Jump to content

2008 Arizona Cardinals season: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Pats1 (talk | contribs)
76,025 edits
m minor fixes
Line 667: Line 667:
{{Linescore Amfootball|
{{Linescore Amfootball|
|Road=Cardinals
|Road=Cardinals
|R1=||R2=||R3=||R4=|RT=
|R1=14||R2=13||R3=3||R4=|RT=
|Home=Panthers
|Home=Panthers
|H1=||H2=||H3=||H4=|HT=
|H1=7||H2=0||H3=0||H4=|HT=
}}
}}
''at [[Bank of America Stadium]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]''
''at [[Bank of America Stadium]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]''

Revision as of 04:05, 11 January 2009

2008 Arizona Cardinals season
Head coachKen Whisenhunt
Home fieldUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
Results
Record9-7
Division place1st NFC West
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs (Falcons) 30-24
Pro Bowlers5
Uniform
File:NFCW-Uniform-ARI.PNG

The 2008 Arizona Cardinals season is the 89th season for the team in the National Football League and their 21st season in Arizona. They compiled a 9-7 regular season record, winning their division for the first time since 1975, and on January 3, 2009, hosted a postseason game for the first time since 1947. This was also the first time since 1998, the Arizona Cardinals made the playoffs, and repeated with a win in Wild Card Playoffs over Atlanta Falcons, which was the first time since 1998 when the Arizona Cardinals beat Dallas Cowboys.

Coaching staff

Arizona Cardinals staff
Front office
  • Owner/chairman/president – Michael Bidwill
  • General manager – Monti Ossenfort
  • Assistant general manager – Dave Sears
  • Vice president of football operations & facilities – Matt Caracciolo
  • Director of pro personnel – Glen Fox
  • Assistant director of player personnel – Rob Kisiel
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Ryan Gold
  • Director of football administration – Matt Harriss
Head coach
Offensive coaches
  
Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Nick Rallis
  • Defensive line – Derrick LeBlanc
  • Assistant defensive line – William Peagler
  • Linebackers – Sam Siefkes
  • Outside linebackers – Rob Rodriguez
  • Defensive backs – Patrick Toney
  • Cornerbacks – Ryan Smith
  • Defensive quality control – Ronald Booker
Special teams coaches
  • Assistant special teams – Sam Sewell
Support staff
  • Assistant to the head coach – Brandon Schwab
  • Director, football strategy – Kenny Bell
  • Director, football performance – Shea Thompson
  • Coaching assistant – Jay Razzano
Strength and conditioning
  • Strength and conditioning – Buddy Morris
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Mark Naylor

→ Coaching staff
→ Front office
→ More NFL staffs

2008 NFL Draft selections

Roster

Arizona Cardinals roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice squad


Rookies in italics

Roster updated September 4, 2024

53 active, 6 inactive, 16 practice squad (+1 exempt)

→ AFC rosters → NFC rosters

Schedule

Pre season

Week Date Time Opponent Result Game site TV NFL Recap Record
1 August 7 2008 5:00 p.m. New Orleans Saints L 10-24 University of Phoenix Stadium ESPN Recap 0-1
2 August 16 2008 5:00 p.m. at Kansas City Chiefs W 27-17 Arrowhead Stadium CBS Recap 1-1
3 August 23 2008 6:00 p.m. at Oakland Raiders W 24-0 McAfee Coliseum FOX Recap 2-1
4 August 29 2008 7:00 p.m. Denver Broncos L 14-28 University of Phoenix Stadium FOX Recap 2-2

