A number of things stood out in the Arizona Cardinals’ 27-27 tie in Week 1 with the Detroit Lions. Some stats did in particular.
Matthew Stafford outrushed Kyler Murray
Murray entered the league being known for his dynamic running skills, having rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year for Oklahoma. However, it was Stafford who had more rushing yards. Stafford gained 22 yards on three rushes. Murray gained only 13 on three attempts.
In fact, Stafford had more rushing yards than Murray and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson — both known as runners — combined.
First 300-yard passer since Carson Palmer
Murray threw for 308 passing yards. It was something Josh Rosen never accomplished last season. It was something neither Drew Stanton or Blaine Gabbert did in the second half of 2017. The last Cardinals quarterback to pass for 300 yards in a game was Carson Palmer against the San Francisco 49ers. Murray’s 54 pass attempts were the most since 2008.
Kyler Murray’s turnaround
Through three quarters, Murray completed only 9-of-25 passes for 70 yards and an interception. After that, things turned around. He went 20-for-29 for 238 yards and two touchdowns. It was incredible to see.
Third-down turnaround
The Cardinals were 3-of-13 on third down through three quarters. They finished the game 9-of-22, converting on six of their final nine third-down attempts.
Third-down defense good even when overall defense bad
The Cardinals gave up nearly 500 total yards and allowed 27 points. Matthew Stafford threw for 385 passing yards. Two different players had over 100 receiving yards. However, the defense was good on third down, which kept them in the game. Detroit converted on only 6-of-18 third-down attempts.
