2016 Arizona Cardinals season

NFL team season

2016 Arizona Cardinals season
OwnerBill Bidwill
General managerSteve Keim
Head coachBruce Arians
Home fieldUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
Results
Record7–8–1
Division place2nd NFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
3
  • WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • RB David Johnson
  • CB Patrick Peterson
AP All-Pros
3
  • FLEX David Johnson (1st team)
  • RB David Johnson (2nd team)
  • DE Calais Campbell (2nd team)
Uniform

The 2016 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 97th in the National Football League, their 118th overall, their 29th in Arizona, their 11th at University of Phoenix Stadium and their fourth under head coach Bruce Arians.

In free agency, they signed veteran defensive back Tyvon Branch and veteran lineman Evan Mathis, while re-signing several key players. They traded for Chandler Jones from the New England Patriots, sending Jonathan Cooper and a late second-round pick to New England.

The Cardinals came into the 2016 season with expectations of improving on their 2015 campaign and reaching the Super Bowl. However, after a 1–3 start, they suffered injuries to quarterback Carson Palmer and most of the offensive line. On October 23, the Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks played out a 6–6 tie; this was the Cardinals' first tie since 1986 when they were the St. Louis Cardinals. It was also the lowest-scoring NFL tie since overtime was introduced in 1974. The Cardinals were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15 after a loss to the New Orleans Saints. Despite winning their final two games, the Cardinals ended the season with a losing record at 7–8–1. Because the Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series, their first title in 108 years, the Cardinals also finished the season with the longest active championship drought in the four major American professional sports, with their last championship in 1947 as the Chicago Cardinals.

Free agents

Position Player Tag 2016 Team Notes
WR Jaron Brown RFA ARI one-year deal
TE Jermaine Gresham UFA ARI one-year deal
TE Darren Fells UFA ARI one-year deal
TE Ifeanyi Momah ERFA ARI one-year deal
QB Drew Stanton UFA ARI two-year deal
RB Chris Johnson RFA ARI one-year deal
P Drew Butler UFA ARI two-year deal
LS Mike Leach UFA --- retired
G Ted Larsen UFA CHI one-year deal
C Lyle Sendlein UFA --- retired
T Bobby Massie UFA CHI three-year deal
T Kelvin Palmer UFA TB one-year deal
T Bradley Sowell UFA SEA one-year deal
S Tony Jefferson RFA ARI one-year deal
S D. J. Swearinger RFA ARI one-year deal
S Rashad Johnson UFA TEN one-year deal
S Chris Clemons UFA ARI one-year deal
CB Jerraud Powers UFA BAL one-year deal
CB Corey White UFA BUF one-year deal
DE Billy Winn RFA DEN one-year deal
ILB Sean Weatherspoon UFA ATL one-year deal
ILB Kenny Demens ERFA ARI one-year deal
OLB LaMarr Woodley UFA TBA
OLB Dwight Freeney UFA ATL one-year deal
DE Josh Mauro ERFA ARI one-year deal
DE Red Bryant UFA ARI one-year deal
Player re-signed by the Cardinals

Draft

2016 Arizona Cardinals Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 29 Robert Nkemdiche DE Ole Miss
3 92 Brandon Williams CB Texas A&M
4 128 Evan Boehm C Missouri
5 167 Marqui Christian S Midwestern State
5 170 Cole Toner OT Harvard
6 205 Harlan Miller CB Southeastern Louisiana

Notes

  • The Cardinals traded their second-round selection (No. 61 overall) and guard Jonathan Cooper to the New England Patriots in exchange for defensive end Chandler Jones.
  • The Cardinals traded a conditional seventh-round selection to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for quarterback Matt Barkley; the Eagles will only receive this selection if Barkley is on the Cardinals' roster for at least six games during the 2015 season.
  • The Cardinals received a sixth-round compensatory pick (No. 170 overall) as the result of a negative differential of free agent signings and departures that the Cardinals experienced during the 2015 free agency period.

