The Arizona Cardinals were able to take care of business on Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens, winning 26-18 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Arizona was in control the entire night, leading throughout before needing a last-second Tony Jefferson interception to seal the game. Arizona moves to 5-2 and stays a game and a half ahead of the St. Louis Rams in the NFC West, while the Ravens are 1-6.
Arizona was led by a punishing defense, spearheaded by safety Tyrann Mathieu. The Honey Badger was nothing short of spectacular all night, racking up seven tackles including three for loss, with a pass defensed and a sack. The offense got the job done with a nice mix of running and passing. Baltimore couldn’t get on track for much of the contest. Joe Flacco threw for 252 yards on 26-of-40 passing, but it was not enough.
Highlights
A look at the Honey Badger in his natural environment... #BALvsAZ #MNF pic.twitter.com/hnIQu1g0yb
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2015
Two of the toughest players in the NFL say hello. #MNF #BALvsAZ pic.twitter.com/vvfVN2p7ws
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2015
When throwing for TDs in Arizona, please beware of Honey Badger.
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2015
WATCH: https://t.co/90mWp1dqza #MNF #BALvsAZ pic.twitter.com/tAu61v4Gxa
Three Stars
1. Chris Johnson
Johnson was terrific in primetime, showing that the 30-year-old running back still has some juice in those legs. Johnson carried 18 times for 122 yards and a touchdown, which was only hit second-most impressive run of the night. In the third quarter, Johnson appeared to be down but stayed alive and ran for 62 yards.
2. Carson Palmer
Palmer was not incredible, but he did everything that head coach Bruce Arians could have asked of the veteran. Palmer hit on 20-of-29 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown without an interception. Palmer was able to keep multiple plays alive, avoiding Baltimore pressure and finding open release valves.
3. Steve Smith
Smith continues to be one of the best receivers in the National Football League. Smith is 36 years old, but he does not appeara day over 27. Smith caught a game-high five passes for 78 yards on six targets. Smith has almost no help throughout the rest of the receiving corps, so his numbers are all that more impressive.
Odds
Arizona was a 9.5-point favorite and did not cover the spread. The score was a total of 44 points, which hit on the UNDER.
Next Week
The Cardinals are on the road to take on the Cleveland Browns, while the Ravens are at M&T Bank Stadium to host the San Diego Chargers.