Arizona Cardinals Have Rough Second Quarter, Still Lead 14-6

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton picked off in red zone early in the second quarter

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton started off the second quarter with a 30-yard pass to receiver John Brown but was then picked off by Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Bynes.  Stanton stared down the receiver for his first big mistake of the game.

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On the ensuing Lions drive they got a nice drive started with a 30-yard pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to receiver Golden Tate.  However they were hit with a 15-yard face mask and backed up a couple of plays later.  On third down on the drive the Lions stalled thanks to a holding penalty that was declined on an incompletion to receiver Calvin Johnson.

The Cardinals next drive started at the seven-yard line.  However once again the offense go the ball moving.  Running back Andre Ellington ran off runs to get a couple of first downs.  However the drive stalled at the 26-yard line after receiver Larry Fitzgerald was unable to hold onto what would have been a fist down reception on third and 14.

The Lions squandered an opportunity on their next drive.  They had a first down negated by an offensive pass interference on tight end Eric Ebron.  He had a first down catch but pushed cornerback Antonio Cromartie to the ground.  Then quarterback Matthew Stafford avoided a sack and threw an open Calvin Johnson but Johnson had to slide to attempt to catch it and could not hold it.

The Cardinals got one more opportunity to score before the end of the first half.  However Stanton threw another interception to cornerback Cassius Vaughn that was returned for 25-yards.  The Lions appeared to get a first down on the next drive but a questionable spot put the Lions on a fourth and one.  The play was reviewed but upheld.  The Lions tried to draw the Cardinals offside but it didn’t wok and the Lions had to settle for a Matt Prater 28-yard field goal.