Staff

2016 Arizona Cardinals staff

Front office

  • Owner/chairman – Bill Bidwill
  • President – Michael Bidwill
  • general manager – Steve Keim
  • Vice president of player personnel – Terry McDonough
  • Director of college scouting – Dru Grigson
  • Director of pro scouting – Quentin Harris
  • Assistant director of pro scouting – Malik Boyd
  • Director of football administration – Mike Disner

Head coaches

  • Head coach – Bruce Arians
  • Assistant head coach/offense – Tom Moore

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – James Bettcher
  • Defensive line – Brentson Buckner
  • Outside linebackers – Bob Sanders
  • Inside linebackers – Larry Foote
  • Defensive backs – Nick Rapone
  • Cornerbacks – Kevin Ross
  • Defensive assistant/defensive backs – Mike Chiurco
  • Pass rush specialist – Tom Pratt

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Buddy Morris
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Roger Kingdom

Final roster

2016 Arizona Cardinals final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 17 inactive, 10 practice squad

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 12 Oakland Raiders L 10–31 0–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
2 August 19 at San Diego Chargers L 3–19 0–2 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
3 August 28 at Houston Texans L 24–34 0–3 NRG Stadium Recap
4 September 1 Denver Broncos W 38–17 1–3 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 11 New England Patriots L 21–23 0–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
2 September 18 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 40–7 1–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
3 September 25 at Buffalo Bills L 18–33 1–2 New Era Field Recap
4 October 2 Los Angeles Rams L 13–17 1–3 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
5 October 6 at San Francisco 49ers W 33–21 2–3 Levi's Stadium Recap
6 October 17 New York Jets W 28–3 3–3 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
7 October 23 Seattle Seahawks T 6–6 (OT) 3–3–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
8 October 30 at Carolina Panthers L 20–30 3–4–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap
9 Bye
10 November 13 San Francisco 49ers W 23–20 4–4–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
11 November 20 at Minnesota Vikings L 24–30 4–5–1 U.S. Bank Stadium Recap
12 November 27 at Atlanta Falcons L 19–38 4–6–1 Georgia Dome Recap
13 December 4 Washington Redskins W 31–23 5–6–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
14 December 11 at Miami Dolphins L 23–26 5–7–1 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
15 December 18 New Orleans Saints L 41–48 5–8–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
16 December 24 at Seattle Seahawks W 34–31 6–8–1 CenturyLink Field Recap
17 January 1 at Los Angeles Rams W 44–6 7–8–1 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. New England Patriots

Week One: New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 10 0 7623
Cardinals 0 7 7721

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

First quarter

  • NE – Chris Hogan 37-yard pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:34. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:13.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 47-yard field goal, 1:00. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 5:12.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 8-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:00. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:00.
  • ARI – David Johnson 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 4:29. Patriots 17–14. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 1:51.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 53-yard field goal, 12:35. Patriots 20–14. Drive: 11 plays, 40 yards, 6:54.
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 1-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 9:46. Cardinals 20–21. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:49.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal, 3:44. Patriots 23–21. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 6:02.

Top passers

  • NE – Jimmy Garoppolo – 24/33, 264 yards, TD
  • ARI – Carson Palmer – 24/37, 271 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 22 rushes, 70 yards, TD
  • ARI – David Johnson – 16 rushes, 89 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • NE – Julian Edelman – 7 receptions, 66 yards
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 8 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TD

With Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suspended and Jimmy Garoppolo starting, the Cardinals were huge favorites to win. The game was close, but was lost last minute, with a missed game-winning Cardinals field goal.

Week 2: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Two: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 0 707
Cardinals 0 24 9740

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: September 18
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m.
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 64,230
  • Referee: Ronald Torbert
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Peter Schrager
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 4-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 14:59. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:12.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 22-yard field goal, 11:48. Cardinals 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 2:21.
  • ARI – Michael Floyd 1-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 1:35. Cardinals 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 1:36.
  • ARI – Jaron Brown 51-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:26. Cardinals 24–0. Drive: 4 plays, 84 yards, 0:45.

