azdad1978
Championship!!!!
Head Coach Dennis Green
Opening Statement:
“We feel good about our last game here at Sun Devil Stadium. It was a game that kind of went the way we like them to go. We’ve been in a lot of close games where, defensively we had a lot of effect. I think the big thing was that they blitz a lot and we blitz a lot, so we were really going after each other. I think we had a little bit more success, particularly in the beginning and the end of the game offensively where we were able to make some plays. We still had way too many penalties, which hurt us a little bit, but the guys played hard. I think that’s the key thing. We are obviously disappointed in the record, but I think our guys are going to play hard next week, just like we did this week. Injury-wise, Leonard Davis was hurt early and we had to move Oliver Ross over to left tackle. He hasn’t played there before, but I think he hung in there and did a good job. Fred Wakefield took his place at right tackle. We had just a few other bumps and bruises so hopefully the guys will get healthy by the time we practice again on Wednesday and we can go out and play a pretty good game at Indianapolis.”
On whether this was the most complete game the Cardinals have played this season:
“I think it was close to it. I think if we could have closed it out (it would have been). We missed on a few opportunities. Defensively, we were flying around. We were making a lot of plays. We made a lot of big plays defensively and that’s kind of how we envisioned us playing. We’ve had some games like that that we’ve won. We’ve had a few games like that that we lost. Offensively, I think that we made some big catches. Both Anquan (Boldin) and Larry (Fitzgerald) made some big catches and got some big first downs that made a difference. Josh (McCown) did a good job getting the ball up and putting it up quick for those guys.”
On Adrian Wilson not making the Pro Bowl:
“He’s disappointed. Adrian (Wilson) has been knocking around that Pro Bowl thing for a while. He’s still a very young player, but he is definitely a Pro Bowl caliber player. A lot of the national media have said that and a lot of the local media have said that also. I just think it’s probably when we do better he’ll get more recognition.”
On the team’s approach today compared to games they lost by close margins:
“We took the same approach. We just didn’t play as well and they played better than we did. We let them get away with some things that we though we could do a better job at. Then we didn’t win it at the end when we had a chance too. I think the guys understand that we can have a good team and that we’ve got a certain number of good players and those guys are guys that you can be very proud of. They always play hard. Larry (Fitzgerald) and Anquan (Boldin) always play hard. James Darling, Adrian Wilson, guys like that always play hard. I just think we’re a step away.”
On Josh McCown:
“I think he was very good. He was very efficient. He only really made one bad throw, which he was kind of escaping on it. But I think he did a good job. He does a good job of getting the ball up. On Larry’s (Fitzgerald) catch, it was up early and on Anquan’s (Boldin) catch it was up early.”
On Josh McCown becoming a free agent after the season:
“We haven’t thought about it. There’s one thing we know, the players have earned unrestricted free agency and it’s a system that I think we’ve all bought in to. A lot goes on between now and when it starts and a lot goes on after it starts too.”
On whether Josh McCown made big improvements over the last two years:
“Absolutely. We have confidence in him. He was a starter for a lot of the time we were here and we think he can play.”
On converting third downs in the second half:
“We didn’t use as much of the spread stuff. We went a little bit tighter and tried to keep their base people on the field a little bit more.”
On going on a 97-yard drive:
“That’s a good one. I think the guys really feel strongly about playing. We could go play eight or nine more weeks. I think the guys have not lost their enthusiasm for playing. They still want to play. Some of those games that we let get away, we wish we could get them back. We’re still pretty wounded injury-wise, but guys who have got a chance to play, they have stepped up and gave their best game also.”
Linebacker Karlos Dansby
On his interception for a touchdown:
“That felt great. I wish I could have got another one. I was trying to, but the offensive tackle got his hands on me and I couldn’t get high enough.”
On being the only linebacker in Cardinals history to have two interception returns for a touchdown:
“It feels great to be a part of that.”
On whether they felt like they had to come and out dominate the offense:
“That is our mindset. We came in trying to stop the run and make the quarterback beat us. We knew they had issues and we tried to take advantage of them.”
On whether that was the best the team has performed all year:
“I think so. I think that was one of our best games as a team.”
