ARIZONA CARDINALS

Notes from the Nest: Arizona Cardinals – Dec. 27

Dec 27, 2013, 11:05 PM | Updated: Dec 28, 2013, 12:39 am

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals had what might be their final Friday practice of the season.

Of Note

– Head coach Bruce Arians was asked whether or not it’s a little weird that the team could have practiced for the last time Friday. He said he’s been in a bunch of games like this, but that “this team has a chance to make history,” and that was the week’s focus.

– It’s clear the chance to tie a franchise record for wins in a season is on the team’s mind.

– Karlos Dansby deserves to reach his first Pro Bowl. The rosters will be announced late Friday, and the hope here is ‘Los gets to go. It would mean a lot to him.

– Arians once again praised GM Steve Keim’s ability to find talent all throughout the season.

Stat of the Day

Larry Fitzgerald has 12 career touchdown receptions against the San Francisco 49ers, which is tied with Andre Rison for the most against the franchise.

Quote of the Day

“It’s been fun, I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. Just actually being able to play on Sundays in the NFL is something that a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to do,” running back Andre Ellington said. “Just being around a lot of legendary guys like Dockett and Fitz and Carson, guys like that, it’s been amazing. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.”

This Day in Arizona Cardinals History

On Dec. 27, 1998, the Cardinals beat the San Diego Chargers 16-13 to clinch a playoff spot.

In front of a sold-out crowd, the Cardinals got off to a 7-0 lead after Adrian Murrell scored from four yards out in the first quarter, and the lead was extended to 10-0 when Chris Jacke connected on a 37-yard field goal in the second quarter. It was 10-3 at the half after San Diego’s John Carney made good on a 31-yard attempt.

Jacke’s 36-yard field goal was the only scoring in the third quarter, and the Cardinals went into the fourth with a 13-3 lead. However, Carney made it 13-6 by way of a 26-yard field goal, and then Chargers QB Craig Whelihan hit Ryan Thelwell for a 30-yard touchdown to tie things up at 13. A good kick return from Eric Metcalf and a Jake Plummer pass later, and Jacke was set up for the 52-yard game-winning field goal.

Plummer finished the game 20-of-41 for 274 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. His leading receiver was Frank Sanders, who caught 8 passes for 106 yards. Rob Moore added 94 yards on 4 catches. Murrell scored Arizona’s only touchdown, but was held to 25 yards on 18 carries.

For the Chargers, Whelihan completed 16-of-40 passes for 214 yards with 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions. Terrell Fletcher gained 127 yards on 23 rushes, and Thelwell led the way with 84 yards and a score on 5 catches.

Defensively, Mark Smith tallied two sacks for the Cardinals while safety Kwamie Lassiter intercepted four passes.

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.

13 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.

16 hours 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.

1 day 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

Notes from the Nest: Arizona Cardinals – Dec. 27