Regular season

Week Date Time Opponent Result Game site TV NFL Recap Record
1 September 7 2008 1:15 p.m. at San Francisco 49ers W 23-13 Candlestick Park FOX Recap 1-0
2 September 14 2008 1:15 p.m. Miami Dolphins W 31-10 University of Phoenix Stadium CBS Recap 2-0
3 September 21 2008 10 a.m. at Washington Redskins L 24-17 FedEx Field FOX Recap 2-1
4 September 28 2008 10 a.m. at New York Jets L 56-35 Giants Stadium FOX Recap 2-2
5 October 5 2008 1:15 p.m. Buffalo Bills W 41-17 University of Phoenix Stadium CBS Recap 3-2
6 October 12 2008 1:15 p.m. Dallas Cowboys W 30-24OT University of Phoenix Stadium FOX Recap 4-2
7 October 19 2008 Bye week
8 October 26 2008 10 a.m. at Carolina Panthers L 27-23 Bank of America Stadium FOX Recap 4-3
9 November 2 2008 11 a.m. at St. Louis Rams W 34-13 Edward Jones Dome FOX Recap 5-3
10 November 10 2008 6:30 p.m. San Francisco 49ers W 29-24 University of Phoenix Stadium ESPN Recap 6-3
11 November 16 2008 2:05 p.m. at Seattle Seahawks W 26-20 Qwest Field FOX Recap 7-3
12 November 23 2008 2:15 p.m. New York Giants L 37-29 University of Phoenix Stadium FOX Recap 7-4
13 November 27 2008 6:15 p.m. at Philadelphia Eagles L 48-20 Lincoln Financial Field NFLN Recap 7-5
14 December 7 2008 2:15 p.m. St. Louis Rams W 34-10 University of Phoenix Stadium FOX Recap 8-5
15 December 14 2008 2:05 p.m. Minnesota Vikings L 35-14 University of Phoenix Stadium FOX Recap 8-6
16 December 21 2008 11 a.m. at New England Patriots L 47-7 Gillette Stadium FOX Recap 8-7
17 December 28 2008 2:15 p.m. Seattle Seahawks W 34-21 University of Phoenix Stadium FOX Recap 9-7

Regular season results

Week 1: at San Francisco 49ers

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 3 7 10 3 23
49ers 7 3 0 3 13

at Bill Walsh Field at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

The Cardinals began their 2008 campaign on the road against their NFC West rival, the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, Arizona took flight as kicker Neil Rackers got a 25-yard field goal. The 49ers responded with RB Frank Gore's 41-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Cardinals responded with QB Kurt Warner completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald, yet San Francisco tied the game with kicker Joe Nedney getting a 39-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Cardinals began to soar as Rackers got a 31-yard field goal, along with rookie RB Tim Hightower getting a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the 49ers tried to respond with Nedney getting a 30-yard field goal. Afterwards, Rackers' 30-yard field goal sealed the victory for Arizona.

With the win, the Cardinals began their season at 1-0.

Week 2: vs. Miami Dolphins

1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 0 0 3 7 10
Cardinals 14 3 14 0 31

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Coming off their divisional road win over the 49ers, the Cardinals played their Week 2 home opener against the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, the Cardinals scored first as QB Kurt Warner threw 2 TD passes (a 79-yarder and a 3-yarder) to WR Anquan Boldin. In the second quarter, Arizona increased their lead with a 45 yard field goal by Neil Rackers. In the third quarter, the Cardinals increased its lead to 24-0 with rookie RB Tim Hightower getting a 1-yard TD run. In the process, he became the first Cardinals rookie running back to ever score in each of his first two games. The Dolphins finally got on the board when kicker Dan Carpenter nailed a 32-yard field goal. The Cardinals replied with Warner and Boldin hooking up with each other for a third time on an 8-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, Miami tried to rally as RB Ronnie Brown got a 1-yard TD run, but Arizona held on for a dominating win.

With the win, the Cardinals improved to its first 2-0 start since 1991. This game was also one of three times that Kurt Warner finished a game with a perfect passer rating.

Week 3: at Washington Redskins

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 0 7 10 0 17
Redskins 7 3 7 7 24

at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

Coming off their home win over the Dolphins, the Cardinals flew to FedEx Field for a Week 3 duel with the Washington Redskins. In the first quarter, Arizona trailed early as Redskins RB Clinton Portis got a 3-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Cardinals continued to trail as kicker Shaun Suisham got a 48-yard field goal. The Cardinals would end the half with QB Kurt Warner completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin. In the third quarter, the Cardinals tied the game with kicker Neil Rackers nailing a 26-yard field goal, yet Washington responded with QB Jason Campbell completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Todd Yoder. Afterwards, Arizona answered with Warner completing a 62-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald. However, in the fourth quarter, the Redskins pulled away with Campbell's 17-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss.

With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 2-1.