On the interception:
“I just tried to play in between the quarterback and the receiver, sort of like basketball. Once I saw the tight end come behind the line of scrimmage I knew the linebacker was going to have trying to get back to him so I just tried to get between them and buy the (linebackers) a little time.”
Defensive end Chike Okeafor:
On whether he thought Adrian Wilson was trying to make a statement after not making the Pro Bowl:
“I don’t think we really get into all that. I think he was just ballin’, just playing his best. That is the only thing he can control. There are a lot of politics in things like that so I think he is just out there doing his thing. He is not going to let that effect his play. Sometimes you have to keep on proving yourself until they can’t deny you.”
On his most lasting memory of Sun Devil Stadium:
“It would be a toss up between getting a sack in my first game in this stadium and getting one in my last game. I enjoyed getting a chance to come to this stadium and play, but I think every team deserves a home. This team has needed a home for a long time, and it is going to be a great thing.”
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin:
On taking advantage of the coverages:
“We saw it on film, they like to heat it up a lot which means they play man coverage and I think we picked our spots.”
On how well Josh played:
“He played well. He hit the open receivers and he checked out of some bad plays which gave us an opportunity to move the ball. Especially in the play with (Larry) Fitzgerald, he checked out on that play and was able to get a touchdown.”
On the touchdown reception:
“It was a pretty good call. They actually got me singled up with one of the defensive backs. The call was 971 which gave me a fade route and the guy played outside leverage so I went inside. Josh put the ball on the inside so I could keep the guy in the back of me and I went up and made a play on it.”
On going between two defenders for the touchdown:
“Josh put air under it which is what you are supposed to do on a fade route. With him doing that, the safety got a chance to get over. I wasn’t really paying attention to the safety because I was focused on the ball.”
On how often he will come up with the ball when it is up for grabs:
“99.99 percent of the time. As a receiver you have to have that kind of mentality. Whenever the ball is in your area it has to be your ball.”
On whether he was motivated like Adrian Wilson said he was after not making the Pro Bowl:
“No, but he (Wilson) showed it though. He was out there and I felt sorry for their quarterbacks because every time they would turn around he was in their face. I think he is a guy who got snubbed two years in a row to be honest. I think he deserved the votes that he didn’t get. For myself, it just motivates me. It makes me work harder.”
On how the receiving core has improved:
“I think we have improved tremendously. We have a lot of young guys who are coming along, guys like LeRon McCoy. I think the older guys stepped up. I think the future is real bright for this receiving core.”
On the feelings he has about this being his last game at Sun Devil Stadium:
“This is the place where I started my NFL career. I have a lot of memories and of course I have played a lot of games so I am excited about playing here, but I am also excited about getting in to the new stadium.”
Strong safety Adrian Wilson:
On whether the defense played differently because they prepared for the blitz:
“No we really didn’t. The difference between this week and Houston is because they were kind of scared of us. Philly just came in and ran their offense. They weren’t really worrying about where I was or what I was going to do.”
On whether this is the most complete game the team has played:
“I wouldn’t say it was the most complete game because of the pass interference penalty. I think there were a couple of calls, but other than that we played well. We wanted to come in here and get a win.”
Cardinals QB Josh McCown
"Driving to the stadium this morning I called my dad and he was saying 'just go have fun'. You know, it's funny because around this time of year everybody chooses-up teams and they play in the yard or the snow. The best thing is that our team is already chosen, and we have some pretty good guys so I just get to go play and get paid to do it. I just wanted to go out and have fun and that's been my mindset the last couple of seasons--in Dave [McGinnis]'s last year and this past season. Both times you're getting starts at the end of the year and you kind of understand the situation, and you just let it hang out and have fun and play ball. That was one of the funnest games I've been a part of."
On the importance of winning the team's final game at Sun Devil Stadium
"I think [it was important]. I was really thinking about that a lot. I'm not sure how many guys thought about it because we're such a young team--a lot of guys this is their first year, or they've been here two. But, being here four years and playing with Jake [Plummer] and some of the guys that have around here awhile and understand the history around here, it was really special to me. I wanted to go out and get a win. Kurt [Warner] was laughing at the sign in the endzone, and I was telling him about the year we knocked Minnesota out. Whatever it said--'screw the number one pick, play the spoiler---we laughed, and I told him that we would have drafted Eli [Manning]. He kind of paused for a second, kind of thinking about the whole situation. It reminded me of that moment against Minnesota when I looked at the sign today, and the whole atmosphere made it special."
