Arizona Cardinals With Complete Performance in 40-11 Win
By Scott Allen
Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) celebrates after a 22 yard interception for touchdown during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals are legitimate playoff contenders. After a dominating 40-11 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, no one can say the Cards haven’t beaten a good team. Not only did they beat them, they had a complete performance on offense and defense. It was all Cards from start to finish.
Quarterback Carson Palmer had a great day. He went 26-37 for 314 yards and two touchdowns. The big stat from him? No interceptions. For the second week in a row, Palmer was just absolutely what the Cards needed him to be. He had some passes that could have been picked off but they were in situations where Palmer wasn’t forcing anything or making horrible decisions. Nevertheless, he went without an interception again.
Receivers Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald had huge days. Fitz had two touchdowns and Floyd caught everything his way, going over 100 yards receiving. Andre Roberts and Rob Housler both had fantastic catches. Housler’s catch in the first quarter may have been his best since being drafted.
Running backs Rashard Mendenhall and Andre Ellington both had very nice days, sharing the rushing workload. Even Stepfan Taylor ran hard in the fourth quarter. Mendenhall had one touchdown and a second one called back because of holding.
The defense was great once again. They gave up a fourth quarter touchdown but were dominant. Linebacker Karlos Dansby returned an interception for a touchdown. The Cards only had one sack but they hurried Colts quarterback Andrew Luck all day. Luck never looked comfortable. He ended up 20-39 for 163 yards, one touchdown one interception.
The Cards now have passed the first test in the harder part of their schedule. The next test is next Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles (6-5) in Philadelphia. The Eagles were on the bye this week. It will be another great test for the Cards. I can’t wait.