News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Cards’ receivers stepping up in Boldin’s absence
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
Cardinals fans know to expect the unexpected, and Sunday’s wacky overtime victory against Dallas only furthered that sentiment.
Bordow: The day the Same Ol Cardinals died
3 overlooked role players come up big for Cards
Controversial calls don't faze Cards
Cards topple Cowboys with blocked punt in OT
SLIDESHOW: Cards edge Cowboys in OT
So should fans have been surprised by the Cardinals’ success through the air, despite being in want of one Anquan Boldin for the second straight week? Not if they have been paying attention.
Larry Fitzgerald hauled in five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s win. On the opening play of the fourth quarter, Fitzgerald was in double coverage when he elevated above the defensive backs in signature fashion and brought down a jump ball that would eventually lead to a Steve Breaston touchdown.
“You have to trust Larry to do that,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
Kurt Warner didn’t seem surprised by the play.
“It’s hard to say that you can expect that from him, but I have come to,” Warner said.
Fitzgerald’s touchdown reception was his 39th since being drafted by the Cardinals in 2004. It moved him past Bobby Joe Conrad to fifth on the franchise’s all-time list. If Fitzgerald keeps up his current pace for the rest of the season, he will move up to third on that list.
What might have been unexpected was Breaston’s performance – he had eight receptions for 102 yards and his first career receiving touchdown.
“With Bryant Johnson gone, I’ve had the opportunity to make plays when the ball comes my way,” Breaston said. “Everybody’s been working hard and making plays.”
He declined to comment on what if felt like to outplay Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens, who caught four passes for 36 yards. While Breaston may have been modest, his team was quick to recognize his contribution of late.
“He just continues to get more and more consistent,” Warner said. “I have a lot of confidence in going to him when the defense dictates it.”
Breaston set the Cardinals single-game total yardage record with 324 yards in the loss against the Jets two weeks ago.
Last week against the Bills, Breaston connected with Warner seven times for 77 yards.
“It was good to see Steve step up and make some plays,” Whisenhunt said. “When you’re building a program, you build it with guys that you bring in, guys you develop. Steve is obviously one of those guys.”
Breaston returned two punts for touchdowns in his rookie season last year, but until the Jets game, had only 12 receptions in 19 games. In the three games since, he has caught 24 passes.
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: