Cardinals’ Top 10 Plays of 2014: #10-6
Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety Rashad Johnson (26) celebrates after beating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
7. A little too close for comfort
One push by safety Rashad Johnson made all the difference for the Cards.
Staying with the Cards and Eagles match-up, the two teams traded blows in a closely contested battle. Like many great games, it came down to one play. Philly had 3rd and 10 on Arizona’s 16 yard line. There was one second left, and the score was 24-20. Touchdown, Eagles win. If not, Cardinals win.
Nick Foles took the snap and the Cardinals pass rush sent him reeling back to the thirty yard line. He took a shot to the left side of the endzone, towards receiver Jordan Matthews. Rashad Johnson broke off his man and hit Matthews as he grabbed the ball, forcing him out of bounds before his feet touched the endzone.
This play is down the list a little because while it mattered a great deal, it really wasn’t a play that many people would look at and say “Rashad Johnson just did that!”. Still, it’s importance must be underscored, and it was another moment in what was an excellent season for Johnson. The best of this game, happened before this moment, but is yet to come on this list.