Evidently, Ricky Bobby said it best: If you ain't first, you're last.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is on the precipice of two major milestones this season. If he catches 92 passes and accumulates 390 yards, the future Hall of Famer will move to second all-time in both categories, passing Tony Gonzalez and Terrell Owens, respectively.
But in the vein of the fictional race car driver played by Will Ferrell, a runner-up spot – no matter the magnitude -- doesn't move the needle for Fitzgerald.
"I don't know anybody that plays for No. 2," Fitzgerald said. "That doesn't even register to me. I never play for second."
Jerry Rice is the all-time leader in both categories, and Fitzgerald, 35, would need 316 catches and 7,351 yards to surpass his career totals.
"That's not going to happen," Fitzgerald said, "but the mentality of being happy finishing second, I can't ever allow that to happen."
Fitzgerald has exceeded 100 catches and 1,000 yards receiving each of the past three seasons, which is why he seems like a good bet to move up the historical ladder by the end of 2018.
Fitzgerald, though, would be happy to see his individual numbers drop if it means more production elsewhere.
"I'm hoping we're able to spread it out and more guys will be able to contribute, like we were able to do in '15," Fitzgerald said. "I had a good year, but Mike (Floyd) had a good season, Smoke (Brown) was really dominant. You look at Chris Johnson's year, David Johnson. The more guys you have that teams have to be able to account for, the more opportunities and more explosive your offense can be, because you have to prepare for so much more."
HOLCOMB'S CHANCE TO CALL PLAYS
Even though coach Steve Wilks has a defensive background, he has ceded play-calling duties to first-year defensive coordinator Al Holcomb, who was the linebackers coach with the Panthers last season.
Holcomb said he called every play in the preseason and is excited to put his stamp on the defense when the regular season begins on Sunday against Washington.
"Obviously Coach has a defensive background, and he may suggest something, 'Hey what about something like this?'" Holcomb said. "But up to this point, I've called every single defensive (play) this preseason, and will moving forward."
Cornerback Patrick Peterson said everything has gone smoothly thus far.
"He's done a fabulous job of getting guys in position, and we were just lining up and playing," Peterson said. "Now we have an opportunity to game plan and really explore offenses' weaknesses. I believe Al is doing a great job of putting players in position to be successful."
GOLDEN DOESN'T PRACTICE AGAIN
Defensive end Markus Golden (knee) missed practice for the second straight day. He seems doubtful for the opener because Wilks said on Wednesday that it would be "tough for him to be ready" without participating in Thursday's practice. Golden is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last October.
There was no change in status with the other Cardinals on the injury report, as tight end Jermaine Gresham (Achilles), running back T.J. Logan (ankle), defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (foot), defensive tackle Corey Peters (knee) and defensive tackle Olsen Pierre (toe) remained limited. Holcomb was encouraged by the progress of Peters, Nkemdiche and Pierre, who are the top three defensive tackles on the depth chart.
For the Redskins, wide receiver Maurice Harris (concussion) did not practice. Tackle Trent Williams (knee) was downgraded to limited.
Images of past matchups between the Cardinals and Sunday's opponent, Washington
Johnny Olszewski, Washington fullback, vaults across the line for a first-quarter touchdown against the Chicago Cardinals, Nov. 9, 1958, Washington, D.C. He is headed right for Bobby Gordon (47), Cardinal back. Dick Lane of the Cards is at left. Olszewski scored from one yard out.
Bobby Mitchell, flanker back for the Washington, makes a leaping catch on the goal line of a 38 yard pass from quarterback Norman Snead in the October 14, 1962 game in St. Louis against the Cardinals. Mitchell tumbled into the end zone on the play for a touchdown. Norman Beal is the Cardinal defender. The National Football League contest ended in a 17-17 tie.
St. Louis Cardinal end Dave Williams (80) leaps high for a J.M. Hart pass in the third quarter against Washington, Nov. 5, 1967, Washington, D.C. He could not hold the ball and it was ruled incomplete. Washington cornerback Jim Shorter is bringing him down. Washington linebacker Sid Williams (67) is in background. The Cardinals won 27-21.
St. Louis Cardinals MacArthur Lane (36) leaps over center in an attempt to get the 1 yard for a first down during the first quarter game on Sept. 27, 1970 at St. Louis. Lane came up about 3 inches short of the first down but a quarterback sneak by Cardinals Jim Hart made it on the next play. Washington Mike Bass moves in to make the stop on Lane.
Washington Larry Brown (43) goes around right end of the St. Louis Cardinal to score during the first quarter of Sept. 27, 1970 game at St. Louis. Brown manages to get away from Cardinals Larry Wilson (8) as he scores.
Washington running back John Riggins is followed into the end zone by St. Louis Cardinals Lee Nelson (38) and Charlie Baker (52) during the first quarter of their game in St. Louis, Oct. 9, 1983. Riggins touchdown run was for 17 yards.
