By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Michael Owens/GettyImages
The Arizona Cardinals almost lost to the Carolina Panthers. It was an ugly win, but they escaped with a 27-22 victory.
Throughout the first three quarters, the Cardinals had all the momentum. In the middle of the third quarter, the Vardinals led as many as 27-3.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray made some plays by throwing the ball to the open receiver. The Cardinals’ offense had impressive drives in the last 30 minutes of the second quarter.
Tight end Elijah Higgins had some good moments, especially in the third quarter. With just two receptions, he accumulated 45 yards. His longest catch was for 27 yards.
Another tight end who looked great for the Cardinals is Trey McBride. He led the Cardinals’ receivers with six catches for 78 yards.
Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland went two for two in field goals. He made a 47-yard and a 50-yard field goal.
As good as the offense was in the first three quarters, the fourth quarter was anemic. The Cardinals were giving the Oanthers too many chances to come from behind and win this game.
The defense was horrible. Injuries began to pile up on the Cardinals. Although the Cardinals limited the Panthers to just 49 rushing yards, it didn’t take away from their horrible performance in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon spoke with the media after the game to highlight the injury report.
“L.J. Collier had a knee injury, couldn’t return,” Gannon said. “Max Melton had a knee and couldn’t return. Garrett had a knee and couldn’t return. I’m proud of them; they showed resilience because the game was going how we wanted it to, and then it turned quickly. But ultimately won enough, made enough plays to win the game there.”
Melton, the Cardinals’ cornerback, suffered a serious knee injury. He was carted to the locker room. The injury occurred when he chased down Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
The Cardinals have lost cornerbacks and a defensive lineman due to injuries. If you’re the Cardinals’ front office, you must add a veteran cornerback soon this week. Those are holes you have to fill before Week 3.
The Cardinals will travel to San Francisco (2-0) for an NFC West showdown against the 49ers. The game will start at 4:25 p.m.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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