The Arizona Cardinals needed to replicate their playing style from the first two weeks of the season in order to pull out a win in Week 5. Kliff Kingsbury’s team was set to face off against the 0-4 New York Jets, so it seemed like it should be a relatively easy week for the Cardinals.
First Half
The Jets received the kickoff first, and the Cardinals defense held them to a quick three and out. On the Cardinals’ first possession of the game, they also were held to a three and out. It seemed like it was going to be a slow start to the game, considering the Jets couldn’t convert for a first down on their second grab at the ball.
However, on Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ second possession of the game, fans were finally able to see a first down conversion. Murray and the offense were able to drive the ball down the field in just a few short plays. Chase Edmonds carried the ball for 29 yards to the end zone for the first Arizona Cardinals touchdown of the day. Gonzalez’s extra point was good, putting the Cardinals up 7-0.
Both the Jets and the Cardinals had a few unsuccessful possessions before an offensive error by Arizona. Kyler Murray threw his first interception of the game, which didn’t excite the Arizona sideline. Unfortunately, due to the pick by Murray, the Jets were able to turn that conversion into a field goal to make the score 7-3.
The Cardinals were disappointed in the way their previous drive ended and came back out onto the field, ready to prove themselves. Murray had several completions to drive the ball down the field. The drive ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by Murray and a Gonzalez extra point. The Cards were now up 14-3. Before the half was up, the Jets had another unsuccessful drive while the Cardinals converted another possession into more points. A 47-yard field goal from Gonzalez gave the Cardinals a 17-3 lead at halftime.
Second Half
The Arizona Cardinals were set to receive the kickoff at the start of the second half. After a few plays, Kyler Murray was sacked which resulted in a punt from Andy Lee. One more unsuccessful drive from the Jets and the Cardinals came after.
On the Jets next drive of the half, Flacco connected with Crowder for a 52 yard gain. Just a few short plays later, Flacco found Crowder again for the New York Jets touchdown. The extra point was good, and the Jets made the game a bit closer with a 17-10 score.
Again after the New York Jets scored, the Arizona Cardinals were not pleased with allowing their opponent to put more points on the board. Their next go at the football was a very long drive, but good news for Cards fans because it resulted in another touchdown, this time it was Kenyan Drake that found his way to the endzone. Another good extra point for the Cardinals to bring their lead to 24-10.
The Arizona Cardinals stepped up their defense to hold their lead against the Jets. The defense was able to keep the Jets scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Cardinals were able to find their way to the end zone one last time in the fourth quarter. Murray connected with Hopkins for a 37-yard touchdown. The offense went for a two-point conversion, which was unsuccessful. The final score of the game was 30-10.
Kyler Murray had an impressive game with 380 passing yards, a passing touchdown, 31 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. Another great game for DeAndre Hopkins with 6 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals advance the to 3-2, and the Jets fall to 0-5. The Red Sea gets its first primetime game next week. Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys will certainly be a great game to watch.
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