The 35-year-old running back has a monster game, throwing his first career touchdown pass and rushing for 127 yards on 21 carries.
By Associated Press
Published October 4, 2004
TEMPE, Ariz. - Old man Emmitt isn't ready for the rockin' chair yet.
Emmitt Smith earned another NFL record with his 77th 100-yard rushing game - and threw the first pass of his 15-year pro career. It went for a touchdown, no less, in Arizona's stunning victory.
The NFL's career rushing leader had his best game since leaving Dallas two years ago, gaining 127 yards on 21 carries to help give Dennis Green his first victory as Cardinals coach.
Smith, six months past his 35th birthday, tied Walter Payton's record for most 100-yard games in an NFL career.
"It means more to win right now than anything," said Smith, who has seen the Cardinals go 5-15 since he signed with them as a free agent before the 2003 season.
It was his first 100-yard game since Thanksgiving 2002, when he did it for Dallas against Washington.
"Growing up in Texas and watching the guy my whole life, just to hand the ball to him was awesome," Arizona quarterback Josh McCown said. "It was an honor, and hopefully there's more of that to come."
Smith is the first NFL player to gain more than 100 yards past the age of 35 since Marcus Allen for Kansas City against Cleveland on Dec.3, 1995.
Smith passed the 100 mark with a 29-yard touchdown burst up the middle to seal the victory with 5:02 to play.
"Nothing out there but open grass. All I have to do is run." Smith said. "I just picked up my wheelchair and pushed myself on into the end zone."
But it was his wobbly 21-yard touchdown pass to fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo with his gloved hand late in the first half he probably will remember most.
"I don't want to throw the ball ever again," Smith said.
"If I throw another pass, I want to throw to my son and let him catch it."
Smith ran right, then pulled up and lobbed a pass to Ayanbadejo, who fell across the goal line for the score that put Arizona up 14-3 at the half.
The Cardinals rushed for 211 yards in their most onesided victory since beating the Los Angeles Rams 38-10 on Dec.5, 1993. Arizona outgained New Orleans 369-147 over the last three quarters.
