Schefter Picks Right, A Cards Win
The (4-3) Cardinals hosted the (4-2) Falcons in this Week 8 Matchup. Tonight would be the return of Pro Bowl CB Patrick Peterson, the game started with the Falcons losing the toss and the Cardinals choosing to receive.
First Quarter:
-A solid drive downfield stopped short when Michael Floyd drops possible TD to start the game, Jay Feely hit the 27 YD FG,
Cards up (3-0).
-Matt Ryan started hot, on the 2nd play of the drive Ryan connected with Harry Douglas for a 72 YD TD, giving the
Falcons a (7-3) lead.
-Dujan Harris on the following drive, would get his 1st of 2 TD's on a 5 YD Run,
(10-7).
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The next drive, Matt Ryan would start his decline. Daryl Washington would get his first of 3 interceptions.
-Dujuan Harris would capitalize on the turnover, running the ball in for 3 YDs and his second TD.
(17-7)
Second Quarter:
-
After forcing a three and out, Case Keenum would throw his 1st interception of the game.
-Steven Jackson would move the Falcons closer running the ball in for 10 YDs, making it a 3 point game,
(17-14).
-
Keenum would throw his 2nd INT of the game trying to find Fitzgerald in the Endzone.
-
After forcing a three and out, Keenum would throw his 3rd INT of the quarter looking for Brandon Tate over the middle.
-
Tyrann Mathieu would pick off Matt Ryan trying to go deep himself, the Cardinals would capitalize on this when Case Keenum finds Fitzgerald over the middle for a 16 YD TD, (24-14).
-Right before halftime, Matt Bryant would make a 36 YD FG, bring them within a Touchdown.
(24-17)
HALFTIME: Arizona 24 Atlanta 17
Third Quarter:
-
Daryl Washington would intercept Matt Ryan for his 2nd of the game.
-
After multiple three and outs, Matt Ryan would throw his 4th interception of the game, this time getting picked off by Tim Fugger.
-To end the third, Jay Feely would make a 31 YD FG, making the game
(27-17).
Fourth Quarter:
-
Matt Ryan would start the 4th just as bad as he started the 3rd. Trying to go deep for a 60 YD TD, he would be intercepted for the 5th time by DB Tyrann Mathieu.
-Jay Feely would capitalize off this with a 44 YD FG, his 3rd of the day, making it
(30-17).
-
After forcing another 3 and out, Case Keenum would throw his 4th INT of the game.
-Falcons losing hope in the game, start giving carries to Jacquizz Rodgers who scores on a 5 YD Run,
(30-24)
-
Daryl Washington would top the game off with his 3rd interception and Matt Ryan's 6th. This time Washington would return it to the house for a pick 6, (37-24).
FINAL SCORE: Arizona 37 Atlanta 24
Notable Players:
Case Keenum: 11-26 282 YDS 1 TD 4 INTS
Dujuan Harris: 14 carries 74 YDS 2 TD
Rashard Mendenhall: 15 carries 69 YDS
Larry Fitzgerald: 5 catches 94 YDS 1 TD
Andre Roberts: 2 catches 93 YDS
Daryl Washington: 7 Tackles, 3 INT's, 1 TD
Tyrann Mathieu: 2 Tackles, 2 INT's
Press Conference
Reporter: "You guys pulled out the win tonight, but Case Keenum looked iffy, what is your response to his on and off play the past couple weeks?"
Jon Howard: "Week 6, he threw 5 INTs, last week he threw 4 TD's and 1 INT, this week he only gets 1 TD and 4 INTs. That's 10 INT's in 3 weeks, that is not a career QB. I can't complain too much as he got us the win, and each week at practice as shown why he deserves the start."
Reporter: "The key to this game for you guys was on the defensive side, you had 4 sacks and picked off Matt Ryan 6 times. What got into your defense this week? Especially Daryl Washington, with that performance he is bound to win his 2nd defensive player of the week...what has sparked them?"
Jon Howard: "After the loss to the 49ers, I sat down with the defensive players and told them that they would be the spark of this team, that I needed them to step up and that everything relied on them. If we wanted to get to the playoffs that we would have to play strong and force turnovers.
Following that I sat down and asked Daryl Washington if he could lead this team. Daryl is arguably one of the best LB in the NFL, he isn't heard of though because he plays here in Arizona. I hope that within the next 3 years, he would be noticed for how good he is."