Game Release
WEEK 6 GAME RELEASE #AZvsDAL 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 ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-2) VS. DALLAS COWBOYS (2-3) AT&T Stadium | October 19, 2020 | 5:15 PM
THIS WEEK’S PREVIEW ARIZONA CARDINALS - 2020 SCHEDULE Playing their fourth road game of the season, and third in three weeks follow- Regular Season ing back-to-back East Coast games, the Cardinals travel to Dallas for a Monday Date Opponent Loca on AZ Time Night Football showdown with the Cowboys. Sep. 13 @ San Francisco Levi's Stadium W, 24-20 Sep. 20 WASHINGTON State Farm Stadium W, 30-15 Former NFC East rivals, the Cardinals and Cowboys have faced each other 88 Sep. 27 DETROIT State Farm Stadium L, 23-26 mes during the regular season. Arizona has won four of the last fi ve - and six of the last 10 - mee ngs. Dallas snapped the Cardinals four-game winning Oct. 4 @ Carolina Bank of America Stadium L 21-31 streak in the series with a Week 3 victory on Monday Night Football in 2017 - Oct. 11 @ N.Y. Jets MetLife Stadium W, 30-10 which was the last matchup between the two teams. Oct. 19 @ Dallas+ AT&T Stadium 5:15 PM Oct. 25 SEATTLE State Farm Stadium 1:05 PM Five of the last six games between the Cardinals and Cowboys took place in - BYE- Arizona and this week the Cardinals make just their second-ever regular season Nov. 8 MIAMI* State Farm Stadium 2:25 PM visit to AT&T Stadium. Arizona earned a 28-17 victory at Dallas in 2014. Nov. 15 BUFFALO* State Farm Stadium 2:05 PM This week's game also marks the 12th prime me matchup between the Car- Nov. 19 @ Sea le# CenturyLink Field 6:20 PM dinals and Cowboys. They have faced each other seven mes on MNF (Dallas Nov. 29 @ New England* Gille e Stadium 11:00 AM holds a 4-3 edge in those contests) and four mes on Sunday Night Football Dec. 6 L.A. RAMS* State Farm Stadium 2:05 PM (teams split those games 2-2). Dec. 13 @ N.Y. Giants* MetLife Stadium 11:00 AM The Cardinals hosted the last nine prime me contests against the Cowboys Dec. 20 PHILADELPHIA* State Farm Stadium 2:05 PM and Monday night's game marks the fi rst me Dallas has hosted the Cardinals Dec. 26/27 SAN FRANCISCO^ State Farm Stadium TBD in prime me since 1977. Jan. 3 @ L.A. Rams* SoFi Stadium 2:25 PM Signifi cantly more experienced at AT&T Stadium than their current team, Car- + ESPN Monday Night Football dinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury and QB Kyler Murray make their NFL debuts # FOX/NFL Network/Amazon Thursday Night Football at the venue on Monday Night Football. Kingsbury coached six games at AT&T ^ Date and Time TBD Stadium during his me as HC at Texas Tech. Da ng back to his sophomore year at Allen (TX) High School in 2012, Murray has played seven games and made six * Subject to fl exible scheduling decisions starts at AT&T Stadium. He started fi ve games there during his prep career and started one of two games played at the venue in college. This week's game will serve as the MNF debut for both Kingsbury and Murray. WR Chris an Kirk is also familiar with AT&T Stadium, having played there three mes while at Texas A&M. In those three games - all vs. Arkansas - Kirk had 520 yards (receiving # AZvsDAL - WEEK 6 HIG HLIG HTS and KOR) and six TDs, including an 81-yard TD recep on and 100-yard KOR TD. Not new to the spotlight game are WRs Larry Fitzgerald and DeAndre Hopkins. In their third consecu ve road game, the Cardinals travel to Dallas in Week Each player has played on Monday Night Football nine mes. Hopkins has 700 6 for a Monday Night matchup against the Cowboys. It will be the 89th all- receiving yards, four TD catches and three 100-yard performances playing on me regular season mee ng between the two teams. Arizona enters the MNF. In his last appearance playing on Monday Night - in Week 3 of the 2017 game having won four of the last fi ve vs. Dallas. season vs. Dallas - Fitzgerald fi nished with 13 recep ons for 149 yards and a TD. QB Kyler Murray is the first QB in the Super Bowl era with at least 8 passing Following this week's game against the Cowboys, the Cardinals return home to TDs and 5 rushing TDs in the first five games of a season. Murray has com- host the undefeated division rival Seahawks. Playing on a short week, Arizona pleted 128-of-181 pass attempts for 1,299 yards and 8 TDs, while also rushing will face a Sea le team coming off the bye in Week 6. Dallas follows up this for 296 yards and 5 TDs on 41 carries in 2020. week's game with a visit to Washington in Week 7. A native of Allen, TX, Murray had a legendary high school career which saw him post a perfect 43-0 record and win three consecutive state titles for G AME RELEASE INDEX the national powerhouse Allen Eagles. All three of the state title games were played at AT&T Stadium. Page Contents WR DeAndre Hopkins leads the NFL in receptions (45), receiving yards 2-3 Cardinals-Cowboys Series / Cardinals in Prime me (528) and first down receptions (29) in 2020. 4-5 2020 Season Highlights In two career appearances on Monday Night Football (both in 2017 w/Mi- 6 By The Numbers / What To Look For / Media Guide-Twi er Info 7-8 Kyler Murray Highlights ami), RB Kenyan Drake totaled 285 yards (196 rushing, 89 receiving), including 9 Fitz & Hopkins Duo / Captains / Zoom Info a 66-yard TD run vs. Carolina in Week 10. 