Arizona Cardinals: Lead Lions 10-9 at halftime

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is sacked by Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is sacked by Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals were given a number of gits but failed to take advantage in first half

We’re not sure exactly what we just watched over the first 30 minutes of football, but the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions should both feel lucky to be in this game.  Both teams turned the ball over early.

On the Cardinals first possession, quarterback Carson Palmer threw an interception only to see Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford give it right back.  Stafford’s pass went to Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel for a 82-yard interception return for touchdown.

Palmer threw two interceptions in the first half and had three other passes almost picked off.  Running back David Johnson got a lot of touches but could find little yardage.

Detroit also failed on special teams.  Their punter, Kasey Redfern dropped a ball deep in their own end zone and instead of pooch punting, decided to run it out and was hit and knocked out of the game.

More from Raising Zona

The Cardinals were put in great field possession.  They kicked a field goal after failing to move the ball.  A penalty negated that and gave the Cardinals a first down.  Again, they failed to get into the end zone and had to settle for three points.

Detroit also missing an extra point after their first score.  Their kick returner also decided to chase a ball into the end zone and bring it out as well.  It was a mind-boggling first half by the Lions.

Their special teams made up for it though right as the second quarter ended.  Kicker Matt Prater hit a 58-yard field goal to send the teams to the locker room.

The Cardinals need to settle down in the second half now that they had a sustained drive to end the first half, a drive that resulted in a missed field goal.  After failing to capitalize on Lions miscues they now need to create their own opportunities.

Left tackle D.J. Humphires went to the locker room and linebacker Marcus Golden went to the sidelines with what looked like a poke in the eye.  Golden returned, so far Humphries has not.

Schedule