We continue the countdown to the start of the Arizona Cardinals' regular season. Today, Saturday, September 12, is just one day away from the Arizona Cardinals' regular-season opener on Sept. 13 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.
With one day until Week 1, let's look back at the 2001 season for the Cardinals.
A look back at the 2001 season for the Cardinals
It was the first year officially as head coach for Dave McGinnis, and the Cardinals went 7-9. They did start the season 2-6 but went on to win five of their final eight games. It was their final season as part of the NFC East.
They were below average on offense and defense, averaging 20th in points scored (18.4 per game) and 22nd in points allowed (21.4 per game).
They were 31st in third-down offense.
2001 individual leaders, honors
One player had a special season.
Receiver David Boston was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro. He had 98 receptions for a league-leading 1,598 yards and eight touchdowns. That yardage mark still is a franchise record.
Jake Plummer started every game. He passed for 3,653 yards, 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. It was the only season with the Cardinals in which he threw more touchdown passes than interceptions.
Michael Pittman was the Cardinals' leading rusher with 846 yards and five touchdowns.
Linebacker Ronald McKinnon led the defense with 146 total tackles, and safety Kwamie Lassiter was next with 113.
Rob Frederickson was the team leader with four sacks.
Lassiter picked off nine passes that season and broke up 15.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 1 day till Arizona Cardinals' opener: Remembering the 2001 season
