Falcons 24–30 Cardinals: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 18, 2008

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 56.5% completion, +5.1% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.65 total passing EPA. K. Warner (Arizona Cardinals), 57.6% completion, -3.0% CPOE, +0.15 EPA per dropback, +4.87 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

R. White (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.96 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 11 snaps. Their top snap (-3.64 EPA): (12:37) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 20-R.Brown at ARI 34. 20-R.Brown to ARI 37 for 3 yards (84-R.White)..

Quick answer

Winner: Arizona Cardinals
Final score: Arizona Cardinals 30–24 Atlanta Falcons
Halftime: Atlanta Falcons 17–14 Arizona Cardinals at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Ricky White III
Top passer: Matt Ryan
Biggest EPA play: (14:17) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 25, RECOVERED by ARI-21-A.Rolle at ATL 27. 21-A.…
Game date: 2009-01-03

Game summary

The Arizona Cardinals beat the Atlanta Falcons 30–24 on 2009-01-03, overcoming Atlanta Falcons's 17–14 halftime lead. Ricky White III posted a game-high +10.96 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Atlanta Falcons	0	17	0	7	0	24
Arizona Cardinals	7	7	14	2	0	30

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

ATLAtlanta Falcons

ATL 42

+3ARI 12

ATL 71

ARI 70

ARIArizona Cardinals

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

16 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 10:37TD
LFL. Fitzgerald
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 42
Score
0-6
(10:37) 13-K.Warner pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. flea-flicker
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 10:28XP
NRN. Rackers
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
0-7
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 10:03FG
JEJ. Elam
Points+3
Yard line
ARI 12
Score
3-7
(10:03) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 9:10TD
ABA. Boldin
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 71
Score
3-13
(9:10) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 8:58XP
NRN. Rackers
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
3-14
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 3:00TD
Malik Turner
Points+6
Yard line
ARI 7
Score
9-14
(3:00) 33-M.Turner left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 2:55XP
JEJ. Elam
Points+1
Yard line
ARI 2
Score
10-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:27TD
JPJ. Peelle
Points+6
Yard line
ARI 2
Score
16-14
(:27) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 87-J.Peelle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:23XP
JEJ. Elam
Points+1
Yard line
ARI 2
Score
17-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q3 14:17TD
ARA. Rolle
Points+6
Yard line
ARI 70
Score
17-20
(14:17) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 25, RECOVERED by ARI-21-A.Rolle at ATL 27. 21-A.Rolle for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q3 14:08XP
NRN. Rackers
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
17-21
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q3 2:54TD
THT. Hightower
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 4
Score
17-27
(2:54) 34-T.Hightower left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q3 2:48XP
NRN. Rackers
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
17-28
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 12:44Safety
Matt Ryan
Points+2
Yard line
ARI 97
Score
17-30
(12:44) 2-M.Ryan sacked in End Zone for -3 yards, SAFETY (94-A.Smith). PENALTY on ARI-90-D.Dockett, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 4:19TD
Ricky White III
Points+6
Yard line
ARI 5
Score
23-30
(4:19) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 84-R.White for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 4:15XP
JEJ. Elam
Points+1
Yard line
ARI 2
Score
24-30
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Ricky White III · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +10.96 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.00 EPA/play
2L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +7.07 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
3A. Boldin · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.93 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.97 EPA/play
4Kade Warner · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +4.87 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
5J. Norwood · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.45 total EPA · 1 snaps · +4.45 EPA/play
6S. Spach · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.72 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.24 EPA/play
7S. Breaston · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.50 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.75 EPA/play
8M. Jenkins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.85 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Ricky White III — ATL · Receiving

Ricky White III posted the highest total EPA (+10.96) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Atlanta Falcons. Across 11 counted snaps, they averaged +1.00 EPA per play.

Ricky White III's top snap (-3.64 EPA): (12:37) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 20-R.Brown at ARI 34. 20-R.Brown to ARI 37 for 3 yards (84-R.White).

Biggest single play (-7.45 EPA): Matt Ryan — (14:17) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 25, RECOVERED by ARI-21-A.Rolle at ATL 27. 21-A.Rolle for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Matt Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 46 dropbacks · 56.5% completion · +5.1% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.65 total EPA
Kade Warner (Arizona Cardinals) · 33 dropbacks · 57.6% completion · -3.0% CPOE · +0.15 EPA/play · +4.87 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Atlanta Falcons	Arizona Cardinals
Offensive EPA/play	-0.117	-0.091
Offensive success rate	43.2%	40.5%
Pass EPA/play	-0.014	+0.147
Rush EPA/play	-0.477	-0.093
Defensive EPA/play	+0.091	+0.117
Defensive success rate	59.5%	56.8%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Atlanta Falcons -0.12, Arizona Cardinals -0.09) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Atlanta Falcons: -0.12 EPA/play (23rd percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
Arizona Cardinals: -0.09 EPA/play (29th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)

Arizona Cardinals: 14 drives, -7.20 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Atlanta Falcons: 13 drives, -10.26 total EPA, 7 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (Kade Warner pass) (Q1 10:37)
Arizona Cardinals — A. Boldin (Kade Warner pass) (Q2 9:10)
Atlanta Falcons — Malik Turner (Q2 3:00)
Atlanta Falcons — J. Peelle (Matt Ryan pass) (Q2 0:27)
Arizona Cardinals — A. Rolle (Q3 14:17)
Arizona Cardinals — T. Hightower (Q3 2:54)
Atlanta Falcons — Ricky White III (Matt Ryan pass) (Q4 4:19)

Field goals

Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam (Q2 10:03)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ATL 42 (Q1 10:37) — (10:37) 13-K.Warner pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. flea-flicker; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 10:28) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 17–7. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the ARI 12 (Q2 10:03) — (10:03) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ATL 71 (Q2 9:10) — (9:10) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 8:58) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ARI 7 (Q2 3:00) — (3:00) 33-M.Turner left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 2:55) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ARI 2 (Q2 0:27) — (:27) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 87-J.Peelle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 0:23) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..

