Antonio Cromartie’s two interceptions help fuel Arizona Cardinals’ win over Philadelphia Eagles

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles threw two interceptions all of last season.

He threw that same number Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium — both snared by Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie in Arizona’s 24-20 win.

The first came in the second quarter. In a 7-7 tie, the Eagles were driving for what would have been a go-ahead score, but Cromartie picked off the pass intended for rookie Josh Huff in the end zone and weaved through would-be tacklers out to the 38-yard line.

It looked as if just taking a knee in the end zone for a touchback would have been the prudent play, but Cromartie thought otherwise.

“Honestly, I’ve always been told I’ve had a green light. I was just trying to make a play,” he said. “When you look back on it, we got the ball I think at the 40-yard line — I’d rather have it there than the 20 to try to get the offense on the short side of the field.”

Foles gave the credit to Cromartie.

“(Cromartie) just fell off, and I was a split-second late,” he said. “He made a good play.”

The second pick came in the fourth quarter. With the Eagles leading 17-14, Foles couldn’t hook up with receiver Riley Cooper, and once again, Cromartie was there — this time for his 30th career interception.

“He threw the ball behind. They weren’t on the same page,” the ninth-year veteran said. “When you have an opportunity like that, you have to make sure you capitalize on the opportunity, and that’s something we did as a whole defense.”

The Cardinals were able to capitalize, getting a 28-yard field goal from Chandler Catanzaro to tie the game at 17-17.

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