The Arizona Cardinals have a 13–3 lead over the Atlanta Falcons courtesy of a Chad Ryland field goal, followed by a sensational juggling catch by wide receiver Michael Wilson. A ball that was bobbled between Wilson and Falcons’ cornerback Cobee Bryant.
The Cardinals capitalized once more on excellent field position after rookie cornerback Denzel Burke picked off Kirk Cousins, returning it 16 yards and allowing the Arizona offense to pick up at their own 45-yard line. It only took Arizona five plays to find the endzone.
Not only was the interception made by a rookie in Denzel Burke, but the Cardinals' first-round pick from this year’s draft, Walter Nolen III, helped pressure the throw from Cousins. The pair of rookies has made their presence felt right away.
On another note, the Cardinals lost edge rusher Josh Sweat to an ankle injury. Sweat signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract over the offseason with Arizona and has been one of the most important players on that unit.
In his first season with Arizona, Sweat has recorded 11 sacks and forced four fumbles. Sweat, alongside Walter Nolen, has looked like one of the new up-and-coming duos to watch in football. The two players' contracts expire simultaneously, and they will have a lot of time to mesh together.
While out of the game for now, head coach Jonathan Gannon has not yet ruled out the 28-year-old rusher, but it wouldn’t surprise us if he were to keep him out for precautionary reasons.
The Cardinals’ first two drives have resulted in a total of 10 points, and it has all been courtesy of great starting field position. On top of that, solid play from the rookies on defense has blessed Arizona with the ability to control the tempo on offense.
However, the team did lose Josh Sweat to injury, which doesn’t help their case.
As of now…13–3 Cardinals lead over the Falcons.