PRESEASON WEEK 1 GAME RELEASE #DALvsAZ Mark Dal ton - Sr. Vice Presid ent, Med ia Rel ations Ch ris Mel vin - Sr. Director, Med ia Rel ations Mike Hel m - Sr. Manag er, Med ia Rel ations Chase Russell - Manager, Corporate Communications Imani Suber - Media Relations Coordinator DALLAS COWBOYS VS. ARIZONA CARDINALS State Farm Stadium | August 13, 2021 | 7:00 PM
THIS WEEK’S PREVIEW ARIZONA CARDINALS - 2021 SCHEDULE For the fi rst me in nearly two years - or 716 days to be specifi c - the Cardinals Preseason will play in a preseason game when they host the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Date Opponent Loca on AZ Time Stadium on Friday (8/13). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic elimina ng the 2020 preseason, this week's game comes just two days shy of two years since the Aug. 13 DALLAS State Farm Stadium 7:00 PM Cardinals last hosted a preseason game. Aug. 20 KANSAS CITY+ State Farm Stadium 5:00 PM Aug. 28 @ New Orleans Caesars Superdome 5:00 PM Arizona's preseason opener vs. Dallas is the fi rst of three` contests for the Car- dinals before they embark on the new 17-game regular season in 2021. Ari- Regular Season zona will host Kansas City next week and then travel to New Orleans for the Date Opponent Loca on AZ Time preseason finale before beginning the regular season at Tennessee in Week 1. Sep. 12 @ Tennessee Nissan Stadium 10:00 AM This week’s game marks the seventh all- me preseason mee ng between the Sep. 19 MINNESOTA State Farm Stadium 1:05 PM the Cardinals and Cowboys. Arizona enters this week's game with a 5-1 all- me Sep. 26 @ Jacksonville TIAA Bank Field 10:00 AM record vs. Dallas in the preseason. Oct. 3 @ L.A. Rams SoFi Stadium 1:05 PM The former division opponents - who ba led yearly as members of the NFC East Oct. 10 SAN FRANCISCO* State Farm Stadium 1:25 PM from 1970-2001 - have met 89 mes in the regular season. The 90 mee ng Oct. 17 @ Cleveland* FirstEnergy Stadium 1:05 PM will come later this season when the Cardinals travel to Dallas in Week 17. The Oct. 24 HOUSTON* State Farm Stadium 1:25 PM teams played in Week 6 last season at Dallas when Arizona earned a 38-10 vic- Oct. 28 GREEN BAY# State Farm Stadium 5:20 PM tory on Monday Night Football. With the win the Cardinals improved to 5-1 in Nov. 7 @ San Francisco* Levi's Stadium 2:25 PM their last six games vs. Dallas and also improved to 2-0 all me at AT&T Stadium. Nov. 14 CAROLINA* State Farm Stadium 2:05 PM Nov. 21 @ Sea le* Lumen Field 2:25 PM Like every year, the Cardinals season begins with a host of new faces on the -BYE- roster. A mix of 41 veterans and rookies will experience their fi rst game in a Car- Dec. 5 @ Chicago* Soldier Field 11:00 AM dinals uniform on Friday. Among the veterans new to Arizona are Pro Bowlers Dec. 13 L.A. RAMS+ State Farm Stadium 6:15 PM DL J.J. Wa , WR A.J. Green, CB Malcolm Butler, OL Rodney Hudson, RB James Dec. 19 @ Detroit* Ford Field 11:00 AM Conner and K Ma Prater. The rookie class is highlighted by fi rst round pick LB Dec. 25 INDIANAPOLIS^ State Farm Stadium 6:15 PM Zaven Collins and second round pick WR Rondale Moore. Jan. 2 @ Dallas* AT&T Stadium 11:00 AM Among the players returning for Arizona this season are 2020 Pro Bowlers QB Jan. 9 SEATTLE* State Farm Stadium 2:25 PM Kyler Murray, WR DeAndre Hopkins and S Budda Baker. The trio highlights a talented group looking to build on a solid 2020 campaign in which Arizona fi n- + ESPN # FOX/NFL Network Thursday Night Football ished with the NFL's #6 ranked off ense and a defense that ranked in the top 10 in TDs allowed, sacks, tackles for loss and pass defense. ^ NFL Network * Subject to fl exible scheduling decisions The Cowboys made their preseason debut last week in Canton, OH when they took on the Pi sburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game. Dallas fell to Pi s- burgh 16-3 in the inaugural game of the 2021 NFL season. Next week (8/20) the Cardinals host the defending AFC Champion Kansas City THIS WEEK'S HIG HLIG HTS Chiefs at State Farm Stadium in a game that will air na onally on ESPN. On Friday the Cardinals kick off their 2021 preseason slate when they wel- G AME RELEASE INDEX come the Dallas Cowboys to State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals and Cowboys will meet again during the regular season, Page Contents when Arizona travels to Dallas in Week 17. 2 Cardinals-Cowboys Preseason Series In addi on to airing locally on 12 News KPNX-TV (NBC), Friday's Cardi- 3 By The Numbers / State Farm Stadium Info nals-Cowboys matchup can be seen na onally on NFL Network. Arizona's 4 New Faces in 2021 / Wa & Jones Pairing preseason contest vs. Kansas City next week will air na onally on ESPN. 5-6 Schedule Notes / Roster Highlights Friday's game takes place six days a er the 24 birthday of QB Kyler 7 2021 Dra Class Breakdown 8 Cardinals Leadership / Michael Bidwill / Steve Keim Murray (8/7) and four days a er the 42ⁿ birthday of head coach Kliff 9 2020 Season Highlights Kingsbury (8/9). 10-11 Kyler Murray Highlights Since the beginning of 2021, Arizona has added 6 Pro Bowl players, 4 All- 12-13 DeAndre Hopkins Highlights Pros, 4 college All-Americans, the 2020 Na onal Defensive Player of the Year 14 A.J. Green Highlights and a Paul Hornung Award winner (most versa le college player in the na on). 15 Chase Edmonds / James Conner / Chris an Kirk A total of 41 new players could make their Cardinals debut this week. That 16-17 J.J. Wa Highlights 18 Chandler Jones Highlights includes 31 veterans acquired during the free agent period, 7 dra picks and 3 19 Budda Baker / Robert Alford / Malcolm Butler rookie free agents. 20 Special Teams Highlights / Prater / Lee / Gardeck Arizona enters the 2021 season with OL D.J. Humphries (2015) and LS Aaron 21-30 2020 Sta s cs / Rosters / Depth Chart Brewer (2016) as the team's longest tenured players on the roster. BROADCAST INFORMATION Television: KPNX 12 News (NBC) / Play-By-Play: Dave Pasch Analyst: Ron Wolfl ey Cardinals Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM / Play-By-Play: Paul Calvisi Analyst: Drew Stanton Cardinals Spanish Radio: KQMR 100.3 FM / Play-By-Play: Luis Hernandez Analyst: Rolando Cantu
1 CARDINALS-COWBOYS CONNECTIONS CARDINALS-COWBOYS PRESEASON SERIES
COWBOYS CONNECTIONS The Cardinals make their 2021 debut on Friday in a matchup against the Cardinals CB Daryl Worley played in seven games (4 starts) for Dallas during Dallas Cowboys. It marks the 97th all- me mee ng between the former the 2020 season. NFC East foes, including preseason and postseason. Cardinals OL Marcus Henry appeared in one game for the Cowboys in 2020. This week’s game marks the seventh all- me preseason mee ng be- Cardinals LB Devon Kennard’s father, Derek Kennard Sr., played for the Cow- tween the two teams and the Cardinals fourth me hos ng the Cowboys. boys from 1994-96 and won Super Bowl XXX at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, The Cardinals enter this week's game with a 5-1 all- me record vs. Dallas AZ with the team. in the preseason. Cardinals CB Picasso Nelson’s great uncle, Eugene Bowen, was selected by The former division opponents - who ba led yearly as members of the Dallas in the 10th round of the 1967 NFL Dra . NFC East from 1970-2001 - have met 89 mes during the regular season. CARDINALS CONNECTIONS The 90 mee ng will come later this season when the Cardinals travel Cowboys Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel is the son of former NFL to Dallas in Week 17. The teams played in Week 6 last season at Dallas head coach Jim Fassel, the Cardinals off ensive coordinator in 1996. Jim passed away in June of 2021 at the age of 71. when Arizona earned a 38-10 victory on Monday Night Football. Cowboys CB C.J. Goodwin spent two games on Arizona's ac ve roster in 2017. CARDS-COWBOYS PRESEASON SERIES Cowboys Assistant Strength and Condi oning coach Cedric Smith played FB Overall Preseason Series: 5-1 for the Cardinals from 1996-97. Cardinals at home vs. Dallas: 3-0 Cardinals on the road vs. Dallas: 2-1 Cowboys WR Johnnie Dixon spent the 2019 season on Arizona's prac ce squad. First Mee ng: 8/13/60 vs. Dal, W, 20-13 (San Antonio) Cowboys S Darian Thompson was signed by Dallas off the Cardinals prac ce Last Mee ng: 8/26/18 @ Dal, W, 27-3 squad in 2018. Last