Cardinals’ Markus Golden knee ‘feeling way better’

Oct 29, 2018, 11:30 AM

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Markus Golden (44) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) as defensive end Chandler Jones (55) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

BY ADONIS DEES

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Markus Golden’s torn ACL injury suffered in Week 4 of last season is now just a thing of the past.

Golden led Arizona with seven tackles including two tackles for loss and a sack on Sunday in a 18-15 win, the team’s second of the season, against the San Francisco 49ers.

“It felt good this morning to wake up with a victory,” Golden told Doug & Wolf on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station Monday.

The 27-year-old Golden has played in five out of eight games for Arizona in his fourth season out of Missouri.

Sunday’s performance marked his best since the injury, and Golden is more comfortable now than he’s ever been.

“It’s feeling better, it’s feeling way better,” he said on his knee recovery. “Each week I’ve been getting out there and just running around and mentally getting better.

“My parents instilled in me, ‘whatever you do, go a hundred percent no matter what’ and that’s something I took as a little kid and really took seriously.”

A defensive scheme switch to a base 4-3 sparked a breakout performance by Deone Bucannon, who hadn’t recorded a tackle in a month and has not been getting consistent playing time.

“I’ve been playing with Buc since I’ve been here so he’s like a brother to me,” Golden said. “He’s a playmaker, that’s all he’s been doing since I’ve been playing with him. I felt his energy out there and as always just that extra motivation having him out there.”

Arizona’s defense limited the 49ers to an average of 3.5 rushing yards per carry. The team is on a bye week to gear up for the second half of the season.

The Cardinals will travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the 7-1 Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 11.

No days off for Golden, though.

“I’ll be here, still going to the facilities and getting my body right,” Golden said. “Just resting, getting ready for next weekend and hanging out with my family.”

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores a two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis (18) meet at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) greets San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) gestures after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen gets San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis (18) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) intentionally grounds the football as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh makes the tackle in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered resulting in a safety. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Markus Golden (44) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) wears a clown mask prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich warms up his players prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen (3) talks with then-quarterbacks coach Byron Leftwich during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Glendale, Ariz. Leftwich, who has been promoted to offensive coordinator, is the fifth coordinator that Rosen has had in the past five seasons. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) celebrates recovering the football in the end zone for a safety against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) intentionally grounds the football as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh (54) makes the tackle in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered resulting in a safety. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Benson Mayowa during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson kicks a field goal as punter Andy Lee (2) holds during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James (13) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals safety Eddie Pleasant during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Chad Williams (10) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk make the catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward, right, makes the hit as strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (11) runs for touchdown after the catch as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Bene' Benwikere (23) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) celebrates his touchdown pass with San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (11) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (11) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) his hit by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair (98) after the throw during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) and linebacker Fred Warner during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

San Francisco 49ers running back Alfred Morris (46) is hit by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) and free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pulls in a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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