Monday, October 12, 2009

Cardinals Beat Tennessee On the Road, Hand Titans 1st Loss of Season


Nashville, Tenn. - In a game that lived up to the hype, the Arizona Cardinals went into LP Field yesterday and upset the undefeated Tennessee Titans 38-35. In one of the video game universe's biggest rivalries, Coach StuBucksman continued his recent dominance over friend/arch nemesis Coach UTVol54 by handing him his first loss as an NFL head coach.


In a game highlighted by big plays, the Cardinals passing attack and dominance of the clock was too much to overcome for Tennessee. Arizona raced ahead to a 21-7 lead after 1 quarter, but Tennessee used some opportunistic plays, like a Shagg Makino kickoff return TD and a pick 6 by FS Michael Griffin, to keep the game close. And as the Titans defense deflected a pass in the end zone as the 1st half ended, they trailed 28-21 and would get the ball 1st to open the 2nd half.


Tennessee tied the game 28-28 early in the 2nd half, as Nate Washington took a pass 56 yards to paydirt, but Arizona quickly resumed control, by converting several key third downs behind clutch veteran QB Kurt Warner, who was nearly unstoppable on this day.


A Neil Rackers FG early inthe 4th quarter gave Arizona a 38-28 lead, but the Titans, behind a no-huddle attack quickly marched down the field. A Kenny Britt TD reception cut the lead to 38-35 with just over 4 minutes remaining.


On the ensuing possesion, the Cardinals gambled and attempted to convert a 4th down and 2. WR Eddie Royal caught a screen pass, but was tackled, right at the first down line. A measurement (and subsequent coaches challenge) both determined he'd been stopped short, and with just over 2 minutes remaining, the Titans had a chance to tie or take the lead.


But, Arizona's defense, who became the 1st team this season to hold Titans RB Chris Johnson to under 100 yards rushing (he had 93 yards rushing on the day), stoned up, and held the Titans on 4 downs, icing the victory in the game's final minute.


"It was one of the best games I've ever been involved in," said Coach Stu. "We did exactly what we wanted to do, but the Titans kept making big play after big play, just when we thought we'd given ourselves some cushion, they'd score. This win will give us some much needed momentum as we make a push toward the playoffs."


Larry Fitzgerald (7 catches, 140 yards, 1 TD) earned game MVP honors in the win.

4 comments:

The Nunley said...

Great GAME! I loved it!

ehaag said...

If we meet again, I will be sure to send the Chick fil-A cows to your house to tempt you (and Warner and Fitzgerald) to not attend the game! Eat Mor chikin!

The Nunley said...

What about that picture! Are they dancing?

ehaag said...

Don't you watch "Dancing With The Stars?" They're clearly doing the Pasa Doblay"