Arizona Cardinals adjusting to crowd noise, go three and out on first drive and then a short punt sets things up for Carolina Panthers
The Arizona Cardinals were unable to convert a first down on their first offensive series of the game. Then a horrible Drew Butler punt gave the Carolina Panthers great field position at the Cardinals 48 for their first drive. The Panthers settled for a 47-yard field goal by Graham Gano to give the Panthers an early 3-0 lead.
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The Cardinals first defensive stint went alright. They did allow the Panthers one first down before making a couple of nice stops on the ground and in the air. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie made a nice play on third and seven to force the field goal for the Panthers. He almost picked it off.
The Cardinals second offensive drive was all runs. Running back Kerwynn Williams ran the ball hard for five yards and three yards on first and second down. On third down though the Cardinals handed the ball to Robert Hughes and he was stuffed and the Cardinals were forced to punt once again. At least this punt went into Carolina territory.
On Carolina’s second offensive possession, they were able to move the ball pretty well. The Cardinals did have the Panthers in a third and seven but the Cardinals were unable to generate any kind of a pass rush and the corners were playing too far off the Panthers receivers. Eventually the Panthers were able to give the ball to running back Jonathan Stewart for a 13-yard touchdown run.
The Cardinals slow start combined with the Panthers fast 10-0 start was not something the Cardinals could afford to see happen on the road. The defense once again missed tackles left and right. Just when you think they have the opponent stopped they let you down. This type of game can’t continue much longer or it might be over by halftime unfortunately.
The Cardinals were able to finally pick up a first down on a pass from quarterback Ryan Lindley to receiver Michael Floyd on the next drive but they stalled once again and punted for the third time. However, the Cardinals got their first break of the game when the Panthers fumbled the punt and the Cardinals recovered.
The Cardinals seemed to be going nowhere once again but a roughing the passer penalty on the Panthers has kept the current Cardinals drive alive. To the second quarter we go.