Cards downplay Boldin’s sideline spat with coach
TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals called receiver Anquan Boldin’s sideline shouting match with the offensive coordinator a “normal thing,” and coach Ken Whisenhunt insisted the outburst would in no way disrupt the team.
Boldin and Todd Haley were seen arguing on television during the Cardinals’ late touchdown drive in a 32-25 win over Philadelphia in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.
Boldin, going to his fourth Pro Bowl this season, did not participate in the postgame celebration on the field with his teammates.
“It was a heat of the moment thing,” said third-string quarterback Brian St. Pierre, who was standing near the argument. “The fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game and we were trying to win the game. (Boldin) wanted to be out there. … You know big-time players want to be in the game at all times.”
Whisenhunt brushed off the dispute.
“That’s a normal thing that happens,” he said. “It happened in the first quarter with Todd and Kurt (Warner) on the sidelines. … It’s an emotional game. (Sunday) was one of the most emotional you’ll play in.”
The heated exchange came during Arizona’s 14-play, 72-yard scoring drive that used up nearly eight minutes of the fourth quarter. Boldin wasn’t in the game during much of the drive, but was in for the final play as a decoy.
Warner faked throwing the screen to Boldin, then tossed inside to Tim Hightower, who barreled over the goal line from 8 yards out.
Asked about the timing of the brouhaha in the midst of such a crucial possession, Whisenhunt said, “Obviously it didn’t affect us being successful on the drive.”