WEEK 13 GAME RELEASE #LARvsAZ Mark Dal ton - Senior Vice Presid ent, Med ia Rel ations Ch ris Mel vin - Director, Med ia Rel ations Mik e Hel m - Manag er, Med ia Rel ations Imani Sube r - Me dia Re latio ns Coordinato r C hase Russe ll - Me dia Re latio ns Coordinator LOS ANGELES RAMS (7-4) VS. ARIZONA CARDINALS (6-5) State Farm Stadium | December 6, 2020 | 2:05 PM
THIS WEEK’S PREVIEW ARIZONA CARDINALS - 2020 SCHEDULE Arizona welcomes the L.A. Rams to State Farm Stadium to begin a stretch of Regular Season three games against division opponents over the fi nal fi ve weeks of the regular Date Opponent Loca on AZ Time season. That includes a re-match between the Cardinals and Rams in Week 17 Sep. 13 @ San Francisco Levi's Stadium W, 24-20 at Los Angeles. Sep. 20 WASHINGTON State Farm Stadium W, 30-15 Sep. 27 DETROIT State Farm Stadium L, 23-26 Sunday's game is the 83rd all- me regular season mee ng between the Car- Oct. 4 @ Carolina Bank of America Stadium L 21-31 dinals and Rams in a series that dates back to 1937 when the Cardinals were Oct. 11 @ N.Y. Jets MetLife Stadium W, 30-10 located in Chicago and the Rams were based in Cleveland. Oct. 19 @ Dallas+ AT&T Stadium W, 38-10 Between 2006-17 the Cardinals won 15-of-22 games against the Rams, includ- Oct. 25 SEATTLE~ State Farm Stadium W, 37-34 (OT) ing a nine-game winning streak that is the longest in the history of the series - BYE- for either team. However, Los Angeles enters this week’s contest having won Nov. 8 MIAMI State Farm Stadium L, 31-34 six in a row overall and fi ve straight in Arizona. On Sunday the Cards are going Nov. 15 BUFFALO State Farm Stadium W, 32-30 for their fi rst win in the series since the 2016 season fi nale and their fi rst home Nov. 19 @ Sea le# CenturyLink Field L, 21-28 win since 2014. Nov. 29 @ New England Gille e Stadium L, 17-20 Dec. 6 L.A. RAMS State Farm Stadium 2:05 PM Sunday's matchup is a crucial one for both teams, who sit a game apart in the Dec. 13 @ N.Y. Giants MetLife Stadium 11:00 AM NFC West standings and are looking to improve their standing in the race for a Dec. 20 PHILADELPHIA State Farm Stadium 2:05 PM playoff spot in a crowded NFC fi eld. Arizona currently holds the #7 seed in the Dec. 26 SAN FRANCISCO^ State Farm Stadium 2:30 PM NFC and Los Angeles holds the #5 seed. Jan. 3 @ L.A. Rams* SoFi Stadium 2:25 PM Both the Rams and Cardinals are coming off three-point losses decided by a + ESPN Monday Night Football FG as me expired. Arizona lost 20-17 in New England on a 50-yard FG by Nick ~ NBC Sunday Night Football Folk. Los Angeles fell 23-20 at home to San Francisco as Niners K Robbie Gould # FOX/NFL Network/Amazon Thursday Night Football connected from 42 yards out. ^ Airs na onally on Amazon and Twitch Between the two teams Arizona (5) and Los Angeles (3) have played eight con- * Subject to fl exible scheduling decisions secu ve games decided by seven points or fewer, including six that were de- cided by three points or less. The Cardinals enter Week 13 with the NFL's #2 ranked off ense (403.7 ypg) and #8 ranked scoring off ense (27.6 ppg) while the Rams counter with the NFL's #LARvsAZ - WEEK 13 HIG HLIG HTS #2 ranked defense (297.0 ypg) and #3 ranked scoring defense (19.5 ppg). Both teams feature strong rushing a acks and come into the game with a combined Currently one game apart in the NFC West standings, both the Cardinals and 33 rushing TDs (18 for AZ; 15 for LA). Rams look to bounce back from Week 12 losses that were decided by FGs as time expired. CB Patrick Peterson will play the Rams for the 19th me and enters the game with seven INTs and three TDs (2 PR, 1 INT) against Los Angeles. Each of the Cardinals last five games have been decided by seven points or fewer, including four games decided by three points or less. A er taking on the Rams, the Cardinals have back-to-back games against the NFC East - @ NY Giants (Week 14) and vs. Philadelphia (Week 15) - before After collecting just one INT in the first five games, Arizona's defense has re- wrapping up the regular season against the 49ers and Rams. Los Angeles will corded nine INTs in the last six games, including two last week in New England. travel to New England for a Thursday Night showdown with the Patriot in the CB Patrick Peterson has played the Rams 18 times and has more INTs (7) and fi rst of consecu ve games against the AFC West (@ NY Jets in Week 15). TDs (3) against Los Angeles than he does against any other franchise. The Cardinals enter Week 13 with the NFL's #2 ranked off ense (403.7 ypg) G AME RELEASE INDEX and #8 ranked scoring off ense (27.6 ppg) while the Rams counter with the NFL's #2 ranked defense (297.0 ypg) and #3 ranked scoring defense (19.5 ppg). Page Contents Arizona (403.7) and Kansas City (425.8) are the only teams in the NFL averag- 2 Cardinals-Rams Series ing at least 400 yards per game on off ense this season. 3 State Farm Stadium / 49ers Calling Valley Home / My Cause-My Cleats RB Kenyan Drake - who scored twice last week in New England - has as many 4 By The Numbers / What To Look For / Toy Drive on Saturday rushing TDs in 18 games with Arizona (15) as he had total TDs in 54 games played with Miami (15 - 9 rushing; 6 receiving). 