On his most memorable moment at Sun Devil Stadium
"Probably that moment [against Minnesota], and today. Both of them were obviously wins. That moment was exciting because of the manner in which we won, and also because we knocked [Minnesota] out of the playoffs. That was kind of my first big moment here and I'll certainly never forget that. And then today--going out and getting the win--it's all special."
On his performance
"We did some good things. We were slow getting started, and that's what you have to expect playing Philly. When you play a team like Philly, they do so much and their defense is so active as far as blitzing and stuff like that, that when you play them and a [defensive] coordinator like Coach [Jim] Johnson, you have to just grind it out. Your plays will come, you just have to be smart with the football. For me, that's what I was trying to do, be efficient and smart with the football and let the plays come. We had a couple of opportunities to get touchdowns with Larry [Fitzgerald] and [Anquan Boldin] and we got one called back which was a bummer, but those plays came eventually. I was pleased in that respect with how we played the game and called the game offensively because we were patient. We didn't get too flustered about not jumping on them early, and obviously our defense afforded us the capability to do that. Anytime that [our defense] is playing well and we know that [Philadelphia] has guys hurt on offense, we know that we can just grind it out."
On the play of WR Larry Fitzgerald and WR Anquan Boldin this season
"Those guys are special, special guys. I've enjoyed playing with them the last couple years--three with Anquan. They've been awesome to work with--their ability in games to step up and be pros and make plays. Neither one of them are real ra-ra talking guys--unless Anquan gets a couple bad calls--because that's not really their demeanor. What they do is constantly go out there and play ball and be professionals, and show up and make plays and go to the Pro Bowl and get 100 catches. That's what they do. When you're around that, it can't help but permeate through the team and you can't help but become a good football team. I think that's where we're headed and with those two guys, the sky is the limit with how good we can be offensively around here."
http://www.azcardinals.com/news/news_details.html?iid=3352
Opening Statement:
“We feel good about our last game here at Sun Devil Stadium. It was a game that kind of went the way we like them to go. We’ve been in a lot of close games where, defensively we had a lot of effect. I think the big thing was that they blitz a lot and we blitz a lot, so we were really going after each other. I think we had a little bit more success, particularly in the beginning and the end of the game offensively where we were able to make some plays. We still had way too many penalties, which hurt us a little bit, but the guys played hard. I think that’s the key thing. We are obviously disappointed in the record, but I think our guys are going to play hard next week, just like we did this week. Injury-wise, Leonard Davis was hurt early and we had to move Oliver Ross over to left tackle. He hasn’t played there before, but I think he hung in there and did a good job. Fred Wakefield took his place at right tackle. We had just a few other bumps and bruises so hopefully the guys will get healthy by the time we practice again on Wednesday and we can go out and play a pretty good game at Indianapolis.”
On whether this was the most complete game the Cardinals have played this season:
“I think it was close to it. I think if we could have closed it out (it would have been). We missed on a few opportunities. Defensively, we were flying around. We were making a lot of plays. We made a lot of big plays defensively and that’s kind of how we envisioned us playing. We’ve had some games like that that we’ve won. We’ve had a few games like that that we lost. Offensively, I think that we made some big catches. Both Anquan (Boldin) and Larry (Fitzgerald) made some big catches and got some big first downs that made a difference. Josh (McCown) did a good job getting the ball up and putting it up quick for those guys.”
On Adrian Wilson not making the Pro Bowl:
“He’s disappointed. Adrian (Wilson) has been knocking around that Pro Bowl thing for a while. He’s still a very young player, but he is definitely a Pro Bowl caliber player. A lot of the national media have said that and a lot of the local media have said that also. I just think it’s probably when we do better he’ll get more recognition.”
