The Arizona Cardinals are quite literally limping into the halftime locker room, as they have seen a plethora of injuries in the first half. However, the team is knotted at 16 apiece against the Atlanta Falcons, in which each team has seen a fair amount of playmakers.
Let’s start with Falcon’s running back, Bijan Robinson, who has taken complete command on offense. Robinson has 103 yards from scrimmage in the first half alone, 45 on the ground and 58 through the air, along with a 13-yard touchdown catch. The fact that all of this occurred in the first half is unbelievable, and if Arizona wants a shot to win this game, they need to adjust the way they assess defensive matchups.
Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson made an absurd touchdown catch in the first quarter that was bobbled between cornerback Cobee Bryant. Originally ruled incomplete, the call was overturned after Jonathan Gannon threw the challenge flag. Wilson had two catches in the first half for 52 yards and that touchdown.
Atlanta was able to find the endzone right before the half as tight-end Kyle Pitts caught a short five-yarder from Kirk Cousins. However, kicker Zane Gonzalez missed the extra point, which would’ve given them the lead.
As mentioned, Arizona has seen key injuries all over the field, headlined by Josh Sweat, who went down with an ankle injury. Cornerback Garrett Williams and safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson also exited the contest. The Cardinals' secondary is already banged up enough, as Jalen Thompson and Max Melton were ruled out on Friday.
For now, the Cardinals are doing an excellent job holding their own, and there is definitely a shot for them to snap their six-game losing streak. If the team can make adjustments that slow down Bijan Robinson, they have an incredibly solid chance to defeat the Falcons at home.
Halftime Score: Falcons 16 Cardinals 16