PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL

Free safety Michael Zordich of the Phoenix Cardinals credits new defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur, formerly of the Rams, for the Cardinals’ three interceptions this season.

Playing man-to-man, Zordich said, a defensive back has his back to the passer most of the time. But under Shurmur’s zone defense, “you drop back and focus on the ball and the ball carrier and can hit him pretty good, plus you’re converging on everything.” The Cardinals also have recovered 10 fumbles.

Mike Ditka, coach of the Chicago Bears, said fullback Brad Muster probably will play against the New York Giants. Muster has sat out the Bears’ two games because of a pulled hamstring.

Despite a 33-31 loss to the Washington Redskins on Monday night, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, felt like celebrating.

Jones stayed in the press box until after 2 a.m., basking in the glow of the Cowboys’ resurgence on offense.

“I think the game showed the nation we’re back on track with this franchise,” Jones said. “We lost, but it may have been the finest hour we’ve had since we took over the team.”