Detroit Lions Lead Arizona Cardinals 21-16 At End of Three

Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) runs with the ball as Detroit Lions strong safety Glover Quin (27) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The third quarter looked much better on defense for the Arizona Cardinals.  They were able to force a fumble and get a three and out early on.  They weren’t able to do much against the Detroit Lions after the fumble inside the 10 and had to settle for a 23-yard Jay Feely field goal.

Now if you want to talk about the offense, well the Cards still left a lot to be desired.  Running back Rashard Mendenhall looked good and Patrick Peterson made his first NFL reception.  After Peterson’s reception though, quarterback Carson Palmer threw a bad pass right into the hands of Deandre Levy for a 66-yard interception return.

Peterson came back on the next drive and completed a pass to recently signed off the practice squad receiver Kerry Taylor.  It was very cool to watch. They will need to do more of that kind of thing to keep the defense on their toes.  However that drive stalled after a stuffed run and a sack of Palmer.  It did give the Cards another field goal from Feely.  It does however keep the Lions with the 21-16 lead at the end of three quarters.

There is still another whole quarter to play and the Cards are moving the ball with Mendenhall and now Palmer and Taylor.  They need to hold onto the football and make sure the points are touchdowns and not field goals.