The Arizona Cardinals picked up a badly needed win on the road against the Carolina Panthers, defeating them 26-16. They are 2-2 and things feel much better than they did a week ago.
In the win, what did we learn?
Our takeaways from the game are below.
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Another slow start on offense
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals did not score in the first quarter for the fourth game in a row this season. They did not score until their sixth possession and went three-and-out twice in the first quarter.
Kyler Murray described the start of games they have had as “sleepwalking,”
They left points on the field on one drive, opting to go for it on fourth down instead of kicking a field goal and then getting stopped on fourth down.
The defense was great from the start
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Unlike the first two weeks of the season, the defense started strong. In fact, it has been very good over the last 10 quarters.
The defense did not allow any points until the Panthers’ final drive of the first half when they kicked a field goal.
Lots of defensive playmaking
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The defense was able to make plays. They had two sacks, tipped five passes at the line of scrimmage and took the ball away three times, picking off Baker Mayfield twice.
Dennis Gardeck had a pick and a sack (and three special teams tackles).
They held the Panthers to 2-of-10 on third down.
Cardinals had success with the running game
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals rushed for 132 yards in the win and had contributions from many players.
James Conner led the way with 55 yards on 15 carries. Eno Benjamin added 36 yards on five carries, Darrel Williams had four rushes for 19 yards and Kyler Murray had 26 yards on 12 attempts, which included three kneeldowns.
Hollywood was great again
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
After a career-high 14 catches for 140 yards in Week 3, he followed that game up with six…
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