Cardinals stay undefeated with overtime win over Dolphins

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Dolphins vs. Cardinals 2012: Arizona fans analyze Sunday's sloppy victory over Miami

It wasn't exactly pretty on Sunday, but the Arizona Cardinals managed to complete their comeback in overtime to beat the Miami Dolphins 24-21, and move to 4-0 on the season.

SB Nation's Cardinal site Revenge of the Birds was ecstatic to get a win any way possible, but they still found some negatives in their team's performance. Contributor Tyler Nickel was not satisfied with the cornerback play and Kevin Kolb's interceptions, but he made it a point to single out the offensive line's poor showing:

To me, this was the biggest downfall for the Cardinals against the Dolphins. Miami has a very good defensive line, but Arizona made them look like a mixture of Pro Bowl players. They couldn't get a push in the run game and Kolb was running for his life all day. Bobby Massie, although a rookie, was eaten alive by Cameron Wake, allowing four sacks from his side.

On the bright side of things, ROTB was quite happy with the contribution punter Dave Zastudil turned in along with the performances of linebackers Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield. Mostly though, they just loved that their team yet again found a way to pull off another scrappy victory:

After Kolb was intercepted (on what maybe should have been called DPI on Sean Smith pushing Larry Fitzgerald), the Cardinals proceeded to blow the coverage on Hartline the very next play for a long Hartline touchdown. Quite deflating to say the least. But somehow, Daryl Washington managed to cause a fumble, and then somehow on fourth down, with the game on the line Kolb found Andre Roberts for a game tying 15-yard touchdown. Despite incredibly sloppy and sleepy play, the Cardinals found a way to keep it close and pull out a win.

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NFL Injury Report: Cardinals survive Week 4 without any injury scares

The Arizona Cardinals didn't have their best showing in Sunday afternoon's 24-21 overtime victory over the Miami Dolphins, but they were able to dodge the injury bug in this go-around.

But while the team had no new injuries to report Monday morning from Week 4, it is still hoping to be have some key pieces back this week. Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (hamstring), tight end Todd Heap (knee) and reserve running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (hip) were all inactive Sunday but there's a strong possibility that some, if not all, of this trio will be back for Thursday's game against the St. Louis Rams.

Quarterback John Skelton (ankle) also sat after turning in some limited participation practice performances earlier this week. Skelton could be healthy enough to give Kevin Kolb a real challenge for the starting job in Week 5, but it's unlikely head coach Ken Whisenhunt decides to drastically change anything up with the Cardinals sitting at 4-0.

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Cardinals vs. Dolphins final score: Arizona wins 24-21 in OT to remain unbeaten

Jay Feely kicked a 46-yard field goal in overtime and the Arizona Cardinals defeated the Miami Dolphins, 24-21.

After throwing a crucial interception in the end zone earlier in the fourth quarter, Kevin Kolb led the Cardinals on scoring drives both at the end of regulation to tie the game and on Arizona's second overtime possession. With the win, Arizona moved to 4-0, one of three remaining unbeaten teams.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Dolphins scored 13 points in the second quarter to take a 13-0 halftime lead. Arizona got on the board early in the third quarter to cut the lead to 13-7, then took a 14-13 lead in the fourth quarter on Kolb's second touchdown pass. Arizona had a chance to extend its lead later in the quarter, but Kolb threw an interception in the end zone. On the next play, Ryan Tannehill hit Brian Hartline for an 80-yard touchdown and Miami converted the two-point conversion for a 21-14 lead.

Arizona took over with 2:51 left in the fourth quarter and Kolb led them on a 10-play, 51-yard drive that ended in his third touchdown pass of the game. Jay Feely kicked the extra point to tie the game and force overtime. Arizona received the ball to start overtime, but the offense went three-and-out and the Cardinals were forced to punt.

Miami moved the ball during its overtime possession, but Tannehill was intercepted by Kerry Rhodes and the Arizona offense took over in Dolphin territory. The Cardinals were able to move the ball close enough to set up Feely's game-winning 46-yard field goal.

Harline's 253 receiving yards were a Dolphins team record.

Fantasy studs and duds

Brian Hartline caught 12 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown, capping a monster day. Ryan Tannehill also had a big game, throwing for 431 yards and a touchdown.

Larry Fitzgerald didn't have a huge game, with eight catches for 64 yards, but he caught a touchdown to salvage a decent fantasy day. Andre Roberts caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Williams gained just 26 yards on 13 carries with one catch for zero yards.

