No Politics Here: Arizona Cardinals Will Get Fitzgerald The Ball

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday night during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers, a game that saw the Cards come from behind and win 18-17, there was a lot and I mean a lot of chatter about Cards receiver Larry Fitzgerald and his receptions or should I say lack of receptions.

It was clear to me early on that the Chargers were doing everything they could to take Fitz out of the game with double teams.  That will and has left other Cards receivers open and available for Cards quarterback Carson Palmer to throw to.   I took to Twitter, to Facebook, and all many wanted to talk about when it came to the Cards was Fitz not getting the ball.

I spoke of Palmer not trying to force the ball into bad situations.  I spoke of not wanting to force the ball into double teams.  Palmer even said as much after the game last night to further the point I spent almost three hours trying to make.

Of course we all want Fitz to get his receptions.  He is probably the best playmaker the Cards have seen, at least from their time in Arizona.  This leaves many fans jaded to the degree that if Fitz isn’t getting involved then the Cards aren’t playing smart, that they have little chance to win.  However the Cards have many weapons.  Many.  The Cards had 11 different players with receptions on Monday night, including one finally to Fitz for 22 yards in the fourth quarter.

As we know as well, Fitz’s father, Larry Fitzgerald Sr., is a journalist.  He had and has had strong opinions about the way the Cards have used Fitz in the past.  Last night was no different. He wrote about Fitz not being targeted.

"The world saw on Monday Night Football the politics and business of football"

Fitz Sr., was none too happy.  He is a father so I get it.  However I hardly think this was a matter of politics.  This was simply a matter of Palmer not wanting to throw to a covered receiver.  Period.

For Fitz’s part, as always there was no complaining.  He’ll never complain publicly about not getting the ball.  It’s not always about the receptions for Fitz.  He just wants to win.  Yes, of course, like anyone else, he wants the ball.  A leader always wants the ball.  His mere presence on the field helps his team win by drawing defenders away and in the end he had a huge 22-yard reception on a second and 10 on the last Cardinals touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

This is not a contract issue.  This is not a Palmer doesn’t like Fitz issue.  This is not politics.  This is just football and in the end it is just about winning.  It doesn’t matter how you get there and Fitz will be the first guy to tell you that.  He will get his receptions.  I promise you that.  Just please realize this is a team full of offensive weapons.  The Cards proved that Monday night.