Better effort, same road result for Arizona

In Kurt Warner’s words ” it might be the best road game we’ve played since I’ve been here.”   Unfortunately for the Cardinals they still came up empty handed in a 27-23 loss to Carolina.  At least progress is being made in Arizona but a win today would have given the Cards a 3 game lead in their division. 

After blowing a 17-3 second half lead the Cards regained the lead only to muff the PAT and take a 23-17 lead.  This was one of many mistakes by the Cards.  Poor tackling did them in on Steve Smith’s 65 yard TD, his second of the game.  Both teams combined for 5 TD’s in the 3rd quarter alone.  After trailing yet again, it didn’t take the Panthers long to re-establish the lead and one they wouldn’t relinquish.

A key moment in the game came when Arizona had a 2nd and 3 on the Carolina 15 yard line when a slightly high pass from Warner bounced off J.J. Arrington’s hands and into the Panthers defenders hands who quickly returned it for 45 yards, setting up the final points of the game, a 50 yard FG.

The Cards did little with their running game but moved the ball at will through the air against a very strong defense in Carolina.  Warner was 35 of 49 for 381 yards and 2 TD’s.  Both were pulled in by WR Anquan Boldin who returned to the line-up. 

Arizona now heads to St. Louis to play the upstart Rams.  Another big divisional game that could put the Cards in the drivers seat for the NFC West crown.

Zach

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