By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Arizona Cardinals website
The Arizona Cardinals defeated the New Orleans Saints on the road, 20-13, to grab their first win of the season.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray got off to a good start to the season. Murray completed 21 of his 29 passes, throwing for 163 yards with two touchdowns. No interceptions. Murray connected well with his receivers.
Marvin Harrison Jr played a good game. He scored the first touchdown of the game for the Cardinals. Harrison had five receptions for 69 yards.
“He played his butt off today,” Murray said in the press. “I could feel the confidence. I could feel the progression and his mindset and his game, and I’m very confident in where he’s at, and I hope he feels good about today.”
The second quarter was impressive. Murray kept finding his open guys. He completed a lot of passes in the middle. Tight end Trey McBride had a good second quarter, and Murray kept targeting him. McBridge finished the game with six receptions and 69 yards.
Murray’s shuffle pass to running back James Conner for the touchdown late in the second quarter was a great play call. The Saints weren’t expecting that. The Cardinals led 17-10 by halftime.
Cardinals safety Budda Baker was the performer of the game. Baker led the defense with 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass defensed. Without Baker, the Cardinals might not win this game. The Saints had chances to tie the game in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, but the defense made stops at the end zone with incomplete passes.
The Cardinals didn’t play a great game, but they did enough to come away with a victory. Their offensive line still needs work, and it’s a cause for concern. Murray needs better protection.
Cardinals averaged 22 points a game last season, which was 12th in the NFL. Given their talent, they should be in the top 10 category on offense this season. Put more points on the scoreboard.
Murray has the weapons to work with. Therefore, the Cardinals have no excuse. It’s all about continuing to build chemistry and trust in one another. Nyrray’s statement to the media that he trusts his playmakers is a positive sign moving forward.
Facing adversity is a common occurrence in the NFL. The Cardinals faced adversity today, and they handled it well. They need to improve and avoid complacency.
Cardinals will face the Carolina Panthers next Sunday, Sep 14, at 4:05 pm at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
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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