Arizona Cardinals: Off to slow start, trail 10-7
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals got off to a slow start against the New England Patriots Sunday night
The Arizona Cardinals preseason hangover lasted into the first quarter on Sunday night. The New England Patriots came in with nothing to lose with starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
That lead to an early 10-0 lead by the Patriots. In the second quarter however, the Cardinals got their feet under them a little bit.
The defense, which struggled mightily in the first quarter, came up with a fumble in the second. That lead to a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carson Palmer to receiver Larry Fitzgerald. That lead to the Patriots 10-7 halftime lead.
The touchdown was Fitzgerald’s 99th of his career. It makes you wonder if the Cardinals are going to try hard to get Fitz his 100th tonight in front of the home crowd and a national audience? I wouldn’t bet against it.
More from Raising Zona
- Arizona Cardinals: Could Eric Bieniemy come to the desert?
- Would Jonathan Gannon be a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals?
- Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker right in his take regarding the next coach
- Arizona Cardinals: 3 reasons new coach should want to work with Murray
- Arizona Cardinals special teams could be completely revamped in 2023
Running back David Johnson carried the ball 11 times for 34 yards. Palmer was 10-16 for 137 yards and a touchdown. Garappolo for the Patriots had very similar numbers at 10-16 for 133 yards and a touchdown.
The Cardinals made a nice defensive stand after going three-and-out after the two-minute warning. They were unable to do anything with the ball as Palmer was sacked for the third time in the half. As for the Patriots, they will get the ball to start the second half.
It is important that the Cardinals come out with a little more fire and determination. They did a good job re-grouping in that second quarter but both the offense and defense still seem to be a little out of sync.
This isn’t the shootout a lot of people thought would take place. However down just 10-7 at halftime, Cardinals fans have to be breathing a sigh of relief.