10 Cards Leadership / Michael Bidwill / Steve Keim / Social Justice Initiatives 11 State Farm Stadium / Remembering Life of Larry Wilson Appearing on defense for the first time in his career last week, third-year 12-15 Larry Fitzgerald Highlights LB Dennis Gardeck posted 2.0 sacks in just 10 total defensive snaps vs. the 16-17 DeAndre Hopkins Highlights Jets. A special teams captain and 2019 Pro Bowl alternate, Gardeck signed 18 Kenyan Drake / Chris an Kirk / Chase Edmonds Highlights with Arizona as a rookie free agent out of the University of Sioux Falls in 2018. 19 Chandler Jones Highlights RB Chase Edmonds scored his third TD of the season - and 10th career TD 20-21 Defensive Highlights / Peterson / Hicks / Baker / Special Teams - on a 29-yard run in the first quarter last week. Edmonds now leads the NFL 23-24 Cardinals COVID-19 Relief Eff orts 25-26 Individual Player Notes with five TD runs of 20+ yards over the last two seasons (2019-20). That is one 27-60 Rosters / Depth Chart / Transac ons / 2020 Sta s cs more than Carolina RB Christian McCaffrey, who ranks second with 4. BROADCAST INFORMATION Television: ESPN / Play-By-Play: Steve Levy Analyst: Louis Riddick Analyst: Brian Griese Sideline: Lisa Salters Na onal Radio: Westwood One Sports / Play-By-Play: Kevin Harlan Analyst: Kurt Warner 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-COWBOYS CONNECTIONS A TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL LEGEND
Cowboys Connec ons Even in a place where high school football is Cardinals LB Devon Kennard’s father, Derek Kennard, played for the Cow- legendary, Kyler Murray's accomplishments at boys from 1994-96 and was part of the Dallas team that defeated Pi sburgh Allen (TX) High School - a national powerhouse in Super Bowl XXX at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, AZ. - made him one of the most accomplished high school players in the state's storied history. Cardinals Connec ons Cowboys CB C.J. Goodwin spent two games on the Cardinals ac ve ros- The state that produced future NFL QBs Drew ter in 2017. Brees, Patrick Mahomes, Andrew Luck, Vince Young, Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield - Cowboys S Darian Thompson was signed by Dallas off the Cardinals to name a few - had never seen the types of prac ce squad in 2018. numbers Murray put up at Allen High. Cowboys Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel is the son of former The majority of Murray's remarkable prep ca- NFL head coach Jim Fassel, the Cardinals off ensive coordinator in 1996. reer took place just 47 miles northeast of AT&T Texas/Dallas Area Connec ons Stadium - at Eagle Stadium. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (Allen), S Chris Banjo (Sugar Land), OL Kelvin In three seasons (2012-14) as a starting QB at Allen HS, Murray: Beachum (Mexia), RB Eno Benjamin (Wylie), K Zane Gonzalez (Deer Park), --Won 3 consecutive state titles OL Josh Jones (Richmond) and S Deionte Thompson (Orange) are Texas na- --Posted a perfect 43-0 record ves. Banjo and Beachum played college football at Southern Methodist, --Totaled 14,515 yards (10,386 passing; 4,129 rushing) and Jones played at Houston. --Scored 186 TDs (117 passing; 69 rushing) Cardinals WR Chris an Kirk played at Texas A&M from 2015-17, and LB Jor- As a senior in 2014, Murray earned National Player of the Year honors from dan Hicks played at Texas from 2010-14. Gatorade, Parade and USA Today. Cardinals Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers at- MURRAY'S HISTORY AT AT&T STADIUM tended Westlake (Aus n, TX) High School where he was Drew Brees' center Although he is facing Dallas for the first time, before going on to play LB at North Texas from 1996-99. Murray has played seven games at AT&T Sta- dium dating back to his sophomore year of high Cardinals O-Line coach Sean Kugler played at the University of Texas-El Paso school in 2012. He was 7-0 in those games, in- and later served as an assistant (1993-2000) and head coach (2013-17) for cluding 6-0 as a starter. the program. While at Allen High, Murray played five playoff Cardinals Asst. O-Line coach Brian Natkin is a San Antonio, TX na ve and games - including all three state championship was a consensus All-American selec on at TE for the University of Texas-El games - at AT&T Stadium. Paso before two s nts on the school’s coaching staff (2004-05, ‘12-17). ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL (5-0) Cardinals WRs coach David Raih served as Director of High School Rela- 12/22/12 vs. Lamar (W, 35-21) - Title Game ons/Outside WRs coach under Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury at 143 rushing yards and 2 TDs (55 and 68 yards) Texas Tech in 2013. 49 passing yards and 1 TD Cardinals Off ensive Assistant Jerry Sullivan coached WRs at Texas Tech from 12/21/13 vs. Pearland (W, 63-28) - Title Game 1973-75. 280 passing yards and 4 TDs Cardinals Assistant to the Head Coach Kenny Bell is a Houston, TX na ve 188 rushing yards and has worked with Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury at Houston 11/15/14 vs. Keller Central (W, 59-21) (2008-11), Texas A&M (2012) and Texas Tech (2013-18). 404 passing yards and 6 TDs Cardinals media rela ons coordinator Imani Suber is a na ve of Dallas and at- 26 rushing yards tended TCU, where she was a member of the school's Sports Informa on Dpt. 11/22/14 vs. DeSoto (W, 25-22) 196 rushing yards and 3 TDs Arizona Connec ons 97 passing yards Cowboys DE Everson Griff en is an Avondale, AZ na ve and a ended Agua Fria High School. 12/20/14 vs. Cypress Ranch (W, 47-16) - Title Game 316 passing yards and 5 TDs Cowboys Asst. Special Teams coach Ma Daniels is a na ve of Tucson, AZ. 63 rushing yards Cowboys RBs coach Skip Peete is a Phoenix, AZ na ve, a ended Sahuaro TEXAS A&M (Tucson) High School and played WR at the University of Arizona. 