Arizona Cardinals history includes Christmas time triumphs
By Jim Koch
Throughout their time in the desert, the Arizona Cardinals have had a history of playing well around the Christmas holiday
Once again, the Christmas season has arrived for the Arizona Cardinals football club. Throughout their history in the desert, the squad has been fairly successful on the playing field when the world’s spotlight shines on Santa Claus. To the delight of their fans, the Cards have registered several entertaining victories during what is traditionally the most joyous time of the year.
Back in 2017, Arizona played host to Eli Manning and the New York Giants on Christmas Eve. The home team did everything correct on their way to a 23-0 shutout. Legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was the star of the game, hauling in nine of quarterback Drew Stanton‘s passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Exactly one year earlier, on Christmas Eve of 2016, the Cardinals turned in another impressive holiday performance against the Seattle Seahawks. The matchup took place at the intimidating CenturyLink Field, but the hostile surroundings mattered very little to signal-caller Carson Palmer and company. Wideout J.J. Nelson’s three receptions for 132 yards and a score helped pace the Cards to a 34-31 triumph.
On Xmas Day of 2010, Arizona emerged victorious over Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys. Big Red’s offense had limited success during the contest, but an opportunistic defense helped produce a 27-26 win. Two first-quarter pick-sixes, courtesy of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Greg Toler, staked the Cardinals to an early 14-0 lead.
Christmas eve of 2006 also featured a triumphant victory for the Redbirds. Late head coach Dennis Green’s Cards outlasted the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 26-20. Running back Edgerrin James carried the rock 29 times for 105 yards, and Fitzgerald caught four balls for 93 yards and a touchdown from rookie passer Matt Leinart.
One year before the 49ers clash, on Xmas Eve of 2005, Arizona won the last game they would ever play at Sun Devil Stadium. Starting passer Josh McCown went 27 of 38 for 294 yards and two touchdowns during a 27-21 defeat of the Philadelphia Eagles. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin tallied nine receptions for 81 yards and a score, while Fitzgerald caught five passes for 93 yards and touchdown of his own.
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Happy holidays from all of us here at RaisingZona,com. Go Cardinals!