Third quarter

  • TB – Mike Evans 19-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Roberto Aguayo kick), 10:06. Cardinals 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:59.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 40-yard field goal, 8:00. Cardinals 27–7. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 2:05.
  • ARI – Marcus Cooper 60-yard interception return (kick failed, wide left), 5:15. Cardinals 33–7.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Chris Johnson 3-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 12:15. Cardinals 40–7. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:47.

Top passers

  • TB – Jameis Winston – 27/52, 243 yards, TD, 4 INT
  • ARI – Carson Palmer – 17/30, 304 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

  • TB – Jacquizz Rodgers – 2 rushes, 29 yards
  • ARI – Chris Johnson – 16 rushes, 54 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • TB – Mike Evans – 6 receptions, 70 yards, TD
  • ARI – David Johnson – 3 receptions, 98 yards

Week 3: at Buffalo Bills

Week Three: Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 6518
Bills 10 7 13333

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: September 25
  • Game time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 68,647
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • BUF – Dan Carpenter 19-yard field goal, 3:29. Bills 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:51.
  • BUF – LeSean McCoy 24-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 0:55. Bills 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:30.

Second quarter

  • BUF – LeSean McCoy 5-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 10:25. Bills 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:51.
  • ARI – David Johnson 4-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 1:05. Bills 17–7. Drive: 17 plays, 84 yards, 9:20.

Third quarter

  • BUF – Tyrod Taylor 20-yard run (kick failed, wide right), 10:31. Bills 23–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:49.
  • BUF – Aaron Williams 53-yard fumble return (Dan Carpenter kick), 2:25. Bills 30–7.
  • ARI – David Johnson 22-yard run (pass failed), 0:12. Bills 30–13. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:13.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 60-yard field goal, 10:36. Bills 30–16. Drive: 5 plays, 4 yards, 2:19.
  • BUF – Dan Carpenter 45-yard field goal, 4:48. Bills 33–16. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:42.
  • ARI – LeSean McCoy tackled in the end zone by Corey Peters for a safety, 3:04. Bills 33–18.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 19 rushes, 83 yards, 2 TD
  • BUF – LeSean McCoy – 17 rushes, 110 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • ARI – John Brown – 6 receptions, 70 yards
  • BUF – Robert Woods – 6 receptions, 51 yards

Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week Four: Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Rams 7 3 0717
Cardinals 0 10 3013

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: October 2
  • Game time: 1:25 p.m.
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 64,622
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Peter Schrager
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • LA – Brian Quick 65-yard pass from Case Keenum (Greg Zuerlein kick), 1:59. Rams 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 3:28.

Second quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 25-yard field goal, 12:19. Rams 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 4:40.
  • LA – Greg Zuerlein 29-yard field goal, 8:42. Rams 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:37.
  • ARI – Michael Floyd 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:24. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 1:24.

Third quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 21-yard field goal, 0:00. Cardinals 13–10. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:05.

Fourth quarter

  • LA – Brian Quick 4-yard pass from Case Keenum (Greg Zuerlein kick), 2:36. Rams 17–13. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:33.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • LA – Todd Gurley – 19 rushes, 33 yards
  • ARI – David Johnson – 17 rushes, 83 yards

Top receivers

  • LA – Kenny Britt – 4 receptions, 82 yards
  • ARI – John Brown – 10 receptions, 144 yards

Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers

Week Five: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 141233
49ers 0 7 7721

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 4-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 12:45. Cardinals 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 2:10.
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 29-yard pass from Drew Stanton (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 7:35. Cardinals 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 3:19.
  • SF – Carlos Hyde 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 1:54. Cardinals 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 5:41.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 36-yard field goal, 13:39. Cardinals 24–14. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:16.
  • ARI – David Johnson 2-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 4:44. Cardinals 31–14. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 7:12.
  • SF – Blaine Gabbert 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 1:52. Cardinals 31–21. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 2:52.
  • ARI – Blaine Gabbert sacked in the end zone by Calais Campbell for a safety, 1:17. Cardinals 33–21.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 27 rushes, 157 yards, 2 TD
  • SF – Carlos Hyde – 22 rushes, 78 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 6: vs. New York Jets

Week Six: New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 3 003
Cardinals 7 7 7728

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 58-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 9:51. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 58 yards, 0:12.

