Larry Fitzgerald has never spiked the ball before in his life before slamming it to the turf Sunday after his two-point conversion, the ultimate exclamation point on a dramatic late touchdown drive to give the Cardinals a victory.
Seems Fitz's son Devin chose to go to the state fair instead of supporting Dad at the game.
"My feelings were a little hurt," Fitzgerald said, a smile creasing his face. "I was carrying that around all day and I kind of let it out."
The Cardinals might've found a way to get Devin interested again, with rookie quarterback Josh Rosen's touchdown pass to fellow rookie Christian Kirk – and Fitzgerald's subsequent two-pointer – with 34 seconds left giving their team an 18-15 win at State Farm Stadium to beat the San Francisco 49ers.
It took into the fourth quarter for the offense of new coordinator Byron Leftwich to truly click, but 15 points in the final period tends to breed excitement. Running back David Johnson had his best game of the year, with 100 scrimmage yards on 20 touches. And, oh yeah, so did Devin's dad, with Fitzgerald coming up with season-highs in catches (eight) and yards (102) along with a touchdown catch that gave the Cards (2-6) a chance to win.
"We really didn't change too much in the offense," said Rosen, who completed 23-of-40 passes for 252 yards, the two touchdowns and an interception. "The one thing Byron is really good with is his demeanor. … He's got really good timing with a lot of his playcalls, he's a steadying force for us on offense.
"It wasn't going too good in the first half, and he did a really good job of helping us sort of rally together. It wasn't a pretty one by any means, but baby steps."
The Cardinals beat the 49ers for a second time this season, securing their first win at home in 2018, heading into their bye week. They did it by surpassing 300 yards in offense for the first time this season (321), which was only possible with their 186-yard fourth-quarter outburst.
There's a chance it didn't have to come to that. The Cards were moving well on their penultimate possession, with tight end Jermaine Gresham rumbling 13 yards inside the 49ers 30 – only to lose the ball on a fumble that was originally given back to the Cardinals but later overturned.
The defense forced a punt, a crucial stop on a day in which the Cardinals twice forced field goals once the 49ers (1-7) got in the red zone. The second time came on a big one-on-one stop by safety Antoine Bethea on a scrambling Beathard to keep it a two-score game.
"It turned out to be huge," linebacker Josh Bynes said. "Guys defensively, especially the defensive line, they played their tails off today."
The 49ers, the second-best rushing team in the league, had only 107 yards on the ground and 3.5 yards a carry, and that's with the Cards' best run stuffer, defensive tackle Corey Peters, inactive with a bad ankle.
That left it up to Rosen and the offense with a little more than two minutes to play and 73 yards from the end zone.
"We're about to win this (expletive) game," Rosen told his teammates.
Fitzgerald was Rosen's security blanket, grabbing an 11-yard catch on third-and-10 at the outset of the possession, then getting another 20. It was third-and-goal at the San Francisco 9 when Rosen went back to a play the Cardinals ran earlier in the game, a play Rosen acknowledged he didn't execute well.
The way the defensive backs were playing, Rosen said, he knew what he was going to do the second time.
"Christian can tell you, we knew where the ball was going before the ball was snapped," Rosen said.
The 49ers did have timeouts and a chance to move into range of a potential field goal, but with seven seconds left, the shotgun snap sailed over the head of 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard, and while Beathard did pick it up to throw an incompletion, the clock had run out.
"Little inconsistent at times, but when we needed it at the end, we showed up," coach Steve Wilks said.
The Cardinals have two weeks before their next game, a road trip to Kansas City. The offense will likely evolve some more. Rosen noted that, if the Cards can score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, there's no reason they can't do it in the other three quarters.
It would translate well on the scoreboard and, from there, the standings.
"That's the reason you play the game," Fitzgerald said. "It's for the wins and losses."
And maybe to get his son back in the stands.
"I'm still a little disturbed by it," Fitzgerald said. "But I'll get over it."
Images from the Week 8 matchup at State Farm Stadium
FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. On Sunday, two of the bright young signal-callers in the NFL will face off when the Chiefs welcome the Cardinals to Arrowhead Stadium.Patrick Mahomes is off to a record-setting start as the Chiefs' first-year starter, while Rosen is coming off a fourth-quarter comeback win over San Francisco. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
FILE- In this Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. Many teams think it's best to throw rookie QBs right into the fire to learn on the job. Others prefer to gradually work them into the offense. Then, there are some who believe it's more beneficial to have them grab a cap and a clipboard and take it all in from the sideline. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)
FILE- In this Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) defends during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. Too small, not fast enough. Kirk knows about all the pre-draft criticism of him, he says he wrote it all down and reads it every day. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores a two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks makes a call during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) chases down a bad snap against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Cardinals DT Rodney Gunter (left) and S Budda Baker (right) team up for the sack on 49ers QB C.J. Beathard
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald catches a touchdown pass
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) greets San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) and linebacker Fred Warner during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) fumble the ball as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (20) chases it down during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered the fumble.
Cardinals RB David Johnson on the carry
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) and cornerback Jimmie Ward (20) defend during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Larry Fitzgerald hauls in a touchdown pass
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
WR Christian Kirk catches the game-winning touchdown from QB Josh Rosen
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) his hit by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair (98) after the throw during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pulls in a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers running back Alfred Morris (46) is hit by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) and free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk make the catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward, right, makes the hit as strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals RB David Johnson gets the handoff
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald with the catch over 49ers CB Richard Sherman (left)
Cardinals pressure 49ers QB C.J. Beathard
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) as he makes the catch during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson kicks a field goal as punter Andy Lee (2) holds during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James (13) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals safety Eddie Pleasant during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Benson Mayowa during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) wears a clown mask prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich warms up his players prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Markus Golden (44) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) intentionally grounds the football as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh makes the tackle in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered resulting in a safety.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) celebrates recovering the football in the end zone for a safety against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) intentionally grounds the football as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh (54) makes the tackle in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered resulting in a safety.
The Cardinals run out of the tunnel at State Farm Stadium