Cardinals Win: 8/26/18 @ Dal, W, 27-3 DALLAS/TEXAS CONNECTIONS Cardinals S Chris Banjo (Sugar Land), OL Kelvin Beachum (Mexia), RB Eno Benjamin (Wylie), OL Josh Jones (Richmond), OL Koda Mar n (Manvel), QB Kyler Murray (Allen), S Deionte Thompson (Orange), WR JoJo Ward (Waco) 2020 SEASON STATISTICS and WR Antoine Wesley (Cibolo) are Texas na ves. Banjo and Beachum played college football at Southern Methodist, Jones played at Houston and StStatistiatisticc AZ Rank DAL Rank Wesley played at Texas Tech. Points Scored/Game 25.6 13 24.7 17 Cardinals WR Chris an Kirk played at Texas A&M from 2015-17 and totaled Points Allowed/Game 22.9 12 29.6 28 4,838 all-purpose yards and 33 total TDs. LB Jordan Hicks played at Texas Yards/Play 5.68 14 5.34 22 from 2010-14, recording 299 tackles (148 solo), 24 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, Yards/Play Allowed 5.34 8 5.87 23 two INTs, seven passes defensed and a fumble recovery. TDs Scored 49 13 42 t-20 Cardinals Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers a end- TDs Allowed 42 t-10 57 t-30 ed Westlake (Aus n) High School and played LB at North Texas from 1996-99. Rushing TDs 22 4 14 21 Passing TDs 27 t-13 25 t-19 Cardinals Run Game Coordinator/O-Line coach Sean Kugler played at the Return TDs 0 t-29 3 t-8 University of Texas-El Paso and later served as an assistant (1993-2000) and Rushing TDs Allowed 13 t-7 20 t-25 head coach (2013-17) for the program. Passing TDs Allowed 26 14 34 t-27 Cardinals Assistant O-Line coach Brian Natkin is a San Antonio, TX na ve and Return TDs Allowed 3 t-17 3 t-17 was a consensus All-American selec on at TE for the University of Texas-El Sacked/Yards Lost 29/186 t-11 44/350 t-25 Paso before two s nts on the school’s coaching staff (2004-05, ‘12-17). Fumbles/Lost 22/8 t-15 19/13 t-29 Cardinals Off ensive Assistant Jerry Sullivan (1973-75) coached WRs at Texas Tech. Field Goals Made 23/30 t-21 34/41 3 Total Yards/Game 384.6 6 371.8 14 ARIZONA CONNECTIONS Opp. Total Yards/Game 351.9 13 386.4 23 Cowboys DE Randy Gregory spent his freshman season at Arizona Western, Rushing Yards/Game 139.8 7 111.8 17 where he was named fi rst-team All-Conference and helped lead the Mata- Opp. Rushing Yards/Game 125.5 22 158.8 31 dors to the NJCAA tle game. Passing Yards/Game 244.8 17 260.1 8 Cowboys LB Azur Kamara played at Arizona Western for two seasons (2016-17). Opp. Passing Yards/Game 226.4 10 227.6 11 Cowboys FB Nick Ralston played four years (2015-18) at Arizona State. Turnover Ratio Even t-17 -3 t-21 Average Time of Possession 28:46 25 28:22 28 Cowboys Assistant Special Teams coach Ma Daniels is a na ve of Tucson, AZ. Cowboys RBs coach Skip Peete is a Phoenix, AZ na ve, a ended Sahuaro (Tucson) High School and played WR at the University of Arizona. LEGENDARY TEXAS QBS PRO/COLLEGE CONNECTIONS Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy was the Saints Off ensive Coordinator Football in the state of Texas is legendary. It is a state while Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury played QB for the team in 2004. that produced future NFL QBs Drew Brees, Patrick Ma- Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (2017-18) played with Cowboys WR Ceedee Lamb homes, Andrew Luck, Vince Young, Matthew Stafford (2017-19), DT Neville Gallimore (2016-19) and S Steven Parker (2014-17) at and Baker Mayfield, to name just a few. Oklahoma. The Sooners were 2018 Big 12 Champions. Even in that storied group, the accomplishments of Ky- Cowboys WR Amari Cooper (2015-18) played alongside Cardinals CB Daryl ler Murray and Colt McCoy stand out. Worley (2018-20), WR Rico Gaff ord (2018-20), OL Rodney Hudson (2015-20) Murray's prep career at Allen High School - a national and OL Jus n Murray (2018) with the Raiders. powerhouse - made him one of the most accom- Cowboys S Tyler Coyle and Cardinals WR Rondale Moore played together at plished high school players in the state's storied histo- Purdue during the 2020 season. ry. The majority of Murray's prep career took place just Cardinals CB Robert Alford (2013-18), Cowboys CB C.J. Goodwin (2016-17), S 47 miles northeast of AT&T Stadium - at Eagle Stadium. Damontae Kazee (2017-20) and LB Keanu Neal (2016-20) played together in In three seasons (2012-14) as a starting QB at Allen HS, Murray: Atlanta and made Super Bowl LI with the team. --Won 3 consecutive state titles and posted a perfect 43-0 record Cardinals LB Zaven Collins (2017-20) and Cowboys CB Reggie Robinson II (2015- --Totaled 14,515 yards (10,386 passing; 4,129 rushing) 18) played together at Tulsa. --Scored 186 TDs (117 passing; 69 rushing) Cowboys DE Carlos Watkins (2012-16) played with Cardinals WR DeAndre Hop- As a senior in 2014, Murray earned National Player of the Year honors from kins (2010-12) and LB Isaiah Simmons (2016-19) at Clemson. Gatorade, Parade and USA Today. McCoy is etched in the record books as both a prep Cardinals WR Chris an Kirk (2015-17) played with Cowboys S Donovan Wilson (2014-18) and LB Anthony Hines III (2017-20) at Texas A&M. and college QB in Texas. He a ended Jim Ned (Tuscola) High School where he fi nished his prep career as the Cardinals LB Tanner Vallejo (2013-16) played alongside Cowboys DE DeMarcus 6th all- me leading passer in state history. During his Lawrence (2012-13), LB Leighton Vander Esch (2014-17), WR Cedrick Wilson career at Jim Ned, McCoy completed 536-of-849 pass (2014-17) and S Darian Thompson (2012-15) at Boise State. a empts for 9,344 yard and 116 TDs. Cowboys CB Maurice Canady (2016-18), DE Brent Urban (2015-18) and Cardi- He then went on to a record-breaking career at the nals TE Maxx Williams (2015-18) played together in Bal more. University of Texas, where he earned 45 victories in In 2009, Cardinals LB Devon Kennard played with Cowboys T Tyron Smith at USC. 53 career starts to fi nish as the winningest QB in NCAA history at the me. He le Texas as the fi rst QB in col- Cowboys G Connor McGovern (2016-18), LB Micah Parsons (2018-19) and Car- lege history to win at least 10 games in each of his four dinals OL Michal Menet (2016-20) played together at Penn State. seasons and owned 47 school records following his senior season. 2 BY THE NU MBERS WELCOMING BACK THE RED SEA IN 2021
728 Following a 2020 campaign in On Friday, the number days it will have been since the Cardinals last hosted a which the majority of NFL teams preseason game. That is just two days shy of two years. Arizona's last home played in mostly empty stadiums preseason matchup came vs. the Raiders on 8/15/19. due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cardinals welcome fans back 302 to State Farm Stadium as the Combined TDs (passing and rushing) for QBs Kyler Murray and Colt McCoy dur- team opens its 16 season at the ing their high school careers in Texas. Murray starred at Allen High School while world-class venue. McCoy was a standout at Jim Ned (Tuscola) High School. Prior to 2020 - when just 9,600 6 fans a ended a game at State Pro Bowlers that the Cardinals acquired during the off season via free agency or Farm Stadium - the Cardinals had sold out 144 games (preseason and post- trade: J.J. Wa , A.J. Green, Malcolm Butler, Rodney Hudson, Ma Prater and season included) at the venue since it opened in 2006. James Conner. Those six players have a combined 20 Pro Bowl selec ons and 11 All-Pro nods. Of Arizona's 16 regular season games last season, just fi ve were played with the general public in a endance. Those fi ve contests saw a total of just 198.0 39,894 fans on hand. Combined sacks for Wa (101.0) and LB Chandler Jones (97.0) in their careers. A CATALYST FOR THE CARDINALS SUCCESS The duo have combined for 9 Pro Bowl selec ons, 7 1 -team All-Pro nods, 451 State Farm Stadium has proven to be a catalyst for the Cardinals success QB hits, 278 tackles for loss and 52 forced fumbles. in the last decade-plus. A er selling out just 12 games in 18 years at Sun 61.0 Devil Stadium, Arizona has sold out out 134 games at State Farm Stadium. Sacks for Jones in just 69 games with the Cardinals. He enters this year needing Below is a look at the Cardinals results at State Farm Stadium compared just 6.0 sacks to pass Freddie Joe Nunn (66.5) as the franchise all- me sack to 18 seasons at Sun Devil Stadium. leader. Overall Comparison 