The Arizona Cardinals were looking to keep up their undefeated win streak heading into Week 3 with a home game against the Detroit Lions. Kyler Murray has looked incredible the past few weeks and has certainly proven why he was the first overall pick for the Cardinals two years ago.
First Half
The Detroit Lions had possession of the football first and took full advantage of that. Adrian Peterson had a huge 27-yard gain to put the Lions in Cardinals territory early in the game. After several attempts at a touchdown, the Lions came up short. Matt Prater’s field goal was good, giving the Lions a 3-0 lead. The Cardinals got their first attempt, but unfortunately, Murray’s third-down pass was tipped and intercepted by Duron Harmon of the Detroit Lions for their first takeaway of the season. While the Lions made a great defensive play, they were unable to convert that turnover into any points.
After several completions downfield by Kyler Murray and a pass interference call on the Lions, the Cardinals found themselves in a first and goal position. Andy Isabella, who had multiple receptions on the drive, was the receiver who caught the Cardinals first touchdown of the game and took a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter took a slow start before any action began. Unfortunately for Arizona Cardinals fans, the first bit of action came from another interception from Kyler Murray. That made two turnovers by the Cardinals and two well-executed defensive plays by the Lions. The Lions were able to turn this interception into a touchdown to put them up 10-7 in the second quarter. The Arizona Cardinals were certainly not going to let the Lions keep a lead for long.
Kyler Murray ran into the endzone for another Cardinals touchdown to regain their lead 13-10. Yes, only 13-10 because Zane Gonzalez missed another extra point. The end of the second quarter was action-packed. Matthew Stafford was able to find Kenny Golladay in the endzone for another touchdown by the Lions. The half ended 17-13 with the Lions on top.
Second Half
Early in the third quarter, the Cardinals were able to find themselves in scoring position. While they couldn’t turn their drive into a touchdown, Zane Gonzalez was able to put another 3 on the board, 17-16 with the Lions still on top. On the Cardinals’ second possession of the half, Kyler Murray threw his third interception of the game. Murray was certainly off of his game today. The interception put the Lions on the 20, in great field position. The Lions had three attempts at a touchdown but were unable to convert. Prater makes another field goal, putting the Lions up 20-16.
The Arizona Cardinals needed to drive the ball downfield to get some more points on the board, which they were able to do. Murray and Hopkins had a lot of chemistry on the drive, but ultimately Andy Isabella was able to get his second touchdown of the game from Murray. The Cardinals regained their lead 23-20 in the ultimate game of back and forth at the end of the third.
The fourth quarter was going to be the ultimate battle for the win. As if the game hadn’t been enough of a seesaw, the Detroit Lions found themselves with another first and goal opportunity. They have struggled to convert those redzone drives into touchdown points, and struggled again with it in the fourth quarter. Prater came on field to give us a tie ballgame at 23-23 with about half a quarter remaining.
The Lions were hopeful as they gained possession of the ball before the two-minute warning. They were able to drive the ball far enough down field and gain control of the clock to set themselves up for a Prater game-winning field goal.
The Arizona Cardinals suffered their first loss of the season to the Detroit Lions. Kyler Murray’s three interceptions certainly contributed to their first loss of the season as well as defense not being able to make stops. A tough loss for the Cardinals, but they will be hoping to redeem themselves next Sunday versus the Carolina Panthers.
For more NFL coverage, click here.