On the team’s approach today compared to games they lost by close margins:
“We took the same approach. We just didn’t play as well and they played better than we did. We let them get away with some things that we though we could do a better job at. Then we didn’t win it at the end when we had a chance too. I think the guys understand that we can have a good team and that we’ve got a certain number of good players and those guys are guys that you can be very proud of. They always play hard. Larry (Fitzgerald) and Anquan (Boldin) always play hard. James Darling, Adrian Wilson, guys like that always play hard. I just think we’re a step away.”
On Josh McCown:
“I think he was very good. He was very efficient. He only really made one bad throw, which he was kind of escaping on it. But I think he did a good job. He does a good job of getting the ball up. On Larry’s (Fitzgerald) catch, it was up early and on Anquan’s (Boldin) catch it was up early.”
On Josh McCown becoming a free agent after the season:
“We haven’t thought about it. There’s one thing we know, the players have earned unrestricted free agency and it’s a system that I think we’ve all bought in to. A lot goes on between now and when it starts and a lot goes on after it starts too.”
On whether Josh McCown made big improvements over the last two years:
“Absolutely. We have confidence in him. He was a starter for a lot of the time we were here and we think he can play.”
On converting third downs in the second half:
“We didn’t use as much of the spread stuff. We went a little bit tighter and tried to keep their base people on the field a little bit more.”
On going on a 97-yard drive:
“That’s a good one. I think the guys really feel strongly about playing. We could go play eight or nine more weeks. I think the guys have not lost their enthusiasm for playing. They still want to play. Some of those games that we let get away, we wish we could get them back. We’re still pretty wounded injury-wise, but guys who have got a chance to play, they have stepped up and gave their best game also.”
Linebacker Karlos Dansby
On his interception for a touchdown:
“That felt great. I wish I could have got another one. I was trying to, but the offensive tackle got his hands on me and I couldn’t get high enough.”
On being the only linebacker in Cardinals history to have two interception returns for a touchdown:
“It feels great to be a part of that.”
On whether they felt like they had to come and out dominate the offense:
“That is our mindset. We came in trying to stop the run and make the quarterback beat us. We knew they had issues and we tried to take advantage of them.”
On whether that was the best the team has performed all year:
“I think so. I think that was one of our best games as a team.”
On the interception:
“I just tried to play in between the quarterback and the receiver, sort of like basketball. Once I saw the tight end come behind the line of scrimmage I knew the linebacker was going to have trying to get back to him so I just tried to get between them and buy the (linebackers) a little time.”
Defensive end Chike Okeafor:
On whether he thought Adrian Wilson was trying to make a statement after not making the Pro Bowl:
“I don’t think we really get into all that. I think he was just ballin’, just playing his best. That is the only thing he can control. There are a lot of politics in things like that so I think he is just out there doing his thing. He is not going to let that effect his play. Sometimes you have to keep on proving yourself until they can’t deny you.”
On his most lasting memory of Sun Devil Stadium:
“It would be a toss up between getting a sack in my first game in this stadium and getting one in my last game. I enjoyed getting a chance to come to this stadium and play, but I think every team deserves a home. This team has needed a home for a long time, and it is going to be a great thing.”
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin:
On taking advantage of the coverages:
“We saw it on film, they like to heat it up a lot which means they play man coverage and I think we picked our spots.”
On how well Josh played:
“He played well. He hit the open receivers and he checked out of some bad plays which gave us an opportunity to move the ball. Especially in the play with (Larry) Fitzgerald, he checked out on that play and was able to get a touchdown.”
On the touchdown reception:
“It was a pretty good call. They actually got me singled up with one of the defensive backs. The call was 971 which gave me a fade route and the guy played outside leverage so I went inside. Josh put the ball on the inside so I could keep the guy in the back of me and I went up and made a play on it.”
On going between two defenders for the touchdown:
“Josh put air under it which is what you are supposed to do on a fade route. With him doing that, the safety got a chance to get over. I wasn’t really paying attention to the safety because I was focused on the ball.”
On how often he will come up with the ball when it is up for grabs:
“99.99 percent of the time. As a receiver you have to have that kind of mentality. Whenever the ball is in your area it has to be your ball.”
On whether he was motivated like Adrian Wilson said he was after not making the Pro Bowl:
“No, but he (Wilson) showed it though. He was out there and I felt sorry for their quarterbacks because every time they would turn around he was in their face. I think he is a guy who got snubbed two years in a row to be honest. I think he deserved the votes that he didn’t get. For myself, it just motivates me. It makes me work harder.”
