Division ‘honors’ for five Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals aren’t headed to the playoffs
despite going 7-2 over their last nine games, but today,
five players received “honors” from NFC West
blogger Mike Sando of ESPN.

For the fourth straight year, Sando named his All-NFC West Offensive
team, and for the fourth straight year wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald was on it. Fitzgerald didn’t have a
banner year as far as number of catches, but he did make
the most of the ones he caught. The Pro Bowler had 80
receptions for 1,411 yards and eight touchdowns.

Fitzgerald was one of only four players to land on Sando’s
list for the fourth straight year, joining Rams running
back Steven Jackson and defensive end Justin Smith and
linebacker Patrick Willis of San Francisco.

The other offensive member was left guard Daryn Colledge,
who beat out three others for the mention.

Sando’s explanation:

Arizona’s Daryn Colledge edged out the 49ers’
Mike Iupati at left guard. Colledge, as a seasoned
veteran, was more consistent. Iupati was outstanding on
his best plays. Colledge, signed from Green Bay in free
agency, upped the standard for the position. I thought he
was strong as a run blocker in particular.

On the defensive side
of the ball, there were two Cardinals as well.
Defensive end Calais Campbell got the nod, as did middle
linebacker Daryl Washington. Campbell led the team with 8
sacks and knocked down 11 passes, while Washington ranked
fourth in the division with 106 total tackles.

And on special
teams, it was no surprise that Sando gave the nod to
record-setting Cardinals punt returner Patrick Peterson as
the kick returner. Peterson tied an NFL record with four
punt returns for touchdowns, and amassed the 2nd-most punt
return yards in a single season in league history.

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