ARIZONA CARDINALS

Week 1 was a sign of the future for Larry Fitzgerald’s days with the Arizona Cardinals

Sep 10, 2014, 8:18 PM | Updated: 8:18 pm

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Larry Fitzgerald is arguably the greatest player to ever wear an Arizona Cardinals uniform. He is a sure-fire Hall of Famer and for a time held the title as the game’s best wide receiver.

But those days are long gone. From 2005-2011 Fitzgerald had six seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving and in four of those seasons he went over 1,400 yards. He was a 6-foot-3 matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators and cornerbacks.

But today Fitzgerald is a former star very likely on his way out of Arizona. He is clearly not in the Cardinals long-term plans. He is not their number one wide receiver anymore. That distinction goes to Michael Floyd. And judging by the first game he is not even one of their top three options.

In fact, Fitzgerald was not even targeted in the first three quarters of the Monday Night Football win over the San Diego Chargers. His final numbers on the game — 1 reception for 22 yards. And on the two biggest plays of the game, the 3rd and 9 completion to Floyd for 16 yards and the 13-yard touchdown to John Brown, #11 wasn’t even on the field. He was watching from the sidelines.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist — or in this case a saber metric geek — to say Fitzgerald is on his way to a third consecutive year of failing to reach 1,000 yards. And at 31-years-old and with a cap hit of $23.6 million for next season, he may never reach those numbers again.

Fitzgerald is still a star in fans’ eyes. They love him, and rightfully so. He has meant so much to this organization and they would love to see him retire a Cardinal. But chances of that happening are slim.

Fitzgerald wants to win but it has to be killing him to not be the focal point of the offense anymore. Rumors are, he is being phased out of the offense. But more than likely age is catching up to him. The hands are still great, but he is not, and never was, a speed guy.

In this offense if you can’t get separation you are not having the ball thrown to you. With Fitz playing more inside it limits his opportunities. It’s more of a mental game inside where you have to be ready to adjust your route depending on what the safety does. It’s more of a thinking mans position where you read the play. Never one to blow by guys, Fitzgerald excelled at positioning on the outside. He was big but not quick. When he was in his prime he was better once he got that big body moving down the field.

Things have changed for Fitzgerald. He still believes in his ability but no longer does everyone else. With all he has meant to this organization you can only hope things don’t end badly.

Fitz may have to be the good soldier here, keeping quiet about his touches, about his father’s Twitter account and just talking about winning. He can do that. He loves to win. And as bad as Week 1 was for him, Fitz isn’t going to end up with 30 catches. He is too good for that. He will have his games where he grabs 5 or 6 balls and puts up good numbers.

But in the end the final stats will be average. And average doesn’t allow you to cash in on $23.6 million.

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Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, left, and San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy talk prior to an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals' Drew Butler (2) ties his shoe prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers' Philip Rivers warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals punter Drew Butler warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. Butler was added to the team due to an injury of the Cardinals regular punter Dave Zastudil. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer (20) is hit by San Diego Chargers defensive back Brandon Flowers (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals tight end John Carlson (89) is hit by San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to throw against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs towards Patrick Peterson (21) as he takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers fans cheer during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) pulls in a pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass under pressure from Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker John Abraham (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy challenges a fumble on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Chargers won the challenge and recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) and Antonio Cromartie break up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) kicks a field goal as teammate Dave Zastudil (9) holds during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals tackle Bobby Massie (70) and San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Donald Butler (56) battle for the fumbled football during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Chargers recovered on the play after a challenge on the field. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (11) can't make the catch as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws under pressure against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is stopped by San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Novak (9) kicks a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals as Mike Scifres (5) holds during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass under pressure from San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is stopped by San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie breaks up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) celebrates his sack against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner's name and jersey number are shown in University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday, Sept. 6, 2014, after he was inducted into the Arizona Cardinals' Ring of Honor. (Photo: Dave Zadrozny) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner speaks after being inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner speaks after being inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife, Brenda Warner, left, stand on the field as Warner is inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Fans unveil former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner's name as he is inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Fans unveil former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner's name as he is inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is tackled by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) is pursued by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) and Patrick Peterson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) eludes the tackle of Arizona Cardinals free safety Tony Jefferson (22) to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy holds a football as he looks to the officials during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Stepfan Taylor (30) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Michael Floyd during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Stepfan Taylor (30) pulls in a touchdown pass as San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Manti Te'o (50) stands near during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) can't makes the catch in the end zone against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) eludes the tackle of Arizona Cardinals free safety Tony Jefferson (22) to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) celebrates a stop against the Arizona Cardinals with teammate Jeremiah Attaochu (97) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) scores a touchdown as San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians calls a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Jonathan Dwyer (20) against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie celebrates a stop against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) An Arizona Cardinals fan, right, cheers a game-winning touchdown while a San Diego Chargers fan reacts during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) greets San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) after an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers' Philip Rivers tosses his helmet after failing to get a first down on the final possession against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is hurried by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney, left, during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, right, embraces San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy after an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) and Rashad Johnson, right, celebrate a defensive stop on the the San Diego Chargers final possession during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates, right, talks with Danny Woodhead after the Chargers offense failed to get a first down on their final possession against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) can't hold onto the ball on fourth down as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals took over on downs and ran out the clock to win 18-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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