Arizona Cardinals update

Birds flying high early on

Joseph Moncibaez, Staff Writer
October 8, 2015

The Arizona Cardinals had a great 2014 season. They struggled with injuries but still managed to pull off an 11-6 overall season record and make an appearance in the playoffs. They look to continue the success this season.

The Cardinals opened this season at home against the New Orleans Saints. The offense came out firing. Starting quarterback Carson Palmer, coming off a torn ACL, went 19/32, with 307 yards, and 3 touchdowns. They went on to win the game 31-19.

The next week they traveled to Chicago to face the Bears. The game started off with rookie running back /kick returner David Johnson returning the opening kickoff for a 108 yard touchdown, second longest return in NFL history, earning him NFC special teams player of the week. Veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald had a game for the books as well with 8 receptions, 112 yards, and 3 touchdowns, earning him NFC offensive player of the week. They would win the game 48-23.

The following week was a special one. They would take on NFC west division rivals San Francisco 49ers at home with former Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson getting inducted into the Ring of Honor at halftime. He is only the fifteenth player to be honored in this manner.

The defense was making plays from the start. Cornerback Justin Bethel had an interception on the 49ers first offensive drive of the game which he returned for a touchdown. The 49ers next offensive drive also ended with an interception returned for a touchdown. This time it was safety Tyrann Mathieu, coming off a torn ACL, who earned NFC defensive player of the week with two interceptions on the day.

Larry Fitzgerald was targeted enough to have another big game. He would end the day with 9 receptions, 134 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Veteran running back Chris Johnson also had a great game. He had 22 carries, 110 yards, and 2 touchdowns on the day.The Cardinals would go on to win in blowout fashion 47-7.

Their next game was a NFC west division battle against the St. Louis Rams. They struggled to score the ball offensively scoring just one touchdown the entire game which came in the fourth quarter. The defense struggled to stop Rams running back Todd Gurley who had a phenomenal game. The secondary also got beat a few times to give the Rams three receiving touchdowns on the day. The Cardinals lost this tough battle 24-22.

The Cardinals next game is away against the Detroit Lions on Sunday October 11th.

For more information on the Arizona Cardinals visit their website at www.azcardinals.com.