9/26/15 vs. Arkansas (W, 28-21) College/Pro Connec ons Did not start but rushed for 27 yards Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (2017-18) played with Cowboys WR Ceedee OKLAHOMA (1-0) Lamb (2017-19) and DT Neville Gallimore (2016-19) at Oklahoma. The 12/1/18 vs. Texas (W, 39-21) - Big 12 Championship Game Sooners were 2018 Big 12 Champions and fi nished the season ranked No. 379 passing yards and 3 TDs 4. With Murray in 2018, Lamb posted 1,158 yards and 11 TDs on 65 catches. 39 rushing yards Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy was the Saints Off ensive Coordinator while Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury played QB for the team in 2004. Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy held the same post in Green Bay KINGSBURY'S DEEP TEXAS ROOTS (2006-18) while Cardinals Pass Coordinator/QBs coach Tom Clements (2006-16), WRs coach David Raih (2014-18), Cowboys Asst. O-Line coach Jeff Blasko (2016-18), LBs coach Sco McCurley (2006-19) and O-Line coach A na ve of New Braunfels, TX, Cards head coach Joe Philbin (2003-11, ’18) were on the coaching sta . Kliff Kingsbury will be coaching his fi rst NFL game ff in his home state on Monday Night Football. Cardinals WR Chris an Kirk (2015-17) and Cowboys S Donovan Wilson (2014-18) played together at Texas A&M. This will mark Kingsbury's seventh game as a head coach at AT&T Stadium. His Texas Tech Cowboys WR Amari Cooper (2012-14) and Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake teams played Baylor at the venue six mes. (2012-15) played together at Alabama. They were part of the Crimson Tide team that won the BCS Na onal Championship following the 2012 season. Kingsbury grew up and played high school foot- ball under his father, Tim, at New Braunfels (TX) Cardinals QB Bre Hundley (2015-17) and Cowboys Coaching Assistant High School. As a senior in 1997, he threw for Sco Tolzien (2013-15) played together for the Packers under Cowboys over 3,000 yards and 34 TDs to lead the Unicorns Head Coach Mike McCarthy. to the Class 5A Division II state semifi nals. He was Cardinals DL Jordan Phillips (2012-14) and Cowboys TE Blake Bell (2011-14) inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2018. played together at Oklahoma. Kingsbury then went on to a prolifi c career as a QB at Texas Tech (1999- Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (2016-19), CB Saivion Smith (2018) and Cardi- 2002), where he threw for more than 12,000 and 95 TDs while se ng 39 nals S Deionte Thompson (2015-18) played together at Alabama. Diggs and school and 17 NCAA records during his collegiate career. Kingsbury re- Thompson won a BCS Na onal Championship following the 2017 season. corded more than 12,000 passing yards and total off ense, including over Cardinals CB Dre Kirkpatrick (2012-19) played alongside Cowboys QB Andy 1,000 comple ons, making him just the third player in NCAA history to Dalton (2011-19) in Cincinna . accomplish all three feats. Cardinals DE Jordan Phillips (2015-18) and RB Kenyan Drake (2016-19) As a senior in 2002, he was awarded the Sammy Baugh Trophy as the na- played with Cowboys LB Jus n March (2017) in Miami. on’s top college QB and was also named the Associated Press Big 12 Of- Cardinals DL Angelo Blackson (2015-16) played with Cowboys DT Antwaun fensive Player of the Year while fi nishing ninth in Heisman Trophy vo ng. Woods (2016) and C Joe Looney (2015) in Tennessee. Following his playing days, Kingsbury embarked on a coaching career that - un l he was hired by Arizona in 2019 - had taken place en rely in his Cardinals DL Leki Fotu (2016-19) and LB Kylie Fi s (2013-17) played at Utah with Cowboys DE Bradlee Anae (2016-19). Fotu also played for the Utes home state of Texas. He started at the University of Houston (2008-11), with Cowboys LB Francis Bernard in 2019. before moving on to Texas A&M (2012) and then back to his alma mater, Texas Tech, where he served as head coach from 2013-18. 2 C ARDS-COWBOYS O N MO NDAY NIG HT CARDINALS VS. COWBOYS - THE SERIES
The Cardinals face the Cowboys on Monday Night Former NFC East foes, the Cardinals and Cowboys have faced each other 88 Football this week in the fi rst of two prime me ap- mes during the regular season with the Cowboys holding a 56-31-1 advan- pearances for Arizona in 2020 (Week 11 at Sea le on tage in the all- me regular season series. Arizona won the only playoff game Thursday Night Football). in this series (1998 Wild Card). Arizona is making its 27th appearance on Monday Despite Dallas' lead in the series, the Cardinals have won four of the last fi ve Night Football da ng back to 1970 and its 14th ap- - and six of the last 10 - mee ngs. pearance da ng back to 1988. This week’s game th Five of the last six games between the Cardinals and Cowboys took place in marks the 11 me in 15 seasons the Cards have Arizona and this week the Cardinals make just their second-ever visit to AT&T played on MNF. Stadium. Arizona earned a 28-17 victory at Dallas in 2014. This week's game is Arizona's fi rst MNF appearance The series dates back to 1960 and from 1970 to 2001, the two teams met since facing Dallas in Week 3 of the 2017 season at State Farm Stadium. twice annually as members of the NFC East. Since realignment in 2002, the CARDINALS AND COWBOYS IN PRIMETIME two teams have met nine mes. In those nine mee ngs, the Cardinals