December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) stands on the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

We all know that Larry Fitzgerald’s 2012 season doesn’t reflect his talent, and we all know that Fitzgerald is mad about how 2012 turned out.

Now, he’s finally admitting how bad the season was for him. According to NFL.com, Fitzgerald said, “It was the most frustrating season, or time, I’ve ever had.” Fitzgerald caught 71 passes for 798 yards and four touchdowns, which was his lowest touchdown total ever and his lowest receiving yards total since his rookie year.

None of it was Fitzgerald’s fault, either. Arizona’s quarterbacks combined to throw 21 interceptions and post an appalling 63.1 passer rating, as Ryan Lindley and John Skelton struggled mightily. Arizona went 5-11 in 2012, but it is poised for success in 2013. Carson Palmer signed with the Cardinals, and things have been going well with him and Fitzgerald.

The last time Fitzgerald had a solid, experienced quarterback (Kurt Warner), he dominated. In the 2008 NFL playoffs, Fitzgerald caught 30 passes and hauled in four touchdown receptions from Warner. Palmer and Fitzgerald have the potential to do the same thing, which definitely wouldn’t lead to frustration from Fitzgerald.

Expect Fitzgerald to bounce back in a major way in 2013, and don’t expect him to be frustrated with how the 2013 season plays out.

Sept. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) throws while under pressure from Arizona Cardinals defensive back James Sanders (39) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals beat the Eagles 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals didn’t make many big plays in 2012 but there were enough of them to compile the best five.  Sure, some of the biggest were on defense.  Still, in a year where the Cardinals couldn’t find a quarterback who could consistently deliver, there were some really nice plays.  Here are the top five, in my opinion, ranked in order.

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December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson (24) during the second quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

For a quarter on Sunday, it appeared the Arizona Cardinals weren’t going to let this season take them down without one final fight.  After out-gaining the San Francisco 49′ers 128-15 in the first quarter and a 3-0 lead, the though was maybe, just maybe, they had something here with quarterback Brian Hoyer.  Then, they had to play the final 45 minutes, play being a loosely-used word here.

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