Second quarter

  • NYJ – Nick Folk 39-yard field goal, 12:06. Cardinals 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:11.
  • ARI – David Johnson 2-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 6:43. Cardinals 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:23.

Third quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 2-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 5:24. Cardinals 21–3. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 7:37.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Michael Floyd 9-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 8:20. Cardinals 28–3. Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 7:26.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • NYJ – Matt Forte – 9 rushes, 19 yards
  • ARI – David Johnson – 22 rushes, 111 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

  • NYJ – Brandon Marshall – 3 receptions, 70 yards
  • ARI – John Brown – 5 receptions, 54 yards

This was the Cardinals' first win over the Jets since 1975, when the Cardinals were based in St. Louis, Missouri.

Week 7: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Seven: Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Seahawks 0 0 0336
Cardinals 0 3 0036

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: October 23
  • Game time: 5:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 65,089
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 46-yard field goal, 3:11. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 53 yards, 8:24.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • SEA – Steven Hauschka 40-yard field goal, 4:00. Tied 3–3. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:33.

Overtime

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 45-yard field goal, 11:23. Cardinals 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 3:37.
  • SEA – Steven Hauschka 36-yard field goal, 6:42. Tied 6–6. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:41.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • SEA – Christine Michael – 16 rushes, 52 yards
  • ARI – David Johnson – 33 rushes, 113 yards

Top receivers

Cardinals placekicker Chandler Catanzaro and Seahawks placekicker Steven Hauschka each miss game winning field goals as the game finishes in a 6-6 tie and the Cardinals earn their first tie since the 1986 season.

Week 8: at Carolina Panthers

Week Eight: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 7620
Panthers 14 10 6030

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: October 30
  • Game time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 74,088
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • CAR – Thomas Davis 46-yard fumble return (Graham Gano kick), 11:48. Panthers 7–0.
  • CAR – Jonathan Stewart 2-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 2:24. Panthers 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:54.

Second quarter

  • CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 11:05. Panthers 21–0. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:40.
  • CAR – Graham Gano 43-yard field goal, 2:45. Panthers 24–0. Drive: 13 plays, 35 yards, 6:31.
  • ARI – J. J. Nelson 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:20. Panthers 24–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:25.

Third quarter

  • CAR – Graham Gano 52-yard field goal, 11:56. Panthers 27–7. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 3:04.
  • CAR – Graham Gano 21-yard field goal, 7:18. Panthers 30–7. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:07.
  • ARI – John Brown 17-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 1:45. Panthers 30–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:33.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – J. J. Nelson 4-yard pass from Carson Palmer (pass failed), 5:01. Panthers 30–20. Drive: 14 plays, 92 yards, 4:49.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 10 rushes, 24 yards
  • CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 25 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 7 receptions, 84 yards
  • CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 2 receptions, 73 yards

In a rematch of the NFC championship, the Panthers led by as much as 24 points until Arizona ended the game by cutting the lead to 10.

Week 10: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week Ten: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 10 3720
Cardinals 7 13 0323

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: November 13
  • Game time: 2:25 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 65,127
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 18-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 14:42. Cardinals 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 56 yards, 0:18.
  • SF – Jeremy Kerley 17-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 12:12. Cardinals 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:30.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 39-yard field goal, 8:28. Cardinals 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 3:44.
  • SF – Phil Dawson 49-yard field goal, 1:32. Cardinals 17–10. Drive: 15 plays, 56 yards, 6:56.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 19-yard field goal, 0:00. Cardinals 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 1:32.

Third quarter

  • SF – Phil Dawson 53-yard field goal, 8:40. Cardinals 20–13. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:16.

