Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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| Spach |
The casual observer might have noticed Cardinals tight end Stephen Spach bulling over a Rams defender in a clear case of offensive pass interference Sunday.
That's what stood out about Spach when I watched the Cardinals-Rams game casually Monday morning. Another view emerged upon studying the game more closely Monday night. Spach played about 30 snaps only five days after signing with the Cardinals. He threw a few key blocks as the Cardinals improved their production on the ground.
Unexpected contributions represent nothing new for Spach, a 26-year-old from Fresno State. As the Boston Globe put it, Spach was preparing to finish the 2007 season as a substitute teacher when the Patriots called needing emergency help at the position. Spach wound up playing 33 of 64 snaps during a victory over the Jets less than a week after signing a contract.
The Cardinals have issues at tight end while Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick battle through injuries. Spach played more than the Cardinals' other tight end, veteran Jerame Tuman, during the 34-13 victory over St. Louis.
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Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.