November 18, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley (14) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Stephen Nicholas (54) in the second half against at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

What a frustrating day to be an Arizona Cardinals fan.  That is a gross understatement.  With as well as the Cards defense played in a 23-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the offense was pathetic.  The only bright spot of the offense was running back LaRod Stephens-Howling.  He had 22 carries for 127 yards.  He got most of that on two runs of 40 yards and 52 yards.  The story today was the Cards defense intercepting Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan five times and creating another fumble, but only coming away with 19 points on Sunday.  Part of the reason?  The play of the Cards offensive line and quarterback.

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November 18, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (36) runs after a catch in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

John Skelton wasn’t getting the job done.  He started off 2-7 and his five incompletions were bad.  Really bad.  He missed a wide-open Larry Fitzgerald in the end zone.  That apparently was enough for Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt to pull him in favor of rookie Ryan Lindley.  Of course Lindley came in and promptly fumbled the ball and was returned for an Atlanta Falcons touchdown.  The game has turned.

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Nov 18, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) talks to teammates before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

The Arizona Cardinals have come out quick.  After intercepting Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan on the first play of the game, two plays later, Cards running back LaRod Stephens-Howling ran the ball in from three yards and then had a 40-yard run, the longest of his career, to set up a field goal on the next drive.  You couldn’t have scripted it any better.

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