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Boldin plays hurt, makes 3 catches
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Cardinals weren’t sure if wide receiver Anquan Boldin was going to play Sunday.
Boldin suffered a high ankle sprain against the Seattle Seahawks, an injury that often keeps a player sidelined for three to four weeks.
But there Boldin was against the New York Giants, catching three passes for 75 yards in Arizona’s 24-17 victory.
Cardinals' defense beats back Giants
Cardinals looked Super beating Giants
“Obviously it was a tight decision (on whether to play him),” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “I’ve learned you can never count Anquan out. You’ve got to credit his toughness.”
Boldin said the ankle felt good early but then stiffened up on him as the game progressed. As a result, Whisenhunt only used Boldin in four-wide-receiver sets.
“It’s sore, but I knew I was going to play,” Boldin said.
BEANIE SIGHTING
The Cardinals drafted running back Beanie Wells in the first round for a reason, and Wells showed why Sunday.
He carried the ball 14 times for a season-high 67 yards and a touchdown. His most impressive run came on the last play of the first quarter, when he barreled through the heart of the Giants’ defense for 13 yards.
Veteran Tim Hightower likely will retain the starting job, but Wells’ natural gifts — he has a special combination of power and speed — could earn him the majority of the carries from here on out.
MANNING’S MISERABLE DAY
Giants quarterback Eli Manning completed just 19 of 37 passes, thanks to an aggressive, blitzing pass rush and tight coverage by the Cardinals’ secondary.
Adrian Wilson, Antrel Rolle and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie each had an interception, and Wilson could have had a fourth had he not dropped a ball in the first half.
“This is a tough place to play,” Whisenhunt said. “For our defense to come in and play like they did, I’m proud of them.”
ON A ROLLE
Whisenhunt reached into his bag of tricks in the third quarter when Rolle lined up as quarterback, took the direct snap and passed to a wide open Larry Fitzgerald downfield. Unfortunately, Fitzgerald dropped the ball when he was hit and tight end Ben Patrick was called for holding on the play.
EXTRA POINTS
Alan Branch, once regarded as a bust, has found a home as a backup defensive end. Branch had the first two sacks of his NFL career Sunday … Rodgers-Cromartie suffered an ankle injury, but the severity is not known … Calais Campbell continued to use his 6-foot-8 height to his advantage, deflecting a Manning pass that Wilson wound up intercepting.
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