Detroit Lions Up Over Arizona Cardinals 14-10 At Halftime
By Scott Allen
Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson (13) is taken down by Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) in the first quarter during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports
The second quarter was a little more exciting than the first quarter was. After playing a scoreless first quarter, the Arizona Cardinals struck first blood and took a 3-0 lead on a Jay Feely field goal. However, the Detroit Lions took a 7-3 lead after a 72-yard catch and touchdown by receiver Calvin Johnson. It was a play Cards linebacker Karlos Dansby just missed getting his hands on.
Cards running back Rashard Mendenhall continued to run the ball and receive the ball very well in the second quarter. He wasn’t the Cards running back who found the end zone though. Rookie running back Andre Ellington was found by quarterback Carson Palmer wide open on the right sideline for a 36-yard catch and run for the Cards first touchdown of the day. On the previous play Palmer found a wide open Larry Fitzgerald on the same end.
The defense was not able to hold the lead for long though. They allowed Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford shred them apart and take the ball right back down the field and take the lead with just under two minutes left in the half. Stafford threw a three yard pass to Johnson to give the Lions the 14-10 halftime lead.
The Cards offense tried to run the two-minute drill but it stalled after a couple of incompletions.
It is a breath of fresh air though to see the Cards with a real professional quarterback. I know it has been said many times here but it just can’t be emphasized enough. Now, it is the job of the Cards to get the lead back and keep putting the points on the board.
The Cards will receive the ball to start the third quarter.