5-10 2020 Season Highlights / Murray / Hopkins / Kirk / Baker / Simmons 10 Season Award Winners - Baker, Hopkins and Murray In the last five games rookie LB Isaiah Simmons has played 130 snaps and recorded 25 tackles, an INT, 2.0 sacks, four tackles for loss, a pass defensed and 11-14 Larry Fitzgerald Highlights three QB hits. Simmons has a sack in each of the last two games, becoming the 15-16 DeAndre Hopkins Highlights first Cardinals rookie since Sam Acho in 2011 (Games 15-16) with a sack in back- 17 Cards Leadership / Michael Bidwill / Steve Keim / Social Justice Initiatives to-back games. 18-19 Defensive Highlights / Peterson / Hicks / Special Teams DL Domata Peko - signed last Monday (11/23) - started against the Patriots 20-21 Cardinals COVID-19 Relief Eff orts last week, becoming the 24th diff erent player to start a game on defense for 23-24 Individual Player Notes the Cardinals. Only Jacksonville (25) has had more players start a game on 25-66 Rosters / Depth Chart / Transac ons / 2020 Sta s cs defense in 2020. BROADCAST INFORMATION Television: FOX / Play-By-Play: Chris Myers Analyst: Greg Jennings Analyst: Brock Huard Sideline: Jen Hale Cardinals Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM / Play-By-Play: Dave Pasch Analyst: Ron Wolfl ey Sideline: Paul Calvisi Cardinals Spanish Radio: KHOV 105.1 FM / Play-By-Play: Luis Hernandez Analyst: Rolando Cantu
1 CARDINALS-RAMS CONNECTIONS FITZGERALD AGAINST THE RAMS
RAMS CONNECTIONS In 32 career games against the Rams, WR Larry Cardinals Asst. Special Teams coach Derius Swinton II was a special teams Fitzgerald has 195 recep ons for 2,199 yards and quality control coach for the Rams from 2009-11. 18 TDs. He has more recep ons against the Rams Cardinals Asst. O-Line coach Brian Natkin spent training camp as a TE with (195) and Seahawks (195) than any other player in the Rams in 2003. NFL history has against any single opponent. Fitzgerald's recep on totals against the Rams, Se- Cardinals Area Scout John Mancini is in his eighth year with the team a er spending the previous 18 seasons with the Rams, including from 1997-2012 ahawks and 49ers (186) are the three highest in in the team’s personnel department. NFL history against a single opponent. NFL History – Recep ons vs. Single Opponent Cardinals Media Rela ons Coordinator Imani Suber interned in the Rams Rnk Player Rec Opponent Gms public rela ons department in 2014. 1 Larry Fitzgerald 195 Rams 32 2 Larry Fitzgerald 195 Sea le 33 CARDINALS CONNECTIONS 3 Larry Fitzgerald 186 49ers 33 Rams WR Cooper Kupp is the son of former QB Craig Kupp, who played for 4 Jerry Rice 175 Falcons 30 the Cardinals in the 1991 season. 5 Jerry Rice 166 Rams 32 Rams C Coleman Shelton spent part of the 2018 season on the Cardinals Fitzgerald's 2,199 career receiving yards against the Rams represent the fi h- prac ce squad. highest total for any player against a single opponent in NFL history. CALIFORNIA/L.A. AREA CONNECTIONS NFL History – Receiving Yards vs. Single Opponent Cardinals Coaching Assistant Mike Bercovici (Calabasas), LS Aaron Brewer Rnk Player Yds Opponent Gms (Fullerton), DBs coach Marcus Robertson (Pasadena), S Jalen Thompson 1 Jerry Rice 2,731 Falcons 30 2 Jerry Rice 2,551 Rams 32 (Downey), LB Kylie Fi s (San Bernardino) and S Charles Washington (Ingle- 3 Larry Fitzgerald 2,415 49ers 33 wood) are from southern California. 4 Larry Fitzgerald 2,241 Seahawks 33 Cardinals QB Bre Hundley played three seasons (2012-14) at UCLA where he 5 Larry Fitzgerald 2,199 Rams 32 was teammates with Rams LB Kenny Young in 2014. Fitzgerald's 18 TD recep ons against the Rams are ed for the fi h-most in Cardinals LB Devon Kennard played at USC, and his father Derek Kennard Sr., NFL history against a single opponent. played for the Los Angeles Express of the USFL from 1984-85. NFL History – TD Recep ons vs. Single Opponent Rnk Player TDs Opponent Gms DL Domata Peko Sr. played two seasons (2002-03) at College of the Canyons 1 Jerry Rice 25 Falcons 30 (Santa Clarita, CA). 2 Jerry Rice 20 Rams 32 3t Bob Hayes 19 Giants 16 Cardinals LB Ezekiel Turner played his freshman season at Pierce Junior Col- 3t Larry Fitzgerald 19 49ers 33 lege in Los Angeles. 5t Larry Fitzgerald 18 Rams 32 ARIZONA CONNECTIONS 5t Don Hutson 18 Rams 18 Rams Asst. Head Coach/LBs coach Joe Barry was on Northern Arizona’s ADD A TD PASS TO HIS CAREER TOTALS coaching staff from 1996-98. When the Cardinals faced the Rams in Week 16 of the 2018 season, Fitzger- Rams WRs coach Eric Yarber was Arizona State’s WRs coach from 2007-09. ald threw the only TD pass of his career: a 32-yarder to RB David Johnson. It was the fi rst TD pass by a WR in franchise history. At 35 years, 114 days old, Rams Asst. Director of College Scou ng Ted Monago graduated from Ari- Fitzgerald became the oldest WR in NFL history to throw a TD. Prior to Fitz, the zona State University and was a walk-on DB from 1990-92. He then spent oldest WR to throw a TD was Philly's Harold Carmichael (34 years, 38 days). two years (1994-96) as a GA and quality control coach for the ASU football team, and in 1993, he served as the LBs/special teams coach at Sco sdale Community College. ALL-TIME SERIES HIGH SCHOOL CONNECTIONS Cardinals QB Kyler Murray played at Allen High School with Rams OL Bobby This week’s matchup is the 83rd all- me regular season mee ng between the Evans from 2012-14 and again at the University of Oklahoma from 2016-18. Cardinals and Rams. Los Angeles hold a 42-38-2 lead in the series. The rivalry They won three straight state championships together while at Allen High. between the Cardinals and Rams dates back to 1937 when the Cardinals PRO/COLLEGE CONNECTIONS were located in Chicago and the Rams were based in Cleveland. Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury (2003) played for the Patriots when Between 2006-17 the Cardinals won 15-of-22 games against the Rams, in- Rams Pass Game Coordinator/QBs coach Shane Waldron (2002-04) was an cluding a nine-game winning streak that is the longest in the history of the opera ons intern. series for either team. However, Los Angeles enters this week’s contest hav- Cardinals LB Isaiah Simmons and OL Tremayne Anchrum Jr. played together ing won six in a row overall and fi ve straight in Arizona. The Cardinals are at Clemson from 2017-19. They were part of the Tigers 2018 BCS Na onal looking for their fi rst win in the series since the 2016 season fi nale and the Championship team. fi rst home win since 2014. Cardinals CB Dre Kirkpatrick (2012-19) and Rams CB Troy Hill (2015) played CARDS-RAMS ALL-TIME REGULAR SEASON SERIES together for the Bengals while Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph Overall Series: 38-42-2 (2014–15) was Cincinna ’s DBs coach. Cardinals at home vs. LAR: 17-23-2 Cardinals LB Jordan Hicks (2010-14) played with Rams RB Malcolm Brown Cardinals Last Win: 1/1/17 @ Los Angeles, W, 44-6 (2011-14) at Texas. First Mee ng: 10/3/37 @ Cleveland, W, 6-0 Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (2015) and WR Chris an Kirk (2015-17) played Last Mee ng: 12/29/19 @ Los Angeles, L, 31-24 with Rams WR Josh Reynolds (2014-15) at Texas A&M. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (2017-18) played at Oklahoma with Rams OL Bob- SEASON STATISTICS by Evans (2016-18) and OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (2014-17). Cardinals TE Maxx Williams (2015-18) played for the Ravens with Rams CB StatisticStatistic AZAZ Rank LARLAR Rank Darious Williams (2018) and ILB Kenny Young (2018-19). Points Scored/Game 27.6 8 23.9 19 Points Allowed/Game 23.5 14 19.5 t-3 Cardinals S Budda Baker (2014-16), LB Ezekiel Turner (2015-17), CB Byron Scoring Drives 53 10 45 t-22 Murphy Jr. (2017-18) and TE Darrell Daniels (2013-16) played at the Univer- TDs Scored 37 t-7 32 t-13 sity of Washington with Rams DL Greg Gaines (2015-18) and C Coleman Shel- TDs Allowed 28 t-9 24 t-2 ton (2014-17). Rushing TDs 18 2 15 t-6 Cardinals OL Kelvin Beachum and Rams CB Jalen Ramsey played together in Passing TDs 19 t-11 16 t-20 Jacksonville in 2016. Rushing TDs Allowed 8 t-5 9 t-9 Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake (2012-15) and Rams DL A’Shawn Robinson (2013- Passing TDs Allowed 19 t-16 11 1 15) were teammates at Alabama. Thompson also played alongside Rams LB Sacked/Yards Lost 18/88 9 15/111 t-4 Terrell Lewis (2016-19). Fumbles/Lost 11/4 t-6 16/9 t-28 Field Goals Made 16/21 t-20 14/19 29 Cardinals DL Trevone Coley (2017-18), K Zane Gonzalez (2017-18), LB Tan- Total Yards/Game 403.7 2 389.2 6 ner Vallejo (2018) and Rams OL Aus n Corbe (2018-19) played together in Opp. Total Yards/Game 350.5 15 297.0 2 Cleveland. Rushing Yards/Game 155.9 4 124.6 9 Rams S JuJu Hughes (2016-19) and Cardinals WR KeeSean Johnson (2015-18) Opp. Rushing Yards/Game 123.4 22 93.5 4 played together at Fresno State. Passing Yards/Game 247.8 15 264.5 11 Opp. Passing Yards/Game 227.2 13 203.5 2 Rams OLB Natrez Patrick (2015-18) and OLB Leonard Floyd (2013-15) played Turnover Ratio +1 t-15 -1 t-18 with Cardinals OL Lamont Gaillard (2015-18) at Georgia. Average Time of Possession 29:00 22 31:23 7 2 CARDINALS TO WEAR CUSTOM GEAR FOR "MY CAUSE, MY CLEATS" As part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign, hundreds of players across the league will showcase a wide range of causes and charitable organiza ons important to them in Week 13. For the fourth consecu ve season, the NFL will celebrate the My Cause My Cleats ini a ve, which was created to allow players to reveal their passions beyond the playing fi eld and wear their hearts on their feet. Each player had the opportunity to pick a cause that is impor- tant to them and represent their chosen organiza on on custom designed cleats. Among the Cardinals par cipa ng in My Cause My Cleats this season are the 28 players listed below. Player Cause Organiza on Player Cause Organiza on DL Zach Allen BCA American Cancer Society WR Andy Isabella Fight Against Hunger Saint Mary's Food Bank CB Prince Amukamura Others Founda on Others Founda on WR Chris an Kirk Youth Hunger Living Through Giving Founda on OL Kelvin Beachum Social Jus ce Players Coali on CB Dre Kirkpatrick Disadvantaged Youth 21 Kids Founda on LS Aaron Brewer Phx Children's Hospital Phoenix Children's Hospital DL Rashard Lawrence Child Cancer Awareness St. Jude's