S Antrel Rolle vs. WR Larry Fitzgerald
These two have a long history. Let this quote acquired from Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic set the scene:*
"I was a freshman in college playing against Miami - and he didn't mean to do it - but he came and tackled me and I had this same facemask," Fitzgerald said, pointing to his helmet. "He got his fist in it and busted my nose. It was leaking all down my shirt. So it's always been a running joke the last 10 years. 'If I play against you, I'm going to bust your nose back.' So I'm going to try to get him."*
Rolle then played with Fitzgerald on the Cardinals from 2005-2009, and Sunday will be the first meeting with his former team. The matchup between the two Pro Bowlers is all in good fun as the two say they are like brothers. But that won't lessen any competitive juices come game time.**
QB Eli Manning vs. S Adrian Wilson**
Wilson, a four-time Pro Bowler, is one of 10 players in NFL history with at least 20 sacks and 20 interceptions. Wilson has one interception so far this season against the Washington Redskins, along with 14 tackles and three passes defensed. Meanwhile, the Giants are tied for the fewest amount of turnovers in the NFL with two interceptions and zero lost fumbles (a turnover ratio of 6). Wilson has played the Giants seven times in his 11-year career and has 36 tackles and one interception, which came in a 2009 victory in New York.
LT Will Beatty vs. RDE Darnell Dockett
No one was talking about Beatty after the Giants win in Philadelphia. That can only mean good things for an offensive lineman going against Trent Cole. Beatty will again have his hands full with a three-time Pro Bowler in Dockett, who is the most disruptive defensive lineman for the Cardinals. Similar to the approach with Cole, it will be a group effort with running backs, tight ends and various others attempting to slow down the relentless Dockett.
K Lawrence Tynes vs. Calais Campbell
Since 2008, the Cardinals have blocked an NFL-high eight field goals. The 6-foot-8, 310-pound Campbell has three of them. Campbell, the starting left end on defense, clogs the middle of the line on the field goal unit and will be staring down Tynes on Sunday. Tynes' only field goal attempt this season – a 38-yarder – was blocked in the opener against Washington. Tynes has faced the Cardinals twice in his career – once while he was with the Kansas City Chiefs (he went 3-for-3 with a long of 45 in 2006). The other was a 20-yard chip shot with the Giants in 2009.