15 seasons at 18 seasons at Sta s c State Farm Stadium Sun Devil Stadium 93.6 Sellouts 144 12 Pass-blocking grade for OL Rodney Hudson over the last six seasons (2015-20) Regular Season Home Record 68-50-2 64-80 according to ProFootballFocus.com, which ranks first among all NFL centers. Home Win % .575 .444 The site credits him with just three sacks allowed in 3,445 pass-blocking snaps Postseason Record 5-4 1-1 and a 1.2% pressure rate during that span. Postseason Home Record 4-0 0-0 Seasons with Winning Record 5 1 6,153 Postseason Berths 4 1 Total yards for the Cardinals off ense in 2020 - which represents the third-high- Division Titles 3 0 est season total in franchise history. It also gave Arizona the NFL's #6 ranked Conference Championship Games 2 0 off ense in 2020 (384.6 ypg). Super Bowl Appearances 1 0 2,237 Rushing yards for the Cardinals in 2020. Along with Arizona's 22 rushing TDs, it IT G ETS LO UD IN THERE marked just the sixth me in franchise history - and fi rst me since 1984 - the Cardinals had 2,000+ rushing yards and 20+ rushing TDs in a season. With fans expected back in NFL stadiums across the country in 48 2021, the Cardinals return to Sacks for the Cardinals defense in 2020 despite the absence of All-Pro LB th one of the league's best home Chandler Jones. That ed for 4 in the NFL. fi eld advantages. 179 From the inaugural year at State Tackles for loss for the Cardinals defense in two seasons (2019-20) under Farm Stadium in 2006 through defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Only Pi sburgh (193) has more during 2019, Cardinals opponents accu- that span. mulated 170 accepted false start penal es in the regular season. That is the most for any home team in the 61 NFL during that span. Total TDs (passing and rushing) for QB Kyler Murray in his fi rst two NFL sea- sons. In league history, only Dan Marino (68) and Cam Newton (62) had more NFL Leaders - Opponent False Start Penal es (2006-2019) total TDs in their fi rst two NFL seasons. Rnk Home Team FS Stadium 1 Cardinals 170 State Farm Stadium 67.2 2 Seahawks 152 CenturyLink Field Comple on percentage for Murray in 2020 - a new franchise single-season 3t Vikings 148 U.S. Bank Stadium/Metrodome/TCF Bank record. Combined with his 64.4 comple on percentage in 2019, Murray has 3t Titans 148 Nissan Stadium posted two of the top-5 comple on percentage totals in franchise history in his 5 Lions 143 Ford Field fi rst two NFL seasons. 5 PLAYING A CRUCIAL ROLE DURING THE PANDEMIC Players in the NFL that have at least 75 passes defensed and 15 INTs over the last six seasons (2015-20), a group that includes CB Malcolm Butler (79 PD & 17 INTs since 2015). Since the start of the pandemic, State Farm Stadium has served a number of 115 important func ons as the site of numer- Recep ons for WR DeAndre Hopkins in 2020. That set a franchise single-sea- ous blood drives, PPE (Personal Protec- son record and also ed his career high for a single season. Hopkins ed for ve Equipment) drives, tes ng drives #2 in the NFL in recep ons, ranked #3 in receiving yards (1,407) and his seven and as one of the na on’s fi rst - and most 100-yard ou ngs ed for #2 in the league last season. successful - vaccina on sites. 850 Early in the pandemic, blood dona ons Scrimmage yards for RB Chase Edmonds in 2020. He had more scrimmage and PPE hit cri cally low levels and State yards in 2020 than he had in his first two seasons (2018-19) combined (719). Farm Stadium served as the site of nu- Edmonds also had a career-high five TDs in 2020. merous blood drives and a pair of PPE drives to help ailing pa ents and fi rst responders. 1,454 In 2021, State Farm Stadium was also host to one of the fi rst - and most suc- Career points for K Ma Prater, which ranks third among ac ve players behind only Robbie Gould (1,731) and Mason Crosby (1,682). cessful - vaccina on sites in the na on. Between January and April, more than 800,000 COVID-19 vaccines were administered at State Farm Stadium, 13 which accounted for nearly 20% of the total doses administered in Arizona Career TD recep ons of 50+ yards for WR A.J. Green. Over the last 10 seasons during that period. (2011-20), only DeSean Jackson (19) has more TD catches of 50+ yards. The site was so successful that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kama- 7.0 la Harris par cipated in a virtual tour on February 8 and the administra on Sacks in 2020 for LB Dennis Gardeck - who signed with the Cardinals as a rookie called the opera on “an incredible model.” Biden told Arizona Department of free agent out of Sioux Falls in 2018. Gardeck's 7.0 sacks were the most in Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ during the tour; “I got a call during the franchise history by a player who entered the league undra ed. He piled up Super Bowl from the commissioner of football (Roger Goodell) off ering us, 7.0 sacks despite playing just 93 snaps on defense in 2020. the federal government, the 30 major stadiums. They're going to be coming to you to look at how you did it because you're doing such a great job.” 3 THE NEW FAC ES IN 20 2 0 QUARTERBACKS BEWARE
Among the new faces in Arizona this season are 3 addi ons to Kliff Kings- bury's coaching staff , 31 veterans acquired during the free agent period, 7 dra picks and 3 rookie free agents. Coaching Staff (New Addi ons) Shawn Jeff erson - Wide Receivers Devin Fitzsimmons - Assistant Special Teams Ronald Booker - Defensive Assistant In addi on to the new hires, two exis ng coaches received promo ons in the off season: Sean Kugler will now serve as Run Game Coordinator/Off ensive Line. Cam Turner will now serve as Quarterbacks Coach. THE NEW PLAYERS IN 2021 With DL J.J. Wa and LB Chandler Jones both facing down opposing off enses in 2021, the Cardinals defense now features the most accomplished pass-rushing duo in the NFL. Between the two All-Pros, Wa and Jones have combined for: Sta s c Total Total Seasons Played 19 Pro Bowls 8 VETERAN ACQUISITIONS 1st-Team All-Pro Selec ons 7 Player Posi on Prev. Team Andre Baccellia Wide Receiver Patriots Games Played 252 Brandon Bowen Off ensive Line Panthers Sacks 198.0 Ian Bun ng Tight End Colts Quarterback Hits 451 Malcolm Butler Cornerback Titans Shaq Calhoun Off ensive Line Bengals Tackles For Loss 278 Jamal Carter Safety Falcons Forced Fumbles 52 James Conner Running Back Steelers Fumble Recoveries 25 Darqueze Dennard Cornerback Falcons Greg Dortch Wide Receiver Falcons Seasons Leading NFL Sacks 3 Tavien Feaster Running Back Lions Seasons of 17.0+ Sacks 5 Rico Gaff ord Wide Receiver Raiders Seasons of 10+ Sacks 11 Jamell Garcia-Williams Linebacker 49ers A.J. Green Wide Receiver Bengals SHARED DOMINANCE Sean Harlow Off ensive Line Falcons Wa has 101.0 sacks in his career, while Jones enters the 2021 season with 97.0 Marcus Henry O ensive Line Cowboys sacks. Jones needs 3.0 sacks for the Cardinals to become the fi rst team to feature ff mul ple players with 100.0+ career sacks since the Vikings (John Randle/Chris Aleva Hifo Wide Receiver Chiefs Doleman) and Chiefs (Derrick Thomas/Leslie O’Neal) in 1999. Rondey Hudson Off ensive Line Raiders Darius Kilgo Defensive Line Broncos Da ng back to 2012 (Jones' rookie season), the duo rank #1 and #2 in the NFL in Colt McCoy Quarterback Giants both total sacks and games with mul ple sacks (1.5 or more). Tyler Newsome Punter Chiefs NFL Leaders – Sacks (2012-20) David Parry Defensive Line Patriots Rnk Player (Current Team) Sack Ryan Pope Off ensive Line Broncos Ma Prater Kicker Lions 1 Chandler Jones (AZ) 97.0 2 J.J. Wa (AZ) 95.5 Donald Rutledge Linebacker Colts 3 Von Miller (Den) 94.5 Ito Smith Running Back Falcons 4 Cameron Jordan (NE) 93.5 Ross Travis Tight End Jets 5 Jus n Houston (Bal) 92.0 J.J. Wa Defensive Line Texans Antoine Wesley Wide Receiver Ravens NFL Leaders – Games w/ Mul ple Sacks (2012-20) Shawn Williams Safety Bengals Rnk Player (Current Team) Games Brian Winters Off ensive Line Bills 1 J.J. Wa (AZ) 30 Daryl Worley Cornerback Raiders 2 Chandler Jones (AZ) 24 3 Jus n Houston (Bal) 23 2021 DRAFT PICKS 4t Aaron Donald (LAR) 22 Player Posi on Rnd (Overall) School 4t Cameron Jordan (NO) 22 Zaven Collins Linebacker 1 (16 ) Tulsa Rondale Moore Wide Receiver 2ⁿ (49 ) Purdue Wa (2012, 2014-15) and Jones (2017, 2019) are the