Children's Hospital OL Mason Cole Pediatric Research Charles Woodson Clinical Research P Andy Lee NICU Assistance Madelyn's Fund TE Darrell Daniels Stroke Na onal Stroke Founda on OL Koda Mar n Mental Health Fellowship of Chris an Athletes RB Kenyan Drake Pediatric Health Phoenix Children's Hospital CB Byron Murphy Jr. Smile Train SmileTrain.org RB Chase Edmonds Development of Girls Girls Inc. QB Kyler Murray Surf1 Leigh Syndrome Cure Surf1 LB Kylie Fi s End Child Traffi cking Love146 OL Jus n Murray AutoImmune Disease American Autoimmune Association WR Larry Fitzgerald BCA First Down Fund DL Corey Peters Youth Literacy Peters Educa onal Enrichment RB D.J. Foster Smile Train SmileTrain.org OL Jus n Pugh Youth Wellness Fuel Up to Play 60 LB Dennis Gardeck Brain Cancer Phoenix Children's Hospital LB Haason Reddick Racial Equality Act Blue Chari es K Zane Gonzalez NICU Assistance Phoenix Children's Hospital LB Isaiah Simmons Racial Equality Act Blue Chari es QB Bre Hundley Epilepsy The Hundley Founda on TE Maxx Williams American Red Cross American Red Cross
CARDINALS TO SHARE STATE FARM STADIUM RETURNING HOME FOR WEEK 13
The Cardinals and Rams aren't the The Cardinals are back at State only NFC West teams that will be Farm Stadium this week when playing at State Farm Stadium in they take on the Los Ange- Week 13. On Monday it was an- les Rams in a crucial matchup nounced that San Francisco will against a division opponent. make the Valley - and State Farm Stadium - its temporary home due The Cardinals will look to im- to restric ons on contact sports in prove to 4-2 at home this sea- Santa Clara County. son. Arizona will also be looking to snap the Rams fi ve-game The 49ers will play their next two winning streak on the Cardinals "home" games at State Farm Sta- home fi eld. dium, beginning with a Monday Night Football matchup vs. Buff alo in Week 13. The Niners will also host Arizona needs two home wins to earn its ninth season with a winning record Washington at State Farm Stadium in Week 14. Arizona and San Francisco at State Farm Stadium in 15 seasons at the venue. Since beginning play at will square off in Week 16, making it the 49ers third game at State Farm State Farm Stadium in 2006, the Cardinals have four playoff berths and three Stadium in a four-week span. NFC West tles. The Cardinals fi nished .500 or be er just twice and made the playoff s only one me in 18 seasons prior. Overall Comparison 14+ seasons at 18 seasons at Sta s c State Farm Stadium Sun Devil Stadium NFC WEST AT A GLANCE Sellouts 144 12 Regular Season Home Record 67-48-2 64-80 Below is a look at the NFC West stand- Home Win % .581 .444 ings entering Week 13. All four teams Postseason Record 5-4 1-1 are in ac on this week, with three play- Postseason Home Record 4-0 0-0 ing in the 2:00 PM (MST) window. Seasons w/ Winning Record 5 1 Seasons w/ Winning Home Record 8 4 Arizona hosts the L.A. Rams (7-4), who Postseason Berths 4 1 currently sit a game ahead of the Cardi- Division Titles 3 0 nals in the standings. The division-lead- Conference Championship Games 2 0 ing Seahawks (8-3) host the NY Giants Super Bowl Appearances 1 0 and the 49ers (5-6) will host the Buff alo THE LAST THREE AT STATE FARM STADIUM WERE THRILLERS Bills at State Farm Stadium on Monday The Cardinals last-second victory over the Bills in Week 10 capped a three- Night Football. game home stand that featured: Sea le 8-3 Los Angeles 7-4 Arizona 6-5 San Francisco 5-6 All three games decided by 3 points or fewer. (6-2 NFC; 2-2 Div) (7-2 NFC; 1-2 Div) (4-3 NFC; 2-1 Div) (3-5 NFC; 2-2 Div) A win vs. Sea le in Week 7 in which the Cardinals never led un l the game- W, 38-25 @ Atl W, 20-17 vs. Dal W, 24-20 @ SF L, 20-24 vs. AZ winning FG with 0:15 remaining in OT. W, 35-30 vs. NE W, 37-19 @ Phi W, 30-15 vs. Was W, 31-13 @ NYJ W, 28-31 vs. Dal L, 32-35 @ Buf L, 23-26 vs. Det W, 36-9 @ NYG A Week 10 victory over Buff alo that featured two go-ahead TD catches in W, 31-23 @ Mia W, 17-9 vs. NYG L, 21-31 @ Car L, 20-25 vs. Phi the fi nal 0:34 of regula on and a game-winning 43-yard Hail Mary TD with W, 27-26 vs. Min W, 30-10 @ Was W, 30-10 @ NYJ L, 17-43 vs. Mia 0:02 remaining. BYE L, 16-24 @ SF W, 38-10 @ Dal W, 24-16 vs. LAR 11 total lead changes L, 34-37 @ AZ W, 24-10 vs. Chi W, 37-34 vs. Sea W, 33-6 @ NE 19 points in the fi nal 0:30 of the 4th Qtr/OT W, 37-27 vs. SF L, 17-28 @ Mia BYE L, 27-37 @ Sea 11 Cardinals TDs L, 34-44 @ Buf BYE L, 31-34 vs. Mia L, 17-34 vs. GB 11 Opponent TDs L, 16-23 @ LAR W, 23-16 vs. Sea W, 32-30 vs. Buf L, 13-27 @ NO 8 Cardinals FGs W, 28-21 vs. AZ W, 27-24 @ TB L, 21-28 @ Sea BYE 7 Opponent FGs (5 FGs of 50+ yards) W, 23-17 @ Phi L, 20-23 vs. SF L, 17-20 @ NE W, 23-20 @ LAR The Cardinals victory over the Bills marked just the second me in the last 60 vs. NYG @ AZ vs. LAR vs. Buf years that a game featured mul ple go-ahead passing TDs in the fi nal 0:40 vs. NYJ vs. NE @ NYG vs. Was seconds of regula on. Bills WR Stefon Diggs had a 21-yard TD catch with 0:34 @ Was vs. NYJ vs. Phi @ Dal remaining that gave the Bills a 30-26 lead. Four plays later Cardinals WR De- vs. LAR @ Sea vs. SF @ AZ Andre Hopkins brought down a 43-yard TD on a Hail Mary pass from QB @ SF vs. AZ @ LAR vs. Sea Kyler Murray with just 0:02 remaining. 3 BY THE NU MBERS WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN WEEK 13
