Top 10 Plays of the 2013 Cardinals: 5-1

Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs the ball as he is defended by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Daryl Washington (58) and safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tyrann Mathieu forced fumble @ Rams

The backstory of Mathieu was discussed in the first part of the countdown, but just to recap: He became an excellent player even after being dismissed from LSU and taking a year off of football, and had committed to turning around his past mistakes.

In the Cards Week 1 visit to St. Louis, he eliminated any remaining doubt that he was the real deal.

The Cardinals were trying to hold off Sam Bradford and the Rams offense. On the Cards 45 yard line, Bradford hit TE Jared Cook in open space, and a touchdown seemed certain. Mathieu accelerated, desperately extended his arm, and caught Cooks arm inside the 10 yard line. The ball popped out, and Karlos Dansby picked it up.