Washington wide receiver Art Monk (81) just after he caught his 102nd pass of the season, Dec. 17, 1984. Monk set a new NFL record for receptions, during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at RFK Stadium.
St. Louis Cardinals wide receiver Danny Pittman (85) runs upfield during an NFL game against Washington in St. Louis on October 21, 1984. The Cardinals defeated Washington 26-24.
St. Louis Cardinals wide receiver Pat Tilley (83) catches a pass during an NFL game against Washington in St. Louis on October 21, 1984. The Cardinals defeated Washington 26-24.
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Neil Lomax, 15, is chased by Washington Dexter Manley, 72, during NFL action at RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington on Monday, Oct. 7, 1985.
Washington defensive end Dexter Manley (72) takes on St. Louis Cardinals tackle Luis Sharpe (67) during an NFL game in Washington, D.C., Oct. 19, 1986. Washington defeated the Cardinals 28-21.
St. Louis Cardinals tight end Doug Mash (80) runs away from Washington linebacker Neil Olkewicz (52) on a 17-yard reception during an NFL game in Washington, D.C., on October 19, 1986. Washington defeated the Cardinals 28-21.
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Cliff Stoudt (18) throws a pass while being pressured by Washington defensive end Steve Hamilton (64) during an NFL game in Washington, D.C., on October 19, 1986. Washington defeated the Cardinals 28-21.
St. Louis Cardinals kicker John Lee (10) kicks a field goal during an NFL game against Washington in Washington, D.C., on October 19, 1986. Washington defeated the Cardinals 28-21.
Washington defensive end Dexter Manley (72) grabs the face mask of Phoenix Cardinals offensive lineman Luis Sharpe (67) during the NFL football game against the Phoenix Cardinals on Sept. 25, 1988 in Phoenix. The Cardinals won the game 30-21.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Boomer Esiason (7) rests during an NFL game against Washington, Sunday, Dec. 15, 1996 in Tempe. The Cardinals won the game, 27 to 26.
Washington Brian Mitchell runs with a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown during an NFL Football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1997 in Tempe, Arizona. Washington won 38-28.
Washington quarterback Gus Frerotte throws a pass over the arms of Arizona Cardinals left end Michael Bankston (63) during the fourth quarter at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 14, 1997. Washington won in overtime 19-13.
Washington wide receiver Michael Westbrook (82) catches a pass during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at RFK Stadium on November 22,1998 in Washington,D.C. The Cardinals won 45-42.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer (16) dives across the goal line in the first quarter for the first of his three touchdowns on the day against Washington at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in Landover, Md., on Sunday, Nov. 22, 1998. The Cardinals won 45-42.
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Mark Smith (93) is seen in action during an NFL game against Washington Nov. 5, 2000, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals' Aeneas Williams (35) eludes Stephen Alexander after recovering a fumble by Stephen Davis in the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, in Tempe, Ariz. Williams ran 103 yards for the touchdown.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Andre Wadsworth (90) is seen in action during an NFL game against Washington Nov. 5, 2000, in Tempe, Ariz.
Washington running back Stephen Davis, right, gains yardage as Arizona Cardinals' Pat Tillman defends during the second quarter in this Dec. 9, 2001 photo, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Chike Okeafor #56 of the Arizona Cardinals is blocked by Jon Jansen #76 of Washington at FedEx Field September 21 in Landover, Maryland. Washington won 24-17.
Jason Campbell #17 of Washington scrambles for yardage against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field September 21 in Landover, Maryland. Washington won 24-17.
Arizona Cardinals Kurt Warner (13) during a game against Washington on October 21, 2007 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Washington beat the Arizona Cardinals 21-19.
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Washington's LaRon Landry (30) and Chris Horton (48) during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008 in Landover, Md. Washington won 24-17.
Arizona Cardinals' Edgerrin James (32) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Washington's Reed Doughty (37) and Rocky McIntosh (52) during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008 in Landover, Md. Washington recovered the ball.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb (4) looks down the line of scrimmage in the first half of an NFL football game against Washington in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011.
Arizona Cardinals' Adrian Wilson goes for the pass intended for Washington Santana Moss during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. The pass was incomplete.
Washington wide receiver Santana Moss, right, chats with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson before an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Jeff King spikes the ball in the end zone after scoring a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against Washington in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) eludes the pressure of Washington inside linebacker Will Compton (51) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) falls into the end zone for a touchdown as Washington free safety E.J. Biggers (30) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) escapes the reach of Washington defensive back Trenton Robinson (34) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) lines up against Washington center Spencer Long (61) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown against Washington during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Kevin Minter (51) sacks Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against Washington in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 17, 2017. Washington defeated the Cardinals 20-15.
Washington linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons (40) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back D.J. Foster (37) during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 17, 2017.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) pulls in a pass as Washington cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 17, 2017.
Arizona Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) carries the ball as Washington outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) chases him during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 17, 2017.