5 WITH A WIN THIS WEEK... NFL games that will be held at State Farm Stadium over a four-week span be- Arizona would improve to 4-2 at home this season. The 2020 campaign would ginning in Week 13: AZ vs. LAR & SF vs. Buf (Wk 13); SF vs. Was (Week 14); AZ mark the 12th me in 15 seasons at State Farm Stadium the Cardinals posted at vs. Phi (Wk 15); AZ vs. SF (Wk 16). Three of those fi ve games involve the 49ers. least four home wins. 403.7 The Cardinals would earn their fi rst win over the Rams since the 2016 season Average yards per game for the Cardinals off ense in 2020. Arizona and Kansas fi nale and would also snap the Rams fi ve-game winning streak at State Farm City (425.8) are the only teams in the NFL averaging 400+ yards per game this Stadium. season. MILESTONES WITHIN REACH 7 QB Kyler Murray Games in which the Cardinals have put up 400+ total yards of off ense this With a rushing TD Murray would have 11 rushing TDs in 2020. Among all QBs, season. That is ed with Kansas City for the most in the NFL. Arizona has had only Cam Newton (14 in 2011) and Steve Grogan (12 in 1976) would have more 400+ yards in a game 11 mes in 27 ou ngs under head coach Kliff Kingsbury. rushing TDs in a single season. The Cardinals had just one game with 400+ yards in the two seasons (2017- With both a rushing and passing TD Murray would establish an NFL single- 18) prior to his arrival. season record for games with a passing and rushing TD (9). 27.6 WR Larry Fitzgerald Average points per game for the Cardinals in 2018, giving Arizona the NFL's #8 With a recep on Fitzgerald would have at least one catch in 254 consecu ve scoring off ense. The Rams have allowed an average of 19.5 points per game, games, extending the second-longest streak in NFL history (Jerry Rice - 274). giving Los Angeles the NFL's #3 ranked scoring defense. With a recep on Fitzgerald would have 196 career recep ons against the Rams. That would be the most for any player in NFL history vs. a single oppo- 155.9 nent. Fitzgerald currently has 195 catches against both the Rams and Seahawks. Average rushing yards per game for the Cardinals in 2020, giving Arizona the With a TD recep on Fitzgerald would have 19 career TD catches against the NFL's #4 ranked rushing a ack. The Cardinals are ed with Cleveland for the Rams. In NFL history only Jerry Rice (25 vs. Falcons; 20 vs. Rams) would have NFL lead in rushing average (5.04) in '20. more TD recep ons vs. a single opponent. 18 WR DeAndre Hopkins Rushing TDs for the Cardinals this season. Only New Orleans (19) has more. With 33 receiving yards Hopkins would reach 1,000 for the year. It would mark his sixth career 1,000-yard campaign and fourth in a row. 5 With 100+ receiving yards Hopkins would have six 100-yard ou ngs in 2020. Consecu ve games for the Cardinals which have been decided by seven The only season in his career he would have had more was in 2018 (7). points or fewer, including four that were decided by three points or fewer. LB Isaiah Simmons 24 With a sack Simmons would become just the fi h rookie in franchise history Players who have started at least one game on defense for the Cardinals this with at least one sack in three straight games: Sam Acho (3 in 2011), Simeon season. Only Jacksonville (25) has had more in 2020. Rice (4 & 3 in 1996), Ken Harvey (3 in 1988) and Freddie Joe Nunn (3 in 1985). 16 WR Chris an Kirk Players who have at least one sack for the Cardinals this season. That is the With a TD recep on Kirk would have six TD catches in his last seven games. In most in the NFL. Arizona also leads the league with nine players who have at his fi rst 29 career games, Kirk had seven TD recep ons. least 2.0 sacks. 9 INTs for the Cardinals defense in the last six games. The unit had one INT WEEK 13 ARO UND THE NFL through the fi rst fi ve games in 2020. Teams on Bye: Buccaneers, Panthers 47.4 Sunday, December 6 Percentage of opponent goal-to-go possessions (9 of 19) that have resulted Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans - 11:00 AM (CBS) in TDs this season. That is the lowest in the NFL. Minnesota (56.0%) ranks Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets - 11:00 AM (CBS) second. Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings - 11:00 AM (CBS) Cincinna Bengals at Miami Dolphins - 11:00 AM (CBS) 29 Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - 11:00 AM (CBS) Total TDs - 19 passing and 10 rushing - for Murray in 2020. Only Aaron Rodg- Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears - 11:00 AM (FOX) ers (34), Patrick Mahomes (32), Russell Wilson (32) and Tom Brady (31) have New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons - 11:00 AM (FOX) more total TDs this season. Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals - 2:05 PM (FOX) New York Giants at Sea le Seahawks - 2:05 PM (FOX) 33 New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers - 2:25 PM (CBS) Receiving yards WR DeAndre Hopkins needs to reach 1,000 for the year. It Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers - 2:25 PM (CBS) would mark his sixth career season with 1,000+ receiving yards and fourth in Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - 6:20 PM (NBC) a row. Monday, December 7 15 Washington at Pi sburgh Steelers - 3:00 PM (TBD) Rushing TDs for RB Kenyan Drake in 18 career games with the Cardinals. He Buff alo Bills at San Francisco 49ers - 6:15 PM (ESPN) now has as many rushing TDs in 18 games with Arizona (15) as he had total Tuesday, December 8 TDs in 54 games played with Miami (15 – 9 rushing; 6 receiving). Dallas Cowboys at Bal more Ravens - 6:20 PM (FOX/NFLN/Amazon) 4 Career games in which Drake has at least two TDs. All four of those ou ngs DRIVE-THRU TOY DRIVE COMING SOON have come in his 18 games with Arizona. Drake had two rushing TDs last week in New England. The Cardinals and Desert Financial 2 Credit Union are hos ng a contact- Consecu ve games in which rookie LB Isaiah Simmons has a sack. He is the less drive-thru toy drive at State Farm fi rst Cardinals rookie with a sack in back-to-back games since Sam Acho Stadium (West Preferred Lot) and the (Games 15-16) in 2011. Tempe Sports Complex (8403 S. Hardy Dr., Tempe) on Saturday, December 5 3 from 8:00-11:00 a.m. INTs for CB Dre Kirkpatrick this season. That es his career high for a single Masked volunteers will collect and season (also had 3 in 2013, 2014, 2016). Prior to 2020, Kirkpatrick had four sani ze new unwrapped toys and do- total INTs in his previous fi ve seasons (2015-19) combined. His INT of Cam na ons at both loca ons with all con- Newton last week was Kirkpatrick's third in his last ve games. fi tribu ons benefi ng “Helping Hands 28 for Freedom,” a group serving families Career INTs for CB Patrick Peterson, who has three picks in 2020. Only four of military and fi rst responders. ac ve players - Richard Sherman, Tramon Williams, Johnathan Joseph and “Helping Hands for Freedom” is dedicated to suppor ng the families of Marcus Peters - have more. the fallen, wounded and deployed. The organiza on provides assistance through donated funds and goods to help military and Gold Star families 229 that have lost a loved one or are su ering with injuries from combat. Total tackles for S Budda Baker over the last two seasons (2019-20). The All- ff Pro leads all NFL DBs in total tackles and solo tackles (150) during that span. Par cipants can enter to win items autographed by Cardinals S Budda Baker, RB Kenyan Drake, WR Larry Fitzgerald and CB Patrick Peterson. 4 A TOP-5 OFFENSE IN 2020 CARDS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL RUN GAME
The Cardinals rank #2 in the NFL in total of- Arizona has rushed for 1,715 yards and 18 TDs on fense (403.7 ypg) and #8 in scoring (27.6 ppg) 340 carries (5.04 avg.). In addi on to having the in 2020. NFL’s #2 ranked off ense, the Cardinals also have the NFL’s #4 ranked rushing a ack, averaging NFL Leaders – Total Off ense (2020) 155.9 rushing yards per game in 2020. Rnk Team Yds/G 1 Kansas City 425.8 NFL Leaders – Rushing Yards/Game (2020) 2 Arizona 403.7 Rnk Team Yds/Gm 3 L.A. Chargers 397.8 1 Cleveland 161.4 4 Green Bay 392.9 2 Bal more 160.5 3 Sea le 391.0 3 Tennessee 158.2 4 Arizona 155.9 The Cardinals have 4,441 total net yards on 5 New England 149.6 off ense (2,726 passing; 1,715 rushing). Ari- zona’s 4,441 total yards represent the third- The Cardinals are ed for the NFL lead with a 5.04 highest total in franchise history through the fi rst 11 games of a season. rushing average and rank second in the NFL with 18 rushing TDs. Franchise History – Most Yards Thru 11 Games Rnk Year Yards NFL Leaders – Rushing TDs (2020) NFL Leaders – Rushing Average (2020) 1 1984 4,593 Rnk Team TDs Rnk Team Avg. 2 2015 4,510 1 New Orleans 19 1t Arizona 5.04 3 2020 4,441 2 Arizona 18 1t Cleveland 5.04 4 1948 4,382 3 New England 17 3 Philadelphia 5.02 5 1988 4,302 4t San Francisco 16 4 Minnesota 4.99 PILING UP 400+ YARDS OFTEN UNDER KINGSBURY 4t Washington 16 5 Bal more 4.91 The Cardinals have put up 400+ net yards in a game 11 mes under head coach RUSHING AVERAGE ABOVE RECORD PACE Kliff Kingsbury - including in seven games this season. Arizona had 400+ yards After finishing #32 in the NFL in both rushing yards and rushing average in 2018 once in 32 games over the two seasons combined (2017-18) prior to his arrival. the Cardinals finished the 2019 season having averaged over 5.0 yards per rush Arizona's seven games with 400+ total yards this season are ed for the most attempt as a team for the first time in franchise history. Arizona averaged a in the NFL. franchise-record 5.03 yards per rush attempt last season. NFL Leaders – Games w/ 400+ Total Yards (2020) Through 11 games in 2020 the Cardinals are averaging 5.04 yards per rush at- Rnk Team Gms tempt, pu ng them on pace to break the franchise record set in 2019. 1t Arizona 7 1t Kansas City 7 A RARE NINE IN A ROW WITH 100+ RUSHING YARDS 3 L.A. Rams 6 Arizona has rushed for 100+ yards in 10 of 11 games this season and started the 4t Green Bay 5 year with 100+ rushing yards in each of the fi rst nine games. The 2020 season 4t L.A. Chargers 5 marked just the second me (1984) in the last 60 years (1961-20) that the Cardi- 4t Sea le 5 nals rushed for 100+ yards in each of the fi rst nine games of a season. 