only ac ve players in the Marco Wilson Cornerback 4 (136 ) Florida NFL with mul ple seasons of 17.0+ sacks. Victor Dimukeje Linebacker 6 (210 ) Duke Ac ve NFL Leaders – Seasons w/ 17+ Sacks Tay Gowan Cornerback 6 (223 ) Central Florida Rnk Player (Current Team) 17+ Years (Sacks) James Wiggins Safety 7 (243 ) Cincinna 1 J.J. Wa (AZ) 3 2012 (20.5), 2014 (20.5), 2015 (17.5) Michal Menet Off ensive Line 7 (247 ) Penn State 2 Chandler Jones (AZ) 2 2017 (17.0), 2019 (19.0) 2021 ROOKIE FREE AGENTS 3t Shaquil Barre (TB) 1 2019 (19.5) Player Posi on School 3t Aaron Donald (LAR) 1 2018 (20.5) Cary Angeline Tight End N.C. State 3t Jus n Houston (Bal) 1 2014 (22.0) Cam Murray Defensive Line Oklahoma State 3t Von Miller (Den) 1 2012 (18.5) Bernhard Seikovits* Tight End No College 3t Robert Quinn (Chi) 1 2013 (19.0) *Allocated to Cardinals a part of NFL's Interna onal Player Pathway Program 3t Aldon Smith (Sea) 1 2012 (19.5) PRESSURE GOES BEYOND SACKS Since 2012, Jones and Wa are two of three players with 25+ forced fumbles. C ARDINALS PRONUNC IATIO NS NFL Leaders – Forced Fumbles (2012-20) Rnk Player (Current Team) FF 1t Chandler Jones (AZ) 27 TE Cary Angeline ANN-juh-line 1t Robert Quinn (Chi) 27 WR Andre Baccellia buh-CHELL-ee 3 J.J. Wa (AZ) 25 TE Darrell Daniels duh-RELL 4 Lavonte David (TB) 24 5t Khalil Mack (Chi) 23 CB Darqueze Dennard dar-KWEZ / deh-NARD 5t Von Miller (Den) 23 LB Victor Dimukeje dee-moo-KAY-gee DL Michael Dogbe DOG-bee In the last 10 seasons (2011-20), a player has recorded at least 28 tackles for loss in a season fi ve mes. Wa (3x) and Jones (1x) account for four of those DL Leki Fotu LECK-ee / FOH-too fi ve seasons. WR Aleva Hifo uh-LEV-uh / HEE-fo NFL Players w/ 28+ Tackles For Loss in a Season (2011-20) LB Devon Kennard duh-VONN / ken-ARD Rnk Player (Year) TFL OL Michal Menet Michael / MEN-et 1 J.J. Wa (2012) 39 TE Bernhard Seikovits BURN-hard / SIKE-oh-vi s 2t J.J. Wa (2014) 29 2t J.J. Wa (2015) 29 QB Chris Streveler STREV-uh-ler 4t Chandler Jones (2017) 28 LB Tanner Vallejo vuh-LAY-ho 4t Von Miller (2012) 28 4 AWARD-WINNING ACQ UISITIONS DEBUT OF THE 17-GAME REGULAR SEASON
Arizona acquired 29 veterans during the free agency For the fi rst me ever, the NFL will have a 17- period. That includes six players who have a com- game regular season beginning in 2021. Teams bined 20 Pro Bowl selec ons and 11 All-Pro nods. DL have played a 16-game regular season since J.J. Wa (5), WR A.J. Green (7), OL Rodney Hudson 1978. The league had a 14-game regular season (3), K Ma Prater (2) and CB Malcolm Butler (2) have between 1961-77. all been named to mul ple Pro Bowls while RB James Conner earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018. To accommodate the 17 game, teams will go from a four-game preseason to a three-game Cardinals Award-Winning Acquisi ons slate. With Arizona having an extra road game dur- Player PB All-Pro ing the regular season, two of its three preseason J.J. Wa 5 6 (5x 1 team & 1x 2ⁿ team) matchups will be held at State Farm Stadium. A.J. Green 7 2 (both 2ⁿ team) Rodney Hudson 3 1 (2ⁿ team) HOW THE EXTRA MATCHUP IS DECIDED Ma Prater 2 1 (2ⁿ team) The addi onal game is an interconference match- Malcolm Butler 2 - up between AFC and NFC divisions two years re- James Conner 1 - moved from their last mee ng, going against the team that fi nished in the same spot in their respec ve divisions. The site of a team’s 17th game will rotate each year, with the AFC ge ng a 9th home game HIGHLY ACCOMPLISHED TEAMMATES in 2021. That will give Arizona a 9th road game this season. For the Cardinals - who fi nished 3 in the NFC West in 2020 - the extra game A DEFENSIVE TRIO WITH 13 SEASONS OF DOUBLE-DIGIT SACKS means a trip to Cleveland to face the Browns, who fi nished 3rd in the AFC North DL J.J. Wa and LB Chandler Jones aren't the only accomplished pass rushers last season. That game will take place in Week 6. on the Cardinals defense. Add in LB Markus Golden and Arizona has a trio of CARDINALS SCHEDULE NOTES IN 2021 defenders who have each posted 10.0+ sacks in mul ple seasons in their careers. Below is a look at Arizona’s scheduled opponents for the 2021 season and how The three players have combined for 13 seasons with double-digit sacks in their they nished in 2020. careers, including nine seasons with at least 12.5 sacks. fi Home ‘20 Rec Away ’20 Rec Seasons with Double Digit Sacks - Jones, Wa & Golden L.A. Rams 10-6 L.A. Rams 10-6 Player 10+ Years (Sacks) San Francisco 6-10 San Francisco 6-10 Jones 6 2019 (19.0), 2017 (17.0), 2018 (13.0), 2015 (12.5), 2013 (11.5), 2016 (11.0) Sea le 12-4 Sea le 12-4 Wa 5 2014 (20.5), 2012 (20.5), 2015 (17.5), 2018 (16.0), 2013 (10.5) Green Bay 13-3 Detroit 5-11 Golden 2 2016 (12.5), 2019 (10.0) Minnesota 7-9 Chicago 8-8 HOPKINS AND GREEN IN ELITE COMPANY AS A PAIR Houston 4-12 Tennessee 11-5 When they take the eld together in Week 1 of the regular season, WRs DeAn- Indianapolis 11-5 Jacksonville 1-15 fi Carolina 5-11 Dallas 6-10 dre Hopkins (10,009) and A.J. Green (9,430) will become just the eighth WR duo Cleveland 11-5 in NFL history - and fi rst since 2011 - to enter a season with each having 9,000+ receiving yards. Arizona is ed for the 13th-hardest strength of schedule in 2021 based on their opponents’ .507 winning percentage in 2020. NFL History - Teammates with 9,000+ Career Receiving Yards Entering Season Team Year(s) Players The Cardinals join the Ravens and Seahawks as the only three teams that Arizona 2021 DeAndre Hopkins & A.J. Green start the season with three of their fi rst four games on the road. Houston 2011 Andre Johnson & Derrick Mason The Cardinals take on the AFC South (Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Cincinna 2010 Terrell Owens & Chad Johnson New England 2009 Randy Moss & Joey Galloway Tennessee) and the NFC North (Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Minnesota). St. Louis 2006-07 Isaac Bruce & Torry Holt In addi on to facing the AFC South and NFC North, Arizona will host Carolina, Oakland 2001-03 Jerry Rice & Tim Brown who fi nished the 2020 season in 3rd place in the NFC South. The Cardinals will Washington 2000 Irving Fryar & Andre Reed travel to play the Cowboys, who fi nished 3rd in the NFC East in 2020. Oakland 2000 Tim Brown & Andre Rison The Cards have eight games against teams that fi nished the 2020 season with at least 10 wins and seven games vs. teams that had 11+ wins. FAMILIAR FACES WITH NEW NUMBERS The Cardinals will play nine games against teams that earned a spot in the postseason in '20 - Sea le (twice), the L.A. Rams (twice), Green Bay, Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Tennessee. Five of those games will be played on A er the NFL announced that DBs, LBs, RBs, the road and four will be played at State Farm Stadium. TEs and WRs are now allowed to wear single digit numbers on their jerseys, Cardinals fans will no ce a group of returning players that will CARDS PARTNER WITH BETMGM & GILA RIVER wear new jersey numbers in 2021. Cardinals Players w/ New Number in 2021 Player New # 2020 # On Monday (8/9), RB Chase Edmonds 2 29 BetMGM announced S Budda Baker 3 32 partnerships with Gila CB Byron Murphy, Jr. 7 33 River Hotels & Casinos LB Isaiah Simmons 9 48 and the Arizona Car- RB Jonathan Ward 29 38 dinals for retail and DL Rashard Lawrence 90 92 online sports be ng, establishing its fi rst re- la onships in the state ADDING AN ALL-PRO ON THE O-LINE of Arizona. BetMGM will bring its industry leading pla orm online once legalized sports Arizona acquired C Rodney Hudson and a 7th-round be ng launches in Arizona. The company also plans to open retail sportsbooks selection in the 2021 NFL Draft from Las Vegas in at the three Arizona Gila River proper es and at State Farm Stadium. exchange for the Cardinals 3 -round selection. “This is a tremendous opportunity to build upon our long-standing rela onship Hudson is a 10-year NFL veteran who played the past with Gila River and launch a new one with BetMGM," said Cardinals owner Mi- six seasons (2015-20) with the Raiders where he start- chael Bidwill. "They are best-in-class partners whose excellence and exper se ed at center in all 92 games he appeared in. in this emerging space will provide a new and innova ve way to engage and Recent Success: All three of Hudson's