ARIZONA CARDINALS

Larry Fitzgerald: Mindset hasn’t changed despite lack of touches

Nov 1, 2012, 11:35 PM | Updated: Nov 2, 2012, 12:50 am

During their current four-game slide, the Arizona Cardinals have reached futile levels on offense not seen since their days in Sun Devil Stadium.

In two of their past four losses — including Monday night’s 24-3 prime time blowout at the hands of the 49ers — the Redbirds failed to reach the end zone.

It’s a feat which previously hadn’t been reached since a Nov. 2004 loss to the Jets.

2004 also happened to be the rookie season of Arizona’s star wideout Larry Fitzgerald. Unfortunately for the four-time Pro Bowler, of late, 2012 has been eerily similar to his first year in the league.

Over his last two games, Fitzgerald has just nine catches for a pedestrian 82 yards. It’s the second time this season the Cardinals’ top offensive threat has amassed less than 100 yards receiving over a two-game span.

Fitzgerald said Thursday that opposing defenses are not covering him any differently in 2012 than they have been over his previous eight years in the league, but it’s hard to believe that a decrease in productivity hasn’t begun to weigh on the talented wide receiver.

The former No. 3 overall pick, however, is adamant that nothing’s changed for him.

“I know what I am and who I am,” Fitzgerald. “That’s not going to change based on week-to-week numbers wise. My focus is more on getting it going as a whole.”

Getting it going Sunday may not be as easy as turning on a light switch. On top of the numerous issues the Cardinals continue to have up front with their offensive line, a Week 9 matchup with the Packers means a heavy dose of Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Casey Hayward for Fitzgerald.

Green Bay’s talented secondary trio has 104 tackles and seven interceptions, but Fitzgerald still remains steadfast in his belief that the tide will soon turn for both he and the Cardinals offense.

“I’ll get my plays,” said Fitzgerald. “I know it’s a long season. You have 16 games and 17 weeks of ball. I’ll make some shots. There haven’t been many thus far, but it’s going to happen.”

Fitzgerald has faced Green Bay just twice in eight seasons, with both appearances coming back in 2009. In Week 17, the Cardinals wide receiver had one of the worst games of his career, catching only three passes for 17 yards. A week later, Fitzgerald redeemed himself with two touchdown catches in Arizona’s wild 51-45 playoff win over the Packers.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

23 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

1 day ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

Larry Fitzgerald: Mindset hasn’t changed despite lack of touches