Week 4: at New York Jets

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 0 0 21 14 35
Jets 0 34 0 22 56

at The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Redskins, the Cardinals flew to The Meadowlands for a Week 4 interconference duel with the New York Jets. After a scoreless first quarter, Arizona started to trail big in the second quarter. The Jets took flight with QB Brett Favre completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles, CB Darrelle Revis returning an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, Favre completing a 34-yard TD pass to Coles, kicker Jay Feely getting 20-yard field goal, Favre completing a 2-yard TD pass to Coles, and Feely kicking a 30-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Cardinals responded with RB Edgerrin James getting a 4-yard and a 2-yard TD run, along with rookie RB Tim Hightower getting a 1-yard TD run. In the third quarter, New York answered with Favre's 17-yard TD pass to WR Jerricho Cotchery. The Cardinals would reply with QB Kurt Warner completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin, yet the Jets continued their victory march with Favre's 40-yard TD pass to Cotchery. Arizona tried to rally as Warner completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Jerheme Urban, but New York sealed the win with Favre's 24-yard TD pass to TE Dustin Keller.

With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 2-2.

Week 5: vs. Buffalo Bills

1 2 3 4 Total
Bills 0 14 3 0 17
Cardinals 7 17 7 10 41

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Hoping to rebound from their miserable road loss to the Jets, the Cardinals went home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Buffalo Bills. In the first quarter, the Cardinals took flight as QB Kurt Warner completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead with rookie RB Tim Hightower getting a 17-yard TD run. The Bills responded with QB J. P. Losman completing an 87-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans, yet the Cardinals answered right back with RB Edgerrin James getting a 1-yard TD run. Buffalo would answer with Losman getting a 2-yard TD run, yet the Cardinals continued its momentum with kicker Neil Rackers getting a 47-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Bills tried to comeback as kicker Rian Lindell got a 48-yard field goal, but Arizona kept its intensity up as Warner completed a 2-yard TD pass to Fitzgerald. In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals pulled away as Rackers nailed a 38-yard field goal, along with Hightower getting a 2-yard TD run.

With the win, the Cardinals improved to 3-2.

Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys

1 2 3 4OT Total
Cowboys 0 7 7 100 24
Cardinals 7 0 7 106 30

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Coming off their rout over the Bills, the Cardinals stayed at home for a crucial Week 6 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, the Cardinals immediately took flight as RB J.J. Arrington returned the game's opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Cowboys tied the game as QB Tony Romo completed a 55-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. In the third quarter, Dallas took the lead with Romo completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Miles Austin. Arizona would tie the game with QB Kurt Warner completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald. In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals regained the lead as Warner completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Steve Breaston, along with kicker Neil Rackers getting a 41-yard field goal. However, the Cowboys tied the game as Romo completed a 70-yard TD pass to RB Marion Barber, along with kicker Nick Folk nailing a 52-yard field goal. In overtime, after forcing a three-and-out, Arizona got the win as WR Sean Morey blocked the punt attempt, allowing LB Monty Beisel to return it 3 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

With the impressive win, the Cardinals entered their bye week at 4-2.

In the NFL's 423rd recorded overtime game, this was the first game to end with a blocked punt getting returned for a touchdown.

Week 8: at Carolina Panthers

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 3 7 13 0 23
Panthers 0 3 21 3 27

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Coming off their bye week, the Cardinals flew to Bank of America Stadium for a Week 8 duel with the Carolina Panthers. In the first quarter, the Cardinals took flight as kicker Neil Rackers got a 21-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead as QB Kurt Warner completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin. The Panthers closed out the half with kicker John Kasay getting a 23-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Cardinals increased their lead as rookie RB Tim Hightower got a 2-yard TD run. However, Carolina began to rally as RB DeAngelo Williams got a 15-yard TD run, while QB Jake Delhomme completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. The Cardinals replied with Warner hooking up with Boldin again on a 2-yard TD pass (with a failed PAT), but the Panthers took the lead on Delhomme's 65-yard TD pass to Smith. In the fourth quarter, Carolina pulled away as Kasay nailed a 50-yard field goal.

With the tough loss, the Cardinals fell to 4-3.

Week 9: at St. Louis Rams

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 0 24 7 3 34
Rams 7 0 0 6 13

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Panthers, the Cardinals flew to the Edward Jones Dome for a Week 9 NFC West duel with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Arizona trailed early as Rams QB Marc Bulger completed an 80-yard TD pass to WR Derek Stanley. In the second quarter, the Cardinals took flight as Safety Antrel Rolle returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown, kicker Neil Rackers got a 36-yard field goal, rookie RB Tim Hightower got a 30-yard TD run, and former Rams QB Kurt Warner completed a 56-yard TD pass to WR Jerheme Urban.

In the third quarter, the Cardinals continued their domination as Warner completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis tried to rally as Bulger completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt (with a failed 2-point conversion). Fortunately, Arizona pulled away as Rackers nailed a 30-yard field goal.