Fourth quarter

  • SF – Colin Kaepernick 4-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 1:55. Tied 20–20. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 1:18.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 34-yard field goal, 0:00. Cardinals 23–20. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 1:55.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • SF – Colin Kaepernick – 10 rushes, 55 yards, TD
  • ARI – David Johnson – 19 rushes, 55 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 11: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Eleven: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 7 10 0724
Vikings 7 13 10030

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 34-yard field goal, 10:04. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:26.
  • MIN – Matt Asiata 2-yard run (kick blocked), 7:16. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:48.
  • MIN – Xavier Rhodes 100-yard interception return (Kai Forbath kick), 3:07. Vikings 20–10.
  • ARI – Jermaine Gresham 29-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:50. Vikings 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:17.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Cordarrelle Patterson 104-yard kickoff return (Kai Forbath kick), 14:47. Vikings 27–17.
  • MIN – Kai Forbath 27-yard field goal, 0:04. Vikings 30–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:06.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 4-yard pass (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 7:24. Vikings 30–24. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 1:46.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 22 rushes, 103 yards, TD
  • MIN – Jerick McKinnon – 16 rushes, 44 yards

Top receivers

Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 7 6 0619
Falcons 7 10 71438

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 11:00 am. MST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 69,233
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 25-yard field goal, 12:52. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:46.
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 45-yard field goal, 8:30. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 4:22.
  • ATL – Taylor Gabriel 35-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 2:19. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 2 plays, 45 yards, 0:51.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 54-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 17–13. Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 0:25.

Third quarter

  • ATL – Tevin Coleman 2-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 2:56. Falcons 24–13. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 6:05.

Fourth quarter

  • ATL – Taylor Gabriel 25-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:48. Falcons 31–13. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:29.
  • ARI – David Johnson 3-yard pass from Carson Palmer (pass failed), 4:44. Falcons 31–19. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:04.
  • ATL – Devonta Freeman 5-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 2:07. Falcons 38–19. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 2:37.

Top passers

  • ARI – Carson Palmer – 25/45, 289 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 26/34, 269 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 13 rushes, 58 yards
  • ATL – Devonta Freeman – 16 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 8 receptions, 103 yards, TD
  • ATL – Taylor Gabriel – 4 receptions, 75 yards, 2 TD

Week 13: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Thirteen: Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 6 14323
Cardinals 7 3 71431

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: December 4
  • Game time: 2:25 pm. MST
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), sunny - retractable roof open
  • Game attendance: 64,939
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Chris Spielman and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 6:43. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 8:17.

Second quarter

  • WAS – Dustin Hopkins 47-yard field goal, 9:48. Cardinals 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 3:33.
  • WAS – Dustin Hopkins 20-yard field goal, 1:52. Cardinals 7–6. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 5:26.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 28-yard field goal, 0:07. Cardinals 10–6. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 1:45.

Third quarter

  • WAS – Kirk Cousins 1-yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick), 12:36. Redskins 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 2:24.
  • ARI – Michael Floyd 6-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 4:10. Cardinals 17–13. Drive: 3 plays, 10 yards, 0:51.
  • WAS – Jamison Crowder 26-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick), 1:06. Redskins 20–17. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:04.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 25-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 11:09. Cardinals 24–20. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:57.
  • WAS – Dustin Hopkins 53-yard field goal, 6:01. Cardinals 24–23. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 5:08.
  • ARI – J. J. Nelson 42-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 1:56. Cardinals 31–23. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:05.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • WAS – Robert Kelley – 14 rushes, 63 yards
  • ARI – David Johnson – 18 rushes, 84 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • WAS – Pierre Garçon – 7 receptions, 78 yards
  • ARI – David Johnson – 9 receptions, 91 yards, TD

Week 14: at Miami Dolphins

Week Fourteen: Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 6 3 01423
Dolphins 7 7 7526

