ADAM GREEN

Arizona Cardinals gladly take ‘ugly’ win to open 2014 season

Sep 9, 2014, 7:43 AM | Updated: 6:24 pm

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Over and over toward the end of last season, random Arizona Cardinals members could be heard lamenting how the team let a win slip away from its grasps in the first week of the season.

That loss, which saw Arizona cough up an 11-point fourth quarter lead to the St. Louis Rams, loomed large as the Cardinals finished just short of reaching the playoffs.

Needless to say, the Cardinals understood the importance of getting off on the right foot Monday, which they did by way of a tough 18-17 win over the San Diego Chargers.

By the way, they came back from being down 11 to start the fourth quarter in this one.

“We learned our lesson,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. “It sets the table for us to continue to build.”

If points were awarded for style, the Cardinals would receive few — if any. Though the statistics show their effort in a favorable light — 22 first downs to San Diego’s 15, 403 net yards to the Chargers’ 290 and 31:49 time of possession to their opponent’s 28:11 — over the course of 15 minutes in the third quarter, the Cards saw a 6-3 lead turn into a 17-6 deficit.

Of course, from then on, the Cardinals did just enough both offensively and defensively to regain the lead and, ultimately, hold on for win No. 1 on the season.

“Especially the way it happened,” defensive end Calais Campbell said of the importance of the victory, “it showed the fight in this team; it showed the resilience we have.”

On the other side of the coin, the Chargers are lamenting how they let this one slip away.

“Oh, absolutely, absolutely,” linebacker Dwight Freeney said when asked if they let the Cardinals off the hook. “You look at it, we’re up and we’re winning by double-digits, six to whatever it was — 17, I think it was. We’re trying to pin our ears back and we’re ready to go, and they started finding a little something here and there.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Adam Green

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zack Greinke adjusts his cap between pitches against the Colorado Rock...

Adam Green

Concerned about Zack Greinke? Yes, I am

It's early, yes, but Zack Greinke's struggles this season are unexpected and concerning.

8 years ago

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones, who was acquired in a trade with the New England Patri...

Adam Green

Chandler Jones is the most exciting addition in Arizona Cardinals history

The Cardinals added Chandler Jones not to make them good, but to get them to the Super Bowl.

8 years ago

Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers Zack Greinke and Patrick Corbin (46) prepare to hit during a spring t...

Adam Green

Money, expectations change the game for Diamondbacks

If the Diamondbacks are concerned about big heads due to being "offseason winners," they need look no further than to a division rival as a cautionary tale.

8 years ago

Phoenix Suns' P.J. Tucker (17) and Devin Booker (1) react to a foul call during the second half of ...

Adam Green

Who knew the Suns bottoming out could feel so terrible?

While the Phoenix Suns being bad may actually be a very good thing, the way they have hit the bottom is difficult to stomach.

8 years ago

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians watches during the second half of an NFL football game ag...

Adam Green

Trust leads to Arians’ aggressive approach with Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals had just coughed up a 14-point fourth quarter lead and had the ball at their own 16 with just 58 seconds left in a tied game.

8 years ago

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, greets Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palm...

Adam Green

Cardinals show road to NFC West title goes through Glendale

Prior to the game there was plenty of talk about how the Cardinals had yet to beat a winning team and were not nearly as good as their record may have indicated.

8 years ago

Arizona Cardinals gladly take ‘ugly’ win to open 2014 season