Pro Bowl selec- interact with our fans.” tions (2016-17, 2019) have come in the last 5 seasons. nd Gila River Hotels & Casinos operates three Arizona loca ons, all owned by the He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned 2 -team Gila River Indian Community: Wild Horse Pass, Lone Bu e, and Vee Quiva. All All-Pro honors in 2019. three will feature custom built BetMGM Sportsbooks, set to open near football A Reliable Player: In the last eight seasons, Hudson season, refl ec ve of its sports-centric brand. played 124 of a possible 128 games - missing just one game in the last five years. Hudson has played at least 800 snaps each of the last eight seasons, including six “Arizona sports fans are extremely passionate and we’re confi dent they’ll en- years playing 1,000+ snaps. joy the BetMGM experience,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenbla . “Gila River Hotels & Casinos and the Arizona Cardinals represent the state’s premier casino Keeping His QBs Clean: According to Pro Football Focus, Hudson ranks first des na ons and sports franchise, making them the ideal partners for us.” among all NFL centers with a 93.6 pass-blocking grade dating back to 2015. The site credits him with just three sacks allowed in 3,445 pass-blocking snaps and a BetMGM plans to open a BetMGM Sportsbook at State Farm Stadium, with a 1.2% pressure rate over the last six seasons. targeted opening in me for the 2022 NFL season. 5 # 99 COMES O UT O F RETIREMENT YOUNG GUYS IN THE MIDDLE
In the middle of the Cardinals defense is a pair of DL J.J. Wa has been wearing the #99 jersey since his college days at the University of Wisconsin. young linebackers that the team selected in the fi rst When the Cardinals acquired him in free agency, round of the last two NFL Dra s: 22-year old rookie a number change seemed inevitable since the LB Zaven Collins and 23-year old second-year LB Isaiah Simmons. digits were re red by the Cardinals in tribute to Marshall Goldberg, a star on the 1947 champion- Collins was taken 16th overall in the 2021 NFL Dra ship team. out of Tulsa and Simmons was taken 8th overall in However, #99 was unre red for Wa a er he 2020 out of Clemson. It marked just the second received permission to wear it from Goldberg's me in team history (1985-86) the Cardinals se- daughter, Ellen Goldberg Tullos. Wa was pre- lected a LB in the fi rst round of back-to-back dra s. pared to select a new number a er learning of COLLINS AND SIMMONS - THE COLLEGE NUMBERS Goldberg's impressive legacy, but then read an Simmons was the 2019 Butkus Award Winner and ar cle saying Tullos would be fi ne with him tak- Collins was the recipient of the Lombardi Award, ing over #99. Wa gave her a call to confi rm and Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik indeed had her blessing. Award in 2020. Both were unanimous 1 -team All- Remembering Marshall Goldberg American selec ons in their fi nal college season. Goldberg played eight seasons (1939-43, ’46- Sta s c Simmons Collins 48) for the Cardinals a er a being selected in the Games 44 32 1939 NFL Dra . Tackles 236 236 Was a member of the 1947 NFL Championship Tackles for Loss 28 29 team, and his late INT in the tle game vs. the Sacks 10.0 7.5 Eagles sealed the victory. Intercep ons 4 5 Passes Defensed 19 8 A six- me All-Pro defensive back, Goldberg also Forced Fumbles 5 3 played hal ack/fullback and was a return special- Fumble Recoveries 1 3 ist. During the 1941 season Goldberg rushed for RARE ATHLETIC TALENTS 427 yards and 3 TDs and had 313 receiving yards Both Simmons and Collins possess a rare combina on of size and speed for the on off ense. He also led the NFL with 7 INTs, 12 kick- linebacker posi on. off returns, 290 kickoff return yards and 1,236 all- purpose yards. Collins: At 6-4, 260, he clocked a 4.67 40-yard dash me at his pro day. In 2020, de- spite playing just eight games, he recorded 4 INTs with TD returns of 38 and 96 yards. Goldberg’s playing career was interrupted by his service during World War II. He joined the Navy in 1943 and spent two years in the South Paci c rising to the Simmons: At the 2020 NFL Combine, Simmons ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, ed for fi the 7 -best total among all prospects at any posi on. rank of lieutenant. In prepara on for his service Goldberg underwent rigorous Scout and Ranger training in a unit that was a forerunner of the Navy Seals. Two SIMMONS EARNS ALL-ROOKIE HONORS IN 2020. months a er the bombing of Hiroshima, Goldberg walked the remains of the city Simmons earned PFWA All-Rookie honors for the Cardinals last season a er to help assess the damage. pos ng 47 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, an INT, two passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 16 games (seven starts). PLAY OF THE YEAR IN 2020 IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES One of the enduring moments of the 2020 NFL season was the Cardinals "Hail Murray" victory Aug. 13 - Cardinals preseason opener vs. Dallas (State Farm Stadium) over the Buff alo Bills in Week 10. In that con- test, Arizona earned 32-30 win over the Bills on Aug. 17 - Teams must reduce rosters to maximum of 85 players by 1:00 PM (MST) a game-winning TD pass from QB Kyler Murray Aug. 20 - Cardinals vs. Kansas City - Preseason Game #2 (State Farm Stadium) to WR DeAndre Hopkins, in which the Cardi- Aug. 24 - Teams must reduce roster to maximum of 80 players by 1:00 PM (MST) nals Pro Bowl receiver outjumped three Bills defenders to come down with the ball. Aug. 28 - Cardinals @ New Orleans - Preseason Finale (Caesars Superdome) The “Hail Murray” was named the “Best Play” Aug. 31 - Teams must reduce rosters to maximum of 53 players by 1:00 PM (MST) at the 2021 ESPYS, held in July in New York City. Sept. 1 -Teams may establish Prac ce Squad of no more than 16 players The “Hail Murray” was also named the 2020 Sept. 9, 12-13 - Regular Season Week 1 Bridgestone Clutch Play of the Year at NFL Hon- Sept. 12 - Cardinals at Tennessee - Regular Season Opener (Nissan Stadium) ors in February. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Cardi- nals victory over the Bills marked just the second PRESEASON TO AIR ON 12 NEWS KPNX-TV me in 60 years that a game featured mul ple go-ahead passing TDs in the fi nal 0:40 seconds The Emmy award winning Cardinals of regula on. Bills WR Stefon Diggs had a 21-yard TD catch with 0:34 remaining Broadcast Network will produce two of that gave the Bills a 30-26 lead. Four plays later Hopkins brought down a 43-yard the three Cardinals preseason games that TD on a pass from Murray with just 0:02 remaining. can be seen locally in Phoenix on 12 News KPNX-TV (NBC) beginning with the match- HOPKINS TRADE NAMED TRANSACTION OF THE YEAR up vs. the Dallas Cowboys on Friday night. The “Hail Murray” would have never happened if the Cardinals hadn’t acquired Hopkins last off season. The trade that brought the All-Pro wideout to Arizona The other preseason broadcast on 12 received the Alpha Award for “Best Sports Transac on of the Year” from the News is Saturday, August 28 at New Or- MIT Sloan Sports Analy cs Conference at the group’s annual gathering in April. leans. The Cardinals regular radio team of Dave Pasch (play-by-play) and Ron Wolfl ey (analyst) will call the ac on. Arizona will also appear in a na onally-televised preseason game on ESPN CEREAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE on Friday, August 20 vs. Kansas City at 5:00 p.m. MST. Both games produced by the Cardinals will be preceded by a half-hour pre- Last week, DeAndre's Hopkins' cereal - Hop game show hosted by 12 News sports anchor Cameron Cox. Coverage of Box - was made available for sale, including in Friday's Cardinals-Cowboys game from State Farm Stadium will begin with a Fry's Food Stores across the Valley. pregame show at 6:30 p.m. with kickoff to follow at 7:00 p.m. The Cardinals- Saints game on August 28 will get started with the pregame show at 4:30 A por on of the proceeds from the ce- p.m. and then kickoff at 5:00 p.m. real will bene t the nonpro t organiza on fi fi In addi on, the pregame and game broadcasts will be shown on KOAT in S.M.O.O.O.T.H. - which was launched by Hop- Albuquerque and KTTU & KMSB in Tucson. kins' mom, Sabrina Greenlee, to help survivors of domes c violence. On the radio side, Paul Calvisi (play-by-play) will be joined by former Cardi- nals quarterback Drew Stanton (analyst) on the call for Friday's game and The cereal boxes features a rendering of Hop- will work alongside former Cardinals linebacker Rob Fredrickson at the kins' "Hail Murray" TD catch that defeated the Buff alo Bills last season. The box Saints game. Pasch (play-by-play), Wolfl ey (analyst) and Calvisi (sideline) also features a color-in panel that can be illustrated and submi ed via social will work the Chiefs contest. All three Cardinals preseason games can be media for chance to win signed merchandise. heard on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. 6 C ARDINALS 20 21 DRAFT C LASS HIG HLIG HTS
