Cardinals’ Top 10 Plays of 2014: #10-6
Oct 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
6. Andre Ellington gets an inch, takes 81 yards
Running back Andre Ellington didn’t exactly have the sophomore season that people thought he would. After a breakout rookie year, injuries to his foot and hip, as well as lack of run blocking, limited his ability to contribute. On this play however, Ellington showed off his exceptional speed and receiving ability.
Trailing 24-13 late in the third quarter, and with Logan Thomas now having to handle quarterback duties, the Cardinals looked to be in trouble. With a 1st and 10 on their 19 yard line, Ellington ran a wheel route along the right sideline. Logan Thomas fitted a quick pass into a very tight space, and before anyone could really figure out what happened, Ellington was in the endzone with a Denver defender trailing behind him.
This was one of those “look away from your television for three seconds and you’ll miss it” kind of plays, and it gave life to what was a dead hope for Arizona in the situation it was in. It was fun, it kept the game interesting, and it was Ellington’s shining moment of 2014. What’s not to like?