Josh Rosen is constantly accumulating knowledge, and an old lesson from UCLA popped into the rookie quarterback's mind late in the first quarter of Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Raiders.
Oakland overloaded the right side and threatened a blitz, but Rosen didn't particularly care if the defenders were rushing or not. He knew the numbers on the left benefitted him, so he switched the play to a wide receiver screen.
Christian Kirk caught the throw, broke a tackle and raced 59 yards for the touchdown.
"Back in college I learned the 'MFer' rule," Rosen said. "If there are a lot of 'MFers' over there, go that (other) way."
It's these types of lessons that will continue to help Rosen develop as an NFL quarterback, but unsurprisingly, there were also times against Oakland when his play led to some profane thoughts on the other end of the spectrum.
Rosen threw three touchdown passes in the contest but finished just 9-of-20 for 136 yards with two picks. The first came on a lofted pass for Larry Fitzgerald, a 50-50 ball that was intercepted by cornerback Gareon Conley.
The other came on a throw intended for fellow rookie Trent Sherfield that was popped into the air and corralled by Raiders safety Karl Joseph. Rosen, Sherfield and Kirk were half of the six rookies who were on the field during that interception, joined by center Mason Cole, left tackle Korey Cunningham and running back Chase Edmonds.
There were offensive hiccups, especially in the middle two quarters, but they weren't glaringly the fault of the youngsters. Rosen said the first-year players will inevitably deal with ups and downs, but on this day "it was across the board (including veterans). And I'm not excluding myself. I made plenty. I dropped a snap. I haven't done that since high school."
Kirk has been the team's most impressive rookie this season and continued showing it with three catches for a team-high 77 yards, including the long catch-and-run score. He shook off a tackle and then had a clear path to the end zone.
"The blocks were amazing by the front line," Kirk said. "(Tight end) Ricky (Seals-Jones) came in at the end and sealed that last guy and all I had to do is just catch it and score."
Kirk added another impressive leaping catch late to set up the go-ahead touchdown. His lone blip was an early drop on a pass that would have resulted in a first down.
Cunningham filled in for D.J. Humphries at left tackle, getting his first extensive NFL experience after the team selected him in the seventh round of April's draft. Coach Steve Wilks wants to watch the tape more closely to evaluate his performance but was happy with the line overall.
"I know we only gave up one (sack) so that was encouraging," Wilks said. "I know he was hurt a couple times. I thought for the most part those guys did a decent job of protection."
Edmonds finished with five carries for 17 yards while Sherfield caught his first NFL pass. The duo combined to make a great play by downing a punt at the 2 in the fourth quarter.
In the end, the bad outweighed the good for the Cardinals, who are hoping to see experience turn into tangible progress.
"I just remember being frustrated with a lot of little things," Rosen said. "No disrespect to the Raiders, but we feel as though we were the better football team there. That's why this one was so frustrating."
Images of the Week 11 matchup at State Farm Stadium
FILE- In this Nov. 18, 2018, file photo Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders ended a five-game losing streak against Arizona last week, and quarterback Derek Carr wants to keep the momentum going when they play the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Nov. 25. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
FILE- In this Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, file photo Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders play the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Nov. 25. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks speaks after an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals are reeling from their worst loss of a bad season, and the future doesn't look forgiving. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores a touchdown as Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) runs for a touchdown after the catch against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is hit by Oakland Raiders defensive end Jacquies Smith (93) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) greets Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders won 23-21.
Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Josh Bynes (57) knocks Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) out of bounds during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) makes a catch to set up the game-winning field goal as Arizona Cardinals free safety Antoine Bethea (41) and outside linebacker Haason Reddick (43) make the tackle during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders won 23-21.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) watches during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders won 23-21.
DE Chandler Jones celebrates after getting a sack on Raiders QB Derek Carr
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks pass as Oakland Raiders defensive end Jacquies Smith (93) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores a touchdown as Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) watches his 49-yard field goal split the uprights against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) escapes the hit of Oakland Raiders defensive tackle P.J. Hall (92) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) can't make the catch as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Leonard Johnson (27) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks watches during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders won 23-21.
Larry Fitzgerald with his second touchdown reception of the day
Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) runs as Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Josh Bynes (57) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Moore (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
RB David Johnson sprints down the sideline
Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) alludes the tackle of Arizona Cardinals defensive end Markus Golden during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) is sacked by Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) runs for a touchdown after the catch against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) and defensive tackle Olsen Pierre (72) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Haason Reddick, top, and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jamar Taylor tackles Oakland Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Karl Joseph (42) is hit by Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Korey Cunningham (79) after an interception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) celebrates his sack against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Larry Fitzgerald celebrates with QB Josh Rosen after scoring a touchdown against the Raiders
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to pass under pressure against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) breaks the tackle of Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) for a touchdown after the catch during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Cardinals defense stuffs the run on the goal line stand at the end of the third quarter
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores a touchdown as Oakland Raiders strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (31) and cornerback Nick Nelson (23) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pull in a touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds (29) is tripped up by Oakland Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rookie WR Christian Kirk scores a touchdown after breaking a tackle
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) high fives wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after a touchdown pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) pulls in a touchdown catch as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tre Boston (33) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
RB David Johnson with the carry
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Bene' Benwikere during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
WR Larry Fitzgerald hauls in his first touchdown catch of the day in the first quarter
Oakland Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley (21) intercepts a pass as Arizona Cardinals offensive guard Zack Golditch (75) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
An Arizona Cardinals fan watches prior to an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill points as Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey watches prior to an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) greets Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals fans tailgate prior to an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