hold This week's game also marks the 12th ever prime me matchup between a 5-4 advantage. Arizona and Dallas, and the fi rst since the teams faced off on Monday Night Football in 2017. CARDS-COWBOYS REGULAR SEASON SERIES The Cardinals and Cowboys have faced each other seven mes on MNF (Dal- Overall Regular Season Series: 31-56-1 las holds a 4-3 edge in those contests) and four mes on Sunday Night Foot- Cardinals on the road at DAL: 10-32-0 ball (teams split those games 2-2). First Mee ng: 10/23/60 vs. Dallas, W, 12-10 Monday's game marks just the second prime me matchup between the two Last Mee ng: 9/25/17 vs. Dallas, L, 28-17 (MNF) teams in the last 20 years (2001-20). Last Cardinals Road Win: 11/2/14 at Dallas, W, 28-17 The Cardinals hosted the last nine prime me contests against the Cowboys and Monday Night's game marks the fi rst me Arizona will be on the road in this prime me series since 1977. SEASON STATISTICS Cardinals vs. Cowboys in Prime me (5-6) Date Result Game StatisticStatistic AZ Rank DAL Rank 9/25/17 vs. Dallas L, 28-17 MNF Points Scored/Game 25.6 16 32.6 3 9/10/00 vs. Dallas W, 32-31 SNF Points Allowed/Game 20.4 5 36.0 32 9/7/97 vs. Dallas W, 25-22 (OT) SNF TDs Scored 16 t-10 20 2 12/25/95 vs. Dallas L, 37-13 MNF TDs Allowed 11 t-7 20 t-31 9/19/93 vs. Dallas L, 17-10 SNF Rushing TDs 8 t-3 9 t-1 9/22/91 vs. Dallas L, 17-9 SNF Passing TDs 8 t-16 10 t-8 9/12/88 vs. Dallas L, 17-14 MNF Rushing TDs Allowed 3 t-4 7 26 9/29/86 vs. Dallas L, 31-7 MNF Passing TDs Allowed 8 t-16 12 t-29 11/4/85 vs. Dallas W, 21-10 MNF Sacked/Yards Lost 8/27 t-10 11/71 t-16 11/14/77 @ Dallas W, 24-17 MNF Fumbles/Lost 5/1 t-7 8/7 32 11/16/70 @ Dallas W, 38-0 MNF Field Goals Made 6/8 t-24 8/9 t-14 Total Yards/Game 395.4 10 488.0 1 Opp. Total Yards/Game 346.6 10 404.4 27 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Rushing Yards/Game 141.0 6 106.6 19 Opp. Rushing Yards/Game 124.2 19 155.8 27 th Passing Yards/Game 254.4 17 381.4 1 The 2020 season marks the 50 anniversary of Mon- Opp. Passing Yards/Game 222.4 5 248.6 20 day Night Football, which began in 1970 on ABC with Turnover Ratio -4 t-26 -8 32 Howard Cosell, Keith Jackson and Don Meredith call- Average Time of Possession 29:30 18 26:25 30 ing the ac on. Then NFC East foes, the Cardinals and Cowboys squared off in the debut season of MNF when they CARDS WHO SHINE ON MONDAY NIGHT met on 11/16/70 in front of 69,323 fans at the Cot- ton Bowl. In was the ninth MNF broadcast of the sea- son and the fi rst-ever MNF appearance for both the WR DEANDRE HOPKINS Cardinals and Cowboys. In nine career appearances on Monday Night Football, Hopkins has 50 recep ons The Cardinals dominated the game, earning a 38-0 for 700 yards and four TDs. His most recent victory in the fi rst-ever shutout on MNF. RB Johnny appearance - playing the Saints in 2019 Roland provided three of the Cardinals fi ve TDs, including a 74-yard punt return for a score. The Cardinals defense forced six with Houston - was also his most produc- turnovers in the contest, including four INTs of Cowboys QBs Craig Morton (3) ve. He fi nished with eight recep ons for and Roger Staubach (1). Two of those INTs were recorded by Cardinals Hall of 111 yards and two TDs. Fame CB Roger Wehrli. Hopkins has 100+ receiving yards in three of his MNF appearances. Hopkins 100-Yard Games on Monday Night Football CARDINALS TOP MNF PERFORMANCES Date Rec Yds Avg. 9/9/19 @ New Orleans 8 111 13.8 11/27/17 @ Bal more 7 125 17.9 The Cardinals have played on Monday Night Football 27 mes da ng back to 10/20/14 @ Pi sburgh 6 108 18.0 1970 and below are some of the top performances: RB KENYAN DRAKE Sta s c Total Player Date In two appearances on MNF (both in 2017 with Miami), Drake has rushed for Total Points 18 (2x) last David Johnson 10/17/16 vs. NYJ Total TDs 3 (2x) last David Johnson 10/17/16 vs. NYJ 196 yards and a TD on 32 carries (6.1 avg) and also added seven recep ons Longest TD 93t (KOR) Terry Metcalf 10/13/75 @ Was for 89 yards. He had a 66-yard TD run against Carolina in 2017. Rushing Yards 122 Chris Johnson 10/26/15 vs. Bal Drake on Monday Night Football Rushing TDs 3 David Johnson 10/17/16 vs. NYJ Opponent Rush Yds TD Rec Yds Longest TD Run 58t David Johnson 10/17/16 vs. NYJ 12/11/17 vs. NE 25 114 0 5 79 Receiving Yards 172 Larry Centers 12/25/95 vs. Dal 11/13/17 @ Car 7 82 1 2 10 Recep ons 13 Larry Fitzgerald 9/25/17 vs. Dal WR LARRY FITZGERALD Receiving TDs 2 Anquan Boldin 11/10/08 vs. SF Fitzgerald had one of the most produc ve games of his career when the Longest TD Recep on 49t Mel Gray 11/14/77 @ Dal Cardinals last faced the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. On 9/25/17 vs. Passing Yards 353 Jim Hart 11/11/74 vs. Min Dallas, Fitzgerald posted 13 recep ons for 149 yards and a TD. His 13 catches Passing TDs 3 Kurt Warner 11/10/08 vs. SF are the most for any Cardinals player in 27 all- me appearances on MNF. Passer Ra ng 122.1 Carson Palmer 10/26/15 vs. Bal Longest TD Pass 49t Jim Hart 11/14/77 @ Dal CB DRE KIRKPATRICK In seven career games on MNF, Kirkpatrick has 32 tackles, 3 INTs (1 returned Sacks 2.0 (2x) last Daryl Washington 10/29/12 vs. SF for a TD) and eight passes defensed. Intercep ons 2 (2x) last Lionel Washington 9/29/86 vs. Dal Long INT Return 79t Mike Sensibaugh 10/31/77 vs. NYG While playing for Cincinna , Kirkpatrick scored his second career TD when he Field Goals 3 (2x) last Neil Rackers 11/10/08 vs. SF picked off a Peyton Manning pass late in the fourth quarter and returned it 30 Long Field Goal 48 Neil Rackers 12/14/09 vs. SF yards for a TD to seal the Bengals 37-28 win over Denver on 12/22/14. Longest Punt Return 74t Johnny Roland 11/16/70 @ Dal 3 A TIG HT RAC E IN THE NFC WEST OFFENSE HAS ANOTHER BIG OUTING IN WEEK 5
