ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona Cardinals always a threat to block field goals

Sep 18, 2012, 4:47 PM | Updated: 6:01 pm

The Arizona Cardinals were a 42-yard field goal away from completing an incredible collapse, one that could have set the tone for the rest of the season.

Up just two after blowing an 11-point fourth quarter lead, Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, having made all four of his previous attempts Sunday, lined up for the attempt.

While few Cardinals fans had to be confident at that point in the game, in the back of their minds had to have been the team’s success at blocking field goals. It may have been in the front of Gostkowski’s mind, as he pushed the kick wide — very wide — left.

“It definitely gets in kickers’ heads,” Cardinals lineman and field goal blocker extraordinaire Calais Campbell said Monday. “Especially because you know we’re going to give it our all on that play.”

The Cardinals have blocked 13 field goals since 2008, a number that is quite staggering given the infrequency in which attempts are actually blocked. It’s that success, though, that led Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt to have belief that his team was going to hang on Sunday in Foxborough.

“It doesn’t make you feel any better,” he said, noting that the way the game was finishing was anything but comforting. “It tears at you to think that they could have won that game with a kick.

“But in the back of your mind you do know that you have a chance to block it, and that gives you some small comfort.”

The Cardinals did not block it, but it’s very possible the threat alone caused Gostkowski to rush things, causing him to miss badly on the attempt.

And while Whisenhunt said he doesn’t know for sure if the threat of a block led to the miss, he knows it’s possible.

“I hope, I think it contributed to the miss, because they at least had to think about it.”

Arizona Sports’ Kyndra de St. Aubin contributed to this report

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals first-round draft picks Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald...

Kevin Zimmerman

With Cardinals eyeing a franchise receiver, let’s look back at Arizona’s history of drafting WRs

The Arizona Cardinals have rarely drafted receivers in the first round of the NFL Draft. In 2024, that rarity should happen.

15 minutes ago

A general view as the Arizona Cardinals make their draft pick during the first round of the 2019 NF...

David Veenstra

All the Arizona Cardinals picks in the 2024 NFL Draft: Full list

The 2024 NFL Draft order is now set after compensatory picks were announced on Friday. The Cardinals have 11 total picks.

2 hours ago

Trey Lance...

Arizona Sports

What is the going rate for top 5 picks? Looking at NFL Draft trades with Cardinals facing choices

The Cardinals are in the opportunistic position of owning the No. 4 pick when more teams need a quarterback entering the NFL Draft.

13 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Tyler Drake

What trade packages could the Cardinals potentially get for the No. 4 NFL Draft pick?

What could the Cardinals get in a trade for the No. 4 overall pick? A look at the teams that might be interested and what it would cost.

14 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort chats with Michael Bidwill pregame...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals Corner: Best- and worst-case scenarios for Cardinals’ NFL Draft

Cardinals Corner co-hosts Tyler Drake and Lauren Koval break down the best- and worst-case scenarios for Arizona this NFL Draft.

15 hours ago

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

John Gambadoro

The Gambo 5: Predicting whom the Arizona Cardinals pick 1st in 2024

Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze and two others are on Gambo's list of predicted Arizona Cardinals picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

21 hours ago

Arizona Cardinals always a threat to block field goals