4t Minnesota 5 4t Tennessee 5 RUNNING FOR 150 & 200 UNDER KINGSBURY BREAKING DOWN THE OFFENSIVE RANKINGS IN 2020 The Cardinals have rushed for 150+ yards in 11 of 27 games under Kingsbury. Ari- zona had seven such games in the three seasons (2016-18) prior to his arrival. The Arizona Off ensive Rankings in 2020 Cardinals are 9-2 when rushing for 150+ yards over the last two seasons. Sta s c NFL Rnk 1st Downs/Game (25.5) 1 Arizona has rushed for 200+ yards in a game fi ve mes under Kingsbury, in- Rushing Average (5.04) t-1st cluding twice this season. The Cardinals had 200+ rushing yards in a game just Total Yards/Game (403.7) 2ⁿ fi ve mes in the previous 15 seasons combined (2004-18) prior to Kingsbury’s Rushing TDs (18) 2nd arrival. Big Play Runs (51) 2ⁿ LONG DISTANCE RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS Rushing Yards/Game (155.9) 4 Red Zone TD Pct. (73.7) 4th RB Kenyan Drake had a 69-yard rushing TD in Week 6 at Dallas giving Arizona Big Plays (80) t-5 four rushing TDs of 20+ yards in 2020 (QB Kyler Murray - 2; RB Chase Edmonds - Goal-to-Go TD Pct. (85.7) t-5 1). That is the most in the NFL this season. Total Yards/Play (5.96) 7 Total TDs (37) t-7 Scoring Drives (53) 10 FRANCHISE RECORD POINTS STREAK 4th Down Conv. Pct. (69.2) 10 Arizona's streak of 13 consecu ve games A REMARKABLE OFFENSIVE TURNAROUND with 21+ points was snapped last week in New England. That streak is the longest in franchise history. Since being hired in 2019, head coach Kliff Kingsbury has transformed the Cardinals off ense from the NFL's least produc ve in 2018 into one of the Consecu ve Games Scoring 21+ Pts league's elite units this season. Through 11 games in 2020 Arizona has already Rnk Year(s) Gms surpassed its 2018 off ensive totals in nearly every category. 1 2019-20 13 2 1983-84 11 Cards Off ensive Thru 11 Games in 2020 vs. 2018 Final 3t 2007-08 10 Sta s c Thru 11 2018 (Rnk) +/- 3t 1948-49 10 Total Yards 4,441 3,865 (32) +576 5 1975-76 9 Total TDs 37 27 (31) +10 First Downs 280 239 (32) +41 The Cardinals have scored 21+ points in 20 of 27 games under head coach Kliff Rushing Yards 1,715 1,342 (32) +373 Kingsbury. Arizona scored 21+ points in an NFL-low 9 games in the two seasons Rushing TDs 18 9 (t-27) +9 prior to his arrival (2017-18). Rushing Avg. 5.04 3.78 (32) +1.26 FIVE IN A ROW WITH 400+ YARDS AND 30+ POINTS Total Points 304 225 (32) +79 Arizona had a streak of fi ve consecu ve games in which they put up 30+ points Passing TDs 19 15 (t-20) +4 and 400+ net yards of off ense that was snapped at Sea le in Week 11. It was the Net Pass Yards 2,726 2,523 (32) +203 longest such streak in franchise history and the longest for any team in the league Avg. Yards/Play 5.96 4.28 (32) +1.68 since Denver set an NFL record with 30/400 in 10 straight games in 2012-13. The Cardinals off ense has been one of the most produc ve in the NFL this Only four teams in NFL history had more consecu ve games with 30/400 than season. Should Arizona con nue on its current pace, the team will make a run the Cardinals. at a host of franchise single-season records. NFL Record – Consecu ve Games w/ 30+ Points & 400+ Total Yards Sta s c Thru 11 Pace Notes Rnk Team Gms Year(s) Total Yards 4,441 6,460 Franchise record is 6,533 (2015) 1 Denver 10 2012 Total TDs 37 54 Franchise record is 58 (2015) 2 New England 9 2006-07 First Downs 280 408 Franchise record is 373 (2015) 3 StL Rams 8 1999-00 Rushing Yards 1,715 2,495 Franchise record is 2,582 (1979) 4 New England 6 2011 Rushing TDs 18 26 Franchise record is 25 (1948) 5t Arizona 5 2020 (Games 5-9) Rushing Avg. 5.04 5.04 Franchise record is 5.03 (2019) st 5t San Francisco 5 1994 1 Downs Rushing 104 151 Franchise record is 145 (1979) 5t Oakland 5 1968 Total Points 304 442 Franchise record is 489 (2015) 5t Philadelphia 5 1953 5 JUST 27 TDS ALLOWED IN 2020 PRESSURE COMING FROM EVERYWHERE
Despite a five-game stretch in which the Cardinals have played four games The Cardinals defense has recorded 28.0 sacks in 2020 - and those sacks have against teams ranked in the top-15 in total TDs scored this season - including come from players at virtually every position. Through 11 games, 16 different two contests against one of the NFL's top scoring off enses - Arizona's defense Arizona players have at least one sack this season. That total leads the NFL. has allowed just 27 TDs this season. Only nine teams have allowed fewer. The Cardinals have had nine different players record at least 2.0 sacks. That NFL Leaders - Fewest Scrimmage TDs Allowed (2020) total also leads the NFL. Rnk Team TD 1t L.A. Rams 20 Cardinals Players w/ Sack in 2020 1t Pi sburgh* 20 Player Sacks 3 Bal more* 22 LB Haason Reddick 5.0 4 Chicago 23 S Budda Baker 2.0 5t San Francisco 25 DL Corey Peters 2.0 5t New Orleans 25 LB Dennis Gardeck 2.0 5t Washington 25 LB Isaiah Simmons 2.0 8t NY Giants 26 LB De'Vondre Campbell 2.0 8t Miami 26 LB Devon Kennard 2.0 10t Arizona 27 DL Jordan Phillips 2.0 10t New England 27 DL Angelo Blackson 2.0 10t Kansas City 27 DL Josh Mauro 1.0 10t Indianapolis 27 CB Byron Murphy 1.0 LB Markus Golden 1.0 *Play on Wednesday (12/2) LB Chandler Jones 1.0 The Cardinals defense has allowed just eight rushing TDs this season. Only four DL Zach Allen 1.0 teams have allowed fewer. DL Michael Dogbe 1.0 DL Trevon Coley 1.0 NFL Leaders - Fewest Rush TDs Allowed (2020) Rnk Team TD 1t Pi sburgh* 5 1t New Orleans 5 THE ROOKIE PLAYMAKER 3 Minnesota 6 4 Chicago 7 Cardinals 2020 first-round draft pick LB Isaiah Simmons 5t Arizona 8 - taken #8 overall by Arizona in April - has developed into 5t San Francisco 8 a key playmaker for the Cardinals over the past month. 