On how the receiving core has improved:
“I think we have improved tremendously. We have a lot of young guys who are coming along, guys like LeRon McCoy. I think the older guys stepped up. I think the future is real bright for this receiving core.”
On the feelings he has about this being his last game at Sun Devil Stadium:
“This is the place where I started my NFL career. I have a lot of memories and of course I have played a lot of games so I am excited about playing here, but I am also excited about getting in to the new stadium.”
Strong safety Adrian Wilson:
On whether the defense played differently because they prepared for the blitz:
“No we really didn’t. The difference between this week and Houston is because they were kind of scared of us. Philly just came in and ran their offense. They weren’t really worrying about where I was or what I was going to do.”
On whether this is the most complete game the team has played:
“I wouldn’t say it was the most complete game because of the pass interference penalty. I think there were a couple of calls, but other than that we played well. We wanted to come in here and get a win.”
Cardinals QB Josh McCown
"Driving to the stadium this morning I called my dad and he was saying 'just go have fun'. You know, it's funny because around this time of year everybody chooses-up teams and they play in the yard or the snow. The best thing is that our team is already chosen, and we have some pretty good guys so I just get to go play and get paid to do it. I just wanted to go out and have fun and that's been my mindset the last couple of seasons--in Dave [McGinnis]'s last year and this past season. Both times you're getting starts at the end of the year and you kind of understand the situation, and you just let it hang out and have fun and play ball. That was one of the funnest games I've been a part of."
On the importance of winning the team's final game at Sun Devil Stadium
"I think [it was important]. I was really thinking about that a lot. I'm not sure how many guys thought about it because we're such a young team--a lot of guys this is their first year, or they've been here two. But, being here four years and playing with Jake [Plummer] and some of the guys that have around here awhile and understand the history around here, it was really special to me. I wanted to go out and get a win. Kurt [Warner] was laughing at the sign in the endzone, and I was telling him about the year we knocked Minnesota out. Whatever it said--'screw the number one pick, play the spoiler---we laughed, and I told him that we would have drafted Eli [Manning]. He kind of paused for a second, kind of thinking about the whole situation. It reminded me of that moment against Minnesota when I looked at the sign today, and the whole atmosphere made it special."
On his most memorable moment at Sun Devil Stadium
"Probably that moment [against Minnesota], and today. Both of them were obviously wins. That moment was exciting because of the manner in which we won, and also because we knocked [Minnesota] out of the playoffs. That was kind of my first big moment here and I'll certainly never forget that. And then today--going out and getting the win--it's all special."
On his performance
"We did some good things. We were slow getting started, and that's what you have to expect playing Philly. When you play a team like Philly, they do so much and their defense is so active as far as blitzing and stuff like that, that when you play them and a [defensive] coordinator like Coach [Jim] Johnson, you have to just grind it out. Your plays will come, you just have to be smart with the football. For me, that's what I was trying to do, be efficient and smart with the football and let the plays come. We had a couple of opportunities to get touchdowns with Larry [Fitzgerald] and [Anquan Boldin] and we got one called back which was a bummer, but those plays came eventually. I was pleased in that respect with how we played the game and called the game offensively because we were patient. We didn't get too flustered about not jumping on them early, and obviously our defense afforded us the capability to do that. Anytime that [our defense] is playing well and we know that [Philadelphia] has guys hurt on offense, we know that we can just grind it out."
On the play of WR Larry Fitzgerald and WR Anquan Boldin this season
"Those guys are special, special guys. I've enjoyed playing with them the last couple years--three with Anquan. They've been awesome to work with--their ability in games to step up and be pros and make plays. Neither one of them are real ra-ra talking guys--unless Anquan gets a couple bad calls--because that's not really their demeanor. What they do is constantly go out there and play ball and be professionals, and show up and make plays and go to the Pro Bowl and get 100 catches. That's what they do. When you're around that, it can't help but permeate through the team and you can't help but become a good football team. I think that's where we're headed and with those two guys, the sky is the limit with how good we can be offensively around here."
http://www.azcardinals.com/news/news_details.html?iid=3352
