ARIZONA CARDINALS

Bird Bits: Cardinals embarrassed by Rams

Nov 26, 2012, 12:14 AM | Updated: 12:32 am

Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a football game. So, we will give you Bird Bits providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the Cardinals’ 31-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams.

The Story:

Rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley made his first professional start and it didn’t go well. The sixth-round pick threw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns by St. Louis rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

The Good:

Beanie Wells returned to the gridiron after a prolonged absence with a turf toe injury and played well. The fourth-year pro ran for 48 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns — his first two scores of the season.

The Bad:

Lindley’s second half performance left a lot to be desired. To his defense, the Rams brought a lot more pressure with blitz schemes, and they seemed to confuse the rookie.

Even with the quarterback change, the Cardinals failed to get the ball into the hands of Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz had just three catches for 31 yards and has just four receptions in the last two games.

Noted:

• Jenkins became the first Ram in history to have two interception returns for touchdowns in the same game. As a franchise, they’ve played 1,030 games.

• The Rams hadn’t forced a turnover in their previous five games, but picked off four passes against the Cardinals.

• St. Louis’ 31 points tied their season-high. They also had 31 in a Week 2 win over the Washington Redskins.

• The Rams picked up their first road win of the season, snapping a seven-game road losing streak.

Coming Up Next:

The Cardinals hit the road to take on the New York Jets at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey next Sunday.

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort at the 2024 NFL Draft Combine...

Arizona Sports

Watch: Cardinals GM tells Marvin Harrison Jr. he has 3 jobs

In Monti Ossenfort's call to Marvin Harrison Jr. to tell him the Arizona Cardinals were picking him, the GM said the WR has just three jobs.

39 minutes ago

Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson speaks at the 2024 NFL Draft after being selected by the...

Tyler Drake

Versatility, being a good teammate at forefront of Darius Robinson’s game

Darius Robinson brings versatility to the Arizona Cardinals' defensive front after he was selected 27th in the 2024 NFL Draft.

8 hours ago

Darius Robinson...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals took trade calls at NFL Draft, stood pat for Marvin Harrison Jr. and Darius Robinson

The Cardinals stood pat with their first-round picks at the NFL Draft, a difference from general manager Monti Ossenfort's strategy in 2023.

9 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Marvin Harrison Jr. checked all the extra boxes when he met with the Cardinals at the combine

Marvin Harrison Jr. checked all the extra boxes when he met with the Cardinals at the combine and then when he visited Arizona, GM Monti Ossenfort said.

10 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. speaks with reporters after getting drafted at No. 4 overall by the Arizona Car...

Tyler Drake

Marvin Harrison ecstatic to be a Cardinal, Kyler Murray’s newest WR1

Marvin Harrison Jr. is ready to follow in former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's footsteps.

10 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. arrives to the 2024 NFL Draft...

Dan Bickley

Marvin Harrison Jr. gets the Larry Fitzgerald seal of approval

The entire state of Arizona was cheering loudly when the Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr., including the great Larry Fitzgerald.

10 hours ago

Bird Bits: Cardinals embarrassed by Rams