CARDS SELECT 7 IN 2021 NFL DRAFT VICTOR DIMUKEJE - ROUND 6a (210TH) - DUKE
The Cardinals selected seven players in the 2021 NFL Dra , including fi ve on de- Last name pronounced “dee-moo-KAY-gee”. fense. In using its 4 , both 6 and fi rst of its two 7 round picks on defensive players, Arizona dra ed four consecu ve defenders in a single dra for the Hails from Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to the fi rst me since 2000. U.S. with his family when he was 8 years old. The Cardinals had 13 picks in the last two dra s and have used nine of those Started all 49 games at Duke a er becoming on defensive players. starter as a true freshman. Recorded 166 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, 28 QB pressures, 5 Cardinals 2021 NFL Dra Picks forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. Was a Rd Overall Name Pos College Freshman All-America selec on in 2017. 1 16th Zaven Collins LB Tulsa 2 49th Rondale Moore WR Purdue His 21.5 career sacks are the 2ⁿ -most in Duke 4 136 Marco Wilson CB Florida history. 6a 210th Victor Dimukeje LB Duke As a senior in 2020, he started all 11 games for 6b 223rd Tay Gowan CB UCF the fourth straight year and recorded 44 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 7a 243 James Wiggins S Cincinna sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and 5 QB pressures. 7b 247th Michal Menet OL Penn State Graduated from Duke a semester early with a degree in Evolu onary An- thropology. Also earned a Marke ng and Management Cer fi cate. ZAVEN COLLINS - ROUND 1 (16TH) - TULSA
RD Was the second linebacker selected in the 2021 TAY GOWAN - ROUND 6b (223 ) - CEN. FLORIDA dra (Micah Parsons, 12th to Cowboys) and the fourth defender selected. Became the fi rst UCF player ever dra ed by the A three-year starter (2018-20) at Tulsa, played in Cardinals. 32 career games and totaled 236 tackles, 29 tack- Opted out of 2020 season to protect the health les for loss, 7.5 sacks, 8 passes defensed, 5 INTs, 3 of his newborn daughter, Skylar, who was born fumble recoveries and 3 forced fumbles. Recipient prematurely and with health complica ons. of the Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2020. Was also a unan- In his junior season in 2019, Pro Football Focus imous 1st-team All-American selec on. gave him an 80.1 coverage grade a er he gave up just 20 recep ons on 50 targets. According to the Hails from Hominy, Oklahoma which has a popula- ra ngs site, his 26.6 passer ra ng allowed in single on of 3,500. Did not received a single DI scholar- coverage since 2019 was the best in the na on. ship off er un l his mom, Haley, took money from her 401K and drove him to 12 camps across the region. Transferred to UCF in 2019 from Butler (El Do- Tulsa was his sole DI off er. rado, KS) Community College and had a breakout season, appeared in 12 games (9 starts) with 31 tackles, 2 INTs and 8 passes Has a rare combina on of size and speed - even at the linebacker posi on. At defensed. Gave up just 20 recep ons on 50 targets that season. 6-4 and 260 pounds, the All-American clocked a 4.67 40-yard dash me at his pro day. Athle cism was on display in 2020 when - despite playing just eight games Helped make UCF history in 2021. He was one of fi ve players - and three de- - he recorded 4 INTs and 152 return yards, with TD returns of 38 and 96 yards. fensive backs - dra ed from the school. In high school, was a four-year starter on both off ense and defense, playing QB, linebacker and safety. As a star ng QB at Hominy (OK) High, Collins' career totals JAMES WIGGINS - ROUND 7a (243RD) - CINCINNATI were 4,084 rushing yards and 54 TDs to go along with 3,056 passing yards and 32 TDs. As a senior in 2016, led Hominy to a 14-0 record and a state tle. Just the 6 Cincinnati player ever drafted by the Cardinals and the first Bearcat defender. RONDALE MOORE - ROUND 2 (49TH) - PURDUE Played 32 career games at Cincinna , collect- ing 87 tackles with 5 INTs (1 returned for a TD), 18 • In three seasons (2018-20) at Purdue, Moore appeared passes defended and 2 forced fumbles. He was a in 20 games and recorded 178 recep ons for 1,915 yards two- me All-AAC honoree. and 14 TDs. He also rushed for 248 yards and three TDs on Named 2ⁿ -team All-American and was a semifi- 30 carries, returned 42 kickoff s for 813 yards and 17 punts nalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2020 after help- for 118 yards. ing lead a Bearcats defense which ranked top-15 in • Earned a Business degree from Purdue in just 2.5 years. the nation in rush defense, pass efficiency, scoring To do so, he averaged 21 hours a semester majoring in Sell- and total defense. Gave up just 11 catches for 84 ing and Sales Management. Took 27 hours during 2020 Fall yards in coverage in 2020. semester and graduated with 3.5 GPA. In final 22 games he appeared in at UC, team Won the Paul Hornung Award in both high school (best posted a 20-2 record, including a 9-0 mark in 2020. player in state of Kentucky) and college (most versa le play- Had four game-changing INTs in 2018, including an 86-yard INT return TD in er in the na on) in back-to-back years (2017 & 2018). overtime vs. SMU that gave Cincinnati its first OT win in 10 years. As a true freshman in 2018, led the FBS with 114 recep ons - bea ng out new When asked following the draft who he models his game after, replied with teammates Andy Isabella (2ⁿ with 102) and KeeSean Johnson (4 with 95). four names: Budda Baker, Tyrann Mathieu, Antrel Rolle and Ed Reed. Baker, First true freshman in Big 10 history to earn consensus All-American honors. Mathieu and Rolle were all Cardinals draft picks. MARCO WILSON - ROUND 4 (136TH) - FLORIDA MICHAL MENET - ROUND 7b (247TH) - PENN STATE • Arizona traded into the fourth-round to acquire Wilson, who started 35-of-36 games played at Florida (2017-20) Last name pronounced “MEN-et”. and recorded 103 tackles, 3 INTs, 17 passes defensed, 2.5 Following a redshirt freshman year in 2016, went tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. on to appear in 46 consecu ve games for the Nit- Showed up at Florida and became an immediate starter. tany Lions, including starts at center in each of his Joined an exclusive list of Gators who started at CB in a last 34 games. season-opener as a freshman (Joe Haden, Janoris Jen- In 2020, anchored an O-line that helped Penn State kins, Marcus Roberson). rank second in the Big Ten in total off ense (430.3 ypg). Had a record-se ng performance at Pro Day: his 43.5- Served as a team captain the last two seasons inch ver cal was 5 -best ever by a college CB and his 136- (2019-20) and was recipient of the team’s Captain inch broad jump ed for 3 -best ever by a corner. Award following his junior year in 2019. USA Today All-American at Planta on High School, where he played along- th A 5-star recruit out of Exeter Township (Rei on, PA) High School and was side fellow 2021 dra picks CB Patrick Surtain II (9 overall to Denver) and CB rd ranked as the #2 guard in the country. Selected to play in the 2016 Under Tyson Campbell (33 overall to Jacksonville). Armour All-American Game. 7 ELEVATING A FRANC HISE S UPER BO WL COMING BAC K TO AZ