5t Bal more* 8 5t Tampa Bay 8 In the last five games Simmons has played 130 snaps *Play on Wednesday (12/2) and recorded 25 tackles, an INT, 2.0 sacks, four tackles STOUT SCORING DEFENSE IN THE RED ZONE for loss, a pass defensed and three QB hits. Arizona's defense has allowed opponents to He has a sack in each of the last two contests (@ Sea; score TDs on just 20-of-38 red zone posses- @ NE), becoming the first Cards rookie since Sam Acho sions. The Cardinals 52.6% TD percentage (Games 15-16 in 2011) with a sack in back-to-back games. ranks fifth in the NFL. Simmons had his best in game in Week 11 at Seattle, When opponents get really close is when posting a team-high 10 tackles, his first career sack, two Arizona's defense is at its best. The Cardinals tackles for loss and a QB hit. have allowed a TD on just 9-of-19 goal-to-go possessions. Their 47.37 TD percentage in In the Cardinals thrilling victory over Seattle in Week 7 goal-to-go situations is the lowest in the NFL. came up with the INT that led to Arizona's game-winning FG in OT. NFL Leaders - Opp RZ TD Pct. NFL Leaders - Opponent Goal-to-Go Pct. Rnk Team Pct. TD/Poss Rnk Team Pct. TD/Poss CAPTAIN BAKER - CARDINALS HEART & SOUL 1 Washington 48.4 15/31 1 Arizona 47.4 9/19 2 Chicago 48.7 19/39 2 Minnesota 56.0 14/25 3 Minnesota 51.3 20/39 3 Washington 61.5 8/13 ""TheThe guyguy isis a humanhuman eraser.eraser. HeHe makesmakes a tonton ofof tackles,tackles, hehe bringsbrings energy,energy, 4 Denver 52.5 21/40 4 Cleveland 66.7 18/27 hhee bbringsrings juice,juice, he'she's physical.physical. He'sHe's ourour leaderleader andand ourour heartheart andand soulsoul onon 5 Arizona 52.6 20/38 5 Chicago 68.8 11/16 ddefense."efense." - GMGM SteveSteve KKeimeim Signed to a four-year contract extension dur- ing training camp, S Budda Baker is delivering NEXT MAN UP ON VANCE'S DEFENSE quite the encore performance this year a er a breakout campaign in 2019. The Cardinals have suff ered some heavy losses In Week 7 vs. Sea le, Baker posted a game- on the defensive side of the ball in 2020, includ- high 14 tackles, his second INT of the season, ing the loss of team captains LB Chandler Jones a tackle for loss and a pass defensed in the win and DL Corey Peters for the season and a host of other key contributors landing on the injured over Sea le. It was a fi ng end to a remark- able six-day stretch on the na onal stage in reserve list. which the All-Pro was named a team captain, Of the nine players currently on IR, eight are de- totaled 21 tackles, 2 INTs (one returned 90 fensive players. yards), 1.0 sack, 2 passes defensed, 2 tack- Despite that fact, defensive coordinator Vance les for loss, 2 QB hits, a forced fumble and an NFC “Defensive Player of the Joseph is leading a defense that has helped the Week” award (Week 6). The performance earn him NFC "Defensive Player of Cardinals to a 6-5 record while remaining in the the Month" honors for October. thick of the 2020 playoff race. Baker has registered 82 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 4 passes Arizona's Defense Through 11 Games in 2020 defensed and a forced fumble in 2020. His 82 tackles rank second on the team (Jordan Hicks - 87). Baker’s 82 tackles rank fourth among all NFL DBs in 2020, 24 diff erent players have started at least 1 game; only Jax (25) has had more despite having played in fewer games than any other player in the top-5. 16 diff erent players have at least 1.0 sack; total ranks #1 in the NFL 9 diff erent players with 2.0+ sacks; total ranks #1 in the NFL NFL Leaders – Total Tackles by a DB (2020) 5 di erent players with an INT Rnk Player (Team) Tackles GP ff 1 S Jordan Poyer (Buf) 89 11 3 diff erent players with 2+ INTs; only Ind (4), KC (4), NO (4) & TB (4) have more 2 S Jeremy Chinn (Car) 86 11 With all the turnover on defense, the unit s ll ranks among the top-15 in: 3 S Vonn Bell (Cin) 85 11 4 S Budda Baker (AZ) 82 10 Sta s c # Rnk 5 S Jessie Bates III (Cin) 75 11 Goal-to-Go TD Pct. 47.4 1 Rushing TDs Allowed 8 t-5 Since the start of the 2019 season, Baker leads all NFL DBs in total (229) Red Zone TD Pct. 52.6 5 and solo (150) tackles - and leads by a wide margin. Tackles for Loss 59 6 NFL Leaders – Total Tackles by a DB (2019-20) Sacks 28 10 Rnk Player (Team) Tackles Solo GP Total TDs Allowed 27 t-10 1 S Budda Baker (AZ) 229 150 26 Intercep ons 10 t-10 2 S Jordan Poyer (Buf) 193 112 27 Points Allowed/Game 23.5 14 3 S Logan Ryan (NYG) 176 111 27 QB Hits 65 t-14 4 S Jessie Bates III (Cin) 175 118 27 3rd Down Pct. 40.6 15 5 S Von Bell (Cin) 171 106 24 6 KYLER MURRAY - AT A G LANCE NOTHING LIKE NUMBERS MURRAY IS PUTTING UP