Notes from the Nest: Arizona Cardinals – Dec. 18

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Cardinals got back to work Wednesday in preparation for their next biggest game of the year.

Of Note

– Coach Bruce Arians said quarterback Carson Palmer would be “limited” in practice, it appeared Palmer was not set to do much at all during the portion that was open to the media. The issue Wednesday was Palmer’s ankle, which he hurt against Tennessee, and not the elbow issue that plagued him the previous two weeks.

– Cornerback Antoine Cason said it’s not as easy as it looks to be the “next man up.”

– Daryl Washington remembers very well what happened the last time the Cardinals played in Seattle. Not everyone will say it, but tough to imagine that not being a factor as the team prepares for the Seahawks.

– Rookie Tony Jefferson, who went undrafted out of Oklahoma, is likely going to start for the Cardinals this week. Arians said the safety doesn’t have enough experience to play an entire game, but “he’s going to.”

Stat of the Day

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has rushed for 100 or more yards just three times this season, and not once in the last four games.

Quote of the Day

“No. It’s not our offense or our defense,” Arians said when asked if he’s shown his team the tape of last year’s 58-0 loss to the Seahawks. “I mean, who gives a [expletive].”

This Day in Arizona Cardinals History

On Dec. 18, 1988, the Cardinals wrapped up their inaugural season in Arizona with a 26-17 home loss to the Green Bay Packers.

It was a bit of a back and forth game, with the Packers going up 13-0 by way of a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown by Ron Pitts and a three-yard scoring run by Keith Woodside, both of which came in the first quarter. Stump Mitchell got the Cardinals on the board with a four-yard touchdown run, making it 13-7 after just one quarter.

The second frame belonged to the Cardinals, as Al Del Greco made good on a 20-yard field goal attempt and Mitchell scored again, this time from 12 yards out, to give the Cardinals a 17-13 lead. However, Larry Mason caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Don Majkowski, and the Packers took a 20-17 lead into the half. The lead was extended when Majkowski connected with Clint Didier from two yards out, but the extra point failed (second one of the day). That was it for the scoring, though.

For the Cardinals, Neil Lomax completed 15-of-33 passes for 172 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Mitchell tallied 75 yards and two scores on 12 carries, and Roy Green led Phoenix’s receivers with 75 yards on five receptions.

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker E.J. Junior and safety Tim McDonald recorded interceptions, with Bob Clasby and Freddie Joe Nunn each had a sack.

For the Packers, Majkowski completed 18-of-36 passes for 255 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Larry Mason led the rushing attack with 57 yards on 18 carries, and Perry Kemp led Green Bay receivers with 58 yards on six receptions, though Mason contributed 49 yards and a touchdown on two catches.

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