The 2021 season marks the 15th since owner Valley Will Host 4th Super Bowl When Game Returns in 2023 Michael Bidwill began leading the organiza on. His leadership during that me has been instru- In June, the Na onal Football League and mental in transforming the franchise both on the Arizona Super Bowl Host Commi ee an- and off the fi eld. nounced that Super Bowl LVII will be played at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, February Highlights of Bidwill’s tenure: 12, 2023. Michael con nues a tradi on of Bidwill owner- ship of the Cardinals that dates back to his grandfa- “The selec on of the date for Super Bowl LVII ther, Hall of Famer Charles Bidwill, in 1933. means we are ge ng closer to the event all of Of the franchise’s seven all- me postseason Arizona is an cipa ng,” said David Rousseau, wins, fi ve have come with Michael leading the or- Chairman of the Arizona Super Bowl Host ganiza on. Arizona has played in nine postseason Commi ee. “The exposure and economic im- contests over the last 14 seasons, a er having ap- pact it brings to our region is unmatched and peared in just seven total playo games prior. so is the level of community support required ff to execute such a massive undertaking.” Arizona has appeared in the NFC Championship Game twice since 2008 in- cluding a victory in the 2008 conference tle game that led to the franchise’s Arizona was selected to host Super Bowl LVII in May of 2018, marking the fi rst-ever Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl XLIII). fourth me that a Super Bowl was awarded to the state. It is the third me the na on’s most popular spor ng event will be played at State Farm Stadium Among Bidwill’s most substan al accomplishments with the Cardinals is the and rst since Super Bowl XLIX following the 2014 season. crea on of State Farm Stadium. The world-class venue has proved a cri cal turn- fi ing point for the franchise, an economic engine for the state of Arizona, and most Arizona joins South Florida, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Tampa Bay as the recently, a crucial resource in the ba le against the COVID-19 pandemic. only sites selected to host the Super Bowl at least four mes. Since State Farm Stadium opened in 2006 it has hosted two Super Bowls (with a Past Super Bowls in Arizona third – Super Bowl LVII – set to cap the 2022 season) and the Cardinals have sold Super Bowl Site Date Result out 144 games at the venue (every non-pandemic game played there). XLIX (49) State Farm Stadium Feb. 1, 2015 Patriots 28, Seahawks 24 In addi on to his role in helping Arizona land Super Bowls XLII, XLIX and LVII XLII (42) State Farm Stadium Feb. 3, 2008 Giants 17, Patriots 14 Michael was also instrumental in ge ng the 2015 Pro Bowl moved to State XXX (30) Sun Devil Stadium Jan. 28, 1996 Cowboys 27, Steelers 17 Farm Stadium; played a week before Super Bowl XLIX, the two events com- ECONOMIC IMPACT: The last me the game was staged in Arizona, it pro- bined to deliver a record economic impact of $720 million to the region. duced a record economic impact for the state. A 2015 study by the Seidman State Farm Stadium served as a cri cal site since the outbreak of the COV- Research Ins tute, W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University ID-19 pandemic in 2020. The venue hosted three blood drives at the beginning determined that Super Bowl XLIX, the 2015 Pro Bowl and related events pro- of the outbreak and in 2021 it became one of the fi rst - and most successful - duced a gross economic impact of $719.4 million for the region. That was the mass vaccina on site in the na on. largest economic impact of any special event ever held in Arizona. In addi on In January of 2018, Michael was one of fi ve owners named to the NFL’s Play- to the games played in Glendale, more than 1 million people visited Verizon er-Owner Commi ee focused on social and racial jus ce ini a ves. In Decem- Super Bowl Central in downtown Phoenix and more than 500,000 people en- ber of 2014, Commissioner Roger Goodell tapped Bidwill to chair the league’s joyed events in downtown Sco sdale. Conduct Commi ee. The commi ee reviews the league’s Personal Conduct In a span of just over 26 months in 2015-17, State Farm Stadium hosted a Policy at least annually and recommends appropriate changes with advice from Pro Bowl, Super Bowl, College Football Na onal Championship Game and the outside experts. NCAA Men’s Final Four. Cardinals Under Michael Bidwill (2007-Present) It was an unprecedented stretch for a stadium that generated $1.3 billion in Sta s c Totals Overall Record (RS + Post) 115-116-2 economic impact for the state during that 26-month span. Overall Win Pct. .498 Postseason Record 5-4 Regular Season Home Record 65-45-2 KEIM HAS BUILT SOME OF THE BEST Postseason Home Record 4-0 Overall Home Record (RS + Post) 69-45-2 Seasons with .500 Record or Be er 9 A er 14 seasons working within the Seasons with 10+ Wins 4 Cardinals personnel department, Best Regular Season Record 13-3 Steve Keim was elevated to GM on Postseason Berths 4 January 8, 2013. The teams put to- Division Titles 3 gether by Keim have been some of the Conference Championship Games 2 Super Bowl Appearances 1 most successful in franchise history. In 2014, the Cardinals ed the fran- chise record for wins in a season (11) CARDS HONOR ADELE HARRIS WITH SCHOLARSHIP before se ng a new mark in 2015 when Arizona won 13 games and earned its fi rst-ever postseason bye. In May, the Cardinals announced the creation of the “Adele Harris Scholarship” to commemorate During Keim’s tenure, Arizona has established franchise records for wins in the 50 anniversary of Harris becoming the first a season (13 in 2015), points in a season (489 in 2015), led the NFL in total of- African American female to hold a front office posi- fense for the fi rst me in team history (#1 in 2015) and led the NFL in sacks for tion in the NFL. the second me ever (48.0 in 2016). Arizona has featured a top-10 defense four mes and a top-10 off ense three Harris spent 26 years in a variety of public and com- mes da ng back to Keim’s fi rst season as GM. The Cardinals had a top-10 munity relations roles within the Cardinals organi- defense in three consecu ve seasons (2015-17) for the fi rst me since the zation before retiring in 2001. A Chicago native, she 1970 merger. In 2020, Arizona off ense ranked #6 overall a er pos ng 6,153 was raised in St. Louis and joined the Cardinals in total yards, the third-most in franchise history. 1971 as an assistant in the PR department. She left the club to pursue a degree in business manage- Selected QB Kyler Murray with the #1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Dra . ment and returned in 1978 as a publicity assistant. Murray was named the 2019 NFL Off ensive Rookie of the Year and followed up in 2020 by becoming the youngest QB in franchise history (23) to earn a By 1980, Harris became Director of Community Pro Bowl nod. Relations and was instrumental in the team’s civic efforts when it relocated to Arizona in 1988. She Among the trades nego ated by Keim during his tenure as GM are the ac- played a key role in the formation of Cardinals quisi on of QB Carson Palmer from Oakland in 2013, acquiring LB Chandler Charities, which was launched in 1990 as a vehicle to support programs designed Jones from New England in 2016, the trade that landed WR DeAndre Hopkins to improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities for children, women and from Houston in 2020 and the trade with Las Vegas to acquire OL Rodney minorities in Arizona. Adele passed away in 2007 at the age of 65. Hudson in 2021. The 2021 free agency period was one of Keim’s busiest as GM. The players The $10,000 “Adele Harris Scholarship” will be awarded annually to assist a gradu- the Cardinals acquired have a combined 20 Pro Bowl selec ons and 11 All- ating high school student in the state of Arizona who is pursuing a career in sports. Pro nods. Arizona brought in six diff erent Pro Bowlers in the off season: DL J.J. “This scholarship serves two main purposes,” said Cardinals owner Michael Bid- Wa , WR A.J. Green, OL Rodney Hudson, K Ma Prater, CB Malcolm Butler will. “It recognizes the valuable role that Adele played within our organization for and RB James Conner. more than a quarter of a century and also connects her to future generations who Named Spor ng News 2014 NFL Execu ve of the Year and earned back-to- aspire to follow in her footsteps. We are grateful for the opportunity to do both back NFL Execu ve of the Year honors from the editors of Pro Football Talk of those things.” (2013-14).
