Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer throws a pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Who are these guys? The Arizona Cardinals lead the Indianapolis Colts 27-3 at halftime. What a first half it was for both the Cards offense and defense. After scoring on the opening drive of the game the Cards took a 7-3 lead into the second quarter. It was all Arizona in the second quarter.
The Cardinals offense ran, passed, and caught balls with purpose. Running backs Andre Ellington and Rashard Mendenhall both ran the ball very well, making themselves very difficult to tackle. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald caught two touchdown passes. Receiver Michael Floyd fought hard for every yard, making defenders miss tackles.
Quarterback Carson Palmer has looked very comfortable throwing the ball. He came close to two picks but really for the most part he has looked very good. He took a good sack midway through the second quarter where in weeks past he may have forced a throw and been intercepted. He is 15-20 for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
As for the defense, they have been all over Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck is 6-15 for 42 yards and had a pass intercepted for a touchdown by Cards linebacker Karlos Dansby. The Cards don’t have any official sacks yet but they’ve hurried Luck all afternoon so far.
The Cards have tried different things offensively showing just how loose they are playing. They tried to get Patrick Peterson involved a couple of times, once inside the red zone. They tried to get a little tricky late with Fitzgerald. The only thing I’d tell the Cards at this point is to shore up those penalties. Too many of them so far. Otherwise, not much to complain about so far.