Arizona Cardinals: Domination by Eagles in first half
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals fell into a deep hole early as defense gives up three early touchdowns
Just about the worst possible start you could have, the Arizona Cardinals found it on Sunday in the first half. The Philadelphia Eagles jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Now they lead 21-7 at halftime.
On the first offensive drive for the Eagles, the Cardinals defense had three opportunities to get off the field. A neutral zone infraction and two third and 11 conversions later, the Eagles were on their way to a quick 7-0 lead.
The Cardinals punt return team then allowed a 76-yard return by Kenjon Barner. That set up the Eagles second touchdown.
Before they knew it, the Cardinals were down 21. The start of the second quarter was a little better for them however.
Quarterback Carson Palmer was able to get the ball moving with a couple of first down passes plus a nice nine-yard run by running back Chris Johnson. That set up a touchdown pass from Palmer to John Brown.
Of course, the defense needed to respond after that quick score to start the second quarter. They made the stop, barely. The Eagles had a third and 17. They only got 16.
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
The Cardinals got buried deep on their own end of the field again though and could not gain any momentum. Palmer was sacked for the second time in the game and forced to punt again.
They did get the ball back rather quickly but again could do nothing with the ball as they failed to convert a third and three with a bad looking pass play to running back Andre Ellington. Another failed opportunity.
The Eagles on the flip side though have been able to scramble out of the little trouble they’ve been in. Quarterback Carson Wentz has worked his way out of a few sacks and been able to run with the ball when there is nothing available for him down field.
The Cardinals did get a nice interception of Wentz by safety Antoine Bethea on the Eagles final first half drive. On the Cardinals final first half drive, receiver Larry Fitzgerald caught a pass for the 200th-consecutive game. The drive ended up with a blocked field goal.
The Eagles will start the second half with the football. If the Cardinals want any chance to stay in this one, they need a quick three and out.