The Cardinals remain in the thick of a The Cardinals fi nished last Sunday's win over tough race in the NFL's winningest di- the Jets with a season-high 496 total net vision in 2020. Arizona's 30-10 victory yards (369 passing, 127 rushing) and 28 fi rst over the Jets last week improved its re- downs. cord to 3-2 this season. It marked the seventh me Arizona reached A Look at the NFC West in 2020 400+ total yards in 21 games under head --A er going 3-1 in Week 5, the NFC coach Kliff Kingsbury. Arizona reached 400+ West (14) leads the NFL in wins in 2020. yards just once in 32 games over the two sea- --The NFC West remains the only divi- sons combined (2017-18) prior to his arrival. sion in which each team has a posi ve Through fi ve games, the Cardinals have piled point diff eren al. up 1,977 total net yards on off ense (1,272 --With 557 points scored, the NFC West leads all divisions in scoring. The passing; 705 rushing). Arizona’s 1,977 total yards represent the fi h-highest total in fran- AFC North (525) ranks in second. chise history through the fi rst fi ve games of a 2020 NFC West Standings season – and the most since the team had 2,058 total yards in 1988. Team W L PF PA Hm Road Div Conf Sea le 5 0 169 135 3-0 2-0 0-0 3-0 Franchise History – Most Yards Thru 5 Games L.A. Rams 4 1 136 90 2-0 2-1 0-0 4-0 Rnk Year Yards Arizona 3 2 128 102 1-1 2-1 1-0 2-2 1 1963 2,092 San Francisco 2 3 124 114 0-3 2-0 0-1 1-2 2 1984 2,082 This week in the division: 3 1988 2,058 Arizona (3-2) at Dallas (2-3) - MNF 4 1948 2,016 L.A. Rams (4-1) at San Francisco (2-3) 5 2020 1,977 Sea le has Bye Week The 2020 season marks the fourth me in franchise history the Cardinals have at least 1,200 passing yards and 700 rushing yards through the fi rst fi ve EIGHT STRAIGHT WITH 21+ POINTS games of a season. Franchise History – 1,200 Pass Yards & 700 Rush Yds Thru 5 Games Year Pass Rush Total Last Sunday’s victory over the Jets (30 points) 2020 1,272 705 1,977 marked the eighth consecu ve game the Car- 1988 1,208 850 2,058 dinals have scored at least 21 points. Only two 1984 1,322 760 2,082 teams have longer ac ve streaks than Arizona. 1963 1,250 842 2,092 Consecu ve Games Scoring 21+ Pts (Ac ve) Rnk Team Gms The Cardinals put up 496 total yards of off ense and also averaged 7.3 yards 1 Kansas City 16 per play against the Jets. It is the second me in 21 games under Kingsbury 2 New Orleans 12 that Arizona has posted 450+ total yards and averaged 7.0+ yards per play in 3 Arizona 8 a game (Week 5 at Cincinna in 2019 – 514 yards, 7.2 ypp). In the 22 years 4 Green Bay 7 prior to his arrival, the team had just four such performances. 5 Sea le 6 The Cardinals current streak of eight straight games with 21+ points is the team's longest TRADING THE DEEP FRYER FOR A GAME BALL since 2013 (8) and is ed for the fi h-longest in team history. Franchise Record - Consecu ve Games Scoring 21+ Pts The only game ball given out following last week's Rnk Year(s) Gms victory over the Jets went to third-year LB Dennis 1 1983-84 11 Gardeck - adding a new chapter in the inspiring 2t 2007-08 10 GOING FOR 21+ UNDER KINGSBURY The Cardinals have scored 21+ points in 15 of story the former undra ed rookie authored on 2t 1948-49 10 his way to the NFL playing eld. 4 1975-76 9 21 games under Kingsbury. Arizona scored 21+ fi 5t 2019-20 8 points in an NFL-low 9 games in the two seasons Playing the fi rst defensive snaps of his career, 5t 2013 8 prior to his arrival (2017-18). Gardeck - a special teams captain who signed 5t 2008 8 with the Cardinals as a rookie free agent out of the University of Sioux Falls in 2018 - fi nished last week’s game against the Jets with 2.0 sacks in just DEFENSE HOLDS JETS TO 10 POINTS 10 defensive snaps. His second quarter sack of Jets QB Joe Flacco was his The Cardinals defense allowed season-lows in fi rst sack since his senior year at Sioux Falls in 2017. points (10), total yards (285), passing yards (162), It was a big performance for the Lake of the Hills, IL yards per play (4.5) and average yards per pass play na ve but it wasn't the fi rst success he has experienced in the NFL. (4.5) last week against the Jets. A special teams standout in his fi rst two seasons, Gardeck was named a Pro The 10 points allowed are the fewest for the Cardi- Bowl alternate in 2019 a er pos ng a team-high 10 tackles and a fumble recov- nals under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. It ery. In 35 career games, he has 24 special teams tackles, three punt defl ec ons, also marked the fourth me in the last seven games a fumble recovery on a fake punt and also scored a TD on a blocked punt. In Arizona’s defense has allowed 20 points or fewer. 