With the win, the Cardinals improved to 5-3.

Week 10: vs. San Francisco 49ers

1 2 3 4 Total
49ers 7 14 3 0 24
Cardinals 3 10 7 9 29

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Coming off their divisional road win over the Rams, the Cardinals went home for a Week 10 NFC West rematch with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. In the first quarter, Arizona trailed early as 49ers CB Allen Rossum returned the game's opening kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals would respond as kicker Neil Rackers got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, San Francisco added onto their lead as QB Shaun Hill completed a 31-yard TD pass to WR Josh Morgan. The Cardinals would answer with QB Kurt Warner completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin, along with Rackers getting a 33-yard field goal. The 49ers would close out the half with Hill completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Vernon Davis.

In the third quarter, Arizona crept closer again as Warner completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald, yet San Francisco replied with kicker Joe Nedney getting a 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals took the lead as Rackers nailed a 23-yard field goal, along with Warner hooking up with Boldin again on a 5-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion). The 49ers would mount a late comeback drive. Fortunately, Arizona got a goal-line stand as time ran out.

With the season-sweep, the Cardinals improved to 6-3.

Week 11: at Seattle Seahawks

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 10 6 10 0 26
Seahawks 0 7 0 13 20

at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

Coming off their close MNF home win over the 49ers, the Cardinals flew to Qwest Field for a Week 11 NFC West duel with the Seattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, the Cardinals took flight as kicker Neil Rackers got a 38-yard TD run, along with RB J.J. Arrington getting a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead with Rackers making a 48-yard field goal. The Seahawks answered with QB Matt Hasselbeck completing a 13-yard TD pass to RB Maurice Morris. The Cardinals would close out the half with Rackers getting a 54-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Cardinals increased their lead as Rackers nailed a 26-yard field goal and QB Kurt Warner completed a 6-yard TD pass to Arrington. In the fourth quarter, Seattle tried to rally as RB T.J. Duckett got a 1-yard TD run (with a faled 2-point conversion) and a 2-yard TD run. Fortunately, rookie CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie came up with the game-winning interception.

With the win, not only did the Cardinals win three straight for the first time since 2002, but they improved to 7-3 for the first time since 1977.

Week 12: vs. New York Giants

1 2 3 4 Total
Giants 0 17 7 13 37
Cardinals 3 9 7 10 29

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Coming off their divisional road win over the Seahawks, the Cardinals went home for a Week 12 duel with the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Arizona took fight as kicker Neil Rackers got a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded with RB Derrick Ward getting a 1-yard TD run. The Cardinals would regain the lead with rookie RB Tim Hightower getting a 4-yard TD run (with a failed extra-point attempt), yet New York answered with kicker John Carney getting a 33-yard field goal. The Cardinals would reply with Rackers making a 20-yard field goal, yet the Giants closed out the half with QB Eli Manning completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer.

In the third quarter, New York increased their lead as Manning completed a 2-yard TD pass to FB Madison Hedgecock. Arizona would answer with Hightower getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Giants were starting to pull away as Manning completed a 10-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss, while Carney made a 27-yard field goal. The Cardinals tried to keep pace as QB Kurt Warner completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin, yet New York replied with Carney's 33-yard field goal. Arizona tried to comeback as Rackers nailed a 44-yard field goal, but their following onside kick failed, preserving the Giants' win.

With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 7-4.

Week 13: at Philadelphia Eagles

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 0 7 6 7 20
Eagles 14 10 10 14 48

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hoping to rebound from their tough home loss to the Giants, the Cardinals flew to Lincoln Financial Field for a Week 13 Thanksgiving battle with the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first quarter, Arizona trailed early as Eagles QB Donovan McNabb completing a 5-yard TD pass to RB Brian Westbrook, while Westbrook got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Cardinals continued to trail as McNabb hooked up with Westbrook again on a 2-yard TD pass. The Cardinals would respond as QB Kurt Warner completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald. Philadelphia would close out the half with kicker David Akers making a 42-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Arizona's struggles continued as Westbrook got a 9-yard TD run. The Cardinals would answer with Warner completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Steve Breaston (with a failed 2-point conversion). The Eagles would reply as Akers got a 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals tried to rally as Warner hooked up with Fitzgerald again on a 7-yard TD pass. However, Philadelphia replied with McNabb completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR DeSean Jackson, along with an 8-yard TD pass to WR Jason Avant.

