Long Stretches Without A Trip

LONG STRETCHES WITHOUT A TRIP into the postseason cause teams to thirst for victory. In 2000, the Arizona Cardinals overcame one of the NFL’s longest playoff droughts.

In the regular-season finale, the Cardinals entertained the San Diego Chargers at Sun Devil Stadium before 71,670 fans—the fourth largest crowd in franchise history. An Arizona victory would ensure the team a playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys.

At the end of the third quarter, the Cardinals led 13–3. But a 26-yard John Carney field goal closed San Diego’s gap to 13–6. With under two minutes remaining, Chargers quarterback Craig Whelihan marched his team from its own 32 to the Cardinal 30. Facing fourth-and-20 with 22 seconds on the clock, the game appeared virtually over, but Whelihan rolled right, fired the football between two defenders, and connected with Ryan Tidwell for a 30-yard touchdown pass that knotted the score at 13–13.

Carney kicked off with 16 seconds left to play, and Eric Metcalf ignited Cardinal hopes by returning the ball to San Diego’s 44-yard line. Arizona quarterback Jake Plummer drilled a ten-yard pass to Frank Sanders, and the Cardinals called a time-out with three ticks to go.

Chris Jacke, who had been signed in early December to replace an injured Joe Nedney, lined up for a 52-yard field goal attempt. His boot sailed true, and the Cardinals won 16–13 to earn a playoff berth for the first time since 1982 . . . and only the second time since 1975.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Finally, a key victory earned the Cardinals a spot in the playoffs. They claimed a place among the NFL’s great teams for the first time in 18 seasons.

In the Bible, King David experienced many victories. But he also knew the feeling of having to wait for success. He longed for victory. And when he was raised up as king, he knew who made him great. After being rescued time after time by God, David sang a song of praise to him in 2 Samuel. We can live by David’s inspiring words today.

GOAL! Read 2 Samuel 22. Notice the words David used to describe God. See how the Lord answered his cries for help and gave him victory. Praise God that he still gives us victory today.