2018, he led all NFL rookies with 388 total snaps on special teams. With the win last Sunday, the Cardinals improved A SMALL SCHOOL STANDOUT AND FAST FOOD STAR to 3-0 this season when holding an opponent to 20 Gardeck's path to the NFL didn't run through a blue-chip college. Following high points or fewer. school, he a ended Division II West Virginia State University for three seasons before spending his fi nal college season at Sioux Falls as a graduate transfer. He KEEPING THE OPPONENT OUT OF THE ENDZONE was a standout in college though. The Cardinals also held the Jets to just one TD on three red zone possessions and kept them out of the end zone in their only goal-to-goal possession. He recorded 345 tackles, 32.0 sacks, 57.5 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries in four seasons and was named to fi ve Division II All- That performance kept with a trend for the Cardinals defense in 2020. Arizona America teams as a senior in 2017. has allowed opponents to score a TD on just nine of 21 red zone possessions this season. Only Chicago (36.8%) has a be er opponent red zone TD percent- He kept himself busy off the fi eld during his college days as well. He earned a age than Arizona (42.9) in 2020. degree from West Virginia State (Gardeck is currently studying for a Masters of Business Administra on degree) while also working at McDonald's. He started When opponents get really close is when the Cardinals defense clamps down out on the grill crew but "worked his way up" to the assembly table and fryars. best. In goal-to-goal situa ons, Arizona has allowed TDs on just four of 10 pos- “It feels weird saying it was a good fi t, but I had a blast there,” he said. “I loved sessions. The Cardinals 40.0% opponent goal-to-goal percentage leads the NFL it. I loved my coworkers.” in 2020. ALL-PRO HOPKINS HAPPY FOR HIS TRAINING PARTNER TWO MORE GET FIRST SACK OF 2020 IN NEW YORK Following last week's game, WR DeAndre Hopkins spoke of how happy he was With LB Dennis Gardeck (2.0) and S Budda Baker recording their fi rst sack of to see Gardeck's hard work paying off . "I rehabbed and trained with Dennis this the season last Sunday in New York, the Cardinals now have had nine diff erent off season before I came here and I saw the work that he put in. I got to see the players post at least 1.0 sack in 2020. work he put in behind the scenes and for him to go in do what he did today, I Bal more (11) is the only team who has more players with at least 1.0 sack. knew he was going to give his all and it resulted in two sacks. That is what you look for in a guy like that. It gives the team mo va on." 4 HO PKINS' RECORD-SETTING START INSIDE THE NUMBERS - WHERE AZ RANKS
A er catching six passes for 131 yards and a Below is a breakdown of the Cardinals offensive and defensive rankings in a TD in last Sunday's win over the Jets, WR De- variety of different categories this season. Andre Hopkins con nues his record-breaking debut season with the Cardinals. Arizona Off ensive Rankings in 2020 Sta s c NFL Rnk Through fi ve games, Hopkins has 45 recep- Goal-to-Go TD Pct. (100.0) t-1 ons for 528 yards and two TDs. He leads the 4th Down Conv. Pct. (100.0) t-1 NFL in recep ons, receiving yards and fi rst Red Zone TD Pct. (81.3) 2ⁿ down recep ons in 2020. Total 1st Downs (128) 2ⁿ Rushing TDs (8) t-3 NFL Leaders - Recep ons (2020) Rushing 1st Downs (46) 4 Rnk Player (Team) Rec Big Play Runs (21) 4 1 DeAndre Hopkins (AZ) 45 Big Plays (37) t-5 2 Amari Cooper (Dal) 39 Total Plays (337) 6 3 Alvin Kamara (NO) 38 Rushing Yards/Game (141.0) 6 4 Robby Anderson (Car) 36 Total TDs (16) t-10 5 Allen Robinson (Chi) 35 Sacks Allowed (8) t-10 NFL Leaders - Receiving Yards (2020) NFL Leaders - 1st Down Receptions (2020) Total Yards/Game (395.4) 10 Rnk Player (Team) Yds Rnk Player (Team) 1st Passing TDs (8) t-16 1 DeAndre Hopkins (AZ) 528 1 DeAndre Hopkins (AZ) 29 Arizona Defensive Rankings in 2020 2 D.K. Metcalf (Sea) 496 2t Tyler Boyd (Cin) 25 Sta s c NFL Rnk 3 Robby Anderson (Car) 489 2t Calvin Ridley (Atl) 25 Goal-to-Go TD Pct. (40.0) 1st 4 Calvin Ridley (Atl) 485 4 Amari Cooper (Dal) 23 Red Zone TD Pct. (42.9) 2ⁿ 5 CeeDee Lamb (Dal) 433 5 Terry McLaurin (Was) 22 3rd Down Pct. (35.6) 4 45 CATCHES IN FIRST FIVE GAMES AS A CARDINAL SET NFL RECORD Points Allowed/Game (20.4) 5 Passing Yards/Game (222.4) 5 Hopkins' 45 recep ons are the most in NFL history in a player’s fi rst fi ve games Rushing TDs Allowed (3) t-4 with a team. Points/Drive Allowed (1.92) 7 NFL Record – Recep ons in 1st 5 Games with a Team Sacks (14.0) t-7 Rnk Player (Team) Rec Year Total TDs Allowed (11) t-7 1 DeAndre Hopkins (AZ) 45 2020 Tackles for Loss (24) t-8 2 Eric Metcalf (Atl) 42 1995 Total Net Yards/Game (346.6) 10 3 Terance Mathis (Atl) 40 1994 QB Hits (29) t-10 4 Andre Rison (Atl) 38 1990 5t Brandon Marshall (Mia) 37 2010 5t Brandon Marshall (NYJ) 37 2015 ONE OF NFL'S TOP RUN GAMES Only three players in NFL history had more recep ons through the fi rst fi ve games of a season than Hopkins has in 2020. The Cardinals ran for 127 yards and three TDs on 30 carries (4.2 avg.) in the win st over the Jets last week. Arizona has now rushed for 100+ yards in all fi ve games NFL Record – Recep ons in 1 5 Games of a Season Rnk Player (Team) Rec Year this season. It marks just the third me in the last 33 years (1988-20) that the 1t Adam Thielen (Min) 47 2018 Cardinals have rushed for 100+ yards in each of the fi rst fi ve games of a season. 1t T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cin) 47 2007 In 21 games under Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals 3 Michael Thomas (NO) 46 2018 have rushed for 2,691 yards and 26 TDs on 514 4t DeAndre Hopkins (AZ) 45 2020 carries (5.0 avg.). Arizona has rushed for 100+ 4t Michael Thomas (NO) 45 2019 yards in 15 of 21 games played under Kingsbury. 