead once again. 

With only two and a half minutes left the Rams decided to go no huddle. Bradford completed pass after pass and sealed the drive with a 33 yard touchdown throw to WR Tavon Austin (Tavon's second of the day) with only a minute to go in the game. 

CB Patrick Peterson returned the kickoff to the 35 yard line and with a couple of screen passes the Cardinals were at the Ram's 40 yard line with 30 seconds left with 3rd and 9 ahead of them. A quick slant to WR Michael Floyd for 4 yards was not enough to get the first down but gave K Jay Feely a shot at his third  FG of the day. With 4 seconds left the Cardinals called timeout and Feely ran onto the field. Feeling the pressure of week 1 Jay's hands were visibly shaking. The ball was snapped and the hold was good. Feely kicked with his normal motion and watched as the ball cleared the bottom post by one foot. He lifted his team to a (1-0) record and started the year off on the right foot. 

FINAL (CARDINALS 30, RAMS 28)
 

Coming into 2013 Bruce Arians looks to play solid defense and rely on the hands of Larry Fitzgerald. With what could be one of the toughest divisions in the NFL the Arizona Cardinals will have their work cut out for them if they wish to make the playoffs. Don't expect a division title folks but a wildcard spot could definitly be possible. HB Rashard Mendenhall has said that he looks to have a breakout season as defenses will be focusing on Fitzgerald. Don't overlook Andre Ellington either as the rookie out of Clemson has some explosive speed that could cause headaches for defensive coordinators. 

It will be interesting to see how the Arizona Cardinals will play in 2013.