Arizona Cardinals handle New York Jets 28-3

The Arizona Cardinals controlled both sides of the ball in rout of New York Jets

With both the offense and the defense shining on Monday night, the Arizona Cardinals never trailed the New York Jets, routing them 28-3.  The Cardinals got scores in each quarter.

By scoring in each quarter Monday night, that means the Cardinals were able to overcome being the last team to score in the first quarter.  A 58-yard David Johnson touchdown run on the second offensive series of the game put that to rest fast.

The Jets defense was able to at least keep them within striking distance, down just 14-3 at halftime.  Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer returned from a one-game absence and threw one touchdown, a fourth quarter strike to Michael Floyd.

The Jets had a chance late in the third quarter to get to within 11 points after a lengthy drive. However quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw his first interception of the game.  Safety D.J. Swearinger came up with his second pick of the season.

The Cardinals responded after the pick by going 89 yards in 14 plays ending with the nine-yard strike to Floyd.  Palmer found receiver John Brown four times on the drive with great precision.

Not only was that drive 14 plays but the drive before that was also 14 plays long.  The Cardinals were able to methodically pick apart the Jets defense, which also gave the Cardinals defense a lot of rest.

As for Johnson, he had himself a night once again.  He scored three touchdowns, all on the ground, for the second time in his very short career so far.  He also had three touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles last December.  He didn’t get 150 yards from scrimmage, rushing for 111 yards and another 27 yards receiving.  It didn’t matter though.

Palmer ended the evening 23-34 for 213 yards with the one touchdown and no interceptions. Word is he pulled a hamstring and was seen on the sidelines on the bike.  It did not appear to be serious. Drew Stanton ended up finishing up the game.

The Cardinals may have suffered another huge injury at the end of the game though.  On Stanton’s first pass, receiver Jaron Brown came up with the tipped pass but injured his leg on the play. He was helped off the field. No word on the severity yet.

The Cardinals move their record to 3-3 and now prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football.  It will be the Cardinals third straight primetime game.