Arizona Cardinals Drop Defensive Tilt To Cincinnati Bengals 19-13

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) fends off a tackle by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry (95) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Leave it to the defenses.  For the good part of Sunday night at University of Phoenix Stadium, both the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals did just that.  There was only one offensive touchdown in the game and that didn’t happen until the third quarter.  However in the end we saw  the Bengals prevail 19-13.

The Cards first team offense didn’t look sharp at all.  It was certainly nowhere the team we saw two weeks ago in the victory over the Houston Texans and was even a drop off from last weeks loss to the Minnesota Vikings.  Quarterback Carson Palmer threw his first interception of the preseason, which was returned 54-yards by cornerback Terence Newman for a touchdown.  Palmer went 7-19 for 92 yards.

A couple of Palmer’s passes overthrew an open receiver Michael Floyd, which if connected, were easy touchdowns.  The one bright spot on the first-team offense was running back Andre Ellington.  He had nine carries for 46 yards, including a beautiful 24-yarder.  Larry Fitzgerald looked very good as well.  He caught three passes for 71 yards.

As for the Cards first-team defense, not too bad.  Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton still had a decent night, going 13-21 for 157 yards.  They did not get in the end zone against that defense though.  Running back Giovani Bernard carried the ball 10 times for 17 yards, so the Cards were able to contain him.

In the second half, Cards receiver John Brown caught a 30-yard pass from Drew Stanton for a touchdown.  It was a thing of beauty as Brown laid out for the ball.  At the tight end position, Darren Fells continued to impress.  I have to believe he has made this team.

Next up for the Cardinals is the final preseason game on Thursday night at the San Diego Chargers then it is time to lace them up for real.  Don’t expect to see much of the starters if at all.