With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 7-5.

Week 14: vs. St. Louis Rams

1 2 3 4 Total
Rams 0 7 0 3 10
Cardinals 14 6 7 7 34

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Arizona dominated St Louis to win the NFC West and clinch their first home playoff game since 1947.

Week 15: vs. Minnesota Vikings

1 2 3 4 Total
Vikings 21 7 7 0 35
Cardinals 0 0 14 0 14

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Week 16: at New England Patriots

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 0 0 0 7 7
Patriots 14 17 13 3 47

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Vikings, the Cardinals flew to Gillette Stadium for a Week 16 interconference duel with the New England Patriots. Arizona would trail early in the first quarter as Patriots running back LaMont Jordan got a 1-yard and a 3-yard touchdown run. The Cardinals' east coast struggles continued in the second quarter as quarterback Matt Cassel completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to running back Kevin Faulk and an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker, followed by kicker Stephen Gostkowski's 38-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Arizona's deficit continued to climb as Cassel completed a 76-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Randy Moss, followed by Gostkowski's 35-yard and 24-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New England concluded its domination with Gostkowski's 30-yard field goal. The Cardinals would then get a meaningless touchdown as quarterback Matt Leinart completed a 78-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

With the loss, Arizona fell to 8-7.

Original starting quarterback Kurt Warner (6/18 for 30 yards) was pulled in the third quarter via coach's decision.

Week 17: vs. Seattle Seahawks

1 2 3 4 Total
Seahawks 7 7 0 7 21
Cardinals 0 14 14 6 34

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Hoping to close out the regular season on a positive note, the Cardinals went home for a Week 17 NFC West rematch with the Seattle Seahawks. Arizona would trail early in the first quarter as Seahawks running back T.J. Duckett got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Cardinals would respond in the second quarter with quarterback Kurt Warner completing a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerheme Urban and a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Seattle would tie the game at halftime with quarterback Seneca Wallace completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Deion Branch.

Arizona would regain the lead in the third quarter as Warner completed a 38-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald and a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Breaston. Seattle tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Wallace completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Branch, yet the Cardinals would close out the game with kicker Neil Rackers nailing a 23-yard and a 32-yard field goal.

With the win, the Cardinals closed out the regular season at 9-7.

Postseason results

The Cardinals are sending a total of 5 players to the 2009 Pro Bowl. On offense, Kurt Warner will be the starting quarterback with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin both at wide receiver. On the defense, Adrian Wilson will be the defensive back. Sean Morey will be starting on special teams.

NFC Wild Card Round: vs. Atlanta Falcons

1 2 3 4 Total
Falcons 0 17 0 7 24
Cardinals 7 7 14 2 30

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Entering the playoffs at the NFC's fourth seed, the Cardinals began their playoff run at home against the #5 Atlanta Falcons, in their first home playoff game since 1947.

Arizona would get the early lead in the first quarter as quarterback Kurt Warner completed a 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The Falcons would respond with kicker Jason Elam's 30-yard field goal, yet the Cardinals struck right back as Warner completed a 71-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Atlanta would take the halftime lead as running back Michael Turner getting a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by quarterback Matt Ryan completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Justin Peelle.

Arizona would regain the lead in the third quarter as safety Antrel Rolle returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, while rookie running back Tim Hightower got a 4-yard touchdown. The Cardinals would increase their lead in the fourth quarter as defensive end Antonio Smith sacked Ryan in his endzone for a safety. The Falcons tried to comeback as Ryan completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White, yet Arizona's offense would drain any second that Atlanta needed to rally.

With the win, the Cardinals improved their overall record 10-7.

NFC Divisional Round: at Carolina Panthers

1 2 3 4 Total
Cardinals 14 13 3 30
Panthers 7 0 0 7

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Game Time: 4:30 PM EST
  • Game Weather:
  • Game Attendance:
  • Referee:
  • TV Announcers (FOX):

Division standings

NFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Arizona Cardinals 9 7 0 .563 6–0 7–5 427 426 W1
San Francisco 49ers 7 9 0 .438 3–3 5–7 339 381 W2
Seattle Seahawks 4 12 0 .250 3–3 3–9 294 392 L1
St. Louis Rams 2 14 0 .125 0–6 2–10 232 465 L10

References

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2008_Arizona_Cardinals_season&oldid=263311995"