Arizona Cardinals fail to overcome Sam Bradford’s mistakes

Quarterback Sam Bradford‘s blunders prevented the Arizona Cardinals from securing their first victory of the 2018 campaign

For awhile this past Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals Sam Bradford looked as if he had turned a corner. After struggling during the first couple of weeks, the club’s veteran quarterback was off to a blazing start against the Chicago Bears. Two first quarter touchdown throws had State Farm Stadium rocking, and the Bears’ defense searching for answers.

Bradford, who had inked a $20 million deal with the Cardinals back in March, was finally paying dividends. A five-play, 75-yard drive, which culminated with a 35-yard touchdown toss to Ricky Seals-Jones, got things rolling. Later on in the opening quarter, Bradford struck again, this time finding David Johnson from 21 yards out.

That was the end of the fun for Arizona’s starting signal-caller. Late in the second quarter, a Tre Boston interception set Bradford and the offense up at the Chicago 34-yard line. The Cards, up 14-3 with 1:06 left in the first half, had a golden opportunity to add to their lead.

Thanks to the first of Bradford’s miscues, the squad came away with no more points. The 30-year old inexplicably took a sack, backing the Cardinals up to the 39-yard line. The club was out of reasonable field-goal range, thanks to Bradford’s inability to get rid of the ball before being taken to the turf.

Mistake number two for Bradford came roughly four minutes into the third quarter. The former first-overall draft pick of the St. Louis Rams was intercepted while attempting to find J.J. Nelson down the left side of the field. What followed was a nine-play, 67-yard Bears’ drive which ended with a Jordan Howard touchdown jaunt.

Bradford added to the misery on the next possession. Another pick ensued, an awful throw intended for Chad Williams that was gathered in by the Bears Sherrick McManus. Seven plays and 21 yards later, Chicago drew within one point (14-13) after Cody Parkey booted a 41-yard field-goal.

Bradford’s final blunder of the afternoon occurred with 11:33 left in the contest. Two plays after a 32-yard hookup with Christian Kirk, the passer fumbled at the Bears 21-yard line. Chicago took the gift and marched 59 yards down the field, a drive that resulted in Parkey’s game-winning 43-yard field-goal with 4:31 to go.

Three Bradford turnovers that led directly to 13 points for the Bears. The taking of a unnecessary sack right before halftime that quite possibly cost Arizona three points. A quarterback implosion if there ever was one.

The Cards have obviously seen enough of Bradford. He was benched following his final giveaway, and the team has already announced that Josh Rosen will start next Sunday. Bradford’s stint in the desert appears to be over, and the memories of the quarterback will not be fond ones.