4t Wes Welker (NE) 45 2011 Arizona's three rushing TDs vs. the Jets came A START FOR THE CARDINALS RECORD BOOKS from three diff erent players: QB Kyler Murray, Hopkins (45) established a franchise record for recep ons in the fi rst fi ve games RB Chase Edmonds and RB Kenyan Drake. It of a season. J.T. Smith (44 in 1989) held the previous mark. marked the fi rst me since 12/20/09 vs. Detroit that the Cardinals had three diff erent players Franchise Record – Recep ons in 1st 5 Games of Season score a rushing TD in a game. Rnk Player (Year) Rec 1 DeAndre Hopkins (2020) 45 Arizona ranks sixth in the NFL averaging 141.0 2 J.T. Smith (1989) 44 rushing yards per game in 2020. 3t Larry Fitzgerald (2005) 36 NFL Leaders – Rushing Yards/Game (2020) 3t Anquan Boldin (2005) 36 Rnk Team Yds/Gm A Avg TD 5t Larry Fitzgerald (2009) 35 1 Cleveland 188.4 172 5.5 8 5t Larry Centers (1996) 35 2 New England 179.8 140 5.1 7 3 Bal more 160.8 144 5.6 5 Only two players in franchise history had more receiving yards through the fi rst 4 Minnesota 160.6 154 5.2 8 fi ve games of a season than Hopkins has in 2020 (528). 5 Green Bay 150.8 119 5.1 4 Franchise Record – Receiving Yards in 1st 5 Games of Season 6 Arizona 141.0 148 4.8 8 Rnk Player (Year) Yds 7 L.A. Rams 139.6 169 4.1 9 1 J.T. Smith (1989) 549 8 Pi sburgh 138.8 122 4.6 4 2 Anquan Boldin (2005) 547 9t Tennessee 129.0 102 3.8 2 3 DeAndre Hopkins (2020) 528 9t San Francisco 129.0 128 5.0 8 4 Larry Fitzgerald (2005) 504 LONG DISTANCE RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS 5 Anquan Boldin (2003) 497 RB Chase Edmonds had a 29-yard rushing TD last week vs. the Jets, giving Ari- BIG RECEIVING YARDAGE TOTALS EARLY ON zona three rushing TDs of 20+ yards in 2020 (QB Kyler Murray has two such TD Last Sunday’s game (131 yards) marked Hopkins’ third with 130+ receiving yards runs). That is ed with Cincinna for the most in the NFL this season. this season. He is the fi rst player in Cardinals history with at least three games of 130+ receiving yards in the fi rst fi ve games of a season. Hopkins has nearly as many games with 130+ receiving yards in fi ve ou ngs DEFENSE IN LAST 9 GAMES UNDER VANCE with the Cardinals this season (3) as he had in 31 games over his fi nal two sea- sons (2018-19) in Houston combined (4). Da ng back to the fi nal four games of last season, Arizona’s defense under A CAREER-HIGH IN WEEK 1 coordinator Vance Joseph ranks: Making his Cardinals debut at San Francisco, Hopkins established a career- NFL Defensive Ranks (Since Week 14 of 2019) high with 14 recep ons, fi nishing with 151 receiving yards. Sta s c Rnk Tackles for Loss (51) 4th Hopkins’ 14 recep ons were the most in franchise history in a season-opener Rushing TDs Allowed (5) t-5th and ed for the second-highest single-game total in franchise history. Passing Yards/Game (214.7) 6 Franchise Record – Recep ons (Single-Game) Red Zone TD % (51.5) 7 Rnk Player Rec Opponent Points Allowed/Game (21.4) 7 1 Sonny Randle 16 11/4/62 at NYG Yards/Play Allowed (5.28) 7 2t DeAndre Hopkins 14 9/13/20 at SF Sacks (24) t-9 2t Anquan Boldin 14 9/23/07 at Bal Net Yards Allowed/Game (338.8) 10 4t 7 mes 13 TDs Allowed (20) t-11 5 BY THE NU MBERS WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN WEEK 6
7 WITH A WIN THIS WEEK... Games that Kyler Murray has played at AT&T Stadium da ng back to his Arizona would improve to 4-1 in its last fi ve appearances on Monday Night sophomore year of high school in 2012. In six starts (5 for Allen High School; Football. The Cardinals would have as many wins in their last fi ve MNF appear- 1 for Oklahoma), Murray went 6-0. He also appeared in one game at AT&T ances (4) as they had in the previous 20 (4). Stadium while at Texas A&M, which the Aggies won. The Cardinals would improve to 5-1 in their last six games against Dallas and 2,180 would also improve to 2-0 all- me at AT&T Stadium. Total yards for Murray in his six starts at AT&T Stadium (1,525 passing; 655 Arizona would improve to 4-2 and would be off to its best start since 2015 rushing). He also accounted for 24 total TDs in those six contests, including 19 (also went 4-2). passing TDs and 5 rushing TDs. MILESTONES WITHIN REACH QB Kyler Murray 11 With a win, Murray would improve to 7-0 in his starts at AT&T Stadium da ng Seasons Kliff Kingsbury spent coaching at the college level (2008-18), all of which took place in his home state of Texas. He started at the University of back to his sophomore year at Allen (TX) High School. Houston (2008-11), before moving on to Texas A&M (2012) and then With a rushing TD, Murray (6) would e the franchise single-season record for back to his alma mater, Texas Tech, where he served as head coach from rushing TDs by a QB (Jim Hart - 6 in 1968). 2013-18. With three TD passes, Murray would have 11 TD passes in 2020. Only three players in team history would have more through the fi rst six games of a sea- 285 son: Carson Palmer (14 in 2015), Charley Johnson (13 in 1965) and Kurt Warner Total scrimmage yards for RB Kenyan Drake in two career appearances on (12 in 2008). Monday Night Football (both in 2017 w/Miami). In those two games, he rushed for 196 yards and a TD and had 89 receiving yards on seven WR Larry Fitzgerald recep ons. Drake had a 66-yard TD run vs. Carolina on MNF in Week 10. With a recep on, Fitzgerald would have at least one catch in 249 consecu ve games, extending the second-longest streak in NFL history (Jerry Rice - 274). 45 With 100+ receiving yards, Fitzgerald would have 50 career 100-yard games Recep ons for Hopkins this season. His 45 catches, 528 receiving yards and 29 to extend his franchise record. He would have more than the players in second fi rst down recep ons all lead the NFL in 2020. and third place on the franchise all- me list combined (49). 