“Best Of” – Part 3

The Cardinals have had many memorable plays in regular season games since they’ve moved to Arizona, many for better and many more for worse unfortunately.  Today I am focusing on the positive.  The best plays since the Cardinals moved to Arizona.  This again is just my opinon.  This also encompasses the regular season.  That being said, that only eliminates two games.  Those games being in the 1998 playoffs against Dallas and Minnesota.

Play #5:  December 28, 2003 – WR Nate Poole’s 28 yard TD catch from QB Josh McCown at the end of the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings.   Although the Cardinals had nothing to play for except a fourth win, they had the chance to play spoiler.  They played the part to perfection.  Poole’s catch not only prevented the Vikings from attending the postseason, it also vaulted the jubilant Green Bay Packers into the postseason.  In fact, as a gesture of their appreciation, Poole was invited to attend the Green Bay Packers playoff game as their guest.  No that’s a nice play Green Bay!

Play #4:  September 7, 1997 – K Kevin Butler completes Arizona’s comeback from a 22-7 third quarter deficit with a 20 yard FG in OT to lead the Cardinals to a 25-22 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.  Not only was this a late afternoon start at 5pm on national television, this also was a great testament to a team that never gave up.  Down 19-7 at half and 22-7 early in the third, the comeback was completed in OT, sending many joyous fans home happy and high-fiving each other up and down the stands. 

Play #3:  September 30, 2007 – WR/KR/PR Steve Breaston returned a punt 73 yards in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers to vault the Cardinals to a 21-14 win over the men in yellow and black.  The Cardinals at that point only had managed one touchdown in a relatively low scoring game. 

Play #2:  December 27, 1998 – K Chris Jacke’s 52 yard field goal leads Arizona into their first playoff since moving from St. Louis 10 years earlier, defeating the San Diego Chargers 16-13.  It is also the last time the Cardinals made the postseason.  After taking a 13-6 lead, San Diego scored a touchdown in the fourth to tie the match before Jacke kicked the Cardinals into celebration. 

Play #1:  November 6, 1988 – WR Roy Green’s 9 yard touchdown catch from QB Neil Lomax with six seconds remaining in the game capped an amazing comeback to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 24-23.  Down 23-7 entering the fourth quarter, many fans, including yours truly, began heading for the exits.  By the time it was over, those who stayed, were treated to some great NFL Football.  Steve Young was forced into the game by a Joe Montana injury and had dominated the Cardinals for the first three quarters.  Those who left were forced to listen on their radios and left some thinking something special may be happening with this team.  They did beat the NY Giants the following week to be in a tie for first place.  However an injury to Neil Lomax ended his season and the Cardinals as you will remember went on to lose their last five games to finish 7-9 in their first season in the desert.