Arizona Cardinals enjoying win streak over Lions
By Jim Koch
The NFL may have done the Arizona Cardinals a big favor by scheduling the Detroit Lions as their first opponent on Sunday
Upon first glance, the beginning of the Arizona Cardinals’ 2017 schedule looks ominous. Two road trips in the first two weeks. A home matchup in week three against the Dallas Cowboys, a team that finished 13-3 last year.
However, it appears as if the NFL’s schedule-makers may have given the Cardinals a week-one gift. Their opponent in the first week, the Detroit Lions, have dropped seven straight decisions to Arizona. The streak dates back to November of 2006, when the Cards handed the Lions a 17-10 defeat.
It’s difficult to decipher why the Cardinals have been so successful versus their “Motor City” foe over the last decade. Three different head coaches have joined in the fun during that time. The late Dennis Green recorded one of the victories as Arizona’s head man, while Ken Whisenhunt and Bruce Arians have chipped in three each.
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Interestingly enough, Arians’ first triumph as the Cards’ head coach came against Detroit in September of 2013. A late touchdown run by former running back Rashard Mendenhall was the game-winning score. Quarterback Carson Palmer went 22 of 39 for 248 yards with a touchdown and a pick, as the Cardinals prevailed 25-21.
A year later, Arians’ squad once again emerged victorious while facing the Lions. The defense dominated the affair, as Arizona came away with a 14-6 win. Drew Stanton filled in for an injured Palmer and tossed two scores to former Cards’ wideout Michael Floyd for the team’s only points.
The teams’ meeting in 2015 was a whitewash. The Cardinals came out on top by a 42-17 clip at Ford Field after building a 28-7 halftime lead. Palmer attempted just 14 passes, completing 11 with three touchdown passes.
Will the organization’s success over the Lions continue this Sunday? Las Vegas oddsmakers must think so since they’ve made Arizona a one and a half point favorite despite their being on the road. Here’s hoping that Big Red is able to stretch the winning streak to eight games over their NFC North adversary.