Arizona Cardinals 14 Detroit Lions 6: Game Balls

The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Detroit Lions on Sunday to retain the top spot in the NFC Conference

It was mostly a defensive battle on Sunday in Glendale but it was the Arizona Cardinals offense in the beginning and their two touchdowns on their first two drives of the game were enough.  The Cardinals held the Detroit Lions to just two field-goals on Sunday.

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In what many expected to be more of an offensive battle, even given the good defenses both teams have, it truly did end up being the Arizona Cardinals defense being the difference and the Detroit Lions defense that keep the game in doubt until the last two minutes of the game.

Offensive game ball:

Drew Stanton, QB, Cardinals – Stanton managed the game.  He came out firing early and often.  He threw touchdown passes of 42-yards and 12-yards to receiver Michael Floyd on the first two drives.  He had the offense moving on the third drive before it stalled at the Lions 14-yard line with a Lions linebacker Josh Bynes interception. He ended up going 21-32 for 306 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Defensive game ball:

Larry Foote, LB, Cardinals – This was a tough call.  I almost gave it to the entire defense but Foote to me was the most consistent.  His name was heard a lot on Sunday.  He made six tackles including one for a loss.  Whenever the Cards need a big stop Foote seems to be around the ball.

I will make an honorable mention to linebacker Alex Okafor who had two sacks and also cornerback Patrick Peterson.  He held Lions receiver Calvin Johnson to just five receptions for 59 yards.  He was targeted by Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford 12 times.

Special teams game ball:

Justin Bethel, Cardinals – Bethel made the special teams play of the day, possessing a Drew Butler punt at the Lions one-yard line.  It was a controversial play.  Lions receiver Jeremy Ross grabbed the ball after Bethel tried pushing the ball back to ensure it stayed in the field of play.  Ross took the ball down to the Cardinals 46-yard line.  It was overturned though as it was determined that Bethel possessed the ball at the one-yard line before the push.