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Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett scrambles from pressure during Sunday's game against the Broncos at State Farm Stadium.
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett scrambles from pressure during Sunday's game against the Broncos at State Farm Stadium.
THE STORY: The Broncos were hoping to find their explosive offense after it had gone missing early in the season. The Cardinals were counting on it taking another week.
On what was a celebratory day for Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, who was inducted in the Ring of Honor at halftime, the Broncos spoiled the afternoon, beating the Cardinals 30-16.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix dispelled whatever rumors there were surrounding his ankle as he rushed for a 62-yard touchdown in the second quarter. On their first drive in the third quarter, Nix found RJ Harvey on a screen pass which resulted in a 52-yard touchdown.
The defense allowed 30-plus points for the fourth time in the last five weeks.
But the Cardinals tried staying in the battle, led by big time catches from Michael Wilson and Trey McBride. On National Tight Ends Day, McBride had ten receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. And on a day where the greatest receiver in franchise history was honored, Wilson made a 50-50 grab in the third quarter that the legend would've been proud of.
But the Broncos defensive front proved to be too much for the Cardinals banged up offensive line. Jacoby Brissett – who finished 27-for-48 for 272 yards – did not have much time in the pocket and was under pressure throughout the afternoon.
There were many things that'll keep Mike LaFleur up all night. The Cardinals had four trips to the red zone and McBride's touchdown was the only one that ended in a touchdown. Over the last two games, the seven prior trips to the red zone resulted in field goals. Also, the officials were not shy with throwing the flag. The Cardinals had nine penalties called against them.
More to come on azcardinals.com