Top Ten Plays of the 2013 Arizona Cardinals: 10-6

Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson (13) is taken down by Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) in the first quarter during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

6. Tyrann Mathieu game saving tackle vs Lions

Tyrann Mathieu began creating a legend by turning around his bad choices in college and looking ready to be a significant contributor to the Cards defense even after taking a year off of football . He showed great instinct and playmaking ability in camp and preseason. His week 2 performance will be discussed later, but he had very crucial play in Week 2.
The Cards managed to overcome some errors and grab a lead. The Lions had a shred of hope. On fourth down with four to go on their 43 yard line and a minute left, Detroit had to have a first down. Mathieu ended up covering WR Nate Burleson. Burleson, with the size advantage, came off the line and knocked Mathieu back. The Honey Badger didn’t care. He regained his footing and threw Burleson to the ground, stopping him one yard shy of the first down marker.

0-2 would’ve looked bad for the Cards, but Mathieu ensured that that didn’t happen.