TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) – Any doubt whether Derek Anderson would have the respect of his Arizona coaches and teammates ended late in the third quarter of the season opener in St. Louis.
Defensive end Chris Long delivered a vicious hit to the 6-foot-6 quarterback’s chest and, after one more play, Anderson walked off the field in so much pain it seemed he might be out for the game. Yet he was back the next series and eventually directed an 86-yard drive for the winning touchdown, throwing 21 yards to Larry Fitzgerald for the score.
Fitzgerald calls his quarterback “a tough guy.”
Anderson was far from perfect in the game, but it has been a nice rebirth after his bitter departure from Cleveland. For the first time in his pro career, his team is 1-0.
Arizona plays at Atlanta on Sunday.
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