ARIZONA CARDINALS

Finally healthy, Arizona Cardinals linebacker John Abraham records two sacks

Oct 18, 2013, 6:35 AM | Updated: 3:03 pm

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson wiggled his way out of several potential negative plays Thursday en route to a handful of dazzling completions.

But when the second-year quarterback was corralled during Seattle’s 34-22 victory, it was often Arizona Cardinals linebacker John Abraham doing the dirty work.

Abraham recorded the first two sacks of his Cardinals’ career in the third quarter of the 12-point loss. Both sacks resulted in fumbles with the second one getting recovered by fellow linebacker Matt Shaughnessy.

The 14-year veteran said his performance had more to do with health than circumstance.

“Getting a lot of treatment on my shoulder,” Abraham said when asked what was the biggest difference between Thursday night and the first six weeks. “I’ve had a lot of shoulder problems. And rushing the passer, when you’re arm isn’t there like you want them to be it tends to hurt you against the run and the pass.

“I did a lot of work and rehab and getting it back. It felt a lot better, and it felt like I could get around the corner. I was able to use my arm more in the pass rush.”

Despite taking down the 61st different quarterback in his career, the NFL’s active sack leader left the field at University of Phoenix Stadium disappointed by the final result.

“We felt like we could play with this team,” said Abraham. “There were just not enough big plays, and we gave up way too much on the ground. [Marshawn] Lynch is a great running back, but the quarterback-running back duo really got to us in the ground game.

“They did a real good job on the read option and got yards when they needed it.”

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.

2 days 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.

2 days 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.

3 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.

3 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.

3 days ago

Finally healthy, Arizona Cardinals linebacker John Abraham records two sacks