8 A TO P-10 O FFENSE IN 20 2 0 DEFENSE SHINES DESPITE HEAVY LOSSES IN 2020
For the fi rst me since 2015 - and just the third me in 12 seasons - Arizona The Cardinals suff ered heavy losses on the defensive side of the ball last season, fi nished with a top-10 off ense in 2020. The Cardinals fi nished with the NFL's including losing team captains LB Chandler Jones and DL Corey Peters for the #6 ranked off ense last season, averaging 384.6 yards per game. season and a host of other key contributors landing on injured reserve. Arizona's Defense in 2020 NFL Leaders – Total Off ense (2020) Rnk Team Yds/G 26 players started at least 1 game 1 Kansas City 415.8 18 players had at least 1.0 sack; total ranked #1 in the NFL 2t Buff alo 396.4 12 players with 2.0+ sacks; total ranked #1 in the NFL 2t Tennessee 396.4 5 players had an INT 4 Minnesota 393.3 5 players had a forced fumble 5 Green Bay 389.0 3 players had 2+ INTs 6 Arizona 384.6 7 Tampa Bay 384.1 Despite all the turnover in 2020, the unit s ll ranked among the top-15 in: 8 Las Vegas 383.3 Sta s c # Rnk 9 L.A. Chargers 382.1 Goal-to-Go TD Pct. 54.84 1 10 Indianapolis 378.1 Red Zone TD Pct. 51.79 3 Arizona also ranked #10 in total off ensive TDs scored (49) in 2020. Sacks 48 t-4 Tackles for Loss 88 t-4 2020 NFL Leaders - Off ensive TDs YEAR-TO-YEAR IMPROVEMENT Passing Yards Allowd/Play 6.36 7 Rnk Team TDs Rushing TDs Allowed 13 t-7 1 Green Bay 64 Below is a look at the Cardinals off ensive th improvement in Kingsbury's fi rst two sea- Yards Allowed/Play 5.34 8 2 Tennessee 59 sons vs. the year prior to his arrival. Off ensive TDs Allowed 39 t-8 3t New Orleans 58 QB Hits 100 9 3t Tampa Bay 58 Cardinals Off ense Last 3 Seasons Stat 2018 2019 2020 Passing Yards Allowed/Game 226.4 10 5 Buff alo 56 Points Allowed/Game 22.9 12 6t Sea le 55 W-L 3-13 5-10-1 8-8 rd th PPG 14.1 22.6 25.6 3 Down Percentage 39.6 12 6t Minnesota 55 Yards Allowed/Game 351.9 13th 8 Kansas City 53 Total YPG 241.6 341.7 384.6 9 Bal more 51 Pass YPG 157.7 217.3 244.8 INJURIES PILE UP ON DEFENSIVE SIDE OF THE BALL 10 Arizona 49 Rush YPG 83.9 124.4 139.8 Of the 10 players who ended the 2020 season on the injured reserve list, nine were defensive players. The team had 20 diff erent defenders miss a combined The Cardinals had 6,153 total net yards on off ense (3,916 passing; 2,237 100 games in '20. rushing) in 2020. That represents the third-highest total in franchise history. Defensive Players Lost To Injury in 2020 Arizona also scored 410 points in 2020, which ranks fi h in franchise history. Player Injury Gms Franchise Record – Total Yards (Net) Franchise Record - Total Points CB Robert Alford Pectoral (IR) 16 S Jalen Thompson Ankle 11 Rnk Year Yards Rnk Year Pts LB Chandler Jones Biceps (IR) 11 1 2015 6,533 1 2015 489 LB Isaiah Irving Neck (IR) 9 2 1984 6,345 2 2008 427 DL Rashard Lawrence Calf 7 3 2020 6,153 3 1984 423 DL Corey Peters Knee (IR) 7 4 2016 5,868 4 2015 418 DL Jordan Phillips Hamstring (IR) 7 5 2008 5,852 5 2020 410 DL Josh Mauro Hamstring (IR) 6 DL Leki Fotu Ankle 5 SCORING WAY UP UNDER KINGSBURY CB Kevin Peterson Concussion 4 The Cardinals scored 21+ points in 23 of 32 games in their fi rst two seasons un- CB Johnathan Joseph Neck (IR) 4 der head coach Kli Kingsbury.Arizona scored 21+ points in an NFL-low 9 games S Chris Banjo Hamstring/Covid-19 3 ff LB Kylie Fi s Hamstring/Hand (IR) 3 in the two seasons prior to his arrival (2017-18). LB Devon Kennard Calf/Covid-19 3 LB Dennis Gardeck Knee (IR) 2 Between Games 14-16 of the 2019 season through Game 10 of 2020, the S Budda Baker Thumb 1 Cardinals scored 21+ points in a franchise record 13 consecu ve games. CB Dre Kirkpatrick Thigh 1 Consecu ve Games Scoring 21+ Pts CB Byron Murphy Jr. Covid-19 1 Rnk Year(s) Gms S Deionte Thompson Covid-19 1 1 2019-20 13 S Charles Washington Groin 1 2 1983-84 11 Total 100 3t 2007-08 10 3t 1948-49 10 5 1975-76 9 PRESSURE CAME FROM EVERYWHERE
A HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE RUN GAME Despite playing the majority of the season without one of the NFL's leading sack artists in LB Chandler Jones, the Cardinals managed to finish the 2020 season with 48.0 sacks, tied with Tampa Bay for fourth in the NFL. Arizona rushed for 2,237 yards and 22 TDs on NFL Team Leaders – Sacks (2020) 479 carries (4.7 avg.) in 2020. It marked just the Rnk Team Sacks sixth me in franchise history - and fi rst me 1 Pittsburgh 56.0 since 1984 - that the Cardinals had 2,000+ 2 L.A. Rams 53.0 rushing yards and 20+ rushing TDs in a season. 3 Philadelphia 49.0 4t Arizona 48.0 Franchise History 4t Tampa Bay 48.0 Seasons w/ 2,000+ Rush Yards & 20+ Rush TDs Year Yards TDs A Avg. Arizona had an NFL-high 18 players who recorded at least 1.0 sack in 2020 and 2020 2,237 22 479 4.7 an NFL-high 12 players who recorded 2.0+ sacks. 1984 2,088 21 488 4.3 Cardinals Players w/ a Sack in 2020 1981 2,213 20 519 4.3 Player Sacks 1979 2,582 24 566 4.6 LB Haason Reddick 12.5 1949 2,130 21 467 4.6 LB Dennis Gardeck 7.0 1948 2,560 25 531 4.8 LB Devon Kennard 2.5 In addi on to having the NFL’s #6 ranked off ense, the Cardinals had the NFL’s #7 DL Angelo Blackson 2.5 ranked rushing a ack, averaging 139.8 rushing yards per game in 2020. LB Markus Golden 3.5 DL Zach Allen 2.0 NFL Leaders – Rushing Yards/Game (2020) S Budda Baker 2.0 Rnk Team Yds/Gm DL Corey Peters 2.0 1 Bal more 191.9 LB Isaiah Simmons 2.0 2 Tennessee 168.1 LB De'Vondre Campbell 2.0 3 Cleveland 148.4 CB Byron Murphy 2.0 4 New England 146.6 DL Jordan Phillips 2.0 5 Minnesota 142.7 LB Josh Mauro 1.0 6 New Orleans 141.6 LB Chandler Jones 1.0 7 Arizona 139.8 DL Michael Dogbe 1.0 8 Green Bay 132.4 DL Trevon Coley 1.0 9 Philadelphia 126.7 DL Leki Fotu 1.0 10 L.A. Rams 126.1 LB Tanner Vallejo 1.0 9 KYLER MURRAY - AT A G LANCE HISTO RY MADE IN 1ST TWO SEASO NS