The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 70 (Q3 14:17) — (14:17) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 25, RECOVERED by ARI-21-A.Rolle at ATL 27. 21-A.Rolle for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 14:08) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ATL 4 (Q3 2:54) — (2:54) 34-T.Hightower left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 2:48) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham..

The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–2. Arizona Cardinals registered a safety from the ARI 97 (Q4 12:44); Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ARI 5 (Q4 4:19) — (4:19) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 84-R.White for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 4:15) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Atlanta Falcons (Q3 14:17) — (14:17) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 25, RECOVERED by ARI-21-A.Rolle at ATL 27. 21-A.Rolle for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -23.3% · EPA -7.45]
Arizona Cardinals (Q2 9:10) — (9:10) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +19.1% · EPA +6.57]
Arizona Cardinals (Q2 2:10) — (2:10) 13-K.Warner pass short middle intended for 85-J.Urban INTERCEPTED by 22-C.Jackson at ARI 23. 22-C.Jackson to ARI 23 for no gain (15-S.Breaston). [WPA -12.7% · EPA -3.97]
Arizona Cardinals (Q1 10:37) — (10:37) 13-K.Warner pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. flea-flicker [WPA +12.5% · EPA +3.80]
Atlanta Falcons (Q2 3:00) — (3:00) 33-M.Turner left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +9.1% · EPA +1.84]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Atlanta Falcons (Q3 14:17) — (14:17) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 25, RECOVERED by ARI-21-A.Rolle at ATL 27. 21-A.Rolle for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -23.3% · EPA -7.45]
Arizona Cardinals (Q2 9:10) — (9:10) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +19.1% · EPA +6.57]
Atlanta Falcons (Q4 7:03) — (7:03) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 32-J.Norwood to ARI 26 for 28 yards (47-A.Francisco). [WPA +4.4% · EPA +4.45]
Arizona Cardinals (Q2 2:10) — (2:10) 13-K.Warner pass short middle intended for 85-J.Urban INTERCEPTED by 22-C.Jackson at ARI 23. 22-C.Jackson to ARI 23 for no gain (15-S.Breaston). [WPA -12.7% · EPA -3.97]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 10:37 · ATL 42 · Score 0-6
(10:37) 13-K.Warner pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. flea-flicker
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 10:28 · ATL 2 · Score 0-7
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 10:03 · ARI 12 · Score 3-7
(10:03) 1-J.Elam 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 9:10 · ATL 71 · Score 3-13
(9:10) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 81-A.Boldin for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 8:58 · ATL 2 · Score 3-14
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 3:00 · ARI 7 · Score 9-14
(3:00) 33-M.Turner left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 2:55 · ARI 2 · Score 10-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 0:27 · ARI 2 · Score 16-14
(:27) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 87-J.Peelle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 0:23 · ARI 2 · Score 17-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 14:17 · ARI 70 · Score 17-20
(14:17) 2-M.Ryan FUMBLES (Aborted) at ATL 25, RECOVERED by ARI-21-A.Rolle at ATL 27. 21-A.Rolle for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 14:08 · ATL 2 · Score 17-21
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 2:54 · ATL 4 · Score 17-27
(2:54) 34-T.Hightower left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 2:48 · ATL 2 · Score 17-28
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Arizona Cardinals Safety (+2) — Q4 12:44 · ARI 97 · Score 17-30
(12:44) 2-M.Ryan sacked in End Zone for -3 yards, SAFETY (94-A.Smith). PENALTY on ARI-90-D.Dockett, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 4:19 · ARI 5 · Score 23-30
(4:19) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 84-R.White for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 4:15 · ARI 2 · Score 24-30
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-46-M.Schneck, Holder-9-M.Koenen.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

Arizona Cardinals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
Ricky White III (Atlanta Falcons) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Matt Ryan (ATL) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals on 2009-01-03?

The Arizona Cardinals beat the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 in Week 18, 2008.

What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

Q1: Atlanta Falcons 0, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 17, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 0, Arizona Cardinals 14; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Arizona Cardinals 2; Final: Atlanta Falcons 24, Arizona Cardinals 30.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (K. Warner pass) (Q1 10:37) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — A. Boldin (K. Warner pass) (Q2 9:10) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q2 3:00) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — J. Peelle (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 0:27) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — A. Rolle (Q3 14:17) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — T. Hightower (Q3 2:54) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — R. White (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 4:19) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q2 10:03, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 56.5% completion, +5.1% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.65 total passing EPA. Kade Warner (Arizona Cardinals), 57.6% completion, -3.0% CPOE, +0.15 EPA per dropback, +4.87 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals?

Ricky White III (Atlanta Falcons) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.96 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 11 snaps. Their top snap (-3.64 EPA): (12:37) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 20-R.Brown at ARI 34. 20-R.Brown to ARI 37 for 3 yards (84-R.White)..

Was Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals a close game?

Yes — the margin was 6 points. Arizona Cardinals won 30-24 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 11-5 Now 11-6 L

Arizona Cardinals

Entered 9-7 Now 10-7 W

Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals: 2008 Week 18 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

Quick answer

Game summary