496 WR DeAndre Hopkins Total yards for the Cardinals in their win over the Jets last week (369 passing, With three catches, Hopkins (48) would establish a franchise record for recep- 127 rushing). It marked the seventh me Arizona reached 400+ total yards in ons in the fi rst six games of a season. 21 games under Kingsbury. The Cardinals reached 400+ yards just once in 32 With fi ve recep ons, Hopkins would have 5+ catches in 24 consecu ve games, games over the two seasons combined (2017-18) prior to his arrival. extending the second-longest streak in the NFL history. 1,977 With 76 receiving yards, Hopkins would establish a franchise record for receiv- Total yards for the Cardinals off ense in 2020 (1,272 passing, 705 rushing). ing yards through the fi rst six games of a season. J.T. Smith (602 in 1989) holds Arizona’s 1,977 total yards represent the fi h-highest total in franchise history the current mark. through the fi rst fi ve games of a season – and the most since the team had With 100 receiving yards, Hopkins would join J.T. Smith (4 in 1989) as the 2,058 total yards in 1988. only players in franchise history with 100+ receiving yards in four of the fi rst six 3 games of a season. It would also give Hopkins four career 100-yard ou ngs on Games this season in which the Cardinals have held an opponent to 20 points Monday Night Football. or fewer. Arizona is 3-0 in those contests. Only the Ravens, Rams and Chiefs (each with 4) have allowed 20 points or fewer in more games than Arizona. W EEK 6 AROUND THE NFL 8 Consecu ve games the Cardinals have scored 21+ points. Only Kansas City Teams on bye: Seahawks, Chargers, Saints, Raiders (16) and New Orleans (12) have scored 21+ in more consecu ve games. Sunday, October 18 4 Denver Broncos at New England Patriots - 10:00 AM (CBS) Games this season in which Murray has both a passing and rushing TD. That Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans - 10:00 AM (CBS) is the most in the NFL. Buff alo's Josh Allen (3) ranks second entering the Bills Cleveland Browns at Pi sburgh Steelers - 10:00 AM (CBS) Tuesday night game against the Titans. Bal more Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles - 10:00 AM (CBS) Washington at New York Giants - 10:00 AM (FOX) 380 Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings - 10:00 AM (FOX) Passing yards for Murray in last week's win over the Jets, a career high. It was Detroit Lions at Jacksonville Jaguars - 10:00 AM (FOX) the most passing yards by a Cardinals QB in a win since Carson Palmer threw Cincinna Bengals at Indianapolis Colts - 10:00 AM (FOX) for 419 yards in a 27-14 victory at Jacksonville on 11/17/13. Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers - 10:00 AM (FOX) New York Jets at Miami Dolphins - 1:05 PM (CBS) 290 Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1:25 PM (FOX) Passing yards for Murray on the Cardinals fi ve scoring drives last week in New Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers - 5:20 PM (NBC) York. On those fi ve drives, Murray completed 18-of-22 pass a empts (81.8%) for 290 yards and a TD while also rushing for 33 yards and a TD on fi ve carries. Monday, October 19 Kansas City Chiefs at Buff alo Bills - 2:00 PM (FOX/NFLN/Amazon) 5 Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys - 5:15 PM (ESPN) Rushing TDs of 20+ yards for RB Chase Edmonds over the last two seasons. That is the most in the NFL during that span. Edmonds had a 29-yard TD run in the fi rst quarter last week, giving him four TD runs of 20+ yards in two career K EEPING UP WITH THE C ARDINALS games at MetLife Stadium (had 3 in Week 7 of last year). Last year the Cardinals launched a new media site 10 on NFL Online Media Guide (www.NFLOMG.com). Total defensive snaps played by LB Dennis Gardeck in last week's game against the Jets. A special teams captain now in his third NFL season, they were the The all-encompassing media resource has taken fi rst defensive snaps of Gardeck's career. He posted his fi rst two career sacks in on special importance in following the Cardinals in the win over New York. 2020. Due to safety precau ons put in place during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, hard copies of the 255 game release, game books, transcripts and other Career games played for WR Larry Fitzgerald. In NFL history, only eight players team produced materials are not passed out during have appeared in more games with a single team. The only off ensive players the week or on game day at State Farm Stadium. in NFL history to appear in more games with a single team are OL Bruce Mat- thews (296 w/Titans), QB Tom Brady (285 w/Patriots) and OL Jackie Slater The Cardinals OMG site is updated con nuously (259 w/ Rams). and includes the following and more: Tradi onal media guide informa on 61.0 Player bios that will feature career and seasons Sacks for LB Chandler Jones in 69 career games with the Cardinals. His 61.0 stats updated in real- me. sacks da ng back to 2016 are more than any other player in the NFL has dur- Offi cial league sta s cs from NFL GSIS ing that span (Aaron Donald ranks second with 59.5). Tweet-ready charts and stat grids that update in real me Customizable in-game reports 10 Final game books and sta s cs Rushing TDs for RB Kenyan Drake in 13 games with the Cardinals. He has more Records and milestones tracked live TD runs in 13 games with Arizona than he did in 54 games with Miami (9). Postgame quotes 6 KYLER MURRAY - AT A G LANCE NOTHING LIKE NUMBERS MURRAY IS PUTTING UP