Injury report

Both teams managed to get through the game without any apparent major injuries.

Did they cover?

The Cardinals opened as 4.5-point favorites, a spread they failed to cover with their three-point victory.

What's next?

10/4 8:20 p.m. ET: Arizona at St. Louis

10/7 1 p.m. ET: Miami at Cincinnati

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Cardinals vs. Dolphins score update: 4th down gamble, Kolb interception give Miami 13-0 lead at halftime

The Miami Dolphins have been using their physical play and also some mismatches to surprise the Arizona Cardinals and head into halftime with a 13-0 lead. The Arizona offense was not moving the ball and Ryan Tannehill picked on William Gay the entire half to outgain the Cardinals 250 yards to 68 for Arizona.

When the first quarter ended, Miami was driving down the field. They ended that drive with a 32-yard Dan carpenter field goal to give Miami a 3-0 lead. The drive was 14 plays for 64 yards.

After forcing Arizona to punt twice, Miami started at their own five-yard line. The drive started with a 21-yard run by Reggie Bush and then, seven plays later, Miami found the end zone. They went for it on fourth-and-goal at the one and Jovorskie Lane punched it in for the score with just under two minutes left in the half.

The Cardinals hoped to use their two-minute offense to generate some points and got to midfield, but on a miscommunication between Larry Fitzgerald and Kevin Kolb, Kolb threw an interception and Sean Smith took the interception down to the Arizona 34. After two plays, Miami kicked a 27-yard field goal to cap the scoring of the half for a 13-0 lead.

Tannehill was 15/21 for 219 yards. Brian Hartline had six catches for 110 yards and Davone Bess had five for 86 yards. Almost all their catches and yards came against William Gay.

For Arizona, Kevin Kolb was 11/14 for 71 yards and a pick. he was sacked three times. Ryan Williams had 18 yartds rushing on four carries.

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Cardinals vs. Dolphins: What the Cardinals must do to win

The Cardinals may be playing arguably their easiest opponent so far this season. Still, this will be no walk in the park. What must they do to reach the 4-0 plateau?

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Dolphins vs. Cardinals injury update: Darnell Dockett, Todd Heap, LaRod Stephens-Howling Week 4 statuses in doubt

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Friday that defensive end Darnell Dockett (hamstring), tight end Todd Heap (knee) and running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (hip) will all be game-time decisions, according to the Arizona Republic's Kent Somers.

Somers also elaborated that he doesn't expect any of the trio to be on the field Sunday when the Cardinals take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 action at home.

If Arizona is without these three player's services, the Cardinals would be taking a serious hit in all aspects of the game; Dockett is a key cog in both the pass-rush and run-clogging departments, Heap is a reliable safety valve for quarterback Kevin Kolb, and Stephens-Howling is a game-changer when it comes to special teams.

Stephens-Howling also plays the change-of-pace role as a ball-carrier, so Ryan Williams could operate as a three-down back with running back Beanie Wells being placed on the IR earlier this week. Undrafted rookie running back William Powell is expected to be active for the first time this season and could be thrust into action in his first career NFL game thanks to the injuries piling up.

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Kevin Kolb's new daughter has impeccable timing

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb welcomed his third daughter into the world Thursday evening and her birth couldn't have come at a better time.

Kolb is not expected to miss any practices after being able to be there when his daughter, Saylor Kolb, made her big debut, according to the Arizona Republic's Kent Somers.

Kolb had recently said that he would miss a game if his daughter's birth conflicted with the NFL schedule so Cardinal fans should be happy on multiple levels about this good news. Arizona is taking on the Dolphins at home this Sunday before traveling to St. Louis to play the Rams on Thursday (which was Saylor's predicted due date).

We at SB Nation Arizona would like to give a big congratulations to the new father. It's not every week that you're the leader of a 3-0 football team and get the privilege of extending your family.

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Beanie Wells injury: Running back placed on Arizona IR, Ryan Williams steps in

Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells was placed on the injured reserve on Wednesday, but is the team's player designated to return, according to NFL reporter Adam Caplan. That means Wells, who has been limited with turf toe, will be out until at least late November.

Beanie Wells eligible to play again 11/25 vs Rams. Misses MIA, STL, BUF, MIN, SF, GB and ATL games. Plus bye.

— Mike Sando, ESPN.com (@espn_nfcwest) September 26, 2012

Wells has 29 rushing attempts for 76 yards this season.