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: December 11
  • Game time: 11:00 am. MST
  • Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 65,750
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIA – Dion Sims 7-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Andrew Franks kick), 11:41. Dolphins 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:55.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 56-yard field goal, 1:18. Dolphins 14–9. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:21.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Damien Williams 3-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Andrew Franks kick), 11:17. Dolphins 21–9. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 3:43.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Brittan Golden 9-yard pass from Carson Palmer, 7:05. Dolphins 21–15. Drive: 12 plays, 99 yards, 6:43.
  • MIA – Walt Aikens defensive two-point conversion, 7:05. Dolphins 23–15.
  • ARI – J. J. Nelson 8-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Carson Palmer–David Johnson pass), 3:01. Tied 23–23. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:13.
  • MIA – Andrew Franks 21-yard field goal, 0:00. Dolphins 26–23. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 1:29.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 20 rushes, 80 yards
  • MIA – Jay Ajayi – 20 rushes, 48 yards

Top receivers

This was the Cardinals' first loss to the Dolphins since 1999.

Week 15: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Fifteen: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 10 14 32148
Cardinals 7 13 71441

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: December 18
  • Game time: 2:05 pm. MST
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), sunny - retractable roof open
  • Game attendance: 65,072
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – Kerwynn Williams 49-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 12:27. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 2:33.
  • NO – Wil Lutz 37-yard field goal, 5:27. Cardinals 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 56 yards, 7:00.
  • NO – Travaris Cadet 10-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:33. Saints 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 2:59.

Second quarter

  • ARI – Calais Campbell 53-yard fumble return (kick failed, wide left), 7:08. Cardinals 13–10.
  • NO – Brandin Cooks 65-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 6:11. Saints 17–13. Drive: 2 plays, 77 yards, 0:57.
  • NO – Brandin Cooks 45-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:51. Saints 24–13. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 1:41.
  • ARI – J. J. Nelson 10-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:40. Saints 24–20. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 1:11.

Third quarter

  • NO – Wil Lutz 39-yard field goal, 6:06. Saints 27–20. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 5:57.
  • ARI – David Johnson 2-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 3:19. Tied 27–27. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 2:47.

Fourth quarter

  • NO – Tim Hightower 3-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:59. Saints 34–27. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:20.
  • ARI – David Johnson 7-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 8:57. Tied 34–34. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:02.
  • NO – Michael Thomas 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:33. Saints 41–34. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:24.
  • NO – Tim Hightower 2-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 3:27. Saints 48–34. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 1:46.
  • ARI – John Brown 30-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 2:19. Saints 48–41. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:08.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • NO – Brandin Cooks – 7 receptions, 186 yards, 2 TD
  • ARI – John Brown – 5 receptions, 81 yards, TD

With the close loss, the Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Sixteen: Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 7 7 02034
Seahawks 0 3 72131

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 2:25 pm. MST
  • Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 69,050
  • Referee: Ronald Torbert
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 2-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 7:52. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:54.

Second quarter

  • ARI – J. J. Nelson 80-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 3:53. Cardinals 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 91 yards, 1:30.
  • SEA – Steven Hauschka 27-yard field goal, 0:15. Cardinals 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:17.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – David Johnson 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 13:32. Cardinals 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:59.
  • SEA – Doug Baldwin 42-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Russell Wilson–Marcel Reece pass), 8:49. Cardinals 21–18. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:43.
  • ARI – David Johnson 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 6:47. Cardinals 28–18. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:02.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 42-yard field goal, 4:10. Cardinals 31–18. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:59.
  • SEA – Jimmy Graham 37-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 2:48. Cardinals 31–25. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:22.
  • SEA – Paul Richardson 5-yard pass from Russell Wilson (kick failed, wide left), 1:00. Tied 31–31. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 1:22.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Cardinals 34–31. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 1:00.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • ARI – David Johnson – 28 rushes, 95 yards, 3 TD
  • SEA – Russell Wilson – 10 rushes, 36 yards

Top receivers

Week 17: at Los Angeles Rams

Week Seventeen: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 3 13 141444
Rams 0 6 006

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: January 1, 2017
  • Game time: 2:25 pm. MST
  • Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 80,729
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 32-yard field goal, 10:34. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 4:26.

Second quarter

  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 34-yard field goal, 12:25. Cardinals 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:07.
  • ARI – Jeremy Ross 4-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 7:42. Cardinals 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:13.
  • LA – Greg Zuerlein 37-yard field goal, 2:34. Cardinals 13–3. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 5:08.
  • LA – Greg Zuerlein 36-yard field goal, 0:48. Cardinals 13–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:11.
  • ARI – Chandler Catanzaro 47-yard field goal, 0:00. Cardinals 16–6. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 0:48.

Third quarter

  • ARI – Darren Fells 37-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 13:11. Cardinals 23–6. Drive: 1 play, 37 yards, 0:09.
  • ARI – Kerwynn Williams 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 8:17. Cardinals 30–6. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:27.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 11:35. Cardinals 37–6. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 1:48.
  • ARI – Justin Bethel 66-yard interception return (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 8:06. Cardinals 44–6.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • ARI – J. J. Nelson – 4 receptions, 75 yards
  • LA – Todd Gurley – 4 receptions, 37 yards

Despite losing running back David Johnson to a knee injury in the first quarter, Arizona still managed to blow out the Rams, 44-6 to finish the year at 7-8-1.

Standings

Division

NFC West
  • view
  • talk
  • edit
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Seattle Seahawks 10 5 1 .656 3–2–1 6–5–1 354 292 W1
Arizona Cardinals 7 8 1 .469 4–1–1 6–5–1 418 362 W2
Los Angeles Rams 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 224 394 L7
San Francisco 49ers 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 309 480 L1

Conference

NFC
  • v
  • t
  • e
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 Dallas Cowboys East 13 3 0 .813 3–3 9–3 .471 .440 L1
2 Atlanta Falcons South 11 5 0 .688 5–1 9–3 .480 .452 W4
3 Seattle Seahawks West 10 5 1 .656 3–2–1 6–5–1 .441 .425 W1
4 Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 5–1 8–4 .508 .453 W6
Wild Cards
5 New York Giants East 11 5 0 .688 4–2 8–4 .486 .455 W1
6[a] Detroit Lions North 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 .475 .392 L3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[a] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 9 7 0 .563 4–2 7–5 .492 .434 W1
8 Washington Redskins East 8 7 1 .531 3–3 6–6 .516 .430 L1
9 Minnesota Vikings North 8 8 0 .500 2–4 5–7 .492 .457 W1
10 Arizona Cardinals West 7 8 1 .469 4–1–1 6–5–1 .463 .366 W2
11[b] New Orleans Saints South 7 9 0 .438 2–4 6–6 .523 .393 L1
12[b] Philadelphia Eagles East 7 9 0 .438 2–4 5–7 .559 .518 W2
13 Carolina Panthers South 6 10 0 .375 1–5 5–7 .518 .354 L2
14 Los Angeles Rams West 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 .504 .500 L7
15 Chicago Bears North 3 13 0 .188 2–4 3–9 .521 .396 L4
16 San Francisco 49ers West 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 .504 .250 L1
Tiebreakers[c]
  1. ^ a b Detroit finished ahead of Tampa Bay for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents—Detroit's cumulative record against Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New Orleans was 3–2, while Tampa Bay's cumulative record against the same four teams was 2–3.
  2. ^ a b New Orleans finished ahead of Philadelphia based on better record vs. conference opponents.
  3. ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to 2016 Arizona Cardinals season.
  • Official website
  • v
  • t
  • e
Arizona Cardinals
  • Founded in 1898
  • Played in Chicago (1920–1959), St. Louis (1960–1987), and formerly the Phoenix Cardinals (1988–1993)
  • Based in Glendale, Arizona
  • Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona
Franchise
Stadiums
Culture
Lore
Rivalries
Division championships (7)
Conference championships (1)
League championships (2)
Retired numbers
Current league affiliations
  • Category
  • v
  • t
  • e
Arizona Cardinals seasons
Played in Chicago (1920–1959), St. Louis (1960–1987), and formerly the Phoenix Cardinals (1988–1993)
Bold indicates NFL Championship or Super Bowl victory
Italics indicates NFL Championship or Super Bowl appearance
  • v
  • t
  • e