The decision places the running back duties heavily on backup Ryan Williams, who is playing in his first season out of Virginia Tech after missing his true rookie season because of a knee injury. Williams had a breakout game in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, taking 13 carries for 83 yards. It was a fine recovery from a late-game fumble one week prior that almost cost Arizona a victory at New England.

Williams has 31 carries for 105 yards this season.

Yesterday's roster moves alluded to Wells's status. Despite having LaRod Stephens-Howling and William Powell behind Williams on the depth chart, Arizona signed running back Alfonso Smith and fullback Korey Hall.

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NFL Roster Moves: Cardinals Reportedly Re-sign Running Back Alfonso Smith

As the Arizona Cardinals continue their preparation for the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, there is a roster move that reportedly has happened that the team has yet to announce. According to his own Twitter feed, running back Alfonso Smith has been brought back to the team.

#Birdgang still in me!

— Alfonso Smith  (@FonzoAZ46) September 26, 2012

I will be wearing #29 #ChangeUp

— Alfonso Smith  (@FonzoAZ46) September 26, 2012

Neither his signing nor the corresponding roster move that would have to take place has been announced.

This signing makes the second this week of someone to play in the backfield. Fullback Korey Hall was added officially on Tuesday.

What has not been said either is why the changes in the backfield. Beanie Wells has a toe injury, so perhaps he is going to be sidelined for a while. Perhaps the team has cut ties with preseason stud William Powell. As for the signing of Hall, it means something is up with fullback Anthony Sherman.

Perhaps there is an injury that will be made known after injury reports come out on Wednesday, or perhaps there is a suspension coming for Sherman as a result of his unnecessary roughness penalty last Sunday.

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2012 NFL schedule, Week 4: Cardinals go for 4-0 against the Dolphins

The Arizona Cardinals will be going for their fourth-straight win to start the season when they face the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 of the 2012 NFL schedule. The Cardinals are one of the biggest surprises of the year so far, and hosting the 1-2 Dolphins provides a great opportunity to keep it rolling. Arizona faces Miami at 1:05 p.m. PT, Sunday on CBS.

The two teams directly behind the Cardinals in the division standings will have a tougher time on Sunday, as they both hit the road and play in the dreaded early time slot at 10 a.m. The San Francisco 49ers head cross-country to take on the New York Jets, while the Seattle Seahawks visit the St. Louis Rams in an NFC West Battle.

The nationally-televised games this week include the Browns and Ravens, Thursday at 5:20 p.m. on NFL Network. The Giants and Eagles battle in Philadelphia at 5:20 p.m., Sunday on NBC. The Monday night game features the Cowboys and Bears at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN.

For a complete listing of all the games, be sure to visit S.I.'s NFL schedule page.

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Cardinals sign fullback Korey Hall, cut offensive tackle Pat McQuistan

The Arizona Cardinals have signed fullback Korey Hall and cut offensive tackle Pat McQuistan, according to an announcement made by the team on Tuesday afternoon.

Hall, a sixth-year player out of Boise State, spent last season with the New Orleans Saints and played in 13 games after spending his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Fullback Anthony Sherman's status has been in question of late, and the Cardinals used reserve guard Rich Ohrnberger for a snap in Sunday's 27-6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, so Hall is a much-needed addition to the team's thin fullback position.

The Cardinals also announced that they re-signed linebacker Zack Nash and added him to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, the team released linebacker Ricky Elmore from the practice squad. Nash spent training camp with the team, after signing as an undrafted free agent.

For more on the Arizona Cardinals, join the discussion at Revenge of the Birds. For all of your NFL needs, be sure to check out SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

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Arizona Cardinals Ken Whisenhunt Press Conference: Kolb Still At QB

Kevin Kolb remains the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback, and coach Ken Whisenhunt said former starter John Skelton is moving closer to being ready. Asked what he thinks will happen once Skelton is ready, Whisenhunt said nothing beyond the following:

Whiz on QB choice: "I don't want to sound like a broken record, but we'll see when John is healthy enough to play."

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) September 24, 2012

So the coach won't say how he thinks the seemingly endless quarterback saga will play out between Kolb and Skelton, but the facts are these: The Cardinals are 3-0, their defense is imposing, Kolb is managing the games well and Skelton isn't needed to revive a stagnant offense right now.

Other news from Monday out at Cards headquarters, via Darren Urban of azcardinals.com:

Nothing new on the status of running back Beanie Wells (toe injury) or defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (hamstring). Whisenhunt did say he hopes that tight end Todd Heap (knee) and safety Adrian Wilson (groin) can play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